The Lonely Artist an Endadangered Speices

Maybe you can relate: People didn’t always “get” me, and I often didn’t “get” people. When I broke down the walls and embraced the idea that God had created me to be an artist I found such freedom. At first I enjoyed the feeling of being invisible. Observing life as it unraveled around me as I sketched on my pad, or worked with paint in the quiet of my studio. After sending so much time in the “noise of living” it was a guilty pleasure to enjoy the privilege of solitude that I could enjoy as an artist. People didn’t require conversation if they saw me with a sketch pad. I had license now to close the door of and spend time in my studio. If I could remain faithful, and trust the mystery of the process, rather than get caught up in trying to validate my productivity, it felt RIGHT!

But was not the whole picture!

As I grew into my identity as an artist , my curiosity and attention to what God was showing me took off. I found myself in unlikely places meeting fascinating people. My artistic interests became inclusive as I rediscovered color, writing and music. Once I started talking about my creative ideas, I found that there were a lot of un-proclaimed artist who lit up when we talked. I enjoyed finding storytellers, artists and others who had a unique way of bringing to light that which begged to be revealed. When I was in the company of these people there was a familiarity. It didn’t matter what season of creativity these artists were in, I experienced the connection. The one that whispered to my soul that we were part of the same “tribe”.

If you don’t relate right now , that is OK. See I think ours is a tribe made up of people that are called to step out into unknown places, to recognize mystery, and to uncover the truth as we open ourselves to listen to God. It is a powerful gift. It is precisely because of this that the enemy opposes us at every turn, telling half truths and lies to us, using success to side track us, drawing us into isolation and away from relationship, casting doubt, feeding jealousy, telling us we are not so special, telling us that no one gets us…

So.. with that in mind, I am excited to find out a little more about you. drop me a comment to let me know a little bit about your journey so far

Blessing to you

What do you think? If this post got you thinking please remember to share it.

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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!

Psalm 139 is a wonderful song of praise to God. Verse 14 says, “I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” The Psalmist notes that he is imperfect, but that God’s thoughts toward him are wonderful (v. 17), because he will guide anyone through anything, from the usual difficulties – such as when Paul learned God’s strength was made perfect in His weakness – to those not so usual.

Each of us is a miracle, created by God for a specific purpose. He doesn’t want there to be imperfections; He created this world perfect, but then sin entered intot he world through mankind’s free will. So, now, there are people who experience all sorts of difficulties in their lives because of the curse of sin which caused this world to become broken down. It’s not any one person’s sin that causes it – it’s the imperfection which came when this perfect world had imperfection brought into it.

So, because of that imperfection, there are people like me born with low vision (in my case, from Dandy-Walker Syndrome) or hearing (in my case, bad enough to need a hearing aid.) There are those with other things physical or mental. And, there are even those whose creation is really unique – those born with a mix of anatomical traits considered both male and female, or which are atypical for each. Such people are known as intersex.

Intersex has nothing to do with sexual orientation, by the way; that has no relevance to this. In fact, it has nothing to do with homosexuality or the transgender movement. These are among numerous major fallacies. about it. The Bible says nothing specific about the issue, except that obvioulsy we must show the same love Jesus showed everyone. Numerous websites devoted to the issue merely seek to raise awareness of the issue and of difficulties encountered in society which are related to it.

We can’t always figure out why God chose what He did for us. I have a few ideas, based on what I’ve accomplished, of why He gave me low vision, low hearing, a bit of cerebral palsy (enough my feet point out a touch & I couldn’t do little things like open cans or jars as early as some kids), and possible even a touch of mild Asperger’s Syndrome. But the important thing is that He is the God of all comfort who provides a peace which passes understanding when we trust Him to. I’ve been able to do things I never would have, and help people I wouldn’t have, without these – some of which nobody else would have. Even though my body isn’t perfect, like anyone else, I’m a miracle.

God’s most amazing miracles surely include those connected with His birth, death, and resurrection. He came to die for each of us, to take the punishment for our sins, mine as well as others. Then, He rose from the dead, having the victory over everything.

For Him to do this, of course, He had to do as John 1:14 says He did – He “became flesh and dwelt among us.” He was fully God and fully man. While here, He showed great care for the hurting people of this world. While the Pharisees, the religious crowd, cared only for the usual and tried to impress others, Jesus cared for those who were unusual in some way. He performed many healings, not only of physical things but also of broken hearts.

Some of those hearts were broken by the treatment which the Pharisees gave, I’m sure. But, these people recognized that Jesus was special. He was different. He and god the Father are one. (John 10:30) God had ordained the Law in the commandments to teach the people that they couldn’t follow even those laws all the time, because of the nature of their hearts. So, they had to trust Him by faith in order to be saved. Salvation has always had a faith component. However, the Pharisees, as people often do, turned it into a totally works-based system and condemned those who went against it.

They even thought they had answers for why God created people such as the blind man in John chapter 9. They asked a strange question of Jesus – whether the man or his parents had sinned that he was born blind. Jesus told them that neither one had; the man was born blind that the works of God might be made manifest in him. Then, Jesus healed the blind man. The Pharisees were so upset that they threw him out of the synagogue; this man then wound up becoming a follower of Jesus.

We don’t know much about this man as a follower, but his testimony must have been amazing. He had the same testimony as anyone can who has experienced something other than the usual from their physical body. That testimony is that Jesus can and will overcome anything if they trust Him, and help them through anything.

This doesn’t mean that Jesus will heal everyone of physical problems while living. For some, healing won’t come until He calls them home to His perfect Heaven, at which time I will have perfect sight and hearing, those confined to whellchairs will be able to run, and so on. I know of one young man, in fact, who must wear braves on his legs. When he reaches Heaven, the first thing he plans to do is leap 100 feet in the air.

It does, however, mean that Jesus will give anyone the ability to get through anything with His help. It also means that – while not everything is good in this world – all those things we face will work together for good to them that love God. (Romans 8:28) God has a way of taking anything and using it for good. Even the bad things which people do because they have not learned of His love. God lives in each believer through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 113-14, 4;30; John 14-16, etc.) So, it is up to each believer to let Him guide them in the truth, being control by His Spirit. Thankfully, He will always love and cleanse us from sin when we turn to Him by faith. (1 John 1:9-2:1)

What He can’t take are peoples’ sins. No sin can enter Heaven. Heaven is a perfect place which God established so there would be no suffering, no tears, no pain, no parting, no sorrow. No bad stuff can enter there. So, He had to find a way for people like me and you and everyone to get there. Because, while our imperfections aren’t because of our own sin, we do all sin and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) that means each of us comes short of God’s perfect Heaven.

God gave us each a wonderful gift, though. The wages of sin – what we earn because of our sin – is death, separation from God forever in a place called Hell. But, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

That is the awesome gift which we must remember to celebrate, whether or not we celebrate Jesus’ birthday on December 25 or not. That gift of life forever in that perfect Heaven is free; all a person has to do is to receive it.

People have been mistreated throughout history because of differences. That mistreatment comes through actions of various sorts; words play a part, too, but focusing only on surface things like names can make one as bad as the Pharisees, who refused to do as God commands and look at the heart. The important thing is that God loves each of us because of who we are on the inside, not because of what name we go by.

The way to have that personal relationship with God – so you can get His help here and also go to His perfect Heaven someday – is to simply “believe on the Lord Jesus Christm, and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:31) Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13) That whosoever means anyone – any person can put their name in there because God is talking about them.

We may each have different physical characteristics. But, we each have one thing in common – a need for God’s love and forgiveness. Our differences are not because of sin – they are because God created each of us in a unique way so that we can glorify Him in who we are and what we do. However, we all do hve sin – myself included. We fall short of God’s perfect glory.

God doesn’t demand works like the Pharisees, though. That would be unfair anyway because some people could work more than others; some can’t do any. God made sure it was all by grace through faith in Him. It is not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians. 2:8-9)

Because it is by faith alone in Christ alone, each of us is only a single, sincere prayer of repentence to Jesus away from eternal life. The words don’t matter – but it can go something like this. “Dear Lord Jesus, I know I’m a sinner. I can’t reach your perfect Heaven myself. But, I know you died for my sins and rose from the dead. You took my punishment so I could get to heaven and also have life with you now, so you can guide me and help me on earth. Lrod Jesus, today I choose to turn from my sins and trust you to save me. I call on your name, asking you to save me from my sins and come into my heart to live. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

That’s all there is to it. We don’t know what God has planned – I heard about a condition from an online friend and I considered a number of ways to do it. Suddenly, this blog came out of my thoughts and prayers. I know that whatever happens, though, the Christian life is a great adventure in trusting the Lord to see you through everything. He has always been faithful to me, and He wants everyone to not only call on Him but also to let Him guide them in showing His love to others and telling of His great gift to them.

I thought I’d share this great resource that was presented by our pastor recently.  It serves as a reminder to what it takes to live a godly life.  We have a responsibility as Christians to live by this covenant with God…not as an obligation but as a evidence of our salvation.  It is also not an attempt to save our selves by living good lives…that is not possible since we’re saved by Grace alone, however, once we accept Jesus in our lives, there should be some fruit or evidence that we’re saved.   The same Grace that saved us also gives us the ability and the power to change our behavior and live a life worthy of our calling. 

Feel free to download a printable version of “My Covenant with God” by clicking on this link.

In Covenant with God

I Will

Be Responsible
For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Galatians 5:6 (NLT)

Know The Word Of God
For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done. Hebrews 12-13

Be Fruitful In All Areas Of My Life
“Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. Luke 16:10

Love God With All Your Heart, Mind and Strength
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.”  Matthew 22:37

Always Honor Authority
The authorities are sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for you will be punished. The authorities are established by God for that very purpose, to punish those who do wrong.  So you must obey the government for two reasons: to keep from being punished and to keep a clear conscience. Romans 13:4-5

Pray
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6

Work Diligently
Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ.  Colossians 3:23-24

Forgive Others and Reconcile With Those I Have Wronged
But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.  Mark 11:25-26

Walk With Integrity
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.  And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God,  while we look forward to that wonderful event when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.  Titus 2:11-13

Work To Fulfill Each Of These Items For The Rest Of My Life For His Glory
But if you are unwilling to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.  Joshua 24:15

Signature                                                                                                                              Date

Feel free to download a printable version of “My Covenant with God” by clicking on this link.

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.

Does My Work Give Credit to God?

“Knowing someone” has taken on a new dimension. Facebook and the internet make it possible for a person to spread themselves in many directions. I have to confess that I get a thrill seeing all my stuff pop up when I Google “Ramona Taylor artist”. But at the same time it bugs me when I meet someone who knows who I am and I am confident that I have never met them. I recently read an interview of Dakota Fanning she said often she would meet people who would say on introduction, “I know who you are.” Dakota exhorted that she would still like the opportunity to introduce herself. I think the ability to put so much of ourselves out on the social network, makes it possible to relate to what Dakota is talking about. While those who know Dakota may only know her by her public profile, it can be the same for all of us. And in a sense it can feel like a double life. (A real life and a media life).

I have to ask myself if I live a double life. Am I using the gifts God has given me for personal gain or for Him? It is when I am in this dilemma that I wonder if I am even being used by God.

So I put myself in check. Of course I am a sinner, to say otherwise would be lying, and I am reminded each time I sit in an award reception hoping for a prize, that my heart (motives) are often impure. I am unstable when I am seeking recognition from the world and the desire to Glorify God. Not that fame is bad.. (more…)

Thanksgiving is a great holiday. It’s the day when we Americans give thanks. It makes us reflect on the many blessings in our lives. Some of you might face real tragedy or hardship. You might be faced with a job loss, foreclosure or even something life threatening like cancer. You might have to dig very deep to see any blessings in your life, however, make no mistake, there is always something to be thankful about.

I think about that:
I can walk
I have Christ in my life
I have a wonderful family
I’m healthy
I can see
I can hear
I live in a great country
That I have great friends
I’m thankful for our soldiers

1 Thess 5:18 says “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”.NIV (read passage on Crosswalk.com)

Having a thankful heart or being happy is not based on our circumstances…it’s a Gift from God if and when we seek him. He is waiting…

Share with us…what you are thankful for?

If you’re hurting and you need help, call this prayer line 24/7. You’ll find people who care with a listening ear and a compassionate heard.

May God bless you richly this Thanksgiving!

A mother’s view of Veterans Day.

Since two of my four children have enlisted in the army, I have viewed Veterans Day in a new light. Don’t get me wrong, I have always honored and respected it. My father who is a Vietnam Vet has always taught me a great reverence for our military. I have buried two uncles who served in the Korean and Vietnam War. Their memorial service was rich with honor and tradition; taps, flags, a gun salute and a pride that you could feel tangibly, rested on the sacred services.

However, my perspective has changed a bit. I mean, how could it not? With two boys serving in the Afghan war, news reports of yet another soldier wounded or worse killed is enough to change anybody’s idea of Veterans Day. Layered with the sweet concern of friends and family wondering how they are doing, mixed with the sleepless nights of vigilant prayer for my sons and their unit, have brought the colors of the Red, White and Blue closer to home than ever before. And now the biggest part of the Star Spangle Banner, my own son home, wounded from war, recovering from a head injury. He is out of my reach physically but not out of my heart.

To see the “Invisible” wounds that my boys and others have sustained wrenches at my very core. I have witnessed their cost up-close and personal. I carry their sacrifice with a pride that only a mother could feel. I can see the Glory of God on the enlisted men and women. I can see their own pride that they feel because of their service and sacrifice. I comprehend the word “Honor” in a fuller understanding. Which brings me to this: Right now at this moment I am spending my “freedom of speech” that my boys are fighting for. I am practicing the right of an American and that right is being protected by my flesh and blood. And for years I took it for granted until I understood the price that has been paid by our enlisted. As I peck away at this keyboard, my children carry weapons to protect and defend that privilege. One heals another still fights, and I am in a safe, warm home, sipping my lattes and caring for my other two children as they spend their freedom going to college, going to church and praying for their brothers. My mother’s heart wraps around this daily. I am more grateful for my freedom than ever before and at times feel guilty for it as well. Maybe that sound weird to you but look at it this way: if your children bought you dinner out of their hard earned money, you would feel pride, gratitude and maybe a bit of parental guilt they spent money on you. Magnify that by 1000, I am spending “freedom” my children are paying for.

Its ironic really, they are risking their lives so I can pray for them freely. And pray I do! I squeeze every ounce of my liberty to pray for my family and the ones defending the right for me to “Trust in God”. I endeavor to use my strength to stand watch for those that stand watch over our country. (God give me the strength to continue that Stand of Faith)

Happy Veterans Day friends. Would it be to bold of me to ask you to spend some of your “Freedom of Speech” to thank a veteran? And would it be too daring for me to ask you to use your “Freedom of Religion” to pray for those who are defending that right? Would you stand in faith with me until all are home and all are whole?

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.