Are You Living in Amazing Grace?

I'm sure as you read the title, the words of "Amazing Grace" came to your mind. It may be the original verses or the more contemporary, either way the message remains the same.

"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me...I once was lost but now I am found, was blind but now I see..."

Since 1760 this hymn has been around the globe. People have sung it in Cathedrals, Country churches, Mega churches, house churches, in their homes and even in their vehicles. The message is clear but I believe due to the tradition of singing this song, it has become stale among church goers today. We often sing this song without thinking about the meaning.

You see this song was written in past tense and present tense..."I once was lost". Being lost means to be separated from God because of our sin nature. "But now I am found". This means you are now reconciled to God through the precious blood of Jesus because of God's amazing grace! If we sing this song and still live in the "past tense" of being lost, there is no amazing grace to experience...

Yes, God's grace is extended to ALL people but if you don't confess Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead(Romans 10:9)then you are not "found"/saved. You are still living in a "lost" position of life eternal. The lie that has ensnared people all over the world, especially "Christians" in the United States is: "As long as you prayed a prayer and asked Jesus to come into your heart, you are saved. You don't have to change to way you live to be His child." This is only partial truth.

The Truth is, if a person truly repents and asks Jesus to be their Lord and Savior, there is change in their lifestyle! He loves you so much and accepts you just as you are but refuses to leave you just as you are. It won't come all at once but it will happen. Why? Because the Holy Spirit has taken residence in your body and has given you the Spirit of Christ.(Read Ephesians 5)

I believe too many have prayed a prayer out of fear, just as I did when I was younger because I didn't want to go to hell when I died. There was no evidence of Jesus in my life, no life change, no remorse when I sinned, etc. I lived how I wanted to live until I was 28 and I realized my sin separated me from Holy God. I repented and gave my life to Christ. I then started living in the "found" position of life, because the Holy Spirit made His home in me and convicted me of sins.

When I hear this song, no matter where I am, I am truly thankful for His AMAZING GRACE, that saved a wretch like me! How about you? Are you living in His Amazing Grace?

Enter in and WORSHIP!

Psalm 100:3-5
"Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations."

During a church service, our praise team did an awesome job of leading us in worship. There's just something about being in corporate worship, in the Lord's presence! It truly is a miracle that we can worship freely in our country! But an even greater miracle is the fact that we can enter His courts with praise, and we are not limited to when we enter into worship.

The Lord spoke to my heart saying, "My gates are wide open and I invite all to enter into my courts with praise and thanksgiving, but few accept the invitation. There are those that truly enter in, with their hearts full of rejoicing simply because I am their Lord and Savior! Then there are those who are standing outside the gates peeking in, they claim I am their Savior, but they seem to say I am not worthy of their worship as Lord of lords and King of kings."

How sad to know that few will enter in to worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Many are satisfied with worship outside the gates of His courts...until a person truly surrenders ALL and realizes Jesus is ALL they need, they will remain outside the Gates of Splendor!

Where will you worship Him?He has invited you to enter His gates, so what are you waiting for?

I Am a Byproduct of Your Affair

I am a Byproduct of Your Affair
Selfish is my name, satisfying the flesh is my game

I cause you to look out for #1
I cause you to satisfy your fleshly desires
I cause you to ignore those in need
I cause you to love yourself more than you love others
I cause you to have a cold and indifferent heart toward the Truth
I cause you to want more and more
I cause you to throw out all morals
I cause you to think of Jesus as a slave driver
I cause you to believe Jesus' yoke is heavy

You see I am a byproduct of your affair with the prince of this world, the Prince of Darkness. Those "stuck-in-the-mud's, goody-goodies, holier-than-though, born-again Believers" say I am the reason for sin. That's what they think.
It's fun being ME, Selfish,then there is no need to care what others think, especially God. If you are like me then you will have a fun, thrilling, adventurous, exciting, better life. Not dull and boring like that "narrow" road Jesus talks about. I don't mind if you want to call yourself by my name...the more the merrier!! Although it might get confusing, everyone going around saying, "Hey, Selfish how ya doing?" But since we don't care what others think, then whoopy doo. We will just live in a world full of Selfish people.

Yours Truly,
Selfish

The Yoke of Unbelief

Matthew 11:20 "Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where he had done so many of his miracles, because they hadn’t repented of their sins and turned to God."

Matthew 11:28-30 NLT "Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

At the start of Matthew 11, John the Baptist, who was sent before Christ to announce His coming to the world was put in prison, Jesus was performing miracles and the Gospel was being proclaimed throughout the region of Galilee.

The people who lived during the time of Christ, actually saw the miracles being performed! Can you imagine being an eye witness to His majesty? The Messiah in their midst and guess what? They didn't believe! They rejected Him, the One and Only Savior! I call this a "yoke of unbelief". They chose to enter the "yoke of unbelief" with satan because of their unrepentant hearts. You did know that not believing is sin, right?

Let me ask this...How many of us have experienced the miracles of Christ in our own lives and yet decide to not believe? I am convinced this "yoke of unbelief" is from satan himself. In that case,satan's yoke is going to be hard and heavy! Why?
The yoke is hard and heavy because satan is the one on the other side of the yoke with you...Because of God's truth, I see satan as weak and puny, therefore he has to use others to help him carry the "yoke of unbelief". Can you visualize powerless old satan trying to lift a heavy load of any kind? I laugh thinking about it. Now picture yourself in a yoke with scrawny satan....who is carrying most of the load? You are! That is why it's hard and heavy, you ain't got no help!

Now visualize the "Yoke of belief" if you will...Jesus on one side and you on the other. Jesus is strong and can hold the yoke all by himself. He doesn't need your help. What He wants is a partner. Think about it, Jesus and you walking side by side. You are not ahead of Him or behind Him, but right with Him in a yoke He made specifically for you. It fits like a glove when Jesus is in it with you.

My challenge to all God's children, is that when you start to doubt God is able, when that little voice tells you not to believe, visualize Jesus' yoke upon you...better yet visualize that scrawny, weakling, satan telling you not to believe. Then verbalize your belief in Jesus and tell satan to get lost! He is just wanting you to do his dirty work, so don't fall for it!

Satan or Jesus? Who are you a slave to?

Romans 6:12-18 (New Living Translation)
"Do not let sin control the way you live;[a] do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you.Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living."

Paul,in writing the book of Romans, asked the most important question to the believer and that is,"Do we keep on sinning because we have been set free from the law? Do we keep on sinning to allow God's grace to abound? Paul's answer, "Absolutely not!"(Romans 6:2)

Many Christians take advantage of the sacrifice that was made for them on the cross. Using it as a "golden ticket" to live as they please. To me, it's like slapping Jesus in the face when we deliberately sin. Many use the excuse that God died for all people and for all sin, therefore they can live however they please. But that is a lie from the Devil himself. Reread the verses above. When we choose to live in sin, we are a tool for satan! Did you get that? Let me say it again...when we choose to live in sin we are a tool for satan! I didn't come up with it, God did.

The opposite of being a tool for satan is being a tool for God!(vs.13)I desire to be used by God for His glory, for His Kingdom! I fail at times but the Holy Spirit is alive and well in me, therefore; I feel the conviction from my Lord when I am sinning or about to...what a freedom that brings! The kind of freedom that shows me a better way. A freedom that says to my heart, "the temporary joy is not worth the pain that will follow this sin." or "The sin your are about to do will affect more people than you can imagine."

I don't know about you all but I will not be satan's tool! After all, we were created for God's purpose and for His glory!

Lord God, please help us to be familiar with the schemes of the devil that we may avoid his traps. May we stay on the path that You planned for us from the beginning of time and enjoy the freedom that comes with following Your narrow path. We need your help for we are weak, but we know that we have victory as long as we follow You! Fill us with the Holy Spirit and guide us as we live in this evil world. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen!

Happy Mother's Day Mom, I love you!

Dear Mom,
I just wanted to write this Mother's Day letter to tell you how much I love you and how much I miss seeing your face. I miss hearing your laugh. I miss seeing your beautiful brown eyes, that always had a sparkle. Mom, I just miss you. I wish I could call you up when I am having a rough day or just want to chat.
It's strange to me that this Mother's Day seems to be very hard since you went home to be with the Lord. It's been a little over 2 years now and I have my days where I just need your touch or words of comfort. I often think of the things you have missed, like Stephone graduating from high school, the kid's birthdays and such. Trea is graduating this month and you will miss that too. It saddens me to know you are not apart of the celebration physically, but joy comes to my heart knowing you are having the time of your eternal life, in heaven with our sweet Jesus!
I talk about you often with the kids. Asking them what they remember about you...we laugh and cry as we recall special memories we have shared....like you searching for that unique rock, always looking for a 4 leaf clover, and making flower bracelets for the girls. You recognized God's creation as something to be treasured.
Stephone and Trea remember going fishing with you and Papa during the summer. Keanna remembers you singing to her as you rocked her to sleep and she said,"Shhh grandma, I trying to sleep." I reminded her of the time she wanted to go live with you and she packed her suitcase when she was only 2 years old. Kobe remembers you playing Mario and another video game on the Nintendo and watching cartoons with you on Saturday mornings or the Tool Time show with Tim Allen.
When I was little, I remember your long brown hair...and I remember you telling me everything was going to be alright when bad things happened.
When you were in the hospital during the last week of your life, you told me you were sorry for any wrong you had done and asked me to forgive you. I told you that I forgave you and how much I loved you. Then you held me in your arms and told me how proud you were of me and how much you loved me.
Mom, I am proud of you! I love you so very much and I want to thank you for all the sacrifices you made for our family. We didn't have much growing up but one thing we did have was your love! That can never be replaced or taken away!
I thank God for you and allowing me to be your daughter. I know you are having the BEST Mother's Day because you are in the Lord's presence, free from all of lives trials and tribulations and for that I am grateful!
This Mother's day I honor you, my mom!
Proverbs 31:25&28
"Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come....
"Her children rise up and call her blessed"

Satan has asked to sift each of you!

Luke 22:31-34 CEV Jesus said, "Simon, listen to me! Satan has demanded the right to test each one of you, as a farmer does when he separates wheat from the husks.But Simon, I have prayed that your faith will be strong. And when you have come back to me, help the others." Peter said, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to jail and even to die with you." Jesus replied, "Peter, I tell you that before a rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will say three times that you don't know me."


Jesus was speaking to Peter before He was betrayed by Judas and arrested by the Jewish leaders. He had given Peter a stern warning. He told Peter that Satan wanted to "sift each one like wheat". One commentator said it means,"to take us apart". Did you get that? Satan wants to take us apart!(Biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries)

Jesus assured Peter that He had prayed for his faith to remain strong and that after Peter's denial, Peter would strengthen others through his own experience.

Peter did not fully understand his weakness, yet Jesus did and he warned him. When Jesus led them to the garden to pray, He told the disciples to wait there and pray so that they would be able to withstand the coming trials. The disciples fell asleep when they were supposed to be praying. Luke 22:45 says that when Jesus went to check on them, they were all asleep, exhausted from sorrow.

I can definitely relate to the disciples. I can remember several times praying during a sorrowful time and falling asleep out of pure exhaustion. The moment my feet hit the floor, Satan knew I was weak because of my lack of prayer. I fell for his lies and rushed to become agitated and grouchy, my temper flared easily, grumbling words rolled off my tongue, negativity filled my mind and anyone within ear shot knew to stay out of my way...Ever been there?

What happened when Jesus was arrested? Some of the disciples fled but Peter was ticked and went into warrior mode! He drew his sword, thinking he was protecting Jesus, and cut off the ear of the priest's servant. Jesus rebuked him and demanded he put away his sword. Peter followed with his flesh...much like I do.

I often think about how I would have acted or reacted in that situation? I am similar to Peter and I know when I am not prayed up and filled with the Holy Spirit, I can lose my cool. I am a natural born fighter and I have to stay in a mindset of prayer so that I am not tempted to blow my top...I fail many times but praise God, less and less as I mature in Christ. Just being real.

After Jesus was arrested, Peter then followed Him from a distance. This is when he denied Christ three times before the rooster crowed. A rooster's crow signals a new day, which for Peter would mean a new beginning. I love that Jesus' words to Peter before all of this took place, knowing Peter would fail, were words of hope! For Peter, this new day was the beginning of his faith walk with Jesus! I think of the verse in Psalm 30:5, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

Peter wept the night before, fell asleep when he was to be praying, was unable to withstand the temptation of sinful anger, denied Christ three times, and then...the rooster crowed! The instant Peter heard the sound, his heart was broken and he realized his sins. I imagine Jesus looking Peter in the eyes with compassion as to say, "Remember the warning I gave you? Now accept my grace now go strengthen your brothers."

Peter may have failed at the moment, but he did not stay in the failure mode. I have failed in moments of weakness as well but I don't stay there long. You know why? I envision Jesus looking at me with His grace-filled eyes saying,"Now get up and go strengthen your brothers and sisters in Christ."

We always have a way of escape from any sin or temptation(1 Cor 10:13). Through Christ's strength, depending fully on His Spirit, and continual praying; is our way of escape. Just as Jesus told Peter to be in prayer because the Devil wants to take us out...and he tries us one at a time! Know that Jesus is praying for us and we too have to be praying in order to win our battles on this earth!