Friday, December 28, 2007

Your Sins Are Thrown Into The Sea



The 7th chapter of Romans speaks of Paul's struggle to do what is right. If Paul ended the book of Romans with chapter 7, we would feel like there is no hope. But thank the Lord here comes chapter 8. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1,2 So what happens when we ask God to forgive us? We fret, worry, feel guilty and forget we are now under the grace of our Lord. God forgives and then he forgets the sin. If we keep asking God to forgive us over and over, his reply is, what are you talking about. God threw that sin into the sea; he does not remember it.

Now, does this give us a license to sin? No, what it does is remove existing sin in your life (permanently). Romans 8:12-17 says "
Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." 1 John 1:8-10 Ask God to forgive you if you fail or sin, then let it go, forget it because God has. Then read the Word and work towards a walk in the Spirit of God. You will sin, you will fail, you will make mistakes but if you ask God to direct your path, he will not leave you or forsake you. Ask him immediately when you sin to forgive you.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

The worst thing to be without...Hope




To live without hope is to live a sad life. How do you obtain hope? I have been reading the Old Testament of the Bible and it is amazing to me that Israel so often turned it's back on God. They worshiped idols and lived a detestable life of sin, but are they so different than you and I? A somewhat famous quote states "the problem with sin is, "i" am always in the middle of it." We may not worship idols like statues or golden calves, but whatever we put in front of God becomes an idol to us. One way to gain hope is to put God in charge of your life. When we try to run things we tend to mess up anyway. Trusting God to take care of you is tough sometimes. We think God should do things our way. Well, our way is often the wrong way. God is God after all and he truly knows best.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Merry Christmas






I would like to wish my family and friends a very merry Christmas. God has blessed me with a wonderful family and great friends. I pray that each of you will enjoy this our Lord's birthday and that you will reflect on the blessings you have received in 2007. To my friends who I have not met but who may find and read my blog, I pray that if you do not know the Lord as your personal savior that you will not hesitate to ask him into your heart. Jesus died so you can live. I am not worthy of his sacrifice and neither are you. He took your place on that cross because he loves you, no other reason. Give Christ the greatest gift on his birthday, your life. "He died for you, can't you live for him?"

Thursday, December 20, 2007

You Are Different Than Me...




We are all different. God made us that way; some of us are white, some are black and some are shades in between. Some of us are rich, some are poor and some are just content with paying their bills on time. Some of us are outspoken, some are quiet and some can't speak at all. Some of us believe life is fun and some of us just struggle to make it through the day. We all have opinions and many are not afraid to share them (I guess I'm one). God loves us and made us all different when we were born; then circumstances and life changed us even more. We all deal with the storms of life; some of us cope very well and some of us do not. God is always there for us; God wants to help us. The question is do we want God's help? Are we willing to trust him? God accepts our differences but he wants to help us change for the better, to be happier and to love life.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Christmas or X-mas?




Christmas or X-mas? The X was used in ancient abbreviations for Χριστος (Greek for "Christ"). Many Christians believe that the X is a way of blocking out Christ from the word Christmas. Some people believe that the X represents the cross of Christ crucified. There is no background truth for this because the cross is really shaped as a T or+. Europeans in the 16th century started using the X in place of Christ's name as shorthand for writing Christ. So is it OK or not to use an abbreviation of X for Christ. I can only go with my heart and for me I feel very uncomfortable using the X. Christ deserves our full respect and honor. Christmas is a festival of Christ's birth. He is the Son of God. He died for us. I say Christmas is correct and to abbreviate Christ is a sign of laziness and disrespect. This is my opinion; you must follow your heart.

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Helping others...






I have been fortunate to have a job that helps others for over 25 years and it is very rewarding. I was a firefighter and paramedic in Florida before moving to Kentucky taking a job in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. I have seen a vast amount of suffering and trauma over the years and being able to help save a life is what allows you to continue. I enjoy my line of work even though I have shed tears over what I've encountered.

We all have a purpose in life. You may not be a life-saver (and I'm not taking about candy here) but you can still offer hope to those who are hurting. Saying a kind word, buying someone a meal when they are hungry or just offering a smile does wonders for those who need help. I believe that whatever you do as a job, God can use you. What we do to help others is really all that matters in the end. It's not about how much money you have or how many toys you own. If we're lucky we may have seventy years on this earth. What are we doing with the years God has given us? Are we helping others with their earthy needs? What about their spiritual needs? Seventy years is really not that long when you compare it to eternity.

Time is running out...

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Are You A Hypocrite?


"I don't want to go to that church because there are too many hypocrites there!" I'm sure you have heard this said before or maybe you have said it yourself. Well, no one is perfect and what better place for hypocrites to go than to church. Our Christian walk is a work in progress; we will make mistakes and we will fail. There are hypocrites in all walks of life and no one likes to be called one. This term is not unique to Christians. Some people think that once you become a Christian that you should never make a mistake again. That would be nice if it were true. Unfortunately it is not only false but also unrealistic. We should, with that said, keep striving to be more like Christ remembering that only He is perfect and this is why we need Him so much. Please don't ever give up because it will be worth it in the end.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Prejudice - When we turn our noses up at those who aren't like us...


Do you ever wonder if some people do not like you just because of who you are or what you believe? How does it make you feel? Are you hurt, mad or do you feel rejected or inferior? Do you ever not speak to someone because you don't like the way they look? Anytime we judge others we fall short in our Christian witness to them. Sure there are times when you judge whether something is evil or not but simply disliking someone because they are different than us is just plain wrong. Who are we to say our way is the right and only way. We can only say this when our way is in total alignment with the Word of God. I have a strong feeling that many of us often fall short.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Missed Opportunities


Sometimes a so-called missed opportunity may end up being a blessing. When you are young what appears to be the golden opportunity may really be made out of coal. Time will tell if failed opportunities are really failures at all. I don't think they always are, they are more like a re-direction, a chance to re-group and plan. If you think you have failed because of a missed opportunity, don't dwell on it, turn it into a positive experience. Learn from it, but remember many times the future will show the failure was not a failure at all, but a life success story... Sometimes when a door slams in your face two more will open in its place.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Worry


I worry too much; I worry about my family, I worry about my walk with the Lord and I worry that I worry too much. Do you worry? I know I shouldn't fret over stuff but I do. I didn't use to be this way; I was more carefree. God does not want us to worry all the time. I know people do, some more than others. If you are one of those who can't seem to stop the "worry machine" from working overtime then do this: Trust God more. How? By reading the Bible and talking to him and asking him to help you with your concerns. He wants to help you (and me)!

I feel better when I read God's Word. It helps me to know that others have felt like I do and God helped them. He has helped me too. I'm working on disabling my "worry machine." You should as well.

Another way to stop worrying is to help others. When you concentrate on other people you tend to not dwell on your own problems so much. Also, it helps to share with your friends how you feel and listen to them in return. "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. " James 5:16

"God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but he did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way."


Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Thanksgiving


I am thankful for the simple pleasures in life, for the trees, ocean waves, palm trees, the forest, peaceful creeks, waterfalls, animals and so much more. We live in a beautiful world. Thank you God for these blessings.

I am thankful for a child's smile, a cool breeze, flowers in bloom, salt air, seagulls and the "senses" to enjoy it all. Thank you God for these blessings.

I am so thankful for my family. My wife is wonderful; she is indeed a blessing from God. Sometimes I think she could have done a lot better than by choosing me. I could be a better husband and I am improving slowly; she is patient with me. My children make me so proud. They are the best. I think about them all the time. My daughter-in-law is so gentle and sweet. She is exactly what I want as a wife for my son. My son-in-law is a hard worker and a good provider for my daughter. He treats her well and is very loving. Now, the most recent blessing from God... my two granddaughters. I want to live a long life so I can play with them, love them and yes... spoil them. Thank you God for all your blessings.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Lonely...


I sit in a motel room tonight and I feel lonely. I miss my wife. Life can often present times when we feel alone or sad because of our current situation. I had a uncle who felt lonely one day. He found out his wife (my aunt) only had a short time to live. In desperation he decided there was nothing to live for. He committed suicide by jumping off the Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay. I lost my aunt just hours later. Six months after that my mother died. I was five years old. I felt lonely. I missed my mother dearly. I still do. So, here I am thinking about life and family. I know I am never really alone because the Lord is with me always. I can call on him anytime and he will be there to meet my needs. Not my wants, but my needs. I thank God for my family. A family is a gift from God. No one knows how long they will live so we must make every moment we have with the ones we love special. We tend to take our love ones for granted. Love each day as if it is your last.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

World Suffering...


God is good. The problem is that we often blame God for our problems. Most of the terrible things that happen today are a product of man's sin. Sickness, abuse, disease and crime are all but just a part of the pain that mankind has brought on himself. If a child is killed, it is not God who murdered that child; it is man through his own selfish greed. God has allowed man the ability to make choices. Some of those choices are good and many are bad. If God intervened in every situation if would take away from man's inherent ability to decide his own fate. As we all know we do not live in a world that is an island for each person. Our actions affect other lives. If a child is killed that child is now in the loving arms of God, never to suffer again. We do not understand this because we are not eternal in the sense that God is. God is supreme and always knows what is best. It is hard for us humans to trust him, but he is God, not us. He does know what is best.

Friday, November 2, 2007

Contentment...

Contentment is the neuro-physiological experience of satisfaction and being at ease in one's situation (Wikipedia). What makes us content or satisfied with our current situation? People today are often striving for more and more, with more never being enough. If you keep the knowledge that you came into this world with nothing and you will leave with nothing it will help you put things into perspective. There is always someone in this world who has less than you. They would feel rich with your possessions. So why are we stressing over earthly things? Is this just the American way? Are we so materialistic that we will never be satisfied? Is the grass really greener on the other side? We must somehow learn that this earth will one day be destroyed. The only thing that will matter is our spirit. It will live on for eternity. If you are lucky enough to live a long life, it will not matter what you have because it is what you have done for Christ that is important. Be content, love life, thank God for your family, live for Christ and thank God for saving your soul. In the end it will be worth it.

"Happiness is not getting what you want, but wanting what you've got."

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Be patient, God's timing is perfect...


God's delays are not denials. We often pray and want things our way and not only our way, but our way now! God always knows best; often I will want something or fret over a problem and the next day it doesn't seem like such of a need or concern. God loves us and wants to hold us when we are fearful, doubting or lonely. If I could only learn to trust the Lord more.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

When we Focus on Things that aren't Important to God...




For a Christian, doing what is important to God should be our number one priority. Now I'm not talking about your your relationship with other Christians (although that in itself is important), I'm talking about your relationship with the Lord. Going to church will not get you into heaven if your relationship with the Lord is hindered by your life. How we live, how we present ourselves to others and the time we spend in God's Word is very telling of our commitment to God. We get into trouble when we start putting things in front of Him. What are those "things"? It can be work, the fun we have, TV or even sports. There is nothing wrong with those things but if they steal time from God or if they make you so weary that you are too tired to serve the Lord then they become a modern day idol in your life. Just like any relationship caring about what is important to the other person should be of great value to us. Why should God be any different? The only difference is God is never wrong and what is important to him is always best for us!

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Be Kind...

Often referred to as the golden rule (basically), I believe that being kind to others has many benefits besides from it being one of those things in the Bible that we are supposed to do. Of course there is the good feeling that comes when you are kind to someone. Then there is the reciprocal effect that sometimes happens and you don't expect it. OK, back to the Bible, did you know that prayers are hindered because you are not kind? Yes this is true; being unkind or abusive to ones wife for instance will keep the husbands prayers from being answered. So... it may seem like a given but you really don't have to be out right abusive to your wife, just a little unkind and it will cause you many problems. A little kindness goes a long way with people and with God.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Sin Destroys Lives... Christ Gives Life!


Sin will destroy everything you've ever worked for. In a moment, a bad decision can bring tremendous guilt and regret. We all make mistakes, some we feel are trivial and others bring the pain of remorse. God does forgive us and casts our sins as far as the east is from the west. He also forgets our sins. When we say over and over "God forgive me", he says forgive what... what sin. Even though we are forgiven we tend to hang on to the sin and carry the load in the form of regret. Ask God for peace and ask him for grace to protect you from your past. He loves us and wants to help us.

So, what do we do... Sin will catch up with us and the more we sin the more regret we will have. Time heals pain and walking in the light of the Lord heals our mind. Don't let Satan steal your joy and lie to you. He wants you to feel defeated. Give your heart completely to the Lord. Ask him for help. He will help you... he loves you. Learn from your mistakes, try not to repeat sins. If you do, ask God to forgive you again. Ask him for strength. Don't give up... never give up, your reward awaits you.

He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:9-14

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Stress... The Joy Killer


Life can be very stressful. This year for me has been a difficult one. Our Lord is very aware of our current situations and wants to help us. I know this is true but I so often try to carry the load myself. He wants us to give him our worries, concerns, troubles and even our guilt. He cares for us and will bear that load. He knows and feels our pain; he sees our tears. He suffered so we would not have to. Sure there will be trying times because we live in an imperfect world but the more we rely on him by giving those stressful issues to him, the happier we will be.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

I Need Proof!


If you need proof you may be trying to understand something supernatural but your mind nor mine can completely do this. I understand your frustration in wanting proof for everything; even Thomas who personally knew Jesus always wanted proof. Many things in the Bible are accepted by Christians with Faith knowing that he is God not us. I have seen miracles, but I cannot prove them to you because you may doubt me as well. I pray that you will someday find what you are searching for and that, believe it or not... is a revelation of God in your life.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Rapture - Idea created in 1830? NO!!!



No indeed! The 1830 date for the Rapture Doctrine is debatable. I do agree that an increased interest has existed since the 1800's and as we draw nearer to Christ's return I believe that interest will continue to rise. A sermon by a Greek Orthodox theologian named Ephraem was discovered speaking of the rapture. He died before 400 A.D. Some scholars claim it is not the work of Ephraem, but of a later theologian who was influenced by him, and that it was actually written before 700 A.D. In either case, it substantially pre-dates the alleged 1830 date. Some people believe that the Rapture doctrine comes from a vision by a 15-year-old girl named Margaret Macdonald. Her vision was of a post-tribulation Rapture. She stated that the Holy Spirit would protect the Church through the Tribulation. Also, it has been said that theologian J.N. Darby around 1830 proposed the idea of the Rapture (or a pre-tribulation Rapture) and it was based on the alleged prophetic vision of Margaret Macdonald. Darby was declaring a pre-tribulation Rapture as early as 1827. This was three years before Macdonald's vision. Whether you agree or disagree with this doctrine the important thing to remember is to be right with the Lord. I know there are differing opinions on the Rapture. The word Rapture is not mentioned in the bible but the term being caught up is and that is where the rapture word came from. Whether you believe in the Rapture of the believers or not, is really not that important to me. I would like for you to come to the knowledge and belief of what Jesus did for you and who he is, but that is your choice. You see we all have a choice to accept or reject Christ, that's how it was meant to be. So if you believe in the RAPTURE like I do, then great, if you don't but still accept Jesus as your savior, well that's ok. If you choose to reject Jesus, it makes me sad, but again, it's your choice. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

So what do I believe the concerning the chronological events concerning the end times?

1. The rapture of believers
2. The great tribulation (7 years), the reign of the Antichrist
3. The Battle of Armageddon
4. Satan thrown into the bottomless pit, the AntiChrist (the Beast), False Prophet and the great whore (apostate church) thrown into the fiery lake.
5. New Jerusalem and new earth created
6. The 1000 year reign of Christ
7. Satan released for a short time (many will follow him)
8. Satan and his followers thrown into the fiery lake
9. The Great White Thrown Judgment
10. Believers live forever with Christ


Friday, September 21, 2007

Grandchildren are a Blessing from God...


I now have two wonderful granddaughters who are a true blessing from God. I think how blessed I am by having a beautiful loving wife, two great children and their spouses who I am so proud of and now two adorable granddaughters. God is so good!

Dear Lord thank you for your blessings and thank you for my family. Protect them I pray. I am so unworthy of your mercy and grace. You have given me so much and I often let you down. Lord, without you I am nothing but with you I am a child of the King.

Yes, I am truly blessed!

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

I do not Care for Religion...


I do not care for religion. If you are going to church just to say you've gone then you are wasting your time. God does not want your religions he wants a relationship with you. We are living in the "Church age"; this is biblical from the book of Daniel. Daniel's prophecy (vision) spoke of seventy sevens. There is a time of seventy times seven years before the end of the biblical tribulation. Sixty-nine of these groups of seven years have passed and that puts us in the "Church age" which is a time when the church (God's people) are to go out and spread the news of Christ. After this unknown time then comes the tribulation. I have said all of this to say you should get you heart and life in order. No one knows the day or hour of Christ's return. Develop a relationship with God and he will never leave or forsake you.

Monday, September 10, 2007

The Bible - The Inspired Word of God

Without the Word of God (the Bible) we would be lost, searching for truth. The Word is one of God's ways of communicating with us. Any relationship would suffer without communication. The same is true with God. We must talk to him often and listen to him through his Word. Everyone should read and study the Bible.

"Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." 2 Peter 1:20-21; "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Bible speaks about those who discount the word of God and says this is evident of the last days. "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." 2 Peter 3:3,4

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Jesus Died So We Can Live


God didn't demand that Jesus should die, he gave his son, there was no other way. Why? I don't know, but I do know this, that he loved us so much he was willing to do it for us and Jesus was willing to die, he didn't have to, but he did... Jesus died a horrible death for you and me. He could have called 10,000 angels but he chose not to. For you to be saved, he had to pay the ultimate sacrifice and he did so like a lamb to slaughter. No greater love exists.

The following is from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) 1986;255:1455-1463, William Edwards, M.D. (Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic), Wesley Gabel, M.Div., and Floyd Hosmer, M.S, AMI: They published the results of their investigation "On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ." "The scourging produced deep stripe-like lacerations and appreciable blood loss and probably set the stage for hypovolemic shock, as evidence by the fact that Jesus was too weakened to carry the crossbar to Golgotha. At the site of the crucifixion His wrists were nailed to the patibulum and, after the patibulum was lifted onto the upright post (stipes), his feet were nailed to the stipes. The major pathophysiological effect of the crucifixion was interference with normal respirations. Accordingly, death resulted primarily from hypovolemic shock and exhaustion asphyxia. Jesus' death was ensured by the thrust of the soldier's spear into His side. Modern medical interpretation of the historical evidence indicates that Jesus was dead when He was taken down from the cross."

Thursday, August 23, 2007

But... I'm a Good person...


Jesus is the only way. Whether you feel this is fair or not, it's true. God loves people more than our little minds can comprehend. God is a loving and fair God and he has made a prevision for all to come to him. Many know the way but refuse the way or the plan of salvation. God is a just God; he knows the hearts of men (and women). He wants no one to perish. If someone dies and has never heard about Jesus then they will not be held accountable but, before Christ's return every ear will hear. You can reject Jesus and say I believe that God is a loving God and will not send me to hell because I'm a GOOD person; well you are right in saying God is a loving God, he loved you so much he gave you a way to escape hell and that way is Jesus. If you know about Jesus and reject him, you are lost. There is simply no other way.

Christians are very concerned for those who knowingly reject Jesus; our hearts ache for the lost. How do you think Jesus feels after giving his life for the lost and then people reject his act of love and mercy? God made a way, GOD IS GOD, not us, he loves you and me so much but will NOT force himself on you or anyone. All have sinned, some worse than others; NO ONE comes to the Father except through the Son (JESUS). God has made an easy way for people to live out eternity in Heaven. It is not about our works, it is all about the sacrifice of Jesus, he is the way, the truth and the light. I understand this truth, and it boggles my mind how some know the truth and still reject it.

I believe that people who do not follow God's plan of salvation through Jesus are a part of a FLAWED RELIGION. They are trying to get to heaven based on their works. Works without faith is dead. My argument is based on my faith in Christ; if I didn't believe it then my words would be flimsy. Having faith in God and believing in Jesus as your personal savior is NOT flawed. If people do not want to believe in Jesus as their savior then that is their choice.

If you know about Jesus, why would you reject him? That is the real question. Since Jesus is the only way and since his sacrifice is the ultimate expression of love why would anyone not take him up on his offer for salvation? Well many don't because they want nothing to do with him. If this is the case they choose to be lost. You can't blame God or Jesus; you can only blame yourself... God is GOOD and he loves you; he made a way for all to be able to come to him and that way is JESUS... After you accept Jesus you have to change your life, you can't continue to do bad things. Whether you are really bad or just a little bad, you still need to ask for forgiveness. Jesus is the only way to receive forgiveness. After you are forgiven then you must obey God's commandments. In doing so it shows God that you are sincere in wanting to change and accept the sacrifice of his Son. IT IS NOT OUR WORKS, it is HIS SACRIFICE! We change because we love him and want to serve him... YES, if people reject Jesus then they condemn themselves. God loves us all, HE HAS MADE A PLAN for us to be saved. HE IS GOD, not us. Reject the plan means you are lost! Accept the plan means you are saved! It's simple and so many reject it. You can't blame God! God does not condemn anyone. People condemn themselves by rejecting his plan. Mankind by their nature wants to reject God and do things their way. Mankind wants what they want and they ignore God, they think I will do things the way I want to and God should just accept it. God loves us, period; he will not force his way on anyone; not you, not me, not good people or bad people. Why is it so hard for anyone to accept that God's way is better than our way? He is all knowing, all loving and all merciful. Please accept him today.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Christianity


Christianity is the right religion (I would rather call it a relationship). I know many will disagree with me on this but if you believe the Bible as I do then it is pretty clear. The following is a quote from an e-mail devotion I received: "People do not want to hear there is only one way to heaven. That sounds too dogmatic and exclusive to them. However, the Bible teaches plainly that Jesus is the only way to heaven. You may say, That sounds like discrimination to me. If we do not accept God's way of salvation, this is discrimination against God. God's character demands that all sin be paid by Jesus' death on the cross. He must do this because this is the only way He can be true to His character and yet accept us into His heaven. If we reject this, we discriminate against Him!"

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Jesus the Healer...


I can't speak for the world but I have seen God's healing. I'm sorry if you choose to doubt Jesus' power to heal. I choose to believe because Jesus, including his power is real! By his stripes we are healed... Jesus is the only healer. Man is used by God to pray for peoples healing, but Jesus is the healer.

Prayer is answered by faith, faith like that of a child.
My daughter was healed of a broken arm so I definitely believe in healing. I have been and also have friends who have been healed. I have seen the miracles of the power of God in my life; I know God is the same today as he was in the past. I cannot explain why everyone who prays is not healed but I do believe that God is all knowing and does, as he knows is best.

I also believe that God answers prayer sometimes conditionally. The Bible says that our prayers are answered because we do things that are pleasing in his sight. Many times people only ask God to help them when they are down and out then they ignore him when life is good.

God cares more about your soul than about your health, think about this the next time you pray. God loves you; he will answer prayer but sometimes if the answer is delayed you should not stop trusting him. God's delays are not denials. The most important thing to remember is God wants a relationship with you, not your theology or corporate/ organized religion.

Friday, August 17, 2007

He will Never Leave Us or Forsake Us


“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6

The Lord is always with us. A while back I was very depressed and the Scripture verse above really spoke to my heart. When we fall or fail Christ is always there to brush us off, pick us up and lovingly hold us in is arms. All we have to do is ask him to help us. Don't be afraid to ask for his help. He is there waiting; he desires to help us. He loves us more than we will ever know or understand.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

My Faith in God


My faith in God is very important to me. He has brought me through very trying times and has never forsaken me. I have been touched by the hand of God and I continue to receive his blessings. God has blessed me with a beautiful and loving wife as well as two wonderful children. I have a cute little granddaughter now and another on the way. My children have married great spouses who I love so much. Yes, God is good, he has taken someone not worthy like myself and made me his child. My inheritance from him is unmatched by any wealth from this world. I have seen miracles and know God's way is the only way that works. If you do not know him, just reach out to him. Ask him for forgiveness and he will honor your request. He died for you so you can live eternally with him.

Greetings...


Hello, my name is Jack Donovan. I work as the Director of the Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Homeland Security for a county in Kentucky. I have over 25 years experience with emergency services which includes previously serving as a Fire Officer, Paramedic, HAZMAT Team Member, and High Level Rescue Officer from Sarasota, Florida. Although my career is very important to me, my family and my relationship with God are most dear to my heart.