Nothing can!

A reminder of something very important:

Romans 8:38-39
38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Nothing can separate you from the love of God!!! Nothing!!!!

Think about that for a while!

Tom

Only ONE cure!!!

There is only One cure in this world and the cure is Jesus. Turn it up on this music Friday and praise the Lord!  

Enjoy God!

What’s your desire?

I don’t know what your desire is but my desire is what this verse describes:

Hebrews 11:16
16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

A heavenly country…a better place then this sin filled, non-God fearing, selfish, world place we live in now! When that is our desire because we have given our lives to Jesus, God says He is not ashamed to be called our God!!! That should make you want to shout!!! 

God has prepared a place just for you!!! Why would we want to be any where else? Take a few moments and just think about what God has for you in heaven….mainly HIMSELF!

Thank you Lord Jesus for preparing a place for us and the promise to come get us soon! Come quickly Lord Jesus!

Tom

Follow their commitment!

Going to Church, happy?

Are you excited to go to church? Seriously, are you looking forward to going to church? Think about it before you answer. 

Look what the David said:

Psalm 122:1
I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go into the house of the Lord.”

We have the privilege of being able to worship the Almighty God, speak to Him through prayer, and fellowship with brothers and sisters of the faith. We should be overwhelmed and excited every time we get the chance to go to church.

If we look at the attitudes of folks going to concerts, ball games, out to eat, family events, and the likes and compare it to most folks attitudes about going to church to worship God well we should be ashamed I am afraid!

So think about yourself and think about your attitude of going to church…is God pleased or displeased? It is all in your hands to make a change if needed!

Tom

Long Life?

We must remember we do not know what today or tomorrow will bring so we better be getting right with God now! Look what the Word says:

James 4:14
14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

Psalm 144:4
4 Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.

Proverbs 27:1 
Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring.

Thomas Kempis said: “I do not doubt that you would correct yourself more earnestly if you would think more of an early death than a long life.”  

Amen to that. Do not put off getting right with God today! Today is the day of Salvation. Think about your future….is it with God or is it in hell??? God loves you so much He has given you a choice so make that choice now and follow Jesus!!! You won’t regret it!

Tom

Be silent...let God work.

To do list!

Many of us have a to do list so we can keep on task and get some things done each day. Have you ever though about your God to do list? We have one if we are a follower of Jesus, but are we gonna do it?

Thomas Kempis once said: “Set yourself to the things which God has commanded you to do.”

You see God has given you a to do list. Let me give you a few from the bible:

Love God: 

Matthew 22:37-38
37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment.

2. Love others: 

Matthew 22:39
39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

3. Tell the good news (gospel):

Mark 16:15
15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

4. Meet needs:

Hebrews 13:16
16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Now you know your to do list. Let’s get busy and be pleasing to the Lord!

Tom

I got peace...do you?

Beloved

Beloved- means dearly loved. You are beloved by God, don't ever forget that! Turn this song up and worship King Jesus for He loved you so much He died for your sins! Proof of His love for you!



Tom

Are goodness and mercy following you?

True Freedom is in God alone!

We enjoy freedom in the United States but with the devil roaming around trying to destroy us with temptation which we often fall for and thus sin we don not have true freedom. True freedom can only be found in Jesus Christ!

Thomas Kempis said: “No liberty is true and no joy is genuine unless it is founded in the fear of the Lord and a good conscience.”

So do you have true freedom this day? You can! Call upon Jesus and live for the Lord! Freedom in the Lord brings true joy!

Galatians 5:1
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

2 Corinthians 3:17
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

John 8:32
32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Thank you Jesus for the freedom you provided for us upon that old rugged cross. I am grateful forever and forever!

Tom

You are Important! 1

Do you like your cell?

I found this quote by Thomas Kempis very interesting: “Your cell will become dear to you if you remain in it, but if you do not, it will become wearisome. If in the beginning of your religious life, you live within your cell and keep to it, it will soon become a special friend and a very great comfort.”

I take from this quote out place of alone time with God. Our cell. Do you have a place that is special to you because it is your spot to talk with, pray, read God’s Word. and meditate on these things? You should. Hopefully you get to your cell on a daily basis. We need it, and God desires this from us!

Jesus often went to be alone with God: 

Luke 5:16
16 So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.

In the bible our cell is called our prayer room: 

Matthew 6:6
6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Time alone with God is essential for a follower of Jesus. Do not neglect it. Find your place and get there daily, for God is our source of strength, comfort, and salvation. Our heavenly Father desires time with His children and we should desire that time with the Father!

Tom

Wanna get out of here?

Lean on God not self or others!

Depart from the Crowd!

God tells us in His Word to be separate from the world (Crowd). So we often must ask ourselves if we are more like the world or more like Jesus? Thomas Kempis said this: “Anyone, then, who aims to live the inner and spiritual life must go apart, with Jesus, from the crowd.”

Going away from the crowd is often very difficult. They will make you feel like an outcast and even like you are wrong. But in reality when we follow Jesus we are right!!! Always! Remember Jesus tells us there are few who follow Him:

Matthew 7:13-14
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Here are some other verses to think on:

2 Corinthians 6:17
17 Therefore “Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”

Romans 12:2
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

2 Corinthians 6:14
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

So this day let us commit once again to being a light for Jesus amongst the darkness and not be caught up in the ways of the wrong crowd!

Tom

Knows it all!

Be on guard!

1 Corinthians 10:12-13
12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

The ole devil stays busy. We must stay on guard not to fall into his temptations he sends our way. How do we do that?

Read Word of God regularly.
Pray often.
Seek godly counsel and get their opinions on the situation at hand.
Realize you are not perfect only Jesus is!
Ask others to pray for you.
Be an active member in a bible believing church.
Seek to glorify God in all you say and do!

If we practice these things we can defeat the devil in all situations with the help of the Holy Spirit!

Be prepared and on guard for the devil is after those who do not belong to him!

Tom

Be like Jesus!

Not enough time???

Most of us see to think we do not have enough time to get everything done that needs to be done in a day’s time. So what usually gets cut? In many cases time alone with God which out not to be so. 

Look what Thomas Kempis said: “If you withdraw yourself from unnecessary talking and idle running about, from listening to gossip and rumors, you will find enough time that is suitable for holy meditation.”

Wow chew one that for a bit. He is right on the money! How often do we waste time talking about things that do not matter? How much are we doing that will not make a difference in the end (idle things)? How much time do we spend gossiping and talking about rumors that we are specifically told not to do in God’s Word? If we eliminate all these things we will have plenty time to spend with God!

So what about it??? You got time??? Make some!

Tom

Hear and keep!

You are blessed!

I can say without a shadow of a doubt I am a blessed man. We all can. Have you taken time of late to think about how blessed you are?

Thomas Kempis said: “meditate often on the favors of God”. 

We don’t take enough time to do this. God is good. Not matter what a day brings we must remember God has provided salvation through His Son Jesus for all. If God does nothing else, we are blessed! Oh but God blesses us everyday…food, clothing, and shelter. And much, much more!

Psalm 9:1 
I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.

Colossians 3:16-17
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Psalm 107:8-9
8 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
9 For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness.

1 Thessalonians 5:18
18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

So this day and everyday let us take time to praise the Lord for He is good and worthy of all our praise!

Tom

Be calm, talk little!

Are you watching?

God has shown me this verse a couple different times in the last few days so I want to share it with you:

Luke 12:37a
37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching:

I have three questions for you?

Are you a servant of Jesus? 
Do you know the Lord can come at anytime?
Are you watching for Him?

Only one way to be a servant…a personal relationship with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through faith alone! 

The Bible tells us Jesus can come at anytime, there is no debate about that!

The bible also tells us Jesus will come like a thief in the night to take up His followers….are you ready and watching for that return?

Be blessed and be ready for the King is coming soon!

Tom

Be like Jesus!

Control your mind!

Thomas Kempis said: “Never be completely unoccupied, but read or write or pray or meditate or do something for the common good.”

When we don’t keep control of our mind the devil will get busy and put something in it that ought not be there if we are not very careful. Look what God tells us in His Word:

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things arejust, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Think on the things of God!!! So it is very simple message this morning....keep control of your mind by keeping godly thoughts and practices in the forefront!

Tom

Are you in awe of God? Listen and praise King Jesus this morning! He is WORTY!

Make God's deeds known!!!

Still on fire?

Remember the day you were saved? The day Jesus took over your life? Oh what an awesome day that was! Greatest day of one’s life! We wanted everyone to know and had a fire within us to tell others. You still have that fire?

It seems over time that fire may dwindle but as followers we must kindle that fire so we shine brightly for our Lord and Savior. Thomas Kempis said this: “We lose our original fervor very quickly and we even become weary of life from laziness!”

So stop right now and think….do I still have the fire for my Lord? If yes…Awesome. If not why not? Is it laziness, apathy, too busy with others things, or love the world more than you love Jesus?

What ever it is repent of it and get back in the game for Jesus! Serve Him with joy and gladness for we have much to do to help others come to Jesus!

Romans 12:11
11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Psalm 51:12English Standard Version (ESV)
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Revelation 2:4
4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.

So are ya still on fire???

Tom

Use of time?

We all have 24 hrs in a day, right? Have you ever sat down and thought about how you use that time every day? We need to especially when we know why we are on this earth in the first place….to worship God, to glorify His name, and to do His work are our main priorities. Of course we also have to work, pay bills, take care of our kids, and other duties.

What does God’s Word say about use of time?

Colossians 4:5
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
3 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

James 4:14
14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

Ephesians 5:16
16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

John 17:4
4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.

That last verse really hits home….are we using the time to accomplish all that God has given us to do???? Think on that for a while today!

Tom

Is God the Lord of our nation?

You and I are sick!

What are you doing about the Father’s business?

I want you to consider for a moment the work done for the Lord by godly men and women of the bible and great godly leaders since. How do you match up? I am afraid I have to agree with Thomas Kempis when he said: “Consider the lively examples set us by the saints, and you will see how little, how nearly nothing, we do!”
As followers of Jesus we have great responsibilities....sharing the gospel, loving others, meeting the needs of others, and serving the church. These are all clearly stated in the bible. So evaluate yourself and then answer the question...Am I giving my all for the glory of God in service to my King Jesus?
Here are a few scriptures to think upon:
Luke 2:49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

James 2:14-26

14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

So again I ask....are you about the Father’s business like Jesus?

*Side note: Just a reminder works do not save you...faith alone in Jesus saves you....but you work because you have been saved and want others to come to Jesus as well.

Tom

The Lord is my confidence!

You were made for ONE thing!

As we wonder through this life we must come to the realization that we were made for one thing….a relationship with God. The sooner we realize that and live our lives in accordance with that fact the better off we will be. 

Thomas Kempis said: “He who seeks anything but God alone and the salvation of his soul will find only trouble and grief.”

God tells us straight up he is a jealous God:

Exodus 20:5
5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,

Why is God jealous because He alone is worthy of worship and praise of His creation which includes me and you! Are you worshipping Him with all your life not just where you want to let Him in here and there!

I think it makes sense that if we desire anything but the true God we will have troubles especially when our soul in required of us in death!

To make it simple look what Jesus said:

Luke 4:8
8 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”

So let us think today is my salvation and worship in anything else other than God? There are many things calling for our worship let us be careful not to fall for Satan’s tricks!

Tom

Cry out to God!

Fool for Christ?

Thomas Kempis said “If you would become a religious, you must be content to seem a fool for the sake of Christ.”

Now personally I would not say religious but I would say something to the sort of “a true follower of Jesus”, but I believe his point is right on the money. Are you ready to be a fool for Jesus?

How might you be a fool? Well it is easy in the worlds eyes! Share the gospel with people. Pray in public. Stand upon the Word of God no matter what the world says and oh does it say a lot! Most of the people who stood up for the things of God were fools in the world’s eyes…even Jesus!

What does God’s Word say? 

1 Corinthians 4:10
10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!

1 Corinthians 1:26-31
26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— 31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”

So are you a fool for Jesus….better think about it? He desires fools for Him! Be a fool for Him!

Tom