God’s Attracted to You

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Matt 9:13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

I heard a lyric during praise and worship today and it just resonated with me for the rest of the service. It spoke of being attractive to God. Can I just tell that you are so very attractive to God. Whether you’ve never accepted Jesus Christ as your savior or you’ve been serving Christ for years, God is attracted to you.

You are attractive to God and He will do anything to be with you. Guess what it is that is so attractive to God…your Sin!!! What!!! Sin does not attract God but it disgust Him. God absolutely hates sin and that is why He will do anything to free you from it. For the person that could care less about Christ, God sent his Son and then gave His most prized possession so that they can be with Him forever. The Sin in your life attracts the Grace of God to you. Matthew shows us here what Jesus said “For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” You are His mission, He wants to love you out of Sin.    This is great news…But there is even better news

Once you’ve acknowledged Christ as your Savior, you are His forever and God goes as far as to say “Heb 13:5 For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” God always wants to be with you and the only thing that is as attractive to Him as you; is when you get together with another believer. Matthew goes a little further to tell us how Jesus feels about this “Matt 18:20 where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” You’re attractive to the Lord, He really desires you and when you get with other believers He can’t stay away!!!!

God loves us so much, He’s willing to go above and beyond to win our heart and be with us forever. So the next time the Devil tells you that God will never accept you or that He is angry with because of your sin; you tell him and whichever person, preacher or family member that “I’m even more attractive to now!”

Preach Jesus and let Him Move the Church

Church Leaders, God Loves You

John 4:34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.

Today we began what we hope to be our final home church search, as we have settled in the Houston area for good. As far as we know what God’s plans are. We don’t always look forward to this because it has very often been a very long and arduous process for us, because Jesus Christ and His finished work is not the focus of many churches out here today.

We’ve been to plenty of churches to tell us what we need to work on and how we can be better. They focus on the person in the pew, but I cannot help but believe that the One who sits on the Thrown should be the topic of the sermon. Once we know and believe what He has done on the cross for us, everything we do will from then on will be based on the solid rock. Lets look at John 4…

This is the end of a very familiar bible story: The Woman @ The Well. This woman, known by all of the town as a sinner, was literally sneaking up to the well to get some water. Sneaking so that the other town women would not see, judge and embarrass her. Instead this day she ran into the one person who would truly love “the mess” out of her.

Jesus rested at this well, where he would meet this Samaritan woman. Jews did not deal with the Samaritans or “Half-breeds” so she was being shunned by the very people who were shunned by everyone else. She could not possibly feel that good about herself, which may explain much of her behavior. Ahh but now she would meet a man that, in her own words, would “tell her all the things she ever did.” Yet He still loved and adored her, He still gave His life for her. He still had a plan for her. She still meant something to Him.

You see this is why it has been difficult for us to find a place to call home. We may be picky, but we need a place that will remind us about this great love, because when we realize how loved we are. How regardless of the mess we’ve made of our lives, or the mistakes we still often make; that God will never forsake us. That we have a Lord and Savior who cares just as much about us as today as He did when He went to the cross and that God loves us just as much as He loves Jesus….We will do just what that Samaritan woman did, we will immediately get up and go tell everyone how wonderful He is and all that He’s done for us. We will serve, bless and feed others and we will be the church….the one so many of us head out to go find every week.

The sheep don’t need to know how bad they are and what to do to make themselves better or how we can protect ourselves and stay out of trouble. They just need to follow their shepherd and eat where and what He leads them; when they do that they live a successful, joyful and abundant life. Not because of what that have done, but because they trusted and followed the shepherd. (Psalm 23).

The First Happy Meal

Giving Thanks, Spiritual Food,

John 4:34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.

Today we began what we hope to be our final home church search, as we have settled in the Houston area for good. As far as we know what God’s plans are. We don’t always look forward to this because it has very often been a very long and arduous process for us, because Jesus Christ and His finished work is not the focus of many churches out here today. Anyway that is not the topic of today’s blog.

In the message we heard today, the preacher gave an illustration using some of McDonald’s old jingles and other fast food chains. I could not help but think of the Happy meals I used to each as a kid and now my kids enjoy. Well at least my daughter, my boys feel “too old” for those kid meals.

Today’s verse really serves as a reminder to me about just how grateful we should all be that Jesus gave us the first “Happy Meal.” Let me show you:

Prior to this verse, the disciples were with Jesus and departed to go find food. They were in the middle of a 70 mile trip from Judea to Galilee. So after leaving Jesus to rest at this well, they came back with a meal for Him, so He could be replenished.  Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. What they did not realize is that Jesus had already had a Happy Meal of His own. I use the term Happy here because the Hebrew word for blessed (Esher) means Happy or Happiness and it blessed Jesus to do God’s will and to finish His work. But really it blesses us for Jesus to do God’s will and Finish His work. Because that work was finished on Calvary’s cross and redeemed us all. Jesus’ great act of love is what feed Him. This was truly the first Happy Meal….Praise be to God!!!!

It’s Not My Past I’m Worried About…..What About My Present?

God Loves You, Spiritual Food

Rom 8:1-2 “Free from Indwelling Sin” 8:1 there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

I was all set tonight, I got a lot of work done earlier in the day and evening so I could sit and watch the game unabated. Then I received a devotional with this text and was reminded about not being weighed down by my past. I thought that was pretty cool, but as I read more, I thought I’m good with my past, as a matter of fact I embrace that I was a mess and have been redeemed by Jesus’ blood. My concern and struggle at times is my present….I still mess up and fall. I know that I’m by myself because everyone else that is saved keep it all together. J But I will share why this text is so valuable to me.

Even the heading; “Free from Indwelling Sin” speaks volumes. Indwelling means to be permanently present in (someone’s soul or mind); possess spiritually. We are free from the indwelling of Sin, sin is no longer present in us when we are saved. Jesus died on the cross for all of our Sin, past…present… and future. This is the blessing, God provided a way for all of the guilt and regret of sin to be destroyed forever. On The Cross

We no longer have to deal with the guilt and regret of Sin because Jesus took it from us and placed it on His shoulders. God then destroyed them both and put them in their place….Hell with Satan. Which is why Satan always attempts to give it back to us. When we sin, Satan tells us we’re dirty, filthy and deserve to die for what you did. BUT GOD tells us to “look at the cross and remember what Jesus did,” He goes on to say “you’re Holy, Anointed and greatly loved.” When we know this to be true, “there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus”

Be Blessed!!

When You’ve Finished Your Race

Giving Thanks, God Loves You, Spiritual Food,

2 Tim 4:6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

On Friday, May 15th, 2015 I retired after 20 years of Active Duty service with the United States Coast Guard (the country’s premiere military/humanitarian service). What an unbelievable 24 total years it has been, when you include my time at the CG Academy. As I was preparing my final speech as an Active Duty Officer, I could not help but be drawn to Paul’s letter to his colleague and mentee Timothy, in preparation for his departure. I was able to use this text to highlight many very important things I’d experienced over my career both professionally and personally.

I like this text because:

–Paul discerns that God is bringing him to the end of his mission. We often want clear direction of what our next step in life should be. Trust that the Lord knows and wants to direct you. “Trust Him with all of your heart… and he will direct you path,” which includes the closing of one chapter and opening of the next.

–Paul really appreciated his battle. God gave Paul a passion and led him through many obstacles. He also allowed Paul to win many to his side of the battle along the way. This ensured that many would be able to continue the battle after he left. We have the opportunity to touch many along our journey and there should be many left to keep the fight alive.

–Paul took some time to acknowledge his many accomplishments. His work was significant, much of which is still being realized even today. It is really easy to keep pressing and never acknowledge all that God has accomplished through us. God delights in using His Son/Daughters to carry out His work and we must acknowledge it and appreciate God’s hand is bringing it to pass.

–He held his faith in high regard. The text says that he “kept the faith,” the Greek word for kept means to attend to carefully, to take care of, observe and hold in very high regard. He took very good care of his faith, feeding it, exercising it, acknowledging its source and guarding it from outside influences. Paul understood that his faith was the most significant part of his journey. It’s what sparked his passion, strengthened his endurance and help to visualize the promise. Remember that what you believe will impact your actions in life.

–Lastly, Paul saw the big picture. He saw what his ultimate goal was. When we see the big picture the journey is just a little bit more tolerable. The Crown of Righteousness he knew was waiting on him, made the tough times seem a little bit better and the fun time that much more enjoyable. See what is at your finish line, it will help you press beyond your breaking point and look forward to your future.

Paul’s Valedictory letter to Timothy and the church is a perfect model for reflection on our life’s journey. A model that helped me articulate God’s greatness during my 24 years in the Coast Guard. I’m so grateful for His active role in my career and life……and I’ll tell it everywhere I go; including the next chapter….

He Is Risen…..&…..He Is Coming Back

Spiritual Food

John 20:6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there,   7 and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself.

Today is a glorious day….We as a Christian church are diverse and mixed, but on Resurrection Sunday every church preaches in unison the Gospel message of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!!! The bible tells us that when Jesus is lifted up He will draw all men unto Himself. Which is why so many come to know Christ on Easter, even today many where drawn to Jesus. Wouldn’t it be something if we did that every Sunday!!!!

Anyway, John reminds us in this text that even though we are celebrating the greatest story ever told, His story is not over. You see Peter found an empty tomb and that was wonderful it meant that our Savior conquered death and the grave; in doing so secured eternal life for each of us that believe in Him.   Now check this out; Peter found an empty tomb, the linen cloths Jesus’ body was wrapped in and lastly the handkerchief which wrapped His head. To understand the significance of the folded handkerchief, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition. The folded handkerchief or napkin (the best translation) is best summed up in these two stories of Hebrew tradition.

1) First is the story of traditional Jewish hospitality. For the Jewish guest, if he/she was well received and thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of their host, at dinner’s end he/she would simply fold the napkin and place it at the end of the table to demonstrate their satisfaction with the evening and a desire to return again. If the guest was pleased and planned to return the host would find a folded napkin on the table, just like Peter found when he arrived at the empty tomb.

2) Secondly, a story of the Master and his servant.  “When the servant set the dinner table for the master, and then the servant would wait just out of sight, until the master had finished eating. Now if the master was done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, ‘I’m done’. But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because the folded napkin meant, ‘I’m coming back!’”[1]

He is Risen and as we celebrate today remember….He is coming back!!!

[1] THE FOLDED NAPKIN; http://www.propheticrevelation.net/misc/the_folded_napkin.htm

Null and Void

Spiritual Food

Rom 4:14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect,15 because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.

“This contract is null and void.” Have you ever heard that before? Well what does it really mean? Null and void is an idiom that means “without legal force or effect; not valid, having no force-binding power or validity.” Anything that is null or void is in the simplest terms useless!!! So what does this have to do with today’s verse; we see in verse 14 that faith is made void and the promise made of no effect…but WHY?

Romans 4 talks about Abraham being justified (rendered, declared or pronounced righteous) by faith and not by any works or efforts of his own. The same justification was given to all of Abraham’s heirs (one who receives his allotted possession by right of sonship); which includes you and me (or does it). Justification is a gift that we all desire and this chapter helps us understand how we can receive it. BY FAITH!!! Which simply means it is not what we do to receive it, but what Jesus already did…on the Cross! So what happens if faith is effected??

The text says For if those who are of the law are heirs, Those who are OF the law; the Greek word OF is (ek) which means out of, from, by, away from. So if those who are out of the Law; from the Law; by the Law (living their lives according to the Law) are heirs then faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, or useless.

I guess it would be smart to discuss the Law; WHAT exactly is it? Well, recall the bible study rule of “Frist Mention.” This rule of study is simple, if you want to know the original meaning of a word or concept then see where it was first mentioned in the bible. In this case the first time we find the Law is in book of Exodus (Ex 24:12 Then the LORD said to Moses,” Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.”) The Ten Commandments, the only “Law” that was written on tablets of stone; and these were created by God Himself. This is important because in certain other verses of scripture and in Jewish history the Law refers to the many Levitical laws created by the priest…not God.

OK we know that faith is made void and the promise made of no effect by those who are living according to the Law. But WHY…the text says because the law brings about wrath. Wrath in this text denotes anger exhibited in punishment, specifically punishments inflicted by magistrates (judges or those who dispense judgment). The Law given by God brings about wrath!!! How is that so? The Law was given to bring us to Christ, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. The Law showed us that we are sinners and that we need Jesus Christ for redemption. The Law was never created to justify us so it never will (Isa 64:6 But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags). Filthy Rags is the best we can do when we live according to the LAW. But when we live according to FAITH we receive the all the promises given to Abraham. We become the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Cor 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him).

Jesus Makes All Things New

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Rev 21:5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.”

In just a few hours we will say goodbye to 2014 and welcome 2015. The Lord wants to remind us today that He makes all things new…… Regardless of what happened in 2014, the highs and/or lows, they are no more.  Jesus said “Behold” or Pay Attention; Look and See what I have to say; I will make 2015 completely new. All that you’ve been believing God for, healing, blessing, opportunity, direction all will be new in 2015. Now prepare to receive and walk in it.

If you cannot wait for 2014 to end; “Behold” 2015 is NEW!!!!

I’m looking forward to great things in 2015 because Jesus has made it new!

Merry Christmas!!! Especially Those Dealing With Loss

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Ps 68:5 A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation.

Merry Christmas everyone, what a joyous day this is as we spend time with family and enjoying the few times a year when everybody slows down and take a little time off. Today I want to send a little extra love to those who’ve lost a loved one and no longer get to spend this special time with them. Today, with as much fun as I’m having with my wonderful family, I cannot help but miss the HUGE Smile of my Daddy. This is the 5th year without him and while many say time heals all wounds….it’s not accurate; only Jesus does.

My Dad loved this time of year, because he was a great gift giver. He enjoyed seeing faces light up because of how much they appreciated the perfect gift. He gave to as many people as he could think of, family, friend or stranger. Not to mention, when family got together he was always the life of the party. So Pops, I miss you and wish you were here….but I’m glad you’re able to hang out with your Father.

I’m drawn to this verse in Psalm, because it reminds us that God will never allow us to be without a safe place. I attended a funeral this week of a beautiful wife and mother gone at such an early age, then found out another wife and mother went home to be with the Lord. Both leaving husbands close to my age and children to fend life without them. To them I pray this verse and believe that Jesus will meet their needs and fill their voids while allowing them to properly grieve and appreciate their wife/mother.

The Hebrew meaning for Holy Habitation is a set apart, sacred dwelling place. Habitation also means refuge, which is a place to go to hide, recover and refresh. And sometimes when you lose someone, you just want to go and hide… you want to get away. You sometime need a little extra loving. God says I am your refuge Fatherless, Motherless, Husbandless, Wifeless, Brotherless and Duaghterless. Be encouraged today that Jesus came to die for us that we would be in right standing with God. And part of that right standing includes His refuge for those times like today…when your loss hurts and you need a little extra of His attention. When you need it, go into His refuge, it has been created just for you. Merry Christmas and Happy Habitation….God Loves You and sent you a gift that will help you deal with your loss.

Divine Protection

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Please Enjoy This Message

Vanessa A. Harris's avatarVanessa A. Harris

In this day and time when human life is increasingly devalued and the wickedness of mankind’s hearts grow likewise, I am thankful more now than ever for the promise of protection.  The psalmist’s confession that the Lord is his refuge and fortress, his God in whom he trusts (Psalm 91:2) is my declaration as well.  I’ve taken to praying it over each member of my family, the males in particular.

I’m also reminded to put no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3) that means in no individual, including ourselves, or systems created by people.  Who should we fully trust in, even for protection?  Jesus Christ.  Psalm 121 is another of my favorites.  I’ve shared it with my kids often, usually when they spoke of seeing monsters in their room at night. This psalm reassures us the Lord is always watching us with a protective eye.  He’s not off in the distance…

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