Sunday, April 14, 2013
Bought For A High Price
If you are saved, a believer who walks with Christ. You were chosen and you were bought for a high price. Imagine that, you were purchased with something more valuable than silver and gold. Unblemished and spotless, as that of a lamb. The precious blood of Jesus Christ.
What does it mean to be bought with blood? It means Jesus is your master and you are not your own. Jesus loves you and He has chosen you out of the world. You are not of the world and the world does not love you. The world only loves its own. You were bought for a high price, purchased by Jesus Christ. Because of this, the world hates you but it has hated Him before it hated you. But take heart, He has overcome the world. So love one another, for this is His command. The one with blood as precious as a lamb.
Though you have not seen him, you love him, and though you do not see him now, you believe in Him. Your soul has been saved as the outcome of your faith. 1 Peter 1:8,9.
You were chosen and you were bought for a high price.
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Sunday, February 17, 2013
Fear Factor
For GOD has not
given us a
When I was a child, I had no fear of most of the things that I fear now. My brother and I used to spend hours in the desert hunting lizards and horned toads. We would climb barbed wire fences and everything. In the middle of summer days with no sunblock or water, the only thing we were equipped with was my brother's BB gun. He would shoot a lizard and we would be so fascinated. Talk about rough and tumble.
Now, you couldn't pay me to spend more than 20 minutes in the sun and my deficient vitamin D levels can attest to that. I do not like to spend a lot of time outside, especially if there isn't any shade nearby. My lack of sunlight may have caused me to be more susceptible to Multiple Sclerosis and now too much sun can cause me to have a relapse. You can see details about my MS on my MS blog Did I Mention My MS???
Some fear is healthy and alerts us when danger is nearby. I call that our animal instincts and we need to have animal responses. Don't try to rationalize your God given instincts when something is amiss. When most animals sense danger, they don't mind confronting it right away and nipping it in the bud. Whether they flee or fight, they are quick to take action. For most humans, our ability to rationalize causes us to hesitate. Sometimes that hesitation can be the difference between life and death. So trust your own instincts. They are there for a reason. I'm not saying fight every time you feel danger, instead get yourself to safety and in a safe position as soon as you feel the first hint that something is off. You could be wrong, but you will at least be alive.
Most of my fears are unrealistic. I am afraid to swim in the ocean because I just know a shark is out there waiting for me. That's a true story. Well that and the fact that I am not the greatest swimmer. It's the things that don't scare me that have caused me more harm. Thanks to T.V., I know just enough to be paranoid and irritating. Getting connected with God on a regular basis is the only thing that helps me maintain a sound mind. He teaches me how to combat my fears w/o worrying because I know He will always have my back. He teaches me that even though I am not exempt from problems in this world, He will guide me through every single trial until the day He calls me to come home.
Yes, at times I worry. Yes, at times I am afraid. And in those times, the Holy Spirit ministers to me and helps me to keep my focus on Him. To focus on what is true and how I can manage my fears.
Fear is not be a Factor for me, as long as I keep my mind stayed on Him.
SPIRIT of FEAR
but of Power
Love and of
a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
"Lord, I am just thinking about how grateful I am that You have not given us control of anything except ourselves, our choices and our thoughts. Our understanding is finite, limited and for good reason. Our minds cannot even begin to fathom or contain Your level of knowledge. This should keep us humble because not one person on this earth knows it all. I'm so glad that I don't because I believe it could destroy me to know too much." When I was a child, I had no fear of most of the things that I fear now. My brother and I used to spend hours in the desert hunting lizards and horned toads. We would climb barbed wire fences and everything. In the middle of summer days with no sunblock or water, the only thing we were equipped with was my brother's BB gun. He would shoot a lizard and we would be so fascinated. Talk about rough and tumble.
Now, you couldn't pay me to spend more than 20 minutes in the sun and my deficient vitamin D levels can attest to that. I do not like to spend a lot of time outside, especially if there isn't any shade nearby. My lack of sunlight may have caused me to be more susceptible to Multiple Sclerosis and now too much sun can cause me to have a relapse. You can see details about my MS on my MS blog Did I Mention My MS???
Some fear is healthy and alerts us when danger is nearby. I call that our animal instincts and we need to have animal responses. Don't try to rationalize your God given instincts when something is amiss. When most animals sense danger, they don't mind confronting it right away and nipping it in the bud. Whether they flee or fight, they are quick to take action. For most humans, our ability to rationalize causes us to hesitate. Sometimes that hesitation can be the difference between life and death. So trust your own instincts. They are there for a reason. I'm not saying fight every time you feel danger, instead get yourself to safety and in a safe position as soon as you feel the first hint that something is off. You could be wrong, but you will at least be alive.
Most of my fears are unrealistic. I am afraid to swim in the ocean because I just know a shark is out there waiting for me. That's a true story. Well that and the fact that I am not the greatest swimmer. It's the things that don't scare me that have caused me more harm. Thanks to T.V., I know just enough to be paranoid and irritating. Getting connected with God on a regular basis is the only thing that helps me maintain a sound mind. He teaches me how to combat my fears w/o worrying because I know He will always have my back. He teaches me that even though I am not exempt from problems in this world, He will guide me through every single trial until the day He calls me to come home.
Yes, at times I worry. Yes, at times I am afraid. And in those times, the Holy Spirit ministers to me and helps me to keep my focus on Him. To focus on what is true and how I can manage my fears.
Fear is not be a Factor for me, as long as I keep my mind stayed on Him.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Baptized For The Dead??
Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them? 1 Corinthians 15:29
I was reading my daily devotion today when I came across this scripture. This is the one that caused me to stop, read it again, go back a few scriptures and read it again. I have come across this scripture before and even had conversations with a person who actually believes in baptism for the dead. At the time, I wasn't able to rightly divide this scripture so I didn't get into a deep debate as I usually would but the Holy Spirit led me to realize that this scripture wasn't saying that we should be baptized for the dead. That was a few years ago.
Today when I came across this scripture, I was able to practice something that is taught at my church known as SAR-Some Assembly Required. The whole concept is to journal when you read and study the word. Write the scripture, then ask yourself, "Why did this stop me?" then write a response. In order to do this, you will have to go back a few scriptures, go forward a few scriptures and also read other scriptures that cross reference the one that you are trying to divide or understand. I like the Ryrie Study Bible because it has footnotes and references other scriptures that relate to what you are reading. If you are still unable to gain understanding, pray for God to reveal it to you and in His time, he will.
So back to baptism for the dead. My response to the question, "should we be baptized for the dead" is, NO! This scripture is referring to (those) some religions who say there is no resurrection of the dead but practice being baptized for the dead. What is the point of being baptized for the dead if the dead cannot be raised?? They do not believe in the resurrection of Christ. That makes their practices vain and their own doctrine false. 1 Corinthians 15:19 "If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied."
There are no opportunities for salvation after death, period. So please, don't get baptized for the dead. That is a doctrine of false teaching. Because Christ is raised from the dead, we can obtain salvation through Christ only. We must believe in His resurrection. His death and resurrection have bridged the gap between men and God. Romans 4:25 "He was delivered up for our sins and rose again for our justification."
I was reading my daily devotion today when I came across this scripture. This is the one that caused me to stop, read it again, go back a few scriptures and read it again. I have come across this scripture before and even had conversations with a person who actually believes in baptism for the dead. At the time, I wasn't able to rightly divide this scripture so I didn't get into a deep debate as I usually would but the Holy Spirit led me to realize that this scripture wasn't saying that we should be baptized for the dead. That was a few years ago.
Today when I came across this scripture, I was able to practice something that is taught at my church known as SAR-Some Assembly Required. The whole concept is to journal when you read and study the word. Write the scripture, then ask yourself, "Why did this stop me?" then write a response. In order to do this, you will have to go back a few scriptures, go forward a few scriptures and also read other scriptures that cross reference the one that you are trying to divide or understand. I like the Ryrie Study Bible because it has footnotes and references other scriptures that relate to what you are reading. If you are still unable to gain understanding, pray for God to reveal it to you and in His time, he will.
So back to baptism for the dead. My response to the question, "should we be baptized for the dead" is, NO! This scripture is referring to (those) some religions who say there is no resurrection of the dead but practice being baptized for the dead. What is the point of being baptized for the dead if the dead cannot be raised?? They do not believe in the resurrection of Christ. That makes their practices vain and their own doctrine false. 1 Corinthians 15:19 "If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied."
There are no opportunities for salvation after death, period. So please, don't get baptized for the dead. That is a doctrine of false teaching. Because Christ is raised from the dead, we can obtain salvation through Christ only. We must believe in His resurrection. His death and resurrection have bridged the gap between men and God. Romans 4:25 "He was delivered up for our sins and rose again for our justification."
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Jesus, who walks on water.
There is a name, that is so precious. That name is Jesus. The name above every name. The one who gave His life for me. At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord.
The day will come when every knee will bow in heaven, and on earth, and underneath the earth (Philippians 2:10) and will give Jesus the respect that is due to Him. I don't know about you, but that is so profound to me.
That means;
Those who believe He is just a prophet.
Those who worship Mary, mother of Jesus.
Those who believe that He is Michael, the archangel.
If you believe that Jesus is no more than a messenger.
Atheists
Evolutionists
Mary Baker Eddy
Joseph Smith
Charles Taze Russell
Confuscious
You will all bow down to Jesus Christ, the Son of God and your tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Not might bow down or maybe confess. Will bow down and shall confess. Jesus, the one who died on the cross for sinners like you and me. Jesus, who sits at the right hand of God.
Jesus, the one who walks on water.
The day will come when every knee will bow in heaven, and on earth, and underneath the earth (Philippians 2:10) and will give Jesus the respect that is due to Him. I don't know about you, but that is so profound to me.
That means;
Those who believe He is just a prophet.
Those who worship Mary, mother of Jesus.
Those who believe that He is Michael, the archangel.
If you believe that Jesus is no more than a messenger.
Atheists
Evolutionists
Mary Baker Eddy
Joseph Smith
Charles Taze Russell
Confuscious
You will all bow down to Jesus Christ, the Son of God and your tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Not might bow down or maybe confess. Will bow down and shall confess. Jesus, the one who died on the cross for sinners like you and me. Jesus, who sits at the right hand of God.
Jesus, the one who walks on water.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Peace Be With You: Prayer Warrior
Calling all prayer warriors. How would you like to help change the world, one prayer at a time? Now is your chance to join a network of prayer partners at Peace Be With U. I became a prayer partner about a week ago and let me tell you, it really blesses me to be able to stand in the gap for hurting people. If you would like to be a prayer warrior, click here Peace Be With U Ministry. There are other ways to help people through Peace Be With U so please get involved any way that you can. Help make a difference in the lives of others.
If you are standing in need of prayer, click here Prayer Request.
If you are standing in need of prayer, click here Prayer Request.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Genuinely Fake
Be so familiar with the truth that when you encounter a lie, it sets off an alarm in your soul. Falsehood can manifest itself in many different roles and sometimes the perpetrator is the one in the mirror. Yep, you. It's funny how you cannot see yourself w/o looking in the mirror or seeing your reflection. Be sure to look at your reflection (yourself) often.
Let's face it, everyone lies. Yep I said it. You, me, she and they. We all lie at one time or another. A 2 year old child lies w/o fully understanding that it's wrong. A child does not have to be trained to be disobedient, that comes naturally. We are born sinners. The wicked are estranged from the womb, those who speak lies go astray from birth. Psalm 58:3 For a better understanding of what this verse means, I suggest you do your research. Studying God's word is the best way to learn. When you study His word, you will not be easily deceived.
We are all capable of lying. Most people do not like to lie but will sometimes lie to avoid conflict (the peacemaker). They may be known to withhold the truth by not speaking up or revealing what they know even when it's necessary. That is a form of lying or faking, ok.
Then there are those who practice lying as a regular way of life. They are constantly trying to come up with ways to deceive people. They are fake and appear to be something that they are not. For some, lying is how they make money, it's their full time job. Some people lie for power. False witnesses come to deceive people about God's word. They want to control people. This is what I call faking it to make it.
Recently there was a report on the news about the "fake red sole shoes". You know, the french shoe designer Christian Louboutin? All of his shoes have a signature bright red sole. People were making a profit by selling counterfeit Louboutin's. They deceived the public who believed that they were getting a great deal for the real thing. The garment districts are notorious for this.
I used to work at a credit union and me and 2 other women taught a few classes on how to identify counterfeit money, bad checks and fake identification. I taught the part of the class regarding counterfeit money. Everyone was surprised to see the depths that people go to get money. There are so many security features on real paper money that makes it difficult to duplicate. But if you don't know the real thing, you will accept the counterfeit. By the time you realize it's a fake, it may be too late and you are left with something that is of no value to you.
In this life, you will encounter perpetrators whether it be "fake people", "fake money", or "fake things". They are so good at what they do that it's not always obvious at first. We must watch the company we keep. Some people are really good at appearing genuine or real (actors). When you find out who they really are, you feel betrayed. Don't ignore your instincts. That's the red flags and alarms that go off when you are in the presence of something or someone that isn't genuine or real.
Is it you? Sometimes we lie to ourselves. We act differently than how we feel. Acting, faking, deceiving, lying, call it what you want. If you struggle with telling the truth talk to God about it. Ask Him for forgiveness and to help you change your life. You can avoid it all by Keepin It Real and trusting God no matter what.
From My Soul To Yours ©
Following photo:
I Forgive You courtesy of:
PeaceBeWithU.com
We are all capable of lying. Most people do not like to lie but will sometimes lie to avoid conflict (the peacemaker). They may be known to withhold the truth by not speaking up or revealing what they know even when it's necessary. That is a form of lying or faking, ok.
Then there are those who practice lying as a regular way of life. They are constantly trying to come up with ways to deceive people. They are fake and appear to be something that they are not. For some, lying is how they make money, it's their full time job. Some people lie for power. False witnesses come to deceive people about God's word. They want to control people. This is what I call faking it to make it.
Recently there was a report on the news about the "fake red sole shoes". You know, the french shoe designer Christian Louboutin? All of his shoes have a signature bright red sole. People were making a profit by selling counterfeit Louboutin's. They deceived the public who believed that they were getting a great deal for the real thing. The garment districts are notorious for this.
I used to work at a credit union and me and 2 other women taught a few classes on how to identify counterfeit money, bad checks and fake identification. I taught the part of the class regarding counterfeit money. Everyone was surprised to see the depths that people go to get money. There are so many security features on real paper money that makes it difficult to duplicate. But if you don't know the real thing, you will accept the counterfeit. By the time you realize it's a fake, it may be too late and you are left with something that is of no value to you.
In this life, you will encounter perpetrators whether it be "fake people", "fake money", or "fake things". They are so good at what they do that it's not always obvious at first. We must watch the company we keep. Some people are really good at appearing genuine or real (actors). When you find out who they really are, you feel betrayed. Don't ignore your instincts. That's the red flags and alarms that go off when you are in the presence of something or someone that isn't genuine or real.
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| If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 |
Starla
Danielle Espinoza
Following photo:
I Forgive You courtesy of:
PeaceBeWithU.com
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Bloggers in God: God Desires Your Heart ©
Here is my Wednesday post for Bloggers In God, 7/4/12.
Bloggers in God: God Desires Your Heart ©: Today's post comes from Starla at Keepin It Real freecodesource.com When I read the bible, it really comes alive and spe...
Bloggers in God: God Desires Your Heart ©: Today's post comes from Starla at Keepin It Real freecodesource.com When I read the bible, it really comes alive and spe...
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