Tag Archive | Believe

First Thessalonians Five Poem

Oct31

As children of our Father God

Sons and daughters of the light

We belong to our heavenly King

And turn away the dark of night

 

We wear the breastplate of righteousness

Putting it on with faith and love

The helmet of salvation’s hope

Protects our heads above

 

The Lord Jesus died for us

As payment for our sin

He endured the wage, a gruesome death

Fought the battle and did win

 

No power on earth was strong enough

To keep Him in the grave

An angel of the Lord came down

And rolled the stone away

 

On the third day, He was raised to life

And seated at God’s right hand

His enemies made His footstool

He reigned over all the land

 

He gave His body and His blood

For our salvation to receive

When we confess Him as our Lord

And in our hearts believe

 

At all times, be full of joy

In everything, give thanks

This is God’s good and perfect will

For all our earthly days

 

Live in peace and harmony

With friend and foe the same

Hold on to good, avoid the bad

Bring honor to God’s name

 

Utter prayers without ceasing

Do not quench the Spirit’s fire

Let the God of peace Himself

Fulfill your heart’s desire

 

May your body, mind, and spirit

Be blameless in His eye

As the Holy Spirit cleanses you

And makes you sanctified

 

Daily read the Word of God

As the verses come alive

And remember this little ditty

From 1st Thessalonians 5.

Step 1 to Hearing God’s Voice – Expect and Believe (Re-post–Sorry, this 3/11 post was lost)

Apr27

Do you believe in Santa Claus? As parents, we sometimes go to great lengths to preserve our children’s belief in the legendary figure known as Santa Claus.

All through the year, we attempt to deter bad behavior with the reminder that Santa knows who’s naughty and nice. Weeks before December 25th, we pile the kids in the car and drive to the mall, where we stand in long lines, so little Bobby and Jessie can sit on the jolly old elf’s lap and whisper their Christmas wish lists into his attentive ear. We might even purchase the expensive picture with Santa to solidify the memory for them. Even Fido gets his picture with Santa and receives a rawhide bone in his stocking.

To intensify their expectation and belief, on Christmas Eve we set out a plate of cookies and glass of milk for Santa. Of course, we make sure those cookies have bites out of them and the milk is half gone before the children come running down the stairs on Christmas morn.

Are we as diligent at promoting God, the true Father Christmas? To quote the old Christmas song, “He knows when you are sleeping; He knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake.”

God gave us the gift of His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, born at Christmas, so He could pay the penalty for our sin. He died on the cross, but He didn’t stay in the grave. God raised Jesus from the dead. He’s alive! When we confess Jesus as our Savior and Lord, God sends the gift of His Holy Spirit to live in our hearts. What a priceless gift He is!

The Holy Spirit is the voice of God in us! We can hear the words of God and know His will, because He dwells in our hearts. He speaks to us and reminds us of what God and Jesus said. He recalls Scripture to our minds and teaches us the wisdom of God. He counsels us and comforts us, among many other roles He plays.

When you know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you can “Expect and Believe” you will hear His voice within you – Step 1. It’s up to you to “Make the Time” to listen – Step 2.

“He who belongs to God hears what He says.” (John 8:47)

Take heart! We can have peace in a troubled world.

Nov18

In John 16:33, Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands. This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:2-4)

My dear children, in this world you will have trouble. But I have overcome the world. In Me you may find your peace. My peace is available to you at all times, through all the trials of this life. Though the storms rage around you, you need only look within to find your tranquility. I am in you and you are in Me, just as I am in My Father and My Father is in Me.

Turn to Me, and I will calm the wind and the waves that threaten you. Though you are weak, you may find your strength in Me. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid, for I am with you always. I do not leave you alone as orphans. My Spirit lives in your heart.

When you accept Me as your Savior, you are born of God. When you believe that I am the Son of God, you too, in faith, will overcome the world. Live victoriously in your faith. Show yourself to be My children by loving each other as I have loved you. When you obey My commands, you will remain in My love. My joy will be in you and your joy will be complete.

My peace and joy are available to you, even in the trials and turmoil this world brings. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. Remain in Me and I will remain in you. My love, joy and peace will remain in you as well. Let My joy be a shining light in a world full of darkness. Radiate My love to a broken world.

See also John 14:27, John 15:4, John 15:9-13.

Are You Ready?

Apr26


“Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready†(Revelation 19:7).

Planning a wedding ceremony and reception is a monumental task. The bride and groom spend months scheduling, organizing, and formulating all the details—the attendants, the pastor, the church, the reception venue, the DJ, the photographer, the wedding music, the colors, the decorations, the meal, and so on.

A year in advance, the bride shops for the wedding dress of her dreams. Next, it’s the veil, shoes, jewelry, and lingerie. Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.

As the big day draws near, the bride begins to prepare herself personally. She tans her body, so her skin tone makes that beautiful dress come alive. She cuts and colors or highlights her hair the week before so it’s at that perfect stage on the day of. She enjoys a manicure and pedicure the day before with her bridal party. A “run through” of the wedding ceremony is practiced that evening so the attendants know what’s expected of them, and the wedding affair will be executed perfectly the next day. The groom’s parents host a rehearsal dinner, where the bride and groom relay their gratitude for the presence and support of their close family and friends who participate in the wedding.

Finally, the special day arrives. The exciting event the bride and groom so carefully planned comes to a culmination. The bride wakes up early and starts her day with a warm, relaxing shower or a soak in the tub. Her nerves surge and her mind races going over all the details of the day. The entire day is devoted to preparing herself for her groom. A professional artist styles her hair and applies her makeup with great perfection. At her side, her attendants help her get ready, physically and emotionally. The bride’s mother holds her daughter’s dress as she steps into it. The groom’s mother assists her with her veil. The maid of honor fastens a necklace around the bride’s neck. At last, she is ready to join the bridegroom for the long-awaited wedding—a union of their hearts, minds, and bodies. The two shall become one.   *******

Are we as diligent about getting ourselves ready for our Bridegroom? Do we spend months and years preparing for our marriage to the Lamb? Will we be ready when that special day arrives?

When we accept that Jesus Christ died for our sins, believe that God raised Him from the dead, and confess Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we become a child of the King. He washes us whiter than snow and clothes us in His righteousness, so that we may be reconciled to God. Then, He sends His Holy Spirit, our Best Man, to make ready our spirits. He dwells in us and prepares us for the day we will meet our Bridegroom. This begins our sanctification process where the Spirit counsels us, encourages us, teaches us, and guides us to become more Christ-like.

It is such a blessing that Jesus receives us just as we are. We need no special hairstyles or manicures to prepare ourselves for Him. We don’t have to shed bad habits and sinful behavior before coming to Christ. By His amazing grace, A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.He accepts us in whatever condition we approach Him. And then, He begins His transforming work in us, making us a new creation in Christ. The old fades away, the new life is here. Rejoice and be glad. Give Him all the glory!A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

Becoming more like Jesus is the “getting ready†process. We need to get to know God better by reading His Word daily, allowing the Scriptures to permeate our hearts and minds. Tuning in to the voice of the Holy Spirit within us is vital in developing a mind and heart like Christ. We need to make time to walk in close relationship with Jesus by talking to Him, listening to Him, and obeying Him. Loving and serving others, by laying down our lives for our friends, will provide opportunities to share with them the goodness of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. These efforts describe some of our preparation work for our special event. This life is our rehearsal to get us ready for the big day when we will meet our Bridegroom, become united in marriage, and live happily ever after in eternity with Him.

Are you ready for your Bridegroom? How will you prepare for your big day—the wedding of the Lamb?

I Believe

Apr19


Day 4 – God woke me up early to the lyrics of this chorus from This I Believe – The Creed by Hillsong

I believe in God our Father I believe in Christ the Son I believe in the Holy Spirit Our God is three in one I believe in the resurrection That we will rise again For I believe in the Name of Jesus

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?â€

“Yes, Lord,†she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.†(John 11:25-27)

Sons & Daughters of the King—When you believe in me, you will live. I came into the world to save those who are lost. I died in your place for your sins, but even more, I rose again. I am the resurrection and the life. Even though you will die, you will rise again with me. Believe in my Name and live forever.

Do not give in to the customs of this world, but live for me, the One who has saved you. You once were lost, but now you are found. The old life has passed away; your new life in me has begun. Turn from your former ways and live in the fullness of the life I intended for you. Seek me with all your heart and you will find me. I dwell in your heart. Listen to my voice within you. All my wisdom belongs to you. It is within your grasp any time you need it.

Spend time with me. Dig into the Scriptures. Listen as I speak to you through the verses in my Word. I am the bread from heaven. I will give you some of the hidden manna. Dine with me and I will satisfy your hunger. I am the bread of life. Believe in me and live.A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

Lay Down Your Palm Branches

Mar28


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel.†Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.†(John 12:13-15)

That’s right. Your king is coming. Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion. I am here. I have come in the name of the Lord to save you and give you life. You have accepted me and will spend eternity with me. My heart is troubled for those who have rejected me and my words. For I have spoken only what the Father commanded me to say. On the last day they will stand condemned forever.

I am the light. Follow the light and walk in the light. When you believe in me, you no longer walk in the darkness. You have seen the light, and therefore, you have seen the one who sent me. Share this light with those who walk in darkness. Do not hide your light, but put it on a stand for all to see. Reflect the beauty of my glory in the light of your countenance.

O Daughter of Zion, your king is coming. Lay down your palm branches and follow me.

Believe It or Not

Jan10

My child, I have not forgotten you. You have not been seeking me, but I have been seeking you. What keeps you from me? Is is work, hobbies, pleasure, or sin? Do you struggle with something that you are afraid to bring before me? I know your pleasures and your pain. I rejoice with you when you rejoice. I bear your burdens when they are too heavy for you to bear yourself.

Come to me. Run to me. My arms are wide open waiting for you. I am here to help you through your present difficulties. You do not have to travel down this road alone. I am with you always. I will comfort you and give you rest. When you cannot go on, I will carry you.

Let my Spirit refresh you and my words renew your soul. You are the child I delight in. You are the one I came to save. You are no longer deserted and desolate. You are a child of the King. Rejoice in your eternal inheritance. I have adopted you as my child and clothed you in my righteousness.

I will protect you and prosper you. I will give you whatever you need. Do not be burdened by your momentary troubles. I will take care of you. I love you more than you will ever understand. Would you take time to meet with me daily? Your burdens will not overwhelm you when you feel me by your side. To feel my presence, you must know me better. You know I am with you, but do you believe it? Know me by spending time with me. Listen to my voice and read my word. As you come to know me better, you will feel my presence and you will believe.

My Spirit I have given you. I live in you. Fear not, I am with you always. Believe it, or not.