The climb at first sight seems unattainable and risky but when you include a team of experts with your calculations than you see the end in sight. This is true with anything you do from scaling that rock wall to chartering a plane to Haiti’s; you plan using others input to make your plan come together. So, you would also need others to guide you on your journey to your heart.

My experts consist of counselors, pastors, Holy Spirit, Bible, authors, and church family they know me best. Trying to make this journey on my own would take me nowhere really fast. I tried that once and it was a disastrous to think I could accomplish what others do in a day, month, a year. Silly really…

Why did I think I could do this on my own? Let me give an example that the Holy Spirit gave me:
Looking across Lake Bountiful (my name for lake) I saw Jesus Christ on the opposite shore. I thought gazing at the water it would be a short distance I can swim this. So, I set out at an easy pace and found that there was a under current and looking up at the shore I wasn’t any closer. Getting tired I turned back and found myself back at my side of the lake. Scanning the shore I notice a boat and pulled it over and got in and set the oars to start my journey again. Again, my focus was not on Jesus Christ but my ability to pull on the oars to glide across the water. Looking behind me I wasn’t going across but going down stream. “AWWW!” Turning the boat around and focusing on the horizon and rowing at the same time was hard and tiring. I was caught in whirl pool spinning me out of control and was back on my side of the shore. “Aw!” Dropping to my knees I cried “Lord, help! I can’t do this on my own. It looked so simple. I thought I could do this. I was wrong. Please, Lord Help.” Standing up I gazed across the water and I found myself staring into my Father’s eyes the bluest of blues and I reach out and I was in His arms and He held me tight.

When you experience the arms of Christ and His forgiveness it transforms you to another place and person. All of sudden you are not alone in your plans for your future you are asking for others input. You are praying for God’s will be done in your life. The Holy Spirit pricks your heart and you begin to change and forgive. Why? The Lord forgave me of my sins for He gave up His life for me. So, I can have a life with Him. A relationship that brings tears to my eyes… When I think of all He has done for me and is still doing for me; my heart wells with love.

My Jesus is real and there is nothing I can do that will send Him away. He says in his word that He will never leave me or forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5) The Lord has a plan for me for hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) The Lord fights for me. (Deuteronomy 3:21) There is hope for a tree if it be cut down it will sprout again.(Job 14:7)

Do you know that the door is always open (John 10:9) for you. When you approach this door do it with boldness (Hebrews 4:16). Focus your eyes on the prize which is Jesus Christ. God raised us up with Jesus Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 2:6) We who are sealed with Christ have everlasting life. But, you who do not know Jesus Christ and is still playing at the gate will have fire and damnation. We do not know when are time is up on this earth we can die tonight in a car crash. Do you want to take that chance?

The Lord is waiting for you to come out of this world. I lived in this world through some horrific times do I want to repeat that time? No!!! My time now is hard with unemployment but the Lord keeps blessing me with His presence and His provisions. Life is good. My hope is in the Lord. I trust Him with my life and future. I can’t imagine life without Him. He is the hand that guides my walk I do nothing without Him. Jesus is light to my darkness.

Come to the waters of Lake Bountiful and give your life to the one whom will turn your tears into hope. In His arms you will find rest from your burdens. In His arms you will find peace that passes all understanding. In His arms you find refuge and strength in times of trouble. In His arms your heart will flourish and grow in the likeness of your Father. In His arms you will have eternal life in Jesus Christ.

Thank you, Lord that I do not have to do this life alone. You have given me eyes to see and ears to hear. You have given me a church family that prays for me and we have life together.

I pray Lord, that you draw your people to yourself and impart your Holy Spirit to live in their lives. Give them wisdom and strength to walk this path. Put your angels around about them keeping them safe. Bless them, extend their boundaries, and keep them from evil in Jesus Christ name. Amen.

I love to read, period. I’ve found that there is a wealth of knowledge waiting to be discovered through reading the writings of those who have come before me. You see, I have a thirst for knowledge, and this thirst keeps me searching for new material. This helps me expand my knowledge and places me in a position to help others.

Recently I read a book written by Bob Burg and David Mann entitled, “The Go-Giver”. In the world we live in people are basically taught to be Go-Getters, so when I saw this title, it took me for a loop. I just had to see what a Go-Giver was! Now I knew the Bible taught that it was “more blessed to give than to receive”, but this book was not written by Christians; at least they didn’t claim to be. I picked up the book and began to read. I just had to see what this was all about.

In it, Bob and David tell a story of a man who was trying to reach a certain level of success only to keep finding failure after failure. He was worried that if he did not turn this situation around he would eventually lose his job for the lack of production. He was desperate! He sought out an elderly man who was known to have the uncanny ability to teach others how to succeed beyond their wildest dreams. However, when finally arranged a meeting with this gentleman, the “secret” to his success was nothing he had ever expected to hear.

The old gentleman gave him 5 laws for success that totally went against everything he had been led to believe all of his life. Yet, because of his desperate situation, he obliged the man and did what he was instructed to do if he wanted to achieve success. I have listed, in brief, the 5 laws that he was told to follow. It would do you well to follow these steps, as they apply to everything we do in life. Here are, “The 5 Laws of Stratospheric Success”.

1) The Law of Value

“Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you receive in payment.”

We live in a society that teaches us to be selfish in our giving. There are those who will only give to others when it benefits themselves. In other words, “What’s in it for me?” This attitude will eventually hinder your success rather than promote it. It is when we learn to give to others unselfishly that we truly begin to prosper.

2) The Law of Compensation

“Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them”.

Every successful person can relate to this law. You see, the more people you help, the faster you will climb the ladder of success. It works in business, in church building and even among our personal relationships. People love to be loved. And when you love someone, you always want to help them. When you help them, help always come to you when you need it.

Now, it might not come from the same ones that you helped, but it will come. It’s a law, and one that even Jesus taught in Luke 6:38. “Give, and it shall be given; good measure, pressed down and shaken together shall men give unto your bosom”. Giving shows unselfishness, which brings us to our third law os success.

3) The Law of Influence

“Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s needs first”.

This is a law that every Christian understands. God put us first when He gave His only begotten Son, and the result is that the influence of Christianity is known everywhere; among those who believe and those who don’t. The more people we put above ourselves, the more we are becoming like Him. Our influence will be felt everywhere we go.

Recently, I wrote my a book entitled, “Faith That Recovers All – Taking Back What The Enemy Stole”. I didn’t have the money to get published so I gave away a few hundred copies on Amazon. Many who received copies of the book liked it and testified how it helped them to have more faith in difficult times. That was the expected end that I had for writing the  book.

However, what was unexpected was this. Many of these readers became my ambassadors for the book. They told this one, who told that one, etc. The book quickly advanced to the top 100 books in its category among 750,000+ books on Amazon! Now that’s influence! By helping as many as I could by giving the book away, my influence  increased around the world! This is how the law of influence works, Help as many as you can, unselfishly, and you will creat an army of ambassadors spreading the word about you!

4) The Law of Authenticity

“The most valuable gift you have to offer is you”.

Simply put, just be yourself! Be real with people. Don’t try to portray yourself as this great, flawless human being! People hate phonies, and when they detect you are not being real, they will avoid you like a plague. There is no need to spend a lot of time on this point because I know you get where I’m coming from. Always be authentic; mistakes and all. You will make them, but people will respect you more when you admit them. Don’t ever subscribe to the o;d saying, “Fake it until you make it”. Just be yourself and you’ll go a lot farther.

5) The Law of Receptivity

“The key to effective giving is to stay open to receive”.

You’ve probably heard the expression, “It’s better to give than to receive” at some point in your life. Not only is this a misquotation of Acts 20:35, it is absolutely incorrect! It isn’t better to give, it is more blessed to give. There is a difference. You see, it is impossible to give and not receive. The blessing from giving is receiving. That’s why we are taught to do it! God wants us to receive, so He teaches us to be givers so that we can receive!

Look at it this way. “God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son” the bible says in John 3:16. He gave to us so that He in turn could receive from us. I’m not talking about money here. I’m speaking of Him giving us His Son so that He could receive many sons! We must learn that it is insanity to believe that our actions carry no reciprocation. Everything we do, good or bad, has an effect on what we receive in return.

That is why we must be open to receive if we are givers. It is offensive not to accept gifts that are offered to us. That is why those who refuse the gift of God are eventually cut off from eternal life with Christ. Give good things and good things will be given unto you. The opposite is just as true so be careful how you give!

I have only briefly covered these 5 laws. I highly recommend that you get your hands on the book, “The Go-Giver” and read it today. It will truly change the way you think. You can get the book either by clicking the Amazon resource link on this site or go to http://thegogiver.com In the meantime, learn the 5 laws and out them into practice in your life. I guarantee you will see a difference.

Pastor Jonathan Rudd

To get my latest book, click the link below.

Faith That Recovers All – Taking Back What The Enemy Stole

Birthday of Jesus is the time to remember that In Bethlehem a savior is born who is a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Birthday of Jesus means Love came down and was born at Christmas.

Birthday of Jesus is the time of ringing bells, cakes and candles.

Birthday of Jesus is the month of snow & Songs, Carols & Joys.
Birthday of Jesus showed us to live with charity, forgiveness, faith, humility, sacrifice, truth, peace, happiness and service.

Birthday of Jesus reminds us that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

Birthday of Jesus reminds us that Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life, the way and the truth.

Birthday of Jesus reminds us that we have fellowship with God

Birthday of Jesus reminds us that we are the ambassador for Christ Jesus.

Birthday of Jesus reminds us that we can live holy and blameless in God’s sight.

Birth day of Jesus means God is with us through Holy Spirit.

Birthday of Jesus reminds us that in Jesus Christ; we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. 

Birthday of Jesus reminds us that in Jesus Christ we have eternal life, redemption and forgiveness.

Birthday of Jesus means a savior came to the world to save us from sins and to seek the lost.

Jesus is the greatest gift at Christmas!

 Dear brothers and sisters let us Invite Jesus Christ into our home and heart and experience Christmas with families and friends with heavenly blessings. I wish a delightful Christmas and a happy New Year!

Prayer is the most effective spiritual weapon in defeating the enemy. When sickness comes we need to rebuke the symptoms in the name of Jesus and Release the Blood of Jesus Christ against them because Jesus had paid for our sickness on the cross and by his stripes we are healed. Our main Focus should be the faith and the power of God and not on the wisdom of man or the medical reports.

Lord I Thank You for the benefits and provision of the blood of Jesus Christ and I apply the blood of Jesus upon my child’s body from the top of her head to the soles of her feet and cleanse her from all sickness ,diseases and sins.

Let the blood of Jesus stand against any hidden sickness and diseases.

I rebuke and cast out all kinds of fever, viral infections, and pains in my Childs body in the name of Jesus Christ and through his Blood.

I speak healing and strength to each and every part of my child’s body and mind in the name of Jesus Christ.

Father God, in the name of Jesus Christ , I rebuke, break and loose: myself my child and my family members from any and all evil curses, every spirit of infirmity, ancestral sins, generational curses, heredity problems, demonic holds, psychic powers, physical and mental illness ,family and marital curses. Through the blood of Jesus my child has been redeemed out of every sickness and she is healed completely and has the life of God in her.

I confess that my child’s body is a temple of God and the Holy Spirit; she is redeemed, cleansed, sanctified, by the blood of Jesus. Therefore sickness, diseases and Satan has no place in her life, no more power over her life, because of the blood of Jesus Christ.

It is God’s will that my child prospers and be in good health, just as her soul prospers.

The faith in the Name of Jesus Christ, the precious Blood of Jesus Christ and the Word of God will together raise my child up from the sick bed through healing miracle .I hold the blood of Jesus as a shield of protection against any power of sickness and diseases, viruses, or illnesses that could come against my child in her life, in Jesus’ name. I praise and thank You Lord God for my child’s deliverance and healing. Amen.

Enjoy your perfect health through Gods healing and deliverance!

We see everyday that millions of people are dying around the world every second. Within the Christian faith, there is a lot of confusion regarding what happens after death. Some people claim death is final some claim life begins after death, some claim everyone is in sleep until the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, some others believe that when some one dies instantly they are judged according to their fruits ,few others believe that they go to be with Christ immediately after death. Death is really a mysterious topic to be discussed.

Types of death: God says the wages of sin is DEATH not immortal life (Romans 6:23) but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). The scripture says that there are three types of death. When each person dies on this earth it’s called physical death, a separation of the spirit from the body is called second type of death which is called spiritual death (Isaiah 59:1-2)and the third type of death is called eternal death which is permanent separation of humanity from God (2 Thessalonians 1:9).

God told Adam and Eve they would die if they ate of the forbidden fruit. (Genesis 2:17). When Adam disobeyed God, he experienced immediate spiritual death, which caused him to hide from Lord God among the trees of the garden (Genesis 3:8). Later, Adam experienced physical death (Genesis 5:5). The physical death has entered into the world with Adam’s sin (Romans 5:12) affected all living things.

When a righteous man dies: Deaths of saints are precious in Gods eyes (Psalms 116:15). When a righteous man dies he enter into peace (Isaiah 57:2) and into eternal life(Matthew 25:46)and will fear no evil(Psalms 23:4), he has a hope in his death(Proverbs 14:32).

Few righteous man in bible are Abraham( Genesis 25:8 Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age , an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people. Isaac(Genesis 35:29 And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him) Moses(Deuteronomy 34:5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD) Jacob(Genesis 49:33 And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people).

When unrighteous man dies: God has no pleasure in the death of a wicked person but desires them to turn from their wicked ways so that they can live (Ezekiel 33:11). (Ezekiel 18:32).The wicked and unrighteous man dies in their sins (John 8:21)without hope(Proverbs 11:7).Their death will be sudden and unexpected(Proverbs 29:1) and their remembrance shall perish from the earth(Job 18:17, Proverbs 10:7).

Eg. Of few unrighteous men in the bible are Herod, Judas Iscariot, and Jezebel

Types of heaven: The FIRST heaven is the atmosphere or sky that surrounds the earth.

The SECOND heaven is the physical universe that has stars, planets and so on.

The THIRD heaven is where God and his throne resides. Scriptures say that Jesus Christ went to the Third Heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4) to prepare paradise for His Elect.

Elijah and Enoch are in heaven: scriptures say that the believer in Christ is escorted by angels at death to a place of peace .By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him. (Hebrews 11:5)

And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him (Gen 5:24).

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a

Chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. (2 Kings 2:11)

John 3:13 says that no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

Soul sleep is unbiblical: Death is described as sleep. There are many scriptures to say that people who die are conscious in Heaven. Jesus Christ said to his disciples that Lazarus had fallen asleep (John 11:11, 14). Stephen’s death is described as falling asleep (Acts 7:59). Paul describes Christians who had died in Thessalonica as “asleep” (1 Th 4:13). In the Old Testament, we are told that David “slept with his fathers” (1 Kings 2:10).

Ephesians 3:14-15: For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. There are many scriptures that Challenge the Concept of Soul Sleep such as Genesis 35:18 Luke 16:19-31,Luke 23:43,John 11:25-26 ,1 Peter 3:18-19 ,Revelation 6:9-10.

The soul leaves the body at death: The souls of the unrighteous go to a place of eternal torment until the Last Day and The souls of the righteous go to be with the Lord in Paradise (Phil 1:22, 2 Cor 5:6-8)

Jesus tells us in Mathew 10:28 that the soul survives death, even though someone may kill the body. Jesus soul did not remain in his dead body. The Gospels tell us that at the moment of his death, Jesus prayed, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” and then he yielded up his spirit (Luke 23:46; Mt 27:50) .Acts 7:59-60 describes Stephens death: “And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Luke 16:19-31

Bible says souls can die:

Ezekiel 18:4: Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

Acts 2:27: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Acts 3:23: And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

Psalm 55:18: He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, For there were many against me.

James 5:20: Let him know, that he who converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Psalm 16:10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

Matthew 10:28, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul .But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Soul sleep is biblical: People who are dead lie in the grave and know nothing, think no thoughts, have no emotions, possess no consciousness and are waiting for the resurrection. When we die we don’t immediately go to heaven or hell for we sleep in the grave until the awaiting of the resurrection of the dead. There are many Scriptures say about soul sleep: some of them are Job 14:10 ,Job 14:14 ,Psalm 6:5 ,Psalm 49:15 ,Daniel 12:2 ,John 5:28-29 ,John 3:13 ,Acts 2:29-34 ,2 Peter 3:4

The Scripture says the dead will sleep in the dust of the earth (Psalm 13:3) and sleep the sleep of death (Deut 12:1-2) and they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep(Job 14:12)”unto the coming of the Lord” (1 Thess 4:13-15). Further John 5:28-29 says, “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” Ecclesiastes 9:5 makes clear that for the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

Few will be able to enter to heaven: Scriptures say that many are called but few are chosen. (Mathew 22:14).Heaven is meant for those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelation 21:27) and the names of saints are written in heaven(Luke 10:20) .In order to go to heaven .we must believe Jesus Christ ( John 11:26) shed His precious blood, died, was buried, and rose again 3 days later. We need to be born of water and of the Spirit and get baptized into Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) and strive to enter the straight gate(Luke 13:23-24) by being obedient to the will of God(John 14:15) and living holy and blameless before him(Ephesians 1:4).

Matthew 7:21-23 :“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

Conclusion: Repent, Believe & Live for JESUS.

Flirting is playing with one’s emotions and feelings. Many people have disregarded the Word of God, ruined their lives by flirting with someone other than their spouse.

Hence it has contributed to immorality, adultery, promiscuous, fornication, divorce, lusting and family break ups. A flirt will lead you down the path to death and destruction. There will be no true happiness in the end, neither for that woman nor that man .Flirting is very nice and acceptable between a husband and wife relationships.

The Bible tells us that we are to be a good example, showing others the love of Christ through our behavior (Ephesians 5:1-2). Flirting is not good for the child of God.Any one who is a child of God needs to put off his old sinful ways of life and put on a new life in Christ. Paul says:You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

Proverbs7 reminds us the importance of avoiding a flirtatious woman. She is called an adulteress. She flatters with her words. She is on the hunt. She is cunning. She is loud and rebellious. She takes the initiative in relationships instead of waiting on the man.

2 Tim. 2:22 says .Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

The Bible strongly warns us against tempting others to sin (Matthew 18:7). We should do all we can to bring others into God’s Kingdom and never to do anything that would cause a person to stumble in his righteous walk (Romans 14:21). Adultery is a horrible sin which brings the judgment of God (1st Corinthians 6:9,10).

Other Supporting scriptures are:

1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, “Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God.”

Isaiah 3:16-17:Moreover, the LORD said, “Because the daughters of Zion are proud And walk with heads held high and seductive eyes, And go along with mincing steps And tinkle the bangles on their feet, Therefore the Lord will afflict the scalp of the daughters of Zion with scabs, And the LORD will make their foreheads bare.”

I Corinthians 7:1: Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman.

I Peter 5:8: Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Ephesians 4:27:Do not give the devil an opportunity.

Matthew 5:28-29:But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart. So if your eye – even if it is your good eye – causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell”

Matthew 12:35 tells us that “a good person produces good words from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil words from an evil heart.”

Philippians 4:8 says, “Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Romans 6:12 says therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.

Colossians 3:5: Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Conclusion: We must never allow sin to control us (Romans 6). Even Though one has forgiven of the sin committed but still there would be the consequences of the sin in his life.

Also be encouraged to read my other articles on similar topic ” Sin fascinates then assassinates”

Here is the link http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2962450/sin_fascinates_then_assassinates_.html?cat=34

One Can Live Without Sin!

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2490779/one_can_live_without_sin_.html?cat=34

Sinful Men Hate to Be Rebuked!

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5665352/sinful_men_hate_to_be_rebuked_.html?cat=34

Capability of Sinning yet Choosing Not to Sin!

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5623770/capability_of_sinning_yet_choosing.html?cat=34

The Wicked Justifies Their Wrong Doing!

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5479022/the_wicked_justifies_their_wrong_doing.html?cat=34

Every Sin Has Its Own Consequences and Demands Heavy Price!

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2798080/every_sin_has_its_own_consequences.html?cat=34

Psalms 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Acts 13:34-35 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Matthew 16:21: From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.

Matthew 20:19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

Mark 9:9 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.

Mark 14:28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.

John 2:19-22 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

Luke 24:45-46 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

1 Corinthians 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

1 Corinthians 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

John 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

Mark 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

Mark 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

Acts 10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

1 Corinthians 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Luke 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

Matthew 28:16-17 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

1 Corinthians 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

1 Corinthians 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me(Paul) also, as of one born out of due time.

Luke 24:4-7 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

Acts 1:22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

Acts 3:15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

Acts 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Acts 26:23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

2 Timothy 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

1 Corinthians 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

Matthew 22:29-32 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

Matthew 27:53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Ezekiel 37:1-10 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: …

1 Peter 3:21:There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ


2 Timothy 2:18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.


John 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

Here is the collection of verses to make you believe that Jesus Christ died on cross and it was prophesized in the scriptures.

Matthew 28:5-7 :And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

Acts 4:10-11: Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

Matthew 27:32-40: Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross. And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull, they gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink. Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which were spoken by the prophet: “They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.” Sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left. And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”

Matthew 27:41-44: Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.

Luke 23:33: “When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals — one on his right, the other on his left.”

John 19:23-24: “When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. ‘Let’s not tear it,’ they said to one another. ‘Let’s decide by lot who will get it.’ This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, ‘They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.’ So this is what the soldiers did.”

Psalms 41:9 : Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

Acts 1:16:Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”

Zechariah 11:12-13:Then I said to them, “If it is agreeable to you, give me my wages; and if not, refrain.” So they weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—that princely price they set on me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD for the potter.

Isaiah 50:6:I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.

Psalm 22:7-8:All those who see Me ridicule Me;They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,“He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him;Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”

Isaiah 50:6-8: I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.

Zechariah 12:10:And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.

Psalm 22:16:For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced[a] My hands and My feet;

Luke 24:39:Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”

Psalms 22:15 :My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.

John 19:28: Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”

Psalms 69:21: They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

Matthew 27:34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.

John 19:29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.

Psalms 34:20 he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

Isaiah 53:9-12:His grave was assigned with wicked men, Yet He was with a rich man in His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was there any deceit in His mouth. But the LORD was pleased To crush Him, [a]putting Him to grief; If [b]He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His [c]offspring, He will prolong His days, And the [d]good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. As a result of the [e]anguish of His soul, He will see [f]it and be satisfied; By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, As He will bear their iniquities. Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, And He will divide the booty with the strong; Because He poured out [g]Himself to death, And was numbered with the transgressors; Yet He Himself bore the sin of many,And interceded for the transgressors.

Psalms 22:1 :For the director of music. To the tune of “The Doe of the Morning.” A psalm of David. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?

Psalms 31:5 : Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.

Matthew 27:46 :About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”–which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Isaiah 53:5-7 :But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

Isaiah 53:12 :Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Mark 10:45 :For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Isaiah 53:9:He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.

Matthew 27:57-60 :As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.

Galatians 6:12:As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

Galatians 6:14:But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Philippians 3:18:For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Matthew 20:19: and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.”

Matthew 23:34: Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city,

Mark 15:20:And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him.

John 19:6: Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.”

Hebrews 6:6: if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

1 Corinthians 1:18:For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

If we carefully read these verses, we can clearly understand the true meaning of these verses.

Matthew 19:17 “And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good?[there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”

Matthew 19:21 “Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me.”

Matthew 19:22 “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Jesus was simply questioning the young rich ruler’s motives to consider the implications of calling Him good when he said No one is good except God alone .The Rich man was measuring the goodness of Jesus Christ according to merely human standard and was not able to achieve God’s state of perfection. Rich man said “All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” The young ruler “went away sad” (Mark 10:22) because he realized that although he had devoted himself in keeping the commandments but has failed to keep the first and greatest of the commandments “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength (Matthew 22:37-38)”. The man’s riches were of more worth to him than God, he was sad to give up his wealth. He thought he can enter eternal life by his own good works and by not completely following Jesus Christ Hence he was not considered as righteous in the eyes of God. Proverb 16:25 says , “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”. The scriptures says that it is difficult for a rich person to be saved. Matthew 19:24 “And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Jesus pointed out that one cannot serve both God and money. One can follow 10 commandments but still they live spiritual defeated lives and have not OVERCOME the world still living in wicked ,greedy and hypocritical lives. Jesus declares Himself to be good “He is called the good shepherd in John 10:11. In Matt 20:15, Jesus said “ is your eye evil because I am good?’ . Scripture say that He “was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). “And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin” (I Jn. 3:5). Jesus is God (John 1:1; 20:28; Heb. 1:8; Rom. 9:5; 2 Pet. 1:1;1 John 5:20; etc.)Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14), Image of God (2 Cor. 4:4), Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16), Righteous One (Acts 7:52; 1 John 2:1), Wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24),Word (John 1:1),Word of God (Rev. 19:13).

Also observe Col. 2:9 says , “For in Him [Jesus] all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form.”

Col. 1:19, “For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,”

Phil. 2:6-8, “…although He [Jesus] existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Heb. 1:8, “But of the Son He says, “Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom.”

Jesus is the incarnate Word (that was God) made flesh (John 1:1,14; Col. 2:9), found in appearance as a man, and that He humbled Himself to the point of death (Phil. 2:8). What we also need to understand is that He was made under the Law (Gal. 4:4) took on the form of a servant(Php 2:7) and He was made like unto sinful flesh(Rom 8:3 ) and He was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

3. Why do so many people hate Jesus? Jesus Christ “declares the FATHER” (John 1:18). And reveals the Father to whomever the Son desires (Matt. 11:27). Jesus was revealing the Father to his disciples in His whole ministry. God and Jesus are one. Jesus said, “I and [God] the Father are one!” Jesus always spoke in His own authority. He never said, “Thus saith the Lord…” as did the prophets; He always said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you…” He even asserted that “heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Mark 13:31). The words of Jesus are the very words of God.

Jesus Christ claimed to be the ONLY way to God, claimed to live a sinless life, have shared the glory of God in Heaven who is able to forgive sins and to give everlasting life. Jesus was “without sin” (Hebrews 4:15), holy and undefiled (Hebrews 7:26), the only One who “knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21).Scriptures testify that Jesus Christ is good and Lord of all(Acts 10:36). Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I AM”? (John 8:58). He was also revealing HIMSELF as the God of the Old Testament. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:1-3). And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Consider the following scriptures carefully ,its clear that Christ was the God of the Old testament .

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 1:2, “Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds:”

Acts2:36: Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him. Also Jesus Christ himself said he was God in Luke 6:46: As He said, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” .

John 8:19 :Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.

John 14:1-7 :“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

John 14:8-11:Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father. That is all we need.” Jesus replied: Philip, I have been with you for a long time. Don’t you know who I am? If you have seen me, you have seen the Father. How can you ask me to show you the Father? 10 Don’t you believe that I am one with the Father and that the Father is one with me? What I say isn’t said on my own. The Father who lives in me does these things. Have faith in me when I say that the Father is one with me and that I am one with the Father. Or else have faith in me simply because of the things I do.

John 10:22-30 :That winter, Jesus was in Jerusalem for the Temple Festival. One day he was walking in that part of the temple known as Solomon’s Porch, and the people gathered all around him. They said, “How long are you going to keep us guessing? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly!” Jesus answered: I have told you, and you refused to believe me. The things I do by my Father’s authority show who I am. But since you are not my sheep, you don’t believe me. My sheep know my voice, and I know them. They follow me, and I give them eternal life, so that they will never be lost. No one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father gave them to me, and he is greater than all others. No one can snatch them from his hands, and I am one with the Father.

John 15:24 says : but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father.

Jesus was worshiped by Thomas (John 20:28), by Angels (Hebrews 1:6). by Wise men (Matthew 2:11), by A leper (Matthew 8:2), by A ruler (Matthew 9:18), by A blind man (John 9:38), An anonymous woman (Matthew 15:25), by Mary Magdalene (Matthew 28:9), by The disciples (Matthew 28:17).

4. When Jesus was worshiped, He never corrected His followers when they bowed down and worshiped Him. He never said, “Please, don’t worship me…only my Father should be worshiped.” . The words “only begotten” do not mean that Christ was created, or that He was in some way brought into existence by the Father. Rather, the Greek word for “only begotten” means “unique” or “one of a kind.” (Romans 9:5) “Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised. Amen.” (John 1:1) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (Titus 2:13) “…while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ…”

Some people will not come to Christ simply because they are ignorant of their need as sinners. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day were classic examples of this self-ignorance. In Luke 18 Jesus boldly spoke a parable directed toward these hypocrites, who “trusted in themselves that they were righteous” (Luke 18:9). When the scribes and Pharisees murmured against Jesus for eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus observed, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Luke 5:31-32).

John 5:24 “He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” Whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

The reason they hate Jesus Christ is Many love darkness of sin rather than light of truth ( Jno. 3:19-21),their Pride causes them to reject him ( Psa. 10:4) and Some are Unwilling to obey and follow him in everything thing ( Jno. 7:16-17)and to come to the knowledge of truth.

If you believe, embrace Jesus Christ as Lord, then obey Him & have everlasting life (Jno. 12:48-50) and be good soldier of Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:3)!

Do not think

We have been studying Esther she was a common Jewish woman by the name of Hadassah. It was in a time when the Jewish nation was scattered throughout the world. The Jewish people of Persia and Media had the opportunity to go back and rebuild Jerusalem but chose to stay with their captives. The Jewish people simulated into the culture of their captives. The only difference between the Persians, Medians and the Jewish people was that God was stamped on their hearts. Now, the King was looking for a new Queen because the old one refused to come to King Xerxes party. Esther (Hadassah) was chosen to be Queen. Now, Mordecai the Jew who raised his cousin Hadassah told her not to share her Jewish background with anyone. In this kingdom there is a man called Haman which means wrath. He is an enemy to Mordecai and the Jewish nation and plans on annihilating ever one. A verdict went out to all the provinces of King Xerxes lands giving the people the right to kill men, women, and children and to keep the Jewish people’s property on this date. Mordecai torn his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, sat himself down in front of the King’s gate and began to cry out in the streets. The Queen’s maids and eunuchs came rushing to see Esther to tell her of Mordecai’s distress. Esther sent Hathach her personal eunuch to Mordecai. Esther is told of the verdict that she needed to beg and plead with the King for her people.

We come to Chapter 4:10-16, which I would like to share with you.
Esther 4:10-16
10Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai, “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned this king has but one law: that he be put to death.
The only exception to this is for the king to extend the gold scepter to him to spare his life. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.”
12 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer:
“Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”
15Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

Esther hasn’t seen the king for thirty days and to enter into the king’s presence was surely death for the Queen. She was also thinking of the other Queen who wouldn’t come to the party and was vanished from the king’s presence forever. How could Mordecai expect her to do this? Queen was acting very insecure because her husband the king was busy with other things and she was left alone for many, many nights without him.

We can conjure many reasons why the king hasn’t come to her. The harem for one; he doesn’t find her desirable anymore; or that He was busy with king duties.

The Queen has a hard choice to make. We have hard choices to make too. Do not think you have time to play outside the gates of the great I AM that you won’t get burned? Do not think because you are from an important family that your father and mother will save you from the wrath of God? Do not think because you give at your church and you’re in choir you will go to heaven without asking the Lord into your heart? Do not think that your sin is so great that Jesus Christ can’t save you?

The Queen changed from verse 10 to verse 15. From vulnerable to courageous Queen Esther stepped up to the destiny that God ordained her to live. We are all called to destinies that will save our race from the hand of Satan. Do not think that you will escape because you are smarter or wiser?

The reason for Esther change was that God planned the future of Esther before the foundation of the world. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~Jeremiah 29:11

God fights for us. We are destine for great things. Receive these promises:
Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you. ~Deuteronomy 3:22
Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. ~ Psalms 35:1

We do not need to be vulnerable before our enemies because if the Lord called you He will protect you. He will give you the boldness and courage to walk up to your enemies and He will put the words in your mouth. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ…~Ephesians 1:3-10

Who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this?
*David was a poor sheep herder who became King of Israel and the bloodline to Jesus.
*Jewish girl (Hadassah) to save a people who were going to be annihilated
*Murderer Moses to lead his people out of Egypt
*Ruth, widower, Moabitess (her people were enemies to Jewish nation) married Boaz great grandma to King David
*Jesus Christ son of a carpenter to save us all.
*Paul, who was Saul, was a murderer of God’s people who became a disciple for the cause of Christ.

Choose this day to be courageous for Christ. If you read the rest of Esther’s story you will find that she was victorious in her quest to save her people from annihilation.

And if I perish, I will perish. If you know Jesus Christ we died with Him on the cross, already. All I can do now is rise up from the ashes in HIM. We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. ~Romans 6:4

Esther’s life was transformed when she step out in faith to her destiny in God.

Destiny is knocking on your door. Will you open it?

I pray that you will take courage for God is with you not against you. That you will look full on the Lord’s face and receive the gift of grace He has for you. Who knows for what reason God has brought you here today to read this and find your destiny. Embrace and walk there in. In Jesus Christ name I pray. Amen.

I would guess that my actions meet with disapproval at times when I choose to go out of my way to “cater” to my son. I imagine that observers are asking themselves, “Why does a young adult man who is marginally contributing to the family, get the same treatment I get when I do so much more?” I counter this imagined question with my own answer, “unmerited favor.” That favor is extended to each of my children. Now that they are grown and becoming more and more independent it brings me joy when they ask me to do something for them. They don’t always get it but, I do not keep a ledger of “who deserves what”. Who knows that may be what keeps them from coming to me more.

1John1:8-9 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin, and cleans us from all unrighteousness. IJohn:8-9 KJV

Today it so happened that my Bible reading was 1John1:8—9 . The picture that came to mind as I read this was changing diapers. I remembered how I changed my babies and cleaned them every time they dirtied their diapers. No matter how many times a day, season after season, I changed them and cleaned them. I didn’t keep track of how many times I had to change and clean them either. (According to the National Association of Diaper Services, that is over 70 Diapers in a week). I think by the third child I realized that learning to use the potty had more to do with how much they wanted to imitate me and their siblings than it did any disapproval or approval from me. According to the Center for Effective Parenting, toilet training is process, that has more to do with a childs readiness, than any battle of the wills. But regardless I am surely not using the fact that I changed and cleaned and cared for my children as babies , as a reason to call in favors or good behavior from them.

In a small way that is how I see the unmerited favor in which God is faithful to forgive us our sin and cleans us from all unrighteousness. Sin is something I am going to do, and it stinks who am I kidding? But, no matter how many times I soil myself, God is willing to clean me off and give me a kiss on the head and a pat on the bottom and send me on my way. I can remember as a toddler, having an “accident” and being old enough to “know better” I tried to hide my soiled clothes…DISASTER. What was different …shame. Maybe that is a reason Jesus tells us that we are to be like little children…Willing to be washed clean!

Phil Reinders had a similar article entitled, “Changing Diapers as an act of Love“. I came across after writing this piece and found it to be worth checking out.

~Hope is confidence, courage, and faith.

The hope is in the cross where God’s son gave up His life so we will have the hope of glory. We will have eternal rest with Him. Hope is given freely without cost to us for the price was already paid in the life of Jesus Christ. While Jesus Christ was on the cross his hands were nailed in an upright position as to surrender his life to his Father. So we have to surrender our life to our Father Jesus by rising up our arms in submission to His will for this new life with him.

Freely you have received, freely give. (Matthew 10:8b) You have been given hope from Christ so now take this message and share it with all. To know I am no longer alone as a single female that Christ has my back is one of peace. No more striding to do all on my own I have a helpmate in the name of the Holy Spirit who keeps me warm at night. He equips me in the art of warfare and the knowledge of my creator. He has made a home inside of me and I know he is there. How do I know that he is alive in me? When I gave up my control of my finances; I heard a voice that wasn’t my own singing Halleluiah over and over again. Then, I felt the Holy Spirit enter me it felt like a warm river flowing through me. Hope is given in the name of Jesus Christ for you and me. Do not keep this gift to yourself spread it like wildfire.

“If only I knew how to find God! I would go where He lives.” (Job 23:3) Many have travel down this road but few have actually took the step of faith and walk through the gate. (Matthew 7:13) It takes confidence, courage, and faith to embrace the future with Jesus Christ.

Control is hard. Letting it all go and letting God into your life is humbling. Saying, “I can’t do this life anymore on my own; everything is so screwed up. I need your, help!”

But, woe to them who couldn’t take that step of faith for without hope they will surely die. We have church members who play church outside the gate just a step away from Christ. But because they do not trust Jesus or they love the things of this world; they will perish and be lost forever. Let us not have hope for this life, les we are miserable. (1Cor. 15:19) Let us not live for our life on earth and be lost forever in hell. Focus your attention on Jesus Christ and the inheritance we have in Him not in our worldly possessions. (Matthew 19:29) If we are miserable we are still pining for the things of this world. Throw off the old man and embrace the new and living way.

At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail. (Job 14:7) I am this tree; that the Lord is training up to harvest the fields on my Father’s land. This scripture represents the power of God’s love for us. God prunes away the behavior that doesn’t belong and waters (word) the tender new shoots to grow into a beautiful tree. We will survive this and we will be stronger, more confident and have greater love for others.

My time living in the dark valley of death has its positives and that is my relationship with Jesus Christ has gone deeper. My tender roots have broken through the hard dirt finding the streams of water that is hope given. “A faith that has not been tested is one that cannot be trusted.” (John C. Maxwell)

I pray for other travelers on this journey that you too will experience a deep relationship with Jesus Christ. That your roots will go deep and you will stand strong and humble before the King of Kings. Lord, give my travel companions hope and patience for this journey. Thank you, Lord for giving me a travel companions who will guide and teach me about you. In your precious name Jesus. Amen.

It always seems that people seek to magnify your mistakes rather than the great accomplishments you have achieved. You could have saved a dying person, raised a million dollars for charity, and found the cure for cancer, but if you make a mistake small as a grain of sand, people magnify it to a mountain.

This happens frequently in my life. Sometimes I feel even when I do well, I still do badly. And often times, the great things I’ve done are ruined by the small, few mistakes I’ve made along the way. I encounter this even more since I founded Proverbs and Wisdom, a Christian website. People watch every move I make and whenever I slip, they make comments such as “You own a Christian website and you did that?” Ever since its launch, people criticize what I do with more austerity, questioning how it is possible for me have that website.

The issue is, how do you overcome the snide remarks? Is there a way to stop them? (more…)

If only I knew where to find him

Have you every travel on a road that never got you to where you wanted to go? Each road took you to one dead end after another until you were ready to take your car and send it over a cliff. You’d cried and begged what am I doing wrong Lord? I’ve gone over and over the directions but still I am lost. What’s the next step?

This is a vivid picture of your struggle when you are desperately lost and can’t find your way home.

I have been studying Isaiah 55:8-9:
8“My thoughts are not your thoughts, and my ways are not your way,” declares the Lord.
9“Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts.”

What we think should be happening is different from what the Lord wants to have happen in our life. You can wrestle with Him over each direction in your life or just give in to His prompting.

In my life right now I long to know God and I long to find Him. I am in perpetual state of lost when I can’t find the Lord.

King David cried out to the Lord in his state of lost in Psalms. In Psalm 63:1:
O God, you are my God. At dawn I search for you. My soul thirsts for you.
My body longs for you in a dry, parched land where there is no water.

Job cries from his very soul in Job 23:3:
If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling.

In Proverbs 8:17 wisdom tells us:
I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.

Jeremiah 29:13 says of the captives of sin:
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

What do these verses have in common this personal longing to know God alone? David and Job are not thinking of their wants of this world but in a relationship with God. David and Job are seeking with all their heart to know God in an intimate union. They are both looking to God for their deliverance instead of themselves. God came through for David and Job.

Every time I read the scriptures, go to church, and drive in my car I want desperately to meet Him there. My soul longs for His presence like nothing I have ever experience before and I cry out to Him with new eyes and a new heart. I want to see the God that David and Job saw.

Lord you have taken away my job, possessions, gifts, self-worth, and I am laid bare. I came into the world bare and I will die bare. I know I am a sinful creature but what do you want of me? I do not know why I keep losing my way? Have mercy on me dear Lord. I have nothing but you Lord who stands in judgment over my still body. My cry is “Oh, that I knew where I might find him!”

Who are you looking to deliver you?Are we looking to you to be in control of your fate? Life has been good and I do not cheat, lie, murder or steal. I am a good person, go to church, tithe to my church, and I volunteer to the soup kitchen every week. I plan on going to heaven because I am good.

What you are saying is that you’re self-righteous and perfect. The Lord can’t help you then because He came to seek and save the lost.

God sent his son Jesus Christ who was sinless to be sin for the lost. For people who see their sin and desperately need to be wash cleaned. Jesus was tortured, shamed, and crucified for a sinful people who can’t save themselves. They cry on bended knee or sitting as Job did “If only I knew where to find him.”

The scriptures say I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. This is a promise to you that Jesus loves you who love Him. Scriptures also say that when you search with all your heart you will find Him.

The desire to cry “If only I knew where to find him” comes from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit draws you to God if you are listening. Are you caught up in the world of media, money, materialistic goods, or just living on your turns you might not hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. In the Prodigal son story the son was coming home and the Father saw his son and ran to meet him. Jesus Christ is running to meet you so listen to the Holy Spirit and call? “If only I knew where to find him.”

You want to find God? Then read his word and find what He says about you through His scriptures. Go to church and hear is word spoken out loud and meet others who will testify to knowing God. But if you run from Him there is a scripture for that too.

Psalm 139:7- 8
7 Where can I go to get away from your Spirit? Where can I run to get away from you?
8 If I go up to heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in hell, you are there.

There is no where you can go to hide from His love for you. The Lord is near He is waiting for you to just turn around to Him. Jesus Christ arms are open wide so seek with all your heart and embrace your forgiveness. His grace is efficient for you. His blood was shred on the cross for you.

I pray that you will believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, repent and ask forgiveness for your sins; that, you will be forgiven, comforted, and refreshed from the thirst of His love. In Jesus Christ Name I pray.

Awake you who slumber. For God is seeking you.