Bread of Life, JIL

” What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.” Galatians 6:15

It is easy to become complacent in this life. We begin to settle into worldly ways and our lives become examples of this world. However, God gives us an opportunity to change our focus. We have a chance to grasp onto his thoughts and desires for our lives. He gives us Jesus! When we meet our Savior, our lives begin to change because we are now associating with the greatness of God himself. We are becoming transformed into a new creation, one that stands out in the world and looks different and acts different. This change in focus and change in our thoughts and actions, are necessary for us to live lives here on earth that are to be much like heaven itself. So, whether we have perfect lives in this world or whether our lives are just one problem after another, we must never forget that our transformation into what God wants us to be, should be our focus. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

“I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind he will find acceptable.” Romans 12:1

When we live our lives as a sacrifice to our God in heaven we are doing so through our trust and faith in him. When we give our all, we are giving our bodies and our lives to him to control and take care of. He will guide us and protect us in every situation. Whether we find danger or whether we find sadness or whether his joy overcomes us, he is beside us always. We must believe and receive because our God never fails! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

“ So, all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of faith.” Galatians 3:9

“ For the scriptures say, ‘It is through faith that a righteous person has life’. ” Galatians 3:11

When we plant a garden, we must make sure that our new plants have enough fertilizer and water, each of which make the new plants grow. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are planting a seed that will grow into a new life. We must make sure that we give it the nutrients of God’s Word and the sprinkling of faith to make sure the new life grows into a productive and useful plant for Christ Jesus. We must nurture our new life with consistent study of what God’s wants and desires are for us, and with much prayer and praise to our God in heaven. When we do these things consistently, we will produce a new life that is exactly what God has intended for us. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

“My cup overflows with blessings” Psalm 23:5

Blessings from our God are out there for us to cling to each day. Some of them go unnoticed while others we grab onto and ride the great wave of God. But there are many other times where we see the blessing, and want to accept it, but instead get entangled in the ways of the world, so we turn our backs and go on living our lives as normal. When we recognize that God wants to bless us, that he wants us to live our lives in the safest and most comfortable ways possible on the earth, it is then that we take hold and listen to his directions and live his way and not our own. Our cup overflows with blessings. How many are we leaving in the cup and not taking hold? PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

“Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself.” Matthew 27:5

When Jesus walked this earth his life to most was just a fleeting moment in time. To many of his enemies he was just another one of those rebel rousers. He was just another who was causing problems. To them, thirty pieces of silver was plenty to pay for the life of Jesus. In their minds he was nothing more than a homeless person wandering around the countryside telling strange stories and trying to get the crowds roused. However, to Judas, once he saw of the mistake he had made, reality set in. He had turned the Lord Jesus over to be crucified. It was he who was responsible and there was nothing he could do to make it right. He had succumbed and chosen the way of the world. As you and I look at Jesus we see much more than thirty pieces of silver. We see God. We see salvation and forgiveness and healing. We see the real life, the life everlasting that is on its way. The world is still working and trying to take Jesus away from us, but we must stay strong and continue to build our faith and trust in Jesus Christ! If we do, we will be saved and be on our way to a life forever in the arms of our God in heaven. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

Every morning that we wake up we are reminded that another day has been granted to us by our God in heaven. It is a day the Lord has made, and we are to have joy in it. No matter the troubles we may encounter we are to look deep into God’s Holy Word and try to understand how we are to represent him. We are living in the Great Dress Rehearsal. We are to begin to live our lives here on earth as we will live them in heaven. We must put God first; give him much praise for all things he has given us and pray to him often. For as we prepare for our transition to heaven we are reminded of his love for us and the sacrifice he made by giving his son, Jesus, to die on the cross so you and I have the opportunity to be included in this Great Dress Rehearsal. So, let us all put on our proper clothing and move forward in Jesus! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

“Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11

” Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from the evil world in which we live.” Galatians 1:3-4

The message that God wants us to receive is one that is simple and exact. We must recognize that Jesus went to the cross for us, and with this one act he saved us from the evils of this world. He gives us a breath of fresh air and a life everlasting with him in heaven. All that we must do is accept him as our Lord and savior. It really is a simple message, that is sometimes so messed up by the world, that those who try to accept it become engrossed in man-made traditions and other worldly activities. It is worth our efforts to read Galatians 1: 3-4 and meditate on the simple message that God wants us to receive. As we believe and receive, everything that God has for us will fall into place. Through hard times and good times, he will be with us through them all! PRAISE THE LORD I N ALL THINGS!

” We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that we are actually strong.” 2 Corinthians 13:9

Sometimes we must hit rock bottom in order to reach a point where we realize we need help. There are times in life when there is no other source for the strength we need than Jesus Christ, himself. Many in the world consider a relationship with Christ to be crack in the armor. They see it as a weakness. However, it is that relationship that strengthens us through direct communication with our Lord in prayer. Jesus is our rock. He cannot be broken, and he cannot be moved. It is through our weaknesses that his strength shines to the world! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.” Proverbs 12:25

Would you rather be around someone who is cheerful and full of positive comments or around someone who is down and out and who is full of anger, depression and negative thoughts? As followers of Christ Jesus, we are to follow in his footsteps. Jesus was not negative in his thoughts and desires for those around him. Instead, he was always spreading the truths of God in heaven and trying to build those around him up. He was always casting out evil and healing others. You and I are to walk in the steps of Jesus. We too, are to build others up and not tear them down. We are to know God’s word and spread it to the world. In doing so, we too will see evil run away and joy set in. Let us all spread God’s holy word to the world around us! JESUS IS LORD! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

” My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

” For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10

It is very easy to fall into a sense of false security. When things are going well for us, we sometimes forget how we got there. We forget the things that God has done for us. We forget how he raised us up out of the pit of destruction and into a place of peace. It is in our struggles that we most often go to God. It is then that we realize we need his power and strength in our lives. It is then that we need his comforting words and his direction. We may sometimes wonder why we are struggling but it is in those struggles that God’s strength is on display. The next time you have problems remember that God is about to show his strength. We must have strong faith and believe that we receive. Our God in heaven never fails us! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

“I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again.” 2 Corinthians 11:23

Paul had many trials and tribulations in his journey in Christ. His belief and trust in the Lord helped him to plow through and continue his walk without allowing doubt or fear to stop him. He was able to overcome the pain and the fear by his close relationship with Jesus. You and I are no different. As we move through life it is important that we continue stay close to Christ. He is our redeemer, our safety net when we falter, our source of faith that overcomes fear, sadness and doubt, and our strength in times that seem unbearable. With Jesus we can do all things. Just as Paul was able to overcome his many obstacles, we too, are able to do the same. We must keep our praises going upward to God in heaven along with prayers and our confessions of faith. We must remind ourselves that we are able to plow through because God is by our side. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

“For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20

When we accept our Lord Jesus as our personal Savior, we have a solid foundation to build upon. There are no cracks or spaces that may cause problems to our building process. It is our responsibility to begin to build upon that foundation. We are to not only spread his mighty word by telling others of his saving grace, but we are to live our lives in such a way as to demonstrate our faith to those by whom we are surrounded. We are not perfect, but we are to live in such a way that will show others the experience they also can have in Christ Jesus. There is no doubt that our life on this earth is so much greater with Jesus than without him. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

“I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.” Psalm 91:14

By definition, trust is a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or strength of someone or something. As we live in this world our trust becomes dependent upon our eyes by seeing what we need to believe. If we can’t see it, touch it or smell it then we are unable to believe and trust in it. With Jesus, it is just the opposite. We must trust first and then we will be able to see and understand. This is not an easy assignment. It is one that demands study of God’s word and much prayer. Practice makes perfect, so the saying goes. With Jesus, staying close to him each day makes our trust in him stronger and our faith to begin to sprout. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

“His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Psalm 91:4

If you were given a treasure map and told that at the end of this map there was a great treasure, you would probably follow it exactly as it instructs. Well, God has given you a treasure map, one that entails his everlasting promises. It is one that will save you, heal you, forgive you and help you to live a life on this earth that will be pleasing to God in heaven. In Psalm 91:4 our Lord gives us a map to all of these things. He plainly tells us that his promises are our protection. It is important to search for his promises in his word. They are wealth to our lives, our faith and our trust in him. Each one is a blessing and needed for our living in this world. If you claim these promises your life will be one of peace, understanding and wisdom. CLAIM THEM! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

” Satan, who is the God of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News.” 2 Corinthians 4:4

It is very unfortunate that there are those who exist in this world who have been blinded by the ways of the devil. He makes imitations of what our God wants and sells them to those who have decided to live in this world rather than to live for Christ Jesus. Their lives consist of self-seeking attitudes and the things of this earth. What they believe and what they seek may seem unbelievable to us, but they are real. Their actions cause us to strengthen our faith and seek our Lord with a greater desire. Our faith in Jesus becomes the center of our life as we must battle the evils of this world. We must remember always that Jesus is Lord! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

“And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

Temptations are plentiful in this world. Struggles are numerous and never without consequences. The devil is always prowling around trying to steal our joy and happiness from us. He offers to us the joy of the world instead of eternal joy and happiness that God in heaven offers to us each. We may face struggles and temptations on a daily basis, but God has promised that he will never allow us more than we can handle. We can rest assured that with every temptation comes with it the strength of our God in heaven. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

“For many are called but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14

“Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.” Matthew 22:9

“As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it.” 2 Corinthians 6:1

“We serve God whether people honor us or despise us.” 2 Corinthians 6:8

It is important to realize that all who have been called have an equal chance of being chosen to live a life everlasting with God in heaven. However, what is important is that we realize that accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior is a way of life and not just “a thing we do”. It is the way we speak, the attitude we have when we get out of bed in the morning, the way we treat others, the way we handle the obstructions of life, and all of the other ways we show the world our choice in life. It is our goal not just to be called but to accept the call and be chosen. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

” So, whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him.” 2 Corinthians 5:9 “Either way, Christ’s love controls us.” 2 Corinthians 5:14

Our lives, before being introduced to Christ, are demonstrated through living for our own self interests. Our goals are to make things better for our life here on this earth. However, after accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our lives on this earth become a training ground for what is to come. Our thoughts and goals change. We begin to think of Jesus first instead of ourselves. We begin to train for our next adventure in Christ. The Lord is training us for heaven itself. Our lives are to be full of praise and thanksgiving for our God. We are to begin our journey for our life in heaven right here on this earth. Then, when we shed this body, our death will be nothing more than a transition from this earthly life to our heavenly life. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

“ Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16

Sometimes as I reflect upon my life, I remember myself as a little boy. I remember the hard times I would give my mother and the wild things I would do. As I reflect upon these things, the Lord reminds me that I am that same little boy. My body has changed because it must, but my spirit is the same. I have gained knowledge and may know more, but again, my spirit is renewed every day. The Lord reminds me that each day as my body may crumble a little more, my spirit gains strength and I am alive. I am so grateful to my Lord God in heaven because I am assured by Him that I will live forever in his loving arms and the strength of his glory. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

“Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord could survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.” Psalm 130:3-4

God does keep a record of sins. For those who never come to Christ, they will have to answer for every sin they have ever committed. However, for those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, their sins are forgiven and wiped away forever. It is through forgiveness that God gives us a chance to change our lives and show our love for him. It is through that forgiveness that we are allowed to live and show our Lord the love he so richly deserves. Jesus is coming soon. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

” So, Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and waves, he was terrified and began to sink.” Matthew 14:29-30

Peter was doing something no other man had done except Jesus. He walks on the water and moves toward Jesus; he had to throw out all of the worldly thoughts of fear and worry and just focus on the Lord. When he saw the Lord, he went to him as quickly as he could. However, when he saw the greatness of the wind and the waves, he began to take his focus off of Jesus and return to his worldly understanding. He forgot about his faith and his strength, both of which were given to him by Jesus. Instead, he concentrated on the fear of falling into the water and drowning. Listening to the world will do that to us all. It will take away our strength and belittle our faith to a point of consuming it completely. With the encouragement of Jesus, our lives become consumed with fear, problems and sadness. What joy we have lasts only a short time and then becomes missing again. Jesus is always there to extend his hand so that we can take hold and be pulled from the ways of this world. So, the next time you are confronted with problems, turn your focus to Jesus. He is the one who has taken our burdens and nailed them to the cross. Give thanks to the Lord our God in heaven for his gift of sacrifice so greatly displayed by his son Jesus Christ! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

“He has commissioned us and has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything, he has promised us.” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

Our Lord has given us the greatest rank, authority and power we are able to receive. He has not placed ordinary bars of significance upon us but instead he has placed the Holy Spirit in our hearts. He gives us power and strength to move forward in Christ Jesus and show the world his great promises. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

“And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

Our God in heaven knows us on an intimate basis. He knows our likes and our dislikes. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses. He understands just how much each of us can handle. He will never give us more adversity than we can deal with. Therefore, the next time you are in a situation where you think you think you cannot withstand, just remember 1 Corinthians 10:13. Our God in heaven is faithful in all situations! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

” Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. ” 1 Corinthians 15:58 ” The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out. ” Proverbs 13:9 ” Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. ” 1 Corinthians 16:13

It is very easy to begin thinking that the things we do on behalf of our Lord is not enough. They may not be the big things that we hear of others doing, like providing food and water to the poor around the world. However, the Lord is clear when he says, that whatever we do we should do it with vigor and enthusiasm. The Lord honors the things that we do for him. He honors that word of encouragement we may give. He honors us when we tell others about Christ Jesus. He honors our prayers we pray for others. We are to stand out and be the light of the world. We are to stand strong in times of trouble and disaster. We are to be brave and not be shy when it comes to winning others to Jesus. The time is short, and the workers are few. Let’s add to the workforce of Christ. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

“The first man, Adam, became a living person. But the last Adam- Christ- is a life giving Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:45

As God created the earth and all of the heavens that surround it, Adam, the first man became a living and breathing being. He was the apple of God’s eye until he committed the sin that made us all sinners. Jesus was the solution God gave to you and me for the ability to return to his good graces. Jesus was not weak and was not fooled. The devil tried very hard to make Jesus fail at this mission, but without success. Jesus is our strength and our light at the end of a long dark tunnel. He is our Savior! Take hold and never let go! PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL SITUATIONS!

“Just as everyone dies because of Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life.”  1 Corinthians 15:22

When Adam and Eve were put upon this earth it was to be a perfect relationship with God.  They were to be in a great and loving relationship with Him.  However, the devil slithered in and convinced them of doing evil.  God went to work and made the correction.  He sent his son, Jesus Christ, to this earth and he carried our sins to the cross.  He gives us another chance at that perfect fellowship with God himself. Our part of the bargain is to accept Jesus on a personal level.  We are to accept him as our Lord and Savior and live lives in faith and belief.  God has made the correction.  It is up to you and me to accept his invitation.  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

” Freely you have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8

When Jesus went to the cross, he died for your sins, my sins and for the sins of all of those in this world who accepts his offering. He has done all of the work for us. With that being said, we have received his workmanship freely, just by believing and acting upon HIS actions on that cross. It is our duty to freely display his message to others so that they too can be saved. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Matthew 16:26

Reaching heaven is the goal of a Christian. It is this experience that our God wants each of us to desire and to accomplish. If we choose to love this world and all of its contents, then we are shunning our God in heaven and choosing to live our life in the now. However, if we decide to follow our God and live our life here on earth in reverence of him, then we are choosing the path to heaven. We are choosing the highway to a life that lasts forever. We are saving our souls and not sacrificing them to the world and today’s riches. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!

” If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23

” But Jesus looked at them and said,’ With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'” Matthew 19:26

There are no misunderstandings in the above scriptures. Belief is the key to our possibilities in this life. It takes faith in Jesus and belief in what he teaches. It takes faith and belief in the promises of God. If we do as the bible instructs us to do all things are possible. There are miracles going on all around us. We don’t see them because, in many cases, our faith is not strong enough, so we are unable to believe. All things are possible with God. There is nothing he cannot do. The problems lie with you and me. We must pray for understanding, faith and wisdom. We must believe that he gives to us freely and we must accept. We must build up our faith so that we can receive the impossibilities in of this world. We must never forget that our impossibilities are God’s possibilities. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!