     This message from Dr. Stanley is the best explanation of the original sin that I had to share: The Priority of Obedience The Creator gave two commands to Adam and Eve—first, to fill the earth and rule over it, and second, not to eat from a certain tree in the Garden (Gen. 1:28; 2:17). Because they chose to disobey, their relationship with God was broken, and they had to leave Eden. The first couple’s rebellion not only impacted their own lives but also had far broader implications: all future generations have suffered. In Romans 5:12-19, the apostle Paul explained the reason. Through the trespass of one man, Adam, sin made its entrance into the world, and death resulted for all mankind. Because Adam was head of the human race, his actions affected everyone born after him. His disobedience resulted in each of us having a bent away from the Lord and a desire for self-rule. By contrast, Jesus made conformity to the Lord’s will the priority of His life. He obeyed God in both word and deed (John 8:28-29). Having lived a perfect life—one entirely without sin—He qualified to be our Savior (2 Cor. 5:21). Through the death of one man, Christ Jesus, payment was made for the transgressions of all mankind. God’s acceptance of the Son’s sacrifice brought us forgiveness and freedom from sin’s power. Adam’s disobedience brought judgment and death upon us, whereas Jesus’ obedience resulted in new life for all who believe in Him (Rom. 6:4). Our Savior calls us to deny selfish desires, live sacrificially, and follow Him (Matt. 16:24). A godly life will bring Jesus honor and influence others for Him. For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visitwww.intouch.org. I have been away to visit my son all last week and this week I worked subbing at the doc's office so have neglected my posts on my blogs but will catch up today on all of them. Thanks for stopping by and may God bless you this day and every day.  My Christian Heart to yours.... |
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Sharing Dr. Stanley's post
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Remembering the Joy of My Salvation
Born Again
2/14/2008
You may think it foolish what I'm going to say,
But I'm not ashamed, no not ashamed.
But I prayed Jesus, take my sin away,
And that's when I was born again.
Born again, there's really been a change in me
Born again, just like Jesus said
Born again, and all because of Calvary
I'm glad so glad that I've been born again.
There was one man who came to Jesus
John and Chapter 3
He was so afraid, O so afraid
He said "Master you're from God, I really do believe"
And Jesus said "you must be born again."
But I'm not ashamed, no not ashamed.
But I prayed Jesus, take my sin away,
And that's when I was born again.
Born again, there's really been a change in me
Born again, just like Jesus said
Born again, and all because of Calvary
I'm glad so glad that I've been born again.
There was one man who came to Jesus
John and Chapter 3
He was so afraid, O so afraid
He said "Master you're from God, I really do believe"
And Jesus said "you must be born again."
I tried to play my guitar and sing it for you as it is one of my favorites, but that was a disaster-ha!
When others hear you say you've been born again, they may think you are crazy because they are not familiar with the Word of God In John Chapter 3.
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus (NIV)
3 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.
2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
Wow! isn't this awesome?? I can still remember when I accepted, invited, and took the Lord into my heart (Born Again with a new life in Christ). I was filled with such joy that I rose from where I was sitting and jumped once like a child who is filled with Joy. The smile did not come off my face for a long, long time. I felt so full in my heart and such Peace. I handled my children better, lost my quick temper and could not get enough of God's word. It was truly amazing the feeling that I had. And now all these years later, I still pray, "Let the joy of my salvation be in my heart and on my lips, may others see Jesus in me. Lord, never let me lose the JOY of my salvation."
God can use anyone or anything for his instrument. I was born again watching Pat Robertson on TV. I know, you are groaning-ha! But the Lord chose this way to show me the light I had been longing for. Pat merely said to invite Jesus into my heart and I did and could feel an immediate difference and I jumped for joy. And oh the wonderful path that decision led me. I had been of another faith but was empty inside and sought out a Bible Teaching church. I literally knocked on the door of a church and it was opened!
It was opened by a parishioner/believer who was there painting in the building. He told me I had come to the right place and invited me to service. Four years later, our whole family was going there and my two daughters were baptized in the spirit there, my son and one daughter were married there and my husband's memorial service was performed there just this last March. That church, United Church of Auburn, NY, never let us go, never forgot about us when we moved to SC and for these past 23 years still send the monthly newsletter to us. I became a certified Bethel Bible teacher after two years of intensive study while attending there and learned so much I never knew about God and His Son. I learned that I could have a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM. I did not have to go through saints to intercede for me, I could TALK WITH JESUS! It was such an exciting time in my life and still is. But that first year of being Born Again was just full of little miracles and I am so grateful that someone "opened the door" to what I was longing for.
Are you feeling empty inside, like something is missing even though you have attended church and been a Christian for all of your life? Just ask God to come into your heart and then share your joy with someone. It shall be done.
Thank you so much for visiting my Christian Blog and I hope you take away with you something new, something that will bless you and give you hope and a closer relationship with Jesus and His Father. Enjoy this blessed Sunday.
Much Love,
My Christian heart to yours....
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Still struggling with loss...
I am still struggling with the loss of my beloved Bill. Sometimes, it seems to be getting better and then I hit a slump where I miss his presence so much, I can hardly stand it. I know he is with the Lord and not suffering any longer but when you have been a caretaker for 7 years, it is quite disconcerting when you feel you no longer have a purpose in life.
I find it hard to fit in anywhere now that I am one. God is providing much for me...work, earnings and sustaining me just as he always has. But my feelings of loneliness are quite overwhelming at times and I break down. All this is normal in the healing process of losing a loved one but even though we know and understand the process, it does not make it any easier. I keep as busy as I can and I love gardening and picked my first tomato from the vine on Sunday!
Today, I did not have to work so I decorated the front of the house with flags and red, white and blue flowers. I am slowly getting back into reading again and am enjoying a new book and of course never get tired of reading the Bible.
I find myself thinking a lot on our role as servants of the Lord and want to serve wherever God would use me. I am most gratified when serving others for good. (References 2 Cor 4:5, Philippians 6-7, Mark 9:35, 1 Peter 4:10 and John 15:12-13)
How are you handling your losses? I hope you are getting out and about and serving the Lord in some capacity. Sometimes, it is as simple as sharing a favorite dish that you cook with neighbors. Do whatever you can to help others and in the same way, you also help yourself. I am still taking one day at a time..... as the song says.
Much love to my faithful followers. I am hoping to get back into the habit of posting more. Thank you.
Today, I did not have to work so I decorated the front of the house with flags and red, white and blue flowers. I am slowly getting back into reading again and am enjoying a new book and of course never get tired of reading the Bible.
I find myself thinking a lot on our role as servants of the Lord and want to serve wherever God would use me. I am most gratified when serving others for good. (References 2 Cor 4:5, Philippians 6-7, Mark 9:35, 1 Peter 4:10 and John 15:12-13)
How are you handling your losses? I hope you are getting out and about and serving the Lord in some capacity. Sometimes, it is as simple as sharing a favorite dish that you cook with neighbors. Do whatever you can to help others and in the same way, you also help yourself. I am still taking one day at a time..... as the song says.
Much love to my faithful followers. I am hoping to get back into the habit of posting more. Thank you.
My Christian Heart to yours...
Sunday, June 3, 2012
HAVE A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS....
I love the words to "Have a Little Talk with Jesus" and I love the Oakridge Boy's rendition of it! Beverly, at How Sweet The Sound, posted it yesterday and I can hardly keep my hands and feet still when listening to this one-ha! I listened this morning and feel so joyful in my heart and mind.
I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do. God uses anyone and everyone as his instrument to spread the word of Jesus. Songs have been a part of spreading and listening to the word of God since time began. The Psalms (Psalm 51:7) were songs written by David and all these many centuries later, here we are learning God's word through them.
Life is awesome, isn't it? God can heal us from great loss, great illness, great sins. Isaiah 1:18 "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" through confession and inviting Jesus into your sincere heart.
God's mercy is endless. What would make your heart sing this morning??
This was taken at Huntington Beach, SC last evening by my Daughter Barbara. It is a Green Heron. I see God in every creature and it makes my heart sing!
Have a most blessed Sunday, Much love,
I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do. God uses anyone and everyone as his instrument to spread the word of Jesus. Songs have been a part of spreading and listening to the word of God since time began. The Psalms (Psalm 51:7) were songs written by David and all these many centuries later, here we are learning God's word through them.
Life is awesome, isn't it? God can heal us from great loss, great illness, great sins. Isaiah 1:18 "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" through confession and inviting Jesus into your sincere heart.
God's mercy is endless. What would make your heart sing this morning??
This was taken at Huntington Beach, SC last evening by my Daughter Barbara. It is a Green Heron. I see God in every creature and it makes my heart sing!
Have a most blessed Sunday, Much love,
My Christian heart to yours....
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Listening to God...
Are you listening for God's words?
How do you talk to God? How do you LISTEN for what he offers you for a life's plan?
If you are doing all the talking, how can you hear God? If you are talking to a friend and you do all the talking, you don't find out much about your friend, or Their life, their loves and concerns.
It is that way with Jesus and our Lord. It is hard to hear God's answers when you are praying if you never thank God and his Son for listening to YOU, nurturing you, blessing you in so many ways that you do not even notice because you are so full of yourself. Be still, God is listening and knows your needs and your thoughts as soon as they occur to you. God is all-knowing and omnipotent. He is ever present, everlasting, and all powerful. If you approach the Father and the Son with a humble, thankful heart, He will answer you. Sometimes, it is only a whisper, from God's lips to your ears. So be still..... I wrote a doodle on my desk blotter that says, "shhhh! God is speaking." It calms me when I look at it.
Places to hear God: Nature, sunshine, animals- wild and domestic, fishing, meditating, walking and of course church, if you are not distracted by what the people next to you are wearing or their singing voice or how you look, etc. If we let go of "me", we find THEE.
Bible references:
James 1:19 ..."we should be quick to listen and slow to speak."
Matthew 11:15 ..."he who has ears to hear, let him hear."
"He who answers before listening--that is his folly and his shame." (Proverbs 18:13).
Listening is hard work as is giving someone or the Lord your full attention and patience. And when you ask for things and do not get them, you have to accept and acknowledge that God does say "NO" at times. He sees the best plan for your whole life. You are living in your past, your present and your future. You should be living in the present, looking for blessings that are sent your way if you open your heart and ears to see and Hear them.
Suggestions: Find a quiet place where you can let go of all that is in your head (working, family chores, bad memories, regrets, holding grudges, etc.) of the world. Perhaps reading a passage from your favorite Bible verses, proverbs or psalms will trigger your peace. Tell God you are ready to listen and just relax, see what thoughts come to you. Hold your hands palms up expecting a blessing....
Before I wrote today's post, I was checking e-mails and face book but the theme of listening to God came over me and wallah! A post was born! It is amazing how the Lord works and much fun to see what he has in store for my days! So now I am going out to cut my lawn, excuse me I mean weeds! And my heart is full of joy from the Lord so my burden will be light....
Thank you for coming today, you are blessed and I am blessed.
_-_T%C3%AAte_d'Etude_l'Oiseau_(1867).jpg)
How do you talk to God? How do you LISTEN for what he offers you for a life's plan?
If you are doing all the talking, how can you hear God? If you are talking to a friend and you do all the talking, you don't find out much about your friend, or Their life, their loves and concerns.
It is that way with Jesus and our Lord. It is hard to hear God's answers when you are praying if you never thank God and his Son for listening to YOU, nurturing you, blessing you in so many ways that you do not even notice because you are so full of yourself. Be still, God is listening and knows your needs and your thoughts as soon as they occur to you. God is all-knowing and omnipotent. He is ever present, everlasting, and all powerful. If you approach the Father and the Son with a humble, thankful heart, He will answer you. Sometimes, it is only a whisper, from God's lips to your ears. So be still..... I wrote a doodle on my desk blotter that says, "shhhh! God is speaking." It calms me when I look at it.
Places to hear God: Nature, sunshine, animals- wild and domestic, fishing, meditating, walking and of course church, if you are not distracted by what the people next to you are wearing or their singing voice or how you look, etc. If we let go of "me", we find THEE.
Bible references:
James 1:19 ..."we should be quick to listen and slow to speak."
Matthew 11:15 ..."he who has ears to hear, let him hear."
"He who answers before listening--that is his folly and his shame." (Proverbs 18:13).
Listening is hard work as is giving someone or the Lord your full attention and patience. And when you ask for things and do not get them, you have to accept and acknowledge that God does say "NO" at times. He sees the best plan for your whole life. You are living in your past, your present and your future. You should be living in the present, looking for blessings that are sent your way if you open your heart and ears to see and Hear them.
Suggestions: Find a quiet place where you can let go of all that is in your head (working, family chores, bad memories, regrets, holding grudges, etc.) of the world. Perhaps reading a passage from your favorite Bible verses, proverbs or psalms will trigger your peace. Tell God you are ready to listen and just relax, see what thoughts come to you. Hold your hands palms up expecting a blessing....
Before I wrote today's post, I was checking e-mails and face book but the theme of listening to God came over me and wallah! A post was born! It is amazing how the Lord works and much fun to see what he has in store for my days! So now I am going out to cut my lawn, excuse me I mean weeds! And my heart is full of joy from the Lord so my burden will be light....
Thank you for coming today, you are blessed and I am blessed.
_-_T%C3%AAte_d'Etude_l'Oiseau_(1867).jpg){kind=spacer}
My Christian heart to yours...
Sunday, May 20, 2012
People do need the Lord
Can you imagine your life without Jesus and our Lord? And for those of you that are yet to come to the Father, what a blessing you have in store for you!
Have you always wanted to have that look and feel of joy that you see on Christian faces despite their circumstances and the things that life throws at them in this earthly world? You can have this, it is yours. It came with a price but Jesus paid it FOR YOU by his death on the cross, the one true lamb that was sacrificed for our sins.
You need only to confess your sins and invite the Lord and Jesus into your heart. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. The old has gone, the new hath come." 2 Corinthians 5:17 When I became a new baby Christian being born again in Christ (a change of heart as though you were born again) I jumped for Joy and woke every morning not being able to wait to see what the Lord was going to do each day. And I prayed daily, "Lord let the joy of my salvation be on my lips and show on my face that others might see."
Sometimes we lose our joy as I did when my hubby passed from a terrible cancer after 7 yrs. of fighting it. Never before had I needed God and his Son so much! Now 3 months later I am learning to live again---as one. And if it were not for my Christian faith, I would not have been able to go on, I NEEDED THE LORD.
Please play the beautiful video on the right of this post, People need the Lord. It says it all so beautifully. And right now wherever you are, invite Jesus into your heart and you will be filled with peace, love, kindness and joy. And jump for joy if you want, it's okay! Then share your joy with others so that they might know the same joy. You are Bless-ed to be a Blessing!
Have a most wonderful Sunday.
My Christian heart to yours...
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