ANOTHER LOOK IN THE MANAGER

The greatest gift we will ever receive is laying in the manager.  Many will stop, take a look, but many will walk right by. I did for years. Until I stopped and thought, "That baby is God".

Let me share from the beginning how this all started by unwrapping this gift.  I had no idea that I was sinner. I wasn't a bad person.  Compared to others around me I felt pretty good. I went to church most of the time, said a few prayers, read my bible, and tried to be a nice person. I wasn't prefect.  Who was? You might say I was a good sinner compared to a bad sinner. 

I felt pretty good about myself until one day someone said to me, " Dottie, you know,  you are trying to mix oil and vinegar and you can't". I thought, "What on earth is she talking about?' 

Now, I get it.   God is Holy and man is unholy.   You don't mix Holy with unholy. That word was the beginning of my search to know the baby in the manager 50 years ago.

Today, I know why I was created   He wanted my fellowship and worship, Colossians 1:16.  I willfully choose to worship myself and went my own way.  I was separated from my creator and didn't even know it, until I found out that God had a secret.

Before the foundation of the earth, a blood covenant had been made between the Father and the Son. It would be kept in heaven until an appointed time on earth. Revelations 13:8. Galatians 4:4.

Roughly 2000 years ago, a child was born and placed in a manager.   He grew into manhood only to die as a sinner, who knew no sin,   
2 Corinthians 5:21  Why? He was God.  Perfect man.  It didn't make sense until I realized that I was the sinner and needed a savior to save me from the judgement of a Holy God. 

For years I knew the gospel, but I still felt something was missing.  I found it in Romans 6.  Jesus not only died FOR me, but,  I DIED WITH HIM, was buried with Him and was raised with Him into a newness of life.  It was true.  By faith, I had truly died and been born again. I was a new creation in Christ Jesus.  He is alive and His Spirit is in me Romans 8:9.  What a big difference it has made.  

I truly have entered into a new covenant with my Lord. It is like my  covenant with Roger when we were married.  We became one flesh. Now, with God (Father , Son and Holy Spirit)  I have became one Spirit with the Lord Jesus 1 Corinthians 6:17 . Nothing can separate me from His love. Romans 8:39.  We are in covenant. 

The greatest gift I have ever received I found lying in the manager, in Bethlehem, 2000 years ago, prepared as a sacrifice for my sin.

 I pray many will stop by the manager once again this year  to hear the baby say,  "I am God, clothed in your humanity to die for your sins.  Come...repent...turn back to me and I will receive you.  Your sins are forgiven, past, present and future.  I have so much to show you.  Keep unwrapping my gift to you."

SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS

THIS SONG CAME OUT 2015, BUT IT IS STILL A GOOD REMINDER.

Christmas is OUR holiday not the world's.  The world can have Santa, and he is fun, but he is NOT Christmas.  THE ONLY REASON FOR THIS SEASON ALL OVER THE WORLD, IS JESUS-- our Savior.  He came to lay down His life for us, the sinner, that we would be forgiven and raised to a newness of life.  Whosoever believes and receives Jesus as their Savior and Lord will receive the greatest gift ever given for man. Let us join together as believers and keep Christ in OUR Christmas.

LIGHT IS THE DARKNESS

Recently, I was in a conversation with a young mother, who has been dealing with many fears and anxieties. 

As we were talking, I felt the Lord gave me this encouraging word.  

"Josie, (the name is changed) I see that your heart is very heavy today."

"I am Dottie.  Motherhood is a little overwhelming some days and today is one of them." 

"How can I pray for you?" I asked 

" It's fear and anxiety again.  I don't think I am a very good mother.  I am afraid I will fail ."

"Oh Josie, there is plenty of that to go around. Motherhood, is full of it.  I remember when I was a young mom, an older woman said to me, "You may feel you are not a perfect mother, but you are the perfect mother for your daughter."  I held on to that for years.

I believe the Lord wants to encourage you today by reminding you that fear and anxiety are familiar feelings left over when you lived in the Kingdom of Darkness. They don't exist in the Kingdom of Light. It is so easy to forget who we belong to. It takes time.

 It is like when you first come into a dark room and turn on a light. At first, you can see only a little. But as you turn on more lights (revelations), you will begin to see more and more how beautiful the room has been arranged just for you. God loves you, Josie, and understands fear and anxiety all too well.  He nailed it to His cross. You don't have to live with it any more. The more you let Him embrace you with His love and believe you are totally forgiven for all your sins, Jesus will replace that fear and anxiety with more of Himself...Faith , Hope and Love.  "Perfect Love does cast out all fear." 1 John 4.

It's true, Josie.  He will continue to perfect us in His love and as He does, 'The things in this world will grow strangely dim."

 We hugged and were strengthen in our Lord for the day.

MOTHERS BEHIND THE MEN

There is a saying, " The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world."  This is you MOM!

Many of our nation's presidents recognized the impact of godly mothers--as evidenced in these quotes. "All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my successes in life to the education I received from her, " George Washington.  "I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me," Abraham Lincoln.  "From my mother I learned the value of prayer, how to have dreams and believe I could make them come true."  Ronald Reagan.  These leaders guided the country through difficult circumstances and attributed their success in part to their mother's teachings.

You may feel this culture has no place for you.  You bring a child into the world and it no longer belongs to you.  It may seem like the state wants to take over and tell you how to raise your child.  But that is not true.  If God has graced you with a child,  he/she is a gift from Him. You have the privilege to raise him/her in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  God has a special plan to bless that child with His glory.  He is with you and will show you the way.

Saint Paul  also recognizes the importance of godly mothers and grandmothers.  His letters to Timothy mention Lois and Eunice who taught Timothy scripture from childhood and modeled sincere faith despite a less than ideal environment (Timothy's father wasn't a Christian.).  Their influence led Timothy to become Paul's traveling companion in spreading the gospel and ultimately a leader in the early church. 2Timothy 1:5

Mom, don't lose heart.  God is on your side. You are raising the next generation of godly leaders.  It is time for the the righteous to rule and let the people rejoice.  Your sons and daughters will make an impact for good or for evil.  Remember who is  rocking the cradle!

THE MIRACLE FOR OUR NATION IS IN THE HOUSE OF GOD!

I believe we have overlooked and underestimated the awesome power that is hidden in the family of God.  There is something about the family's atmosphere that generates the power focus to subdue the earth and bring His Kingdom into the affairs of this world.  I believe satan feared the seed of the woman--for it would have the power to destroy him.  He well knew that even our children would contend with him in the gate (see Psalm 127:5)  I believe this is why the Lord's desire has always been to "set the solitary ( widows, orphans, and the fatherless) in families as a picture of His own desire for a family."  (Psalm 68:6)
Now,  through the blood and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, His burial and resurrection , by faith we have been placed in a new family...THE FAMILY OF GOD.

Could it be, ever since the garden of Eden, that the enemy well knows that the family of God holds the hidden power to destroy his kingdom and deliver whole nations?  Is it any wonder why he unleashes hell upon the body of Christ?  He wants us divided not united. Divided he conquerors, unity God wins. Satan may have power to deceive, but we have the truth and the authority in the name of Jesus to put satan under His feet. Ephesians 1:22

Jesus commissioned the church to go forth and disciple all nations.  It is my prayer that we do just that. If we can't disciple America, how an we reach the world? 

It is my prayer that the Name of Jesus be lifted up in America and that all men be drawn unto Him.  This nations fought many wars with the blood of men. Now it it time TO WIN THIS NATION WITH THE BLOOD OF JESUS. God loves America.  Do we?

I Will Go by River w/lyrics

I thought this would encourage you today.

If you have repented , believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and received God's forgiveness, past, present and future, Jesus is alive in you and ready to use you for His glory.  Romans 8:9

Enjoy HIs presence in you and with today.  He loves you and desires for you to know Him more.  His love has been shed abroad in your heart by the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:5

You are a new creation. your heart of sin has been nailed to the cross.  In His resurrection, Jesus made all things new, even your heart.  Jesus took out your stoney heart of sin and created a new heart with new and right desires. Ezekiel  36:26 it is your new heart that Jesus has come to live in.

Enjoy His fellowship today.

BECOMING THE FAMILY CHEERLEADERS

Parenting is not a easy task.  It is not a calling for the faint-hearted.  The tyranny of life necessitates the support of extended families.  Our own grown children need our encouragement, our experience,  and our active involvement in this most vital endeavor.  They also need our availability  to help with their young families and our willingness to lift some the burden of child-rearing from their shoulders, whenever possible.

We grandparents can make a difference!  And we can accomplish this without undermining our children's role as parents in their own households.  In our season of life, we may not to be calling all the shots anymore--but we can still support our grown children from the sidelines!

Dear Lord,
  
       We pray for Your help to be an active model and a living testimony of Your love and forgiveness in the eyes of our grandchildren--and for Your grace to extend to them the same love and forgiveness that we have received from You.

        May or grandchildren enjoy a personal relationship with You--not only to hear stories about You, but also to have Your presence abiding in their hearts.  May Your blessing be upon them as they continue to mature in our wayward society.  

In Your Holy Name,
Amen

"DO YOU CARRY A MORDECAI MANDATE FOR THE NATION?"

"Do You Carry a Mordecai Mandate for the Nation?"

Wanda Alger, Winchester, VA

At a time when our nation is in chaos and the enemies of God seem relentless, it is not only important for us to pray, but to also consider additional actions that will demonstrate Kingdom authority in our spheres of influence. We can learn much from one intercessor in the Bible who affected an entire nation through his prayers as well as his actions. Though many are familiar with Esther's role in delivering a nation from destruction, Mordecai paved the way for this national breakthrough through his prayers and engagement in the public square. His persistence and perseverance in the midst of uncertainties and threats show a man with a mandate – an assignment from the Lord. His story reveals several strategic keys for effective prayer and engagement as we seek wisdom and discernment in confronting wickedness in high places.

Loving God and Loving Others

Mordecai was a father figure to Esther. In raising her, he helped establish her faith, as well as her love for God and the Jewish people (Esther 2:7). This bond rightly directed their hearts, their prayers, and their responses throughout their journey. This kind of foundation is essential to effective prayer. Meaningful relationships and mutual concern for others helps to establish the proper motivation in prayer.

Going "On-Site for Insight"

When Esther was taken to the palace, Scripture states, "Every day he (Mordecai) walked back and forth near the courtyard of the harem to find out how Esther was and what was happening to her" (Esther 2:11 emphasis mine). As a man of prayer, could these have been daily prayer walks? Every day, Mordecai was on-site to listen and learn, seeking the Lord for insight during the twelve months of Esther's beauty treatments for the king. Prayer-walking our communities may be an under-utilized tool of intercession that can produce powerful insights and clarity as to the Lord's purposes and plans.

Engaging in the Public Square

Mordecai also sat at the king's gate where decisions were made, and official business took place (2:19). Whether he was an invited participant or careful observer, he sought to be better informed. He positioned himself at the place where decrees were issued, and verdicts were rendered on behalf of the king and the nation. This shows us the need to be rightly informed on issues and watching those in positions of authority to learn and discern. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

Speaking Out Against Corruption

Mordecai's decision to sit in this place of political activity proved to be significant. He overheard a plot to assassinate the king and reported it to Esther (2:21-23). He did not let fear stop him from alerting the palace of this threat. When the investigation proved the story to be true, the criminals were punished, and Mordecai's courageous actions were written in the official record. Believers need ongoing boldness when confronting wrong-doing or corruption. Regardless of the threats, our testimonies and actions may be the very catalyst to break the enemy's back.

Exposing Injustice

This seemingly small but significant act granted Mordecai great favor with the king. Unbeknownst to Mordecai or Esther, God planned to use this event to later position Mordecai as a trusted adviser to the king. His willingness to speak up and take action against injustice created a platform for him when much more would be at stake. Never forsake small beginnings! God is looking for your faithfulness, no matter how small the task. It may be what opens the door to an even bigger assignment!

Standing in the Face of Intimidation and Threats

When Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, the demonically-driven official sought to kill him (3:5-6). Even so, Mordecai didn't compromise or relent. Despite ridicule and death threats, Mordecai stood his ground and trusted God to vindicate him. It is critical to trust the Lord's timing when seeking justice. Sometimes, we will be called to simply stand our ground as the Lord makes the next move.

Standing in the Gap for the People

Once Mordecai learned about the death decree against his people, the Bible says he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly (4:1). He humbled himself in front of the whole city in order to bring attention to an injustice. His witness became the example for others to follow throughout the entire province as fellow Jews fasted and wept aloud for their nation. Don't underestimate what your own obedient response may stir in the spirit. Others may be looking for direction and your example may be just the thing they need to take action.

Being Informed and Prepared

When asked by an official what he was doing, Mordecai was prepared with a testimony as well as written papers proving his case (4:8). His lament was not without cause. He knew the facts and details and was prepared to share them with the appropriate people. It is imperative that we get the facts straight and share accurate information. Heaven will back us up when we've done our homework, counted the cost, and come prepared.

Speaking the Word of the Lord

When Esther responded to Mordecai's suggestion of appealing to the king for mercy, she was fearful and hesitant. Yet, his word to her became the key that unlocked the door to her destiny: "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14)? Just as Esther was there "for such a time as this," so was Mordecai. Without his presence and prophetic declaration to her, Esther may have missed the God-ordained opportunity before her. You, too, may have a word for someone that will launch them into their assignment. Don't be afraid to speak it! (Photo via Elijah List Shopper: Hadassah by Linda Harris-Iorio)

Becoming an Ambassador of National Prayer

When Mordecai took Esther's request to the Jewish people for a time of national fasting and prayer, he became a conduit of intercession (4:15-17). He championed this national call to prayer and stood in the gap for Esther and their people. Mordecai became a change agent for his nation through prayer and intercession in a time of crisis.

God is strategically placing Believers in positions of influence and authority throughout our nation to bring needed transformation. Just as Mordecai was a hidden tool in God's hands, so are numerous change agents being positioned to speak much-needed counsel and wisdom to those in high places. Mordecai never sought the lime-light but went undercover in the place of prayer and encouragement to one who was. 

We are all called to pray, but I believe there are many who carry this Mordecai mandate – this commission to stand in the gap, take action, and be an example that will inspire and motivate others to be change agents in our communities and nation. May God's grace be upon them to be strong and courageous, for the battle is the Lord's and the victory will be ours.

Email: wandaalger@ifapray.org
Website: www.wandaalger.me

T

SINLESS PREFECTION?

After my last post I thought I might have given the impression that I believed in sinless perfection.  NO NO NO.  That is a lie.  I still can choose to sin, but it is by choice. When I was born in Adam, I had the NO choice, but to be a good sinner or a bad sinner. Whether good or bad I was still a sinner.  I ate from the tree of Good and Evil.

 Like Cain in Genesis 4:6, the Lord spoke to Cain and tried to stop him from murder, "If you do well, will you not be accepted?  And if you do not do well, SIN is crouching at the door.  ITS desire is for you, but you must rule over it." Cain's only choice was to do good or to do evil. Sin is an "IT"in our souls that we can choose or not.

But today, on this side of the cross, by identifying in Christ's death, burial, resurrection and ascension, as our own, we too have been crucified  buried and raised to a newness of life in Him. (Galatians 2:20) We have been set free from the tree of good and evil (our old man) and given back the TREE OF LIFE : JESUS CHRIST.  God no longer judges us by our behavior, or performance. 

The truth is, apart from Christ we were all born sinners and deserve death. "The soul that sins shall die." (Ezekiel 18:4).  Jesus came to give us LIFE and life abundantly.   Freedom to love our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love one another.

Now God's instructions through St. Paul makes sense, "Let not sin therefore reign in our mortal bodies, to make you obey its passions.  Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instrument of righteousness.  For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace"  Romans 6:12-15.

OUR NEW IDENTITY IN CHRIST

When Jesus said "IT IS FINISHED",  He meant it.  The sinner in Adam was crucified, buried  and raised to a newness of life in Jesus Christ by the power of His death, burial and resurrection.  Galatians 2:20 says that, "We were crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me....".  By faith we are born again to a newness of life by the power of His resurrection.  Our life is now hidden in Christ in God, Col. 3:3." We have a new identity.  We are 'saints' set apart to the living God .  The sinner has died in Christ.

By faith, when we are raise to a new life, God creates in us a new heart of love to enable us to obey His word and to follow Him.  We are bought with a price and no longer our own.  We belong to Him.  The Holy Spirit desires to reveal more of Jesus to us and who we are IN Him.  We are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.  It is amazing grace.  God did it.  When we repent, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, we are born from above and become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.  You may not feel righteous, but righteousness is not a feeling. It is God Himself living His right-ness through us. because you are now one with Him. 

You can't clean a garbage can to smell like new. It will still be a garbage can. Our flesh profits nothing. It will NEVER change. God has to create something entirely new. He is not interested in changing our sinful heart.  He has breathed new life into our dead human spirit.  And the love of God is shed aboard in our new heart by the Holy spirit.  We now have a new hearts of love.  A  new nature moldable for God to transform us into His image and likeness.

We are totally loved, totally forgiven, and a total treasure in the heart of our Father. We are one spirit with Him forever. "He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him 1 Corinthians 6:17." It is a new day.

There is no God like our God.  He lives, He reigns and He delights in His children all the time.  Even on our most discouraging day, God is not discouraged with us, because He knows the Spirit of His Son in us will bring us through anything. Romans 8:9.

THE OLD HAS GONE AND NEW HAS COME

I love analogies.  Of course they are not perfect and will break down at some point, but this one helps to understand  our NEW CREATION in Christ.

Jesus handed me keys to a brand new car with a tank full of gas. He gave me a life- time credit card for gasoline and any repairs.  He took my old car keys and threw them away saying  "These old keys will do you no good. You move over and let me show you how to operate this new car. I designed it perfectly for you. You sit back and rest and leave the driving to Me. I know exactly where I am going and the way to get there.  You have to let the old car go.  It is nothing like the new one."

Wow. what an exchange for my old car.  (Born in Adam; dead in trespasses and sin and exchanged for a new life in Christ.  Jesus has given to us the keys of the Kingdom.                                       
                                                              
The OLD has gone and NEW has come.  This is Amazing Grace.

Grandparenting:Creating and Keeping a Lasting Legacy

My husband and I would like to share some of our sixty years of marriage we have learned along the way.  We will be writing concerning parenting, grandparenting and great grandparenting.  I pray that you will be blessed

Take a look and be encouraged. Our motto is"Unless the Lord builds the house, they that build it labor in vain. "Psalm 127:1

We will be sharing from our recent published book Grandparenting Creating and Keeping a Lasting Legacy sold on Amazon.

 The blog is:      lastingfamilylegacy.blogspot.com

GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS

Hello Everyone,

It is so good to be back online.  A month ago, I went to write something and I couldn't get into my blog. I felt so frustrated. I have blogged for the past five years and this has never happed.

I want to thank my pastor for his generous time helping me fix the problem.  I am so grateful for all the many saints, who have been faithful to pray."Thoughts To Ponder" is back.  Thank You Lord Jesus.

I also will be opening another blog on grandparenting. "lastingfamilylegacy.blogspot.com"

On this blog, I will be talking especially about Grandparenting, also addressing parenting and great grandparenting. By next week I pray to have my first post.

Under His wings with all of you,
God answers prayers
Dottie

JESUS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

Here is an easy way to remember and see Jesus in each book of the New Testament

MATTHEW.......JESUS CHRIST IS KING OF THE JEWS

MARK...............HE THE SERVANT

LUKE................SON OF MAN, HE FEELS WHAT HE FEEL

JOHN................SON OF GOD

ACT...................SAVIOR OF THE WORLD

ROMANS.........RIGHTOUSNESS OF GOD

1 CORITHIANS... HE IS THE ROCK. THE FATHER OF ISRAEL

11 CORITHIANS..THE TRUMPHANT ONE GIVING VICTORY

GALATIANS....YOUR LIBERTY

EPHESIANS.....THE HEAD OFTHE CHURCH

PHILIPPIANS...YOUR JOY

COLOSSIANS..YOUR COMPLETENESS

1 & 2 THESSALONIANS.......YOUR HOPE

1 & 2 TIMOTHY.......YOUR FAITH AND YOUR STABILITY

TITUS................HE IS TRUTH

PHILEMON.......YOUR BENEFACTOR

HEBREW...........HE IS YOUR PERFECTION

JAMES..............POWER BEHIND YUR FAITH

1 PETER...........HE IS YOUR EXAMPLE

2 PETER...........HE IS YOUR PURITY

1 JOHN.............HE IS YOUR LIFE

2 JOHN............HE IS YOUR PATTERN

3 JOHN............HE IS YOU MOTIVATION

JUDE...............HE IS THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR FAITH

REVELATION.......HE IS YOUR COMING KING

           HE IS MY REDEEMER , SAVIOR, PEACE, JOY, COMFORT OF HE RULES FOR EVER AND EVER.

JESUS IN EVERY BOOK IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

This is a way to remember who Jesus is in each book of the Old Testament.


THE OLD TESTAMENT

GENESIS-------BREATH OF GOD
EXODUS-------PASSOVER LAMB
LEVITICUS---OUR HIGH PRIEST
NUMBER------PILLAR OF FIRE BY DAY AND CLOUD BY NIGHT
DEUTERONOMY---PROPHET LIKE UNTO MOSES
JOSHUA------- CAPTIAN OF OUR SALVATION
JUDGE---------OUR JUDGE AND LAW GIVER
RUTH---------- KINSMEN REDEMMER
1,2, SAMUEL  OUR TRUSTED PROPHET
KINGS AND CHRONICLES   OUR REIGNING KING
ESA AND NEHEMIAH   REBUILDER OF BROKEN WALLS OF HUMAN LIFE.
ESTHER.........HE'S OUR MORDIAH
JOB.................EVER LIVING REDEEMER
PSALM..........HE IS OUR SHEPHERD
PROVERBS...HE IS OUR VOICE OF WISDOM
SONG OF SOLOMON...HE IS OUR LOVING BRIDEGROOM  
ISAIAH......... PRINCE OF PEACE
JEREMIAH..  RIGHTEOUS BRANCH
LAMENTATIONS...WEEPING PROPHET
EZEKIEL....  WONDERFUL FOUR FACE MAN
DANIEL.....   FOURTH MAN IN THE FURANCE
HOSEA.... ... FAITHFUL HUSBAND FOREVER MARRIED TO THE BACK SLIDER
JOEL...........  BAPTIZER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
AMOS.......    OUR BURDEN BARER
OBADIAH.   HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE
JONAH.......  OUR GREAT FOREIGN MISSIONARY
MICAH.....   MESSENGER OF BEAUTIFUL FEET
NAHUM..... OUR STREGTH AND SHIELD
HABAAKKUK....GOD EVENGELIST CRYING  REVIVAL IN THE MIST OF YEARS
ZEPHANIAH.......OUR SAVIOR
HAGAR........RESTORER OF GOD'S LOST HERITAGE
ZECHARIAH....HE IS OUR FOUNTAIN OPENED UP FOR SIN AND UNCLEANLINESS
MALIAH......SON OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WITH HEALING IN HIS WINGS

What is GOOD about Good Friday?

What is GOOD about Good Friday?  Our God is GOOD!  Mark 10:18 says " No one is GOOD except God." To  help us to understand how GOOD God really is, we have to go back to the beginning of time.

The Lamb of God was slain before the foundation of the earth. Jesus was willing to lay down His life to take the consequences of sin that would have brought about the death of mankind.  God knew that the heart of Adam and Eve was disobedient. He made provision before the Fall to rescue mankind from the peril of His punishment.

Adam's rebellion and disobedience challenged God's authority.  It demanded God's eternal punishment: separation from God. Jesus' obedience to God's authority, cleansed the Heavens of Adam's sin and made a way for you and I to come back to our creator through the precious blood of Jesus.   Repentance is a gift from our good God and available to all who will turn and call on the name of the Lord. The Lord will forgive us and we will be born again.   IT IS FINISHED...GOD IS GOOD. HIS GOODNESS BRINGS US TO REPENTANCE.  Romans 2:4.

Hebrews 12:1:2 says,"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." 

Jesus not only died for my sin, but He died as if He were me!  I died in Him, was buried in Him and was united with Him in His resurrection.  "In HIM" IS THE KEY.  Now that is good news, Romans 6:3-14.

A Nation within a Nation

 I would like you to ponder and search the scriptures for yourself about what I am going to share. It all started while reading 1 Peter  2:9 ;  "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, A HOLY NATION, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of  Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 

 It was the expression of A HOLY NATION that caught my attention. As a believer, I began to realize that I am an ambassador of Christ of this HOLY NATION to proclaim the good news of reconciliation to a dying world. The more I grow in Christ, my politics have changed to a more eternal perspective. I am learning more and more that I can bring change in America on my knees rather then with my mouth .  God doesn't need my mouth to express my opinions and to get into aggressive arguments to get His work done.  The body of Christ, is a NATION WITHIN A NATION that  rules through prayer. Isaiah 9: 6 says " the government is upon His shoulders" and this is the government that I am submitted to for eternity: 

 Jesus Christ is the sovereign  ruler over all Nations. I am to pray for America, and her leaders, etc. but not to get emotionally involved anymore. With another election around the corner, I am expecting that it will be a real test  to see how much I believe and understand what I just wrote, namely that the church, (the body of Christ) is a HOLY NATION, WITHIN A NATION. "Lord Jesus keep me on my knees!" I pray. (2Chronicles 7-14)

A CHANGE OF HEART

                                                                         

 "Lord Jesus, how can the Holy Spirit come and live in a heart, that the Word of God says is ' deceitful, above of things, and desperately sick.?" ( Jeremiah 17:9)

For years this questions troubled me.  I wanted an answer. Then one day the Lord whispered in my ear, "Why are you trying so hard to clean a heart of sin? I took your heart of sin and nailed it to the cross. (Colossians 2:6-17). You need a new heart, a heart transplant."

Days later while  I was reading in Ezekiel 36:25-27, my eyes were  opened to the miracle that happened when I was born again,. "I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanliness, and from all your idols, I will cleanse you.  And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give a NEW heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules" 

The light went on!  The Lord Himself had created a new heart in me.  No wonder I felt condemned and discouraged trying to change myself. It was impossible. 


  I am so grateful for the power of the cross and how it has liberated me from the power of sin. May the Name of the Lord be praised forever and ever.  

TWO GREAT QUESTIONS

Recently, I received on my blog a comment from an anonymous source asking,  "When  did the New Testament start and were the disciples born again" Great questions. I confess I don't have all the answers but I have given this some thought.

If the word Testament is another word for Covenant, than I believe the New Testament (Covenant) started after Jesus' ascension. After His resurrection, Jesus had to take His blood to the Mercy Seat in Heaven to make atonement for Adam's sin. Remember how when Mary first thought that He was the gardener, but when she recognized Him she wanted to embrace Him?  His response was, "Don't touch Me, I have not  yet ascended!" Could that of meant that the Mercy Seat was waiting for His blood?  I don't know. God has His timing in everything.

I have also given some thought to the last supper, when Jesus lifted the cup of redemption saying, "this is my blood shed for you. this bread is my body broken for you."  Could this be the beginning of the New Testament?  Both Jeremiah 31 and Ezekiel 36 prophesied that a New Covenant was going to be made.

Some people think that the New Testament started with St. Paul, and that Jesus was only speaking to the Jews. Personally, I think it had to do with the Heavenly Mercy Seat.  It required a holy, righteous, prefect sacrifice of a man.  Jesus, God's Son, was the 'only one' who could fulfilled it's requirements. After His death and resurrection, the curtain was torn in the temple and then, the believer could now enter the Throne of Grace by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus.

To attempt to answer 'Were the disciples born again" with biblical proof?"  I don't think there is an explicit place where it says, "The disciples were born again".  I believe it has been implied.  One possibility might be in John 20:22. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples in the upper room. He breathed on them saying,"Receive the Holy Spirit".  The disciples now had the Holy Spirit in them, Later at Pentecost, the disciples received the 'power' to witness the resurrection.  Their lives were changed.  Peter especially became bold with His speech. 

Today, as  disciples of Jesus,we are born again. The Lord has breathed into our spirits eternal life, (Zoe).  But the question remains, have we received the "power" the witness the resurrection of our Lord?  Are we ready to testify His gospel, face persecution, be hated by the world, love our enemies, forgive those who offend us, do we love one another?"  Without His power released in us, we can't forsake the world and only be true to Him. Everything we receive from God we receive by faith.  Have we believed and received the person of the Holy Spirit? He is God too and testifies to the world who Jesus is in us!

Becoming The Beloved by Graham Cooke

Beloved, If you have ever struggled with legalism or a religious spirit, I believe that your heart will be blessed listening to this beautiful truth that our Lord died to set you free. In Christ, we are His beloved and He is ours. I know of no earthly love greater than the love of our Father and His Son for us. It truly is amazing love.  Please listen to this video and hear for you self the love  and acceptance that Jesus has for His beloved...That you!