Why would a God of love allow sickness? Why are so many good people suffering? These are questions that we may ask at sometime in our life whether it be ourselves or a loved one who is ill. I have even seen among Christians, guilt trips laid on those who were sick. "If you would just confess your sin you wouldn't be sick". "If you just had enough faith you would be healed." How sad, I even saw a beautiful couple leave a church because of such an incident. I can only hope they did not turn from God because of other Christians who had made them feel condemned. In the book of Job we see a similar situation. Who needs friends like that.
We cannot possibly know all the reasons why God would allow some to suffer. It was not His intention in the beginning. The sin of Adam and Eve brought a curse of sin on the whole world. Therefore sickness entered our world. There is only one who never sinned and He was willing to die for our sins. Jesus loved us enough to take the sins of the world upon Himself.
God does not make us sick, but He does allow it. Sometimes we are sick because of sin and have to suffer the consequences. If we are an alcoholic we can have liver problems and if we smoke we can have respiratory problems and even cancer. Promiscuity can lead to disease. Even some of the foods we eat can make us sick. What we do to our bodies has a great affect on them.
Is all sickness a result of our sin?
The disciples asked Jesus when they passed by a blind man. And as He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; about it was in order that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9: 1-3 Jesus went on to heal this man and it was a powerful witness to many others, as this poor beggar could not stop glorifying God. Not all sickness is a result of sin and God can use it for our good and the good of others. Romans 8:28 To Him be the glory.
Sickness can be an attack of Satan.
And behold, a man from the multitude shouted out, saying, "Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, for he is my only boy, and behold, a spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams, and it throws him into a convulsion with foaming at the mouth, as it mauls him, it scarcely leaves him. Luke 9:38-39
Satan often attacks those who are living closest to God. After all he doesn't have to inflict those he already has. Why not go after those that belong to God for he would love to cause the Lord's people to lose faith. He would like to take as many as possible with him to destruction.
And behold, there was a woman who for eighteen years had had a sickness caused by a spirit; and she was bent double, and could not straighten up at all. And when Jesus saw her, He called her over and said to her, "Woman you are freed from your sickness." And he laid His hands upon her; and immediately she was made erect again, and began glorifying God. Luke 13:11- 13
We have only to look at Paul's thorn in the flesh. Satan sent his fiery darts but God only allowed that portion which pierced only the part of Paul that was in danger of the sin of pride. And because of surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me- to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 2 Corinthians 12:7-8
Have you ever read the book of Job? I would suggest that you do. The book of Job has much to teach us.
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job, and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God, and turning away from evil. Job 1:1 Now there was a day when the sons of God (angels) came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, "From where do you come?" Then Satan answered the Lord and said, "From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it." And the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil." Then Satan answered the Lord, "Does Job fear God for nothing? Hast Thou not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? Thou has blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. Put forth Thy hand now and touch all that he has; he will sorely curse Thee to Thy face." Job 1:6-11
Satan challenged God that the only reason that Job loved Him was because of all the things God had blessed him with. Poor Job lost everything, even his children. Satan struck him over and over yet Job still blessed the name of the Lord. He did not sin or blame God. Then Satan challenged that if he struck Job's own body that he would curse God. God gave Satan permission, but was told he could not take his life. Job's response to the entire crisis was worship, humility and acceptance. God allowed all of this, but Satan can not touch the life of a child of God without God's permission.
Job's reward was great. And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold. Job 42:10
Several years ago a friend of mine was dying of cancer of the spine. She was in great pain and so frail, like a little newborn bird. A sweeter woman you could not have ever met. She had served the Lord all of her life. She slept most the time under sedation. There were others in the room and they brought up the subject of the book of Job. Someone recalled what Job's wife had said during all of Job's suffering. Job was covered with painful boils from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head.
Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!" But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips. Job 2:9-10 When Job looked within himself he was shaped by God. My dear little friend heard this and with strength and conviction she sat up in her weakness and said, "Never". What a blessing she was to all. Our heavenly Father received the glory to the end and I am sure that many have been saved by the testimony she held throughout her life.
Sickness can used by God
One thing sickness can do is to bring us closer to God. It can also bring our families and friends into a closer relationship with Him in their prayers for loved ones. Spiritually we become strengthened. Sometimes the very suffering we go through makes us better people. God often uses adversity so that we might see the importance of having Christ in our lives. It can also produce compassion for others. Without Christ we can become bitter and resentful. Have your ever visited someone sick to comfort them and left feeling you the one blessed?
No temptation has over taken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it. Corinthians 10:13
For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. Hebrews 2:10
"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulation, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5
Casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
There is no suffering that God Himself has not felt.
He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Isaiah 53:3
God has not left us.
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5:14
And do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. "Matthew 10:28
Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matthew 9:28-30
The Lord will sustain him upon his sickbed; In his illness, Thou dost restore him to health. Psalm 41:3
..and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. 1 Peter 2:24
Heal me O Lord, and I will be healed…Jeremiah 17: 14
Sometimes through sickness and suffering we ourselves are brought closer to God. It takes great faith to praise God during a terminal illness than to be instantaneously healed at the diagnosis. It is our opportunity to testify to the goodness of God.
If Fanny Crosby had not been blind we might have never even heard her wonderful songs. She even claimed if it could be offered to her to regain her sight she would refuse. She didn't want anything to be a distraction.
Handel was paralyzed in his right arm and side when he wrote the Hallelujah Chorus. Look at how God has used Joni Eareckson Tada the quadriplegic as well as many others. If she had never had that diving accident which left her unable to even take care for her own needs we would not have been so blessed by her life. They are all living testimonies of God's greatness.
There will be no sickness or death in the new heaven and earth.
..and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any morning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." Revelation 21:4
If God says No
"Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death." John 8:51
Death is but sleep for the child of God. Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall all be changed. 1 Corinthians 15: 51-52
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me…. Psalm 23:4
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones. Psalm 116:15
Whom have I in heaven but Thee"? And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26
When Christ died He destroyed death.
;;;knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. Romans 6:9
Even if God does not take us out of our adversities, He will see us through them. Death is not the end, but the beginning of eternal life. Amen
Showing posts with label death. Show all posts
Showing posts with label death. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Where is Abel?
And Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. Genesis 4:8
Abel was the first person to die, where is Abel now. Is he in heaven or is he asleep awaiting the resurrection.
When we lose someone in death we are usually told that they have gone to Heaven. We may even know someone we believe might be in hell. Do Christians immediately go to Heaven and the wicked to hell. Is this what the Bible teaches?
Jesus refers to death as sleep. John 11:11-14 This He (Jesus) said to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, that I may awaken him out of sleep." The disciples therefore said to Him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." Now Jesus therefore said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead."
In Daniel 12:2 "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the other to disgrace and everlasting contempt.
Solomon tells us in
Ecclesiates 9:5-6 For the living know they will die, but the dead do not know anything, nor have they any longer a reward, for their memory is forgotten. Indeed their love, their hate, and their zeal have already perished, and they will no longer have a share in all that is done under the sun.
David tells us in
Psalms 115:17 The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence.
The Bible teaches that the dead sleep until the resurrection.
In I Thessalonians 4:14 we read For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
This is exactly what death is like. We go to sleep and rest until one of 2 resurrections. One for the righteous, and one for the wicked.
It is interesting to know that our judge is not the Father. We find that our judge is Jesus.
John 5:22 "For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son."
In II Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
In I Corinthians 15:1618 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
If we go directly to Heaven why would Paul say that if there was no resurrection, those that have fallen asleep in Christ have perished? A resurrection would not be necessary.
In I Corinthians 15:50 Now I say this, brethren that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. We are told we will not have the same body in heaven.
Paul also tells us that there is a specific time for the judgment.
Acts 17:31 "Because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man (Jesus) whom He has appointed having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." How can anyone be in Heaven or hell if the judgment hasn't happened yet?
There are two resurrections. One for the righteous, and one for the wicked.
I Thessalonians 4:15-18 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up to together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord.
Therefore comfort one another with these words. This is the 1st resurrection, of those who died (sleep) in Christ, the righteous raised to immortality. This occurs at the 2nd coming of Jesus. The righteous living join Jesus in the air, not on the Earth.
Daniel 7:9-10 "I kept looking. Until thrones were set up and the Ancient of Days (The Father) took His seat; His vesture was like white snow, and the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne ablaze with flames, its wheels were a burning fire. A river of fire was flowing and coming out from before Him; Thousands upon thousands were attending Him, and myriads upon myriads were standing before Him; The court sat, and the books were opened.
Daniel was in vision seeing the future judgment scene. Each of us has an angel that is recording our lives and all is written in the books. This scene takes place before the 4th beast is destroyed. There are 2 judgment scenes in the Bible. One just before the 2nd Advent and the other after the 2nd resurrection.
We see the 2nd scene in
Revelation 20:11 And I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. Verse 12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.
This scene chronologically takes place after the 1,000 year rest.
Our space is limited, yet this study contains so much more. We hope that you will study not only these scriptures, but all that deal with this subject. It is most helpful if you use a Concordance in all your studies. We have study materials upon request for a more intense study. We will also try to answer your questions by mail.
But, keep this thought in mind that there is no need for a resurrection of those already in Heaven. There is no need for a resurrection of someone burning in hell only to burn them some more.
Abel was the first person to die, where is Abel now. Is he in heaven or is he asleep awaiting the resurrection.
When we lose someone in death we are usually told that they have gone to Heaven. We may even know someone we believe might be in hell. Do Christians immediately go to Heaven and the wicked to hell. Is this what the Bible teaches?
Jesus refers to death as sleep. John 11:11-14 This He (Jesus) said to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, that I may awaken him out of sleep." The disciples therefore said to Him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." Now Jesus therefore said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead."
In Daniel 12:2 "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the other to disgrace and everlasting contempt.
Solomon tells us in
Ecclesiates 9:5-6 For the living know they will die, but the dead do not know anything, nor have they any longer a reward, for their memory is forgotten. Indeed their love, their hate, and their zeal have already perished, and they will no longer have a share in all that is done under the sun.
David tells us in
Psalms 115:17 The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence.
The Bible teaches that the dead sleep until the resurrection.
In I Thessalonians 4:14 we read For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
This is exactly what death is like. We go to sleep and rest until one of 2 resurrections. One for the righteous, and one for the wicked.
It is interesting to know that our judge is not the Father. We find that our judge is Jesus.
John 5:22 "For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son."
In II Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
In I Corinthians 15:1618 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
If we go directly to Heaven why would Paul say that if there was no resurrection, those that have fallen asleep in Christ have perished? A resurrection would not be necessary.
In I Corinthians 15:50 Now I say this, brethren that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. We are told we will not have the same body in heaven.
Paul also tells us that there is a specific time for the judgment.
Acts 17:31 "Because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man (Jesus) whom He has appointed having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." How can anyone be in Heaven or hell if the judgment hasn't happened yet?
There are two resurrections. One for the righteous, and one for the wicked.
I Thessalonians 4:15-18 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up to together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord.
Therefore comfort one another with these words. This is the 1st resurrection, of those who died (sleep) in Christ, the righteous raised to immortality. This occurs at the 2nd coming of Jesus. The righteous living join Jesus in the air, not on the Earth.
Daniel 7:9-10 "I kept looking. Until thrones were set up and the Ancient of Days (The Father) took His seat; His vesture was like white snow, and the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne ablaze with flames, its wheels were a burning fire. A river of fire was flowing and coming out from before Him; Thousands upon thousands were attending Him, and myriads upon myriads were standing before Him; The court sat, and the books were opened.
Daniel was in vision seeing the future judgment scene. Each of us has an angel that is recording our lives and all is written in the books. This scene takes place before the 4th beast is destroyed. There are 2 judgment scenes in the Bible. One just before the 2nd Advent and the other after the 2nd resurrection.
We see the 2nd scene in
Revelation 20:11 And I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. Verse 12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.
This scene chronologically takes place after the 1,000 year rest.
Our space is limited, yet this study contains so much more. We hope that you will study not only these scriptures, but all that deal with this subject. It is most helpful if you use a Concordance in all your studies. We have study materials upon request for a more intense study. We will also try to answer your questions by mail.
But, keep this thought in mind that there is no need for a resurrection of those already in Heaven. There is no need for a resurrection of someone burning in hell only to burn them some more.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Communicating with the Dead
With all the programs on TV now with spiritualists, claiming to know your future, many are deceived into believing. Satan and his evil spirits are the masters of deception. With so many people being lost, trying to find answers in anything except God. Something to believe in. Trying to find happiness, peace and joy with those claiming to have psychic powers and the communication with the dead.
The Bible tells us in Deuteronomy 18:10-11 "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead."
It is possible for demons to appear before we humans using the vehicle of apparitions. God’s Word is not hidden in the secret world. His Word is plain and consistent. These spirits claim they come to help us, when in actuality they come to destroy us.
Why are we seeing so much of this today and so many that are falling prey to it? In I Timothy 4:1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.
It can be comforting in believing that their dead loved ones can return to the living to minister to them and carry messages from God and the hereafter. It has allowed Satan an open door into their minds. Satan is quite capable of mimicking their voices, looks and situations etc. so that even the very elect can be deceived if not careful.
Remember in Genesis 3 that Eve who was totally innocent, was deceived by the serpent who was the Devil and the consequences are still be paid for until this day.
The Bible instructs us to reject every form of spiritism. He warns, Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary the devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (I Peter 5:8)
Jesus warns, "You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar, and father of lies. (John 8:44)
These spirits can even cause physical and psychological ailments upon their victims causing destructive and irrational behavior. We read about these things in our newspapers more and more everyday.
Matthew 8:28 And when He had come to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two men who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of the tombs; they were so exceedingly violent that no one could pass by that road. And in Luke 8:27, And when He had come out onto the land, He was met by a certain man from the city who was possessed with demons; and who had not put on any clothing for a long time, and was not living in a house. But in the tombs. And in Luke 17:15-18, "Lord have mercy on my son, for he is a lunatic, and is very ill; for he often falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him." And Jesus answered and said, " O unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me." And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured at once.
Are these spirits of God? Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1John 4:1)
As we near the time of the end we will see more and more manifestations of evil spirits. The devil knows his time is short.
Psalms 115:17-18 The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence; but as for us, we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forever.
Praise the Lord!
The Bible tells us in Deuteronomy 18:10-11 "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead."
It is possible for demons to appear before we humans using the vehicle of apparitions. God’s Word is not hidden in the secret world. His Word is plain and consistent. These spirits claim they come to help us, when in actuality they come to destroy us.
Why are we seeing so much of this today and so many that are falling prey to it? In I Timothy 4:1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.
It can be comforting in believing that their dead loved ones can return to the living to minister to them and carry messages from God and the hereafter. It has allowed Satan an open door into their minds. Satan is quite capable of mimicking their voices, looks and situations etc. so that even the very elect can be deceived if not careful.
Remember in Genesis 3 that Eve who was totally innocent, was deceived by the serpent who was the Devil and the consequences are still be paid for until this day.
The Bible instructs us to reject every form of spiritism. He warns, Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary the devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (I Peter 5:8)
Jesus warns, "You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar, and father of lies. (John 8:44)
These spirits can even cause physical and psychological ailments upon their victims causing destructive and irrational behavior. We read about these things in our newspapers more and more everyday.
Matthew 8:28 And when He had come to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two men who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of the tombs; they were so exceedingly violent that no one could pass by that road. And in Luke 8:27, And when He had come out onto the land, He was met by a certain man from the city who was possessed with demons; and who had not put on any clothing for a long time, and was not living in a house. But in the tombs. And in Luke 17:15-18, "Lord have mercy on my son, for he is a lunatic, and is very ill; for he often falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him." And Jesus answered and said, " O unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me." And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured at once.
Are these spirits of God? Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1John 4:1)
As we near the time of the end we will see more and more manifestations of evil spirits. The devil knows his time is short.
Psalms 115:17-18 The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence; but as for us, we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forever.
Praise the Lord!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
This is Not My Home
Death and Dying for the Christian
Over the last months in my battle with cancer many have asked me if I am afraid of dying. Some have expressed their own fears of death and one lady admitted she was totally terrified. I can honestly say that I am not afraid of dying. Yes I do hate to leave my family and friends and even this ministry. But I have had a wonderful life especially in my last years as I have grown in faith and trust. The ministry has blessed me far beyond it blessing anyone else. I have had the opportunity to meet so many saints who are being brought by Christ to holiness. He is bringing His true Church together in love.
I have had my times of pain and sorrow and many trials, but I have learned to trust in my Heavenly Father. Each time that God has brought me through a trial in my life it has only strengthened my faith. I have learned how very much He truly loves me. I hardly even have a worry for very long anymore. My life has become a constant blessing. I have studied the promises of God and I have claimed them. If I do let a worry crop up in my mind it doesn't last long because I turn in trust to my God who has all the answers and grants me peace. I am so rich with blessings. My life has become a constant blessing. My children and good friends have been there for me. God has brought people back into my life that I thought I would never even see again. People who had moved away and we had lost contact. They have just showed up at the door. God gave me a chance to share with them what God has done in my life.
If we would all look at the bad times in our lives we will see the hand of God. Most the time we build things up in our own minds before they even happen. That was one of my own faults. God always had a solution if I would just wait. That patience thing is a hard one, but through the years I have seen how He has always come to my rescue. He is only waiting for us to ask.
Joh 8:51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. The Lord is saying that as a Christian when I go to sleep I will not see death, but Jesus. Those who fear death is because they have rejected Christ. Christ has made victory over death. When we keep our minds under the control of the spirit we have peace. Satan is the one who fills us with fear. Satan has controlled the world with the fear of death. Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
It is my choice if I want to listen to the devil or to turn to God in my need. Only the unbeliever need fear death. For when he is raised it will be to destruction and eternal separation from God.
Phi 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
My faith has been continually strengthened as I have watched God working in my life. Things I did not understand before. How He moved me to the right place and brought the right people into my life as He made me ready for the work He had for me to do. I see how He has protected me, removing wrong things from my life, His great love for me. All these made me love Him even more. When you really love someone there is no fear of anything.
1Jo 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
When I keep my eyes on Jesus day by day all anxieties and worries leave my heart and only peace remains. It is only when I take my eyes off Jesus that the devil has the chance to move in and fill my mind with fear. The power and fear of death have been removed for the child of God. Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
I will have a new body that is healthy and whole. Christ has already defeated death and it will be ultimately destroyed. It was defeated at the Cross. Death only means sleep, a temporary sleep in Christ. When I awaken I will be with Jesus. Think of what a glorious day it will be when we get to heaven. You will know me and I you. Oh how I love the great hymn." When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be, when we all see Jesus we'll sing and shout the victory."
1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. What a blessing it will be to meet each of you in person. You have kept me encouraged and for that I am truly grateful. What a family we have in Christ.
My citizenship is in heaven. This earth is not my eternal residence. Think of it as we are just passing through. While I am here I have the opportunity to share with others about my God and my true home. One must decide where we are going. We need to reserve a ticket. Jesus has already paid for that ticket and all expenses are paid. It is our decision as to whether to accept the ticket.
2Co 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. I long for the day He comes to take me home. I will just be changing my address.
Resting in Christ is only the beginning not the end. Psa 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.
Pro 14:32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. There is hope beyond death.
I believe in a life after death. Jesus proved by His own resurrection that I too will live after death. Joh 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
Joh 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Joh 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also Is this not the most wonderful thing to hear! He is going to come again and I will be with Him.
Sir Walter Scott asked, "Is death the last sleep? No, it is the final awakening."
Read Revelation 21 and 22 about heaven and the new earth. How could anyone fear being with Christ in such a wonderful place?
I believe the hardest thing for me to do was to die to self. I have always been a people pleaser. Afraid of what man would think. I am no longer afraid because I want to be a God pleaser. There were things I wanted to do and they did not make me happy. I became happy when I made Jesus the Lord of my life. I was then willing to receive His plan for my life and it has been my very best years. I can no longer understand why I fought it for so long. We need to remember the words of Paul. 1Co 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Dying to self is simply changing my focus from being on myself to that of serving my God and others. Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. This is my beginning prayer that starts my every day, for God to let me die to self so that He may use me.
Do a self-examination. Look at all your unhappiest times. You will find self is the cause of most of our unhappiness. Look at self in the light of Jesus. Phi 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Christ emptied Himself. He was more concerned in serving the Father, not Himself. And that is where dying to self starts. When I take my eyes off self and become willing to serve others my troubles grow so small. Serving God and others helps me to grow and it fills my heart with love. There is nothing that brings more happiness, joy and peace. When I see someone who has no peace or love for others I see someone who is selfish, self-centered and unhappy. They live one miserable day after another searching for something that only God can fill. Money or things will never fill those empty places.
Joh 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.26 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 honour. Do you understand what this is saying? We must die to self first before we can serve God. Your life cannot bear fruit until it dies. You have got to die to your wants and plans and be willing to go with God's plans for your life. Your motives in the flesh are selfish. Anything you do that you believe is good in the flesh is self-centered. Even in Christianity today much is done in pleasing men. Jesus is entirely left out. We see all these programs but did we ever ask God is this what He wanted.
Being able to love all people is a sign that you have truly died to self. In the flesh we cannot love others, as we should especially those who have hurt us. We love our children with an unselfish love but can you love a stranger with the same love. Christ is our example as He hung on the Cross. Luk 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Many years ago I saw a prayer and I claimed it for myself. Father let my heart break with the things that break Your heart. That is when I began to truly love people and die to self. I stopped looking at past hurts and I stopped judging those who I didn't even know. I began to see that I didn't even know what another might be going through at the time to cause them to act the way they do. I began to pray for God to show me how to help these who were acting so unkind. God began to let me see in another's heart and He showed me how I could love them in spite of how they acted. I gained many friends that way and some of those friendships are still in tact this day. If you can't love then you have not died to self. 1Jo 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. The devil doesn't know how to love and he cannot touch those who do.
Our days are numbered just as this world's days are numbered. If you have given yourself to God then you have no need of fear. If you have not given your life to Jesus now is the time to do it for we know not what tomorrow may bring. Ask Jesus into your heart, confess your sins and make amends to those you have wronged. Let the Lord fill your life with His presence. It is a decision you will never regret and you will spend eternity with the God of life. I hope to see each of you at the throne. Jesus is coming soon!
Heavenly Father I look toward the day that I will be with You for eternity. When I cried out for forgiveness and love You were always there. Help me to always remember that none of my suffering has been in vain. Teach me through every trial that comes my way. Help me to always to rely completely on You for my strength and my needs.
My thoughts are glorious thoughts of You for You are every where loving and caring for even the minutest details of my life. Even in my darkest moments I have felt Your presence and You gave me hope. Even when you have chastened me it has been in a loving way. You have given me life through my Lord Jesus Christ.
Even my unworthy life has been transformed by Your amazing grace. I love you Lord Jesus. Help me to always keep my eyes on You so my faith will never waver.
In adoration I worship You. I can do nothing of lasting value apart from You. There are so many without You Lord. Use me to lead others to You where they too can have the joy and peace that only You can bring. My time with You is the highlight of my every day. I thank You for the truth You have given me and my greatest desire is that all the world could come to know You. I thank you that in heaven I will be reunited with all those that I love. Amen
Over the last months in my battle with cancer many have asked me if I am afraid of dying. Some have expressed their own fears of death and one lady admitted she was totally terrified. I can honestly say that I am not afraid of dying. Yes I do hate to leave my family and friends and even this ministry. But I have had a wonderful life especially in my last years as I have grown in faith and trust. The ministry has blessed me far beyond it blessing anyone else. I have had the opportunity to meet so many saints who are being brought by Christ to holiness. He is bringing His true Church together in love.
I have had my times of pain and sorrow and many trials, but I have learned to trust in my Heavenly Father. Each time that God has brought me through a trial in my life it has only strengthened my faith. I have learned how very much He truly loves me. I hardly even have a worry for very long anymore. My life has become a constant blessing. I have studied the promises of God and I have claimed them. If I do let a worry crop up in my mind it doesn't last long because I turn in trust to my God who has all the answers and grants me peace. I am so rich with blessings. My life has become a constant blessing. My children and good friends have been there for me. God has brought people back into my life that I thought I would never even see again. People who had moved away and we had lost contact. They have just showed up at the door. God gave me a chance to share with them what God has done in my life.
If we would all look at the bad times in our lives we will see the hand of God. Most the time we build things up in our own minds before they even happen. That was one of my own faults. God always had a solution if I would just wait. That patience thing is a hard one, but through the years I have seen how He has always come to my rescue. He is only waiting for us to ask.
Joh 8:51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. The Lord is saying that as a Christian when I go to sleep I will not see death, but Jesus. Those who fear death is because they have rejected Christ. Christ has made victory over death. When we keep our minds under the control of the spirit we have peace. Satan is the one who fills us with fear. Satan has controlled the world with the fear of death. Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
It is my choice if I want to listen to the devil or to turn to God in my need. Only the unbeliever need fear death. For when he is raised it will be to destruction and eternal separation from God.
Phi 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
My faith has been continually strengthened as I have watched God working in my life. Things I did not understand before. How He moved me to the right place and brought the right people into my life as He made me ready for the work He had for me to do. I see how He has protected me, removing wrong things from my life, His great love for me. All these made me love Him even more. When you really love someone there is no fear of anything.
1Jo 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
When I keep my eyes on Jesus day by day all anxieties and worries leave my heart and only peace remains. It is only when I take my eyes off Jesus that the devil has the chance to move in and fill my mind with fear. The power and fear of death have been removed for the child of God. Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
I will have a new body that is healthy and whole. Christ has already defeated death and it will be ultimately destroyed. It was defeated at the Cross. Death only means sleep, a temporary sleep in Christ. When I awaken I will be with Jesus. Think of what a glorious day it will be when we get to heaven. You will know me and I you. Oh how I love the great hymn." When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be, when we all see Jesus we'll sing and shout the victory."
1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. What a blessing it will be to meet each of you in person. You have kept me encouraged and for that I am truly grateful. What a family we have in Christ.
My citizenship is in heaven. This earth is not my eternal residence. Think of it as we are just passing through. While I am here I have the opportunity to share with others about my God and my true home. One must decide where we are going. We need to reserve a ticket. Jesus has already paid for that ticket and all expenses are paid. It is our decision as to whether to accept the ticket.
2Co 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. I long for the day He comes to take me home. I will just be changing my address.
Resting in Christ is only the beginning not the end. Psa 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.
Pro 14:32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. There is hope beyond death.
I believe in a life after death. Jesus proved by His own resurrection that I too will live after death. Joh 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
Joh 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Joh 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also Is this not the most wonderful thing to hear! He is going to come again and I will be with Him.
Sir Walter Scott asked, "Is death the last sleep? No, it is the final awakening."
Read Revelation 21 and 22 about heaven and the new earth. How could anyone fear being with Christ in such a wonderful place?
I believe the hardest thing for me to do was to die to self. I have always been a people pleaser. Afraid of what man would think. I am no longer afraid because I want to be a God pleaser. There were things I wanted to do and they did not make me happy. I became happy when I made Jesus the Lord of my life. I was then willing to receive His plan for my life and it has been my very best years. I can no longer understand why I fought it for so long. We need to remember the words of Paul. 1Co 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Dying to self is simply changing my focus from being on myself to that of serving my God and others. Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. This is my beginning prayer that starts my every day, for God to let me die to self so that He may use me.
Do a self-examination. Look at all your unhappiest times. You will find self is the cause of most of our unhappiness. Look at self in the light of Jesus. Phi 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Christ emptied Himself. He was more concerned in serving the Father, not Himself. And that is where dying to self starts. When I take my eyes off self and become willing to serve others my troubles grow so small. Serving God and others helps me to grow and it fills my heart with love. There is nothing that brings more happiness, joy and peace. When I see someone who has no peace or love for others I see someone who is selfish, self-centered and unhappy. They live one miserable day after another searching for something that only God can fill. Money or things will never fill those empty places.
Joh 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.26 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 honour. Do you understand what this is saying? We must die to self first before we can serve God. Your life cannot bear fruit until it dies. You have got to die to your wants and plans and be willing to go with God's plans for your life. Your motives in the flesh are selfish. Anything you do that you believe is good in the flesh is self-centered. Even in Christianity today much is done in pleasing men. Jesus is entirely left out. We see all these programs but did we ever ask God is this what He wanted.
Being able to love all people is a sign that you have truly died to self. In the flesh we cannot love others, as we should especially those who have hurt us. We love our children with an unselfish love but can you love a stranger with the same love. Christ is our example as He hung on the Cross. Luk 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Many years ago I saw a prayer and I claimed it for myself. Father let my heart break with the things that break Your heart. That is when I began to truly love people and die to self. I stopped looking at past hurts and I stopped judging those who I didn't even know. I began to see that I didn't even know what another might be going through at the time to cause them to act the way they do. I began to pray for God to show me how to help these who were acting so unkind. God began to let me see in another's heart and He showed me how I could love them in spite of how they acted. I gained many friends that way and some of those friendships are still in tact this day. If you can't love then you have not died to self. 1Jo 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. The devil doesn't know how to love and he cannot touch those who do.
Our days are numbered just as this world's days are numbered. If you have given yourself to God then you have no need of fear. If you have not given your life to Jesus now is the time to do it for we know not what tomorrow may bring. Ask Jesus into your heart, confess your sins and make amends to those you have wronged. Let the Lord fill your life with His presence. It is a decision you will never regret and you will spend eternity with the God of life. I hope to see each of you at the throne. Jesus is coming soon!
Heavenly Father I look toward the day that I will be with You for eternity. When I cried out for forgiveness and love You were always there. Help me to always remember that none of my suffering has been in vain. Teach me through every trial that comes my way. Help me to always to rely completely on You for my strength and my needs.
My thoughts are glorious thoughts of You for You are every where loving and caring for even the minutest details of my life. Even in my darkest moments I have felt Your presence and You gave me hope. Even when you have chastened me it has been in a loving way. You have given me life through my Lord Jesus Christ.
Even my unworthy life has been transformed by Your amazing grace. I love you Lord Jesus. Help me to always keep my eyes on You so my faith will never waver.
In adoration I worship You. I can do nothing of lasting value apart from You. There are so many without You Lord. Use me to lead others to You where they too can have the joy and peace that only You can bring. My time with You is the highlight of my every day. I thank You for the truth You have given me and my greatest desire is that all the world could come to know You. I thank you that in heaven I will be reunited with all those that I love. Amen
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