Category Archives: Religion

Know the Fruit

Posted on August 23, 2011 by | 3 Comments

Luke 6:43 “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.

While on our summer trip to California, my sister mentioned that she wanted me to cook a plantain. Plantains are from the banana family, sweet and a common staple here in Costa Rica.

I found the plantain in the grocery store and  fried it the same way as I do in  butter.  Once it was cooked, we could not wait to eat it. We took one bite and  quickly realized that  it did not taste the same and both of us were disappointed.

A Pastor was invited over to dinner from one of his faithful church members of several years. The husband asked the pastor to bless the meal, and their three year old was sitting in his high chair.  After the blessing of the meal,  the child asked what he just did. It was obvious that the family never prayed before a meal, but yet wanted to appear the part of strong Christians on the outside.

We will come across people who profess the know Christ, profess to know his word, and say all the right “buzz words” in the Christian lingo, but it all boils down to their fruit.

The word says that you will know them by their fruit, and even though the outside appearance will be the same, you will notice how they really are once you taste what they are serving.

How do you know if they are bearing the right fruit? The word tell us how.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

What do we do when we see poor quality of fruit in a believer?  In my personal opinion, I would like to challenge and encourage the person to step out in faith and surrender those areas of weaknesses to the Lord.  In our weakness He is made strong.

We can encourage them and point out the good qualities of their Christian life instead of condemning them.  An encouraging word goes a long way and does more good.  A condemning word can only cause more damage to the person. It’s best to leave that area to the Lord.

Let’s flow out of grace, love and mercy, and show them our fruit in encouraging others.

May you be richly blessed this day.

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Judging Revelation

Posted on July 19, 2011 by | 3 Comments

Acts 10:13-16  And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat. But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”  And a voice came to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”This was done three times.  And the object was taken up into heaven again.

A common question was asked to a pastor  I know well and respect, but I did not agree with his answer.

“What do you think about those that are dying, I have heard that there are either angels waiting to escort him or her to heaven, or there are demons, ready to take the person to hell. ”  The pastor replied, “There is no biblical basis regarding  angels or demons being present when a person is dying,  so that notion must be discarded.”

The verse above states that Peter was on a rooftop praying, and he fell into a trance.  While in the trance, the Lord gives him a vision and tells him to kill and eat animals that were unclean.  Peter knew that he was not to eat anything unclean, and resisted the voice that came to him. But the voice came again, and the third time Peter realized it was the Lord speaking to him.

This  vision caused Peter to realize that God was showing him something new.  It was written that Jews were not to eat  unclean animals, but yet God just spoke to him not once, but three times!   This caused a new mindset in Peter.  It was shortly afterwards that Peter was used of the Lord to open the gospel to the Gentiles where they received the  baptism of the Holy Spirit.

We can receive a revelation  and not find any reference to it in the Bible, such as seeing  angles ready to escort a body to Heaven.

We hear  that the Lord will not contradict scripture, but yet what do we do when we “see “ or experience something that is not in scripture?

We put it to the test. 1  Thessalonians 5:21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.

In Jesus own words, He says in John 15:26   ”But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.”

We have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us,  and he will testify of the truth, that truth being Jesus.

The revelation you received, will it draw people closer to Jesus, or away from the Lord?  Is it exalting you or Jesus?  All revelation is to exalt the Lord, not man.

Proverbs  11:14  Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
If you are not sure about the revelation you received, share it with your pastor and with others that you know and trust.

True revelation will produce liberty and not bondage see Romans 8:15

True revelation will produce life, not death.

The word or revelation received should never turn you away from the obedience of God.  See Duet 13:1-5

True revelation should build up the people of God,  encourage and comfort.

Finally, Jesus walked in love.  We are to walk in love and humility, exalting the gift giver and not the gift.  May the church continue to grow in intimacy with the gift giver.

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Posted in Articles, Christianity, Devotionals, gifts of the spirit, inspiration, Jesus, Religion, revelation

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Drawing Near to God

Posted on July 9, 2011 by | 4 Comments

James 4:7  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Have you ever met someone you like and seem to hit it off quickly?  I know I have, and it seems that you can tell this person almost anything.  You find that there is a connection, and you share many of the same interest.   But I have realized that I am the type of person that will not reveal too much of myself too soon  with other people.  For me it takes time.  I am cautious.  

I also know that having an intimate relationship with the Lord has taken me time.  I have applied the same tactics with meeting people as I do with God.   I am cautious, but yet I desire more of Him, and have held back on revealing  certain areas of my life that I do not want God to touch on,  and yet He knows everything about me!

As the phrase goes, when God ask you a question, He already knows the answer, He  just wants you to find something out about yourself. 

God desires a deep, intimate relationship with all of us.  His voice is lovely, kind, full of love grace and mercy.  There really is nothing to be afraid of.  So why do people like myself and other hold back?  Fear.  Fear that whatever God may touch on will cause pain.  There is one thing that I am certain of;  Just as we desire more of God, He desires more of us, and there is no pain involved.

His perfect love for us will cast out all fear.  For me it’s time to draw closer to God. I need to take that first step, and then He will draw closer to me, that’s a promise.

May you be richly blessed this day.

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Guard your mind

Posted on May 27, 2011 by | 6 Comments

Guard you Mind

Matthew 22:37 Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord  your God will all your heart, with all your soul,  and with all you mind.’

The greatest commandment  given to us by Jesus is to  love the Lord our God with all our mind.   If you are like me, at times that can be a difficult task.  With so many things going on, many times my mind is on my to -do list, and  not on Christ. 

Satan loves to attack the mind because it is closely related to our  heart,  and to the mouth!   If satan controls your mind, he can control your body, your actions and if left unchallenged, your spirit.  

If we don’t guard our mind, many things can happen such as;

  • Tormenting thoughts.  If  there is unforgiveness, bitterness and anger towards someone,  your thoughts are constantly on that person and how much they have wronged or hurt you.  Letting go of  the problem and giving it over to Jesus is the best and only  remedy. 
  • Satan causes wrong attitudes and desires towards others.
  • Depression-  being downcast, sad, discouraged or in a low spirit.  Depression can lead to suicidal thoughts or actual suicide.
  • Rebellion- which is willful disobedience against Gods’ authority.  Rebellion includes self-will, stubbornness, and disobedience. 
  • Confusion- indecision, confusion and frustration in your mind.

The greatest area of spiritual warfare is the mind!   Here we have a warning in scripture of what can happen to our mind:

Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

The solution
Let the Holy Spirit search your mind.  Ask God to reveal any wrong attitudes, motives and thinking.  As the Holy Spirit reveals to you, ask for forgiveness for wrong thought patterns. 

Claim a sound mind, and continue to read the scriptures to fill your mind with the word of God as you surrender your will to Him.

Philippians  4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus

Cast down those wrong thoughts, and take them captive to the obedience of Christ.  This requires discipline, but it can be achieved!

Of course we have the Holy Spirit, our helper, whom will guide us in all truth and with His help, we are sure to gain victory.

May you be richly blessed this day.

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Only Jesus

Posted on April 26, 2011 by | 16 Comments

In our local paper we receive a  Sunday supplement that carries stories of general interest.  The latest story was about  Pope John Paul II’s beatification.  

I read with interest how this process is actually done,  and here is a summary: 

According to the article, the beatification process for the Pope is considered only when there has been a healing recorded after his death which is attributable to him.  What does beatification mean? It is the official act of the  pope whereby a deceased person is declared to be enjoying the happiness of heaven.

A catholic nun by the name of Marie Sion Pierra was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in June of 2001.  As the years progressed, her condition worsened.   She asked to be relieved of her duties a few days after the death of the Pope, which was April 2, 2005. 

The other nuns encouraged her to continue, stating that John Paul II has not said his last words yet.  Remember, he was dead by then. 

June 2nd, Marie observed a notable improvement in her health.  It was not until she began walking and writing again that she noticed the Parkinson’s had disappeared.  She went to her doctor of four years and he declared that all her symptoms had disappeared.  Marie says in the article that John Paul has interceded for her on her behalf, which has brought about her healing.

There are other healings as well noted in this article, while Pope John Paul was alive.

in 1998 a man in advanced stages of cancer received communion from the Popes’ hands.  This man was healed.

Cardinal F. Marchisano tells how the Pope touched his throat  and received his voice after a medical error left his vocal chords damaged and unable to speak.

in 1990 a man stricken with leukemia was healed after receiving the benediction from the Pope.

In all of the healings noted above, credit was given to Pope John Paul II.

Friends, only Jesus intercedes and only Jesus heals. These healings mentioned in the article give the glory to man, not to Jesus.

Romans 8:34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

  • Only Jesus intercedes for us.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 
There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.  For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you.

  • We are not to have any contact with the dead.

The Bible is clear on who heals.

    • John 14:14 If you ask anything in My name I will do it.
    • Matthew 8:7 And Jesus said to him, I will come and heal him.

It is of vital importance that we know our Bible so that we do not fall into deception. 

Jesus, who sits at the right hand of God makes intercession for us.  It is only through the name of Jesus that one is healed, not through any other name.  Do not give credit to man, only to the one and only Son of God, who heals the sick, cleanse the lepers and has risen from the dead to give us life and life abundantly.

John 14:13
And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

May you be richly blessed this day.

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Resurrection Sunday

Posted on April 20, 2011 by | 7 Comments

John 19:13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called ”The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha.

As we draw near Resurrection Sunday, I wanted to take a look at the Scriptures and delve into what Jesus accomplished for us at the cross.   The  phrase,  “The finished work on Calvary”  is heard often.  Not only during Easter, but in sermons from at any time.

So what exactly was finished?  While I may not have all the answers, one thing that I have been meditating on was passing from the Covenant of the Law to the Covenant of  Grace.

In the Old Testament we were under the Covenant of the Law.  Covenants were made and lasted a lifetime, and the only way a covenant could end was by death.  Jesus died on the cross so that we could pass from the Covenant of the Law into the Covenant of Grace.

Grace;  we are cleansed from our sin, where there is no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus,  where we are the righteousness of Christ, we have life everlasting and we have a God that is rich in mercy and forgiveness!

Scripture tells us that  Barabbas, a sinner was let free.   This is symbolic and prophetic.  We were let go of our sins, Jesus took the penalty for us, and we are now forgiven  by the precious blood of the  lamb. As a result we do not have to experience eternal death.

In the verse quoted above, Jesus sat down in the judgement seat. This judgement seat is the word Bema, where the saved will stand before and receive their rewards.   The believers will not be judged, because of the Covenant of Grace and because of the judgement Jesus took in our place.

The unbelievers will face the Great White Throne of Judgement.  Great because only the Lord God Himself is Great, white because only in Him is there purity and He alone sits on the throne.

2 Corinthians  5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things  done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Here we will receive our  rewards for our  faithfulness to the Lord.  We will not be condemned, nor will our sins be pointed out to us.

As I read the scriptures of Jesus being given vinegar while he hung on the cross, also called Old Wine, we were passing from the old into the new.  When we pass from the darkness into the light, we leave behind the old man, the old wine or vinegar.  Jesus was passing from the old covenant (law) into the Covenant of Grace.

Old wine or vinegar, is symbolic of the law.  We are no longer under the law!

Mark 14:25 Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the Kingdom of God.

May we truly meditate on the goodness the Lord has done for us, as a free and unconditional gift.  I often think why the Lord chose me, a sinner.  It’s because of His grace, mercy, and love for us that he died for us.  Let’s honor Him in all we do, say and think and be effective for His kingdom.

Jesus ended His time on the cross by saying, “It is finished.”  May we say it is finished to our old habits, our old way of thinking and fully embrace and cherish what was accomplished for us on the cross.

May you be richly blessed this day.

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Posted in Christianity, Devotionals, Easter, inspiration, Jesus, Religion, revelation, salvation

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Feed on Jesus

Posted on April 6, 2011 by | 3 Comments

John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

There was a time in my life that I found myself hungry and thirsty.  I tried to fill the void with what the world had to offer, and to be honest it wasn’t very filling.  I quickly found myself hungry and thirsty all over again. 

There are many people out there going through life trying  fill the void in their lives.   They eat what the world has to offer, instead of being satisfied with Jesus and all His blessings and promises.

Joseph Prince has this wonderful quote:  Jesus was in a manger in a feeding trough.  We are to feed on Jesus, the bread of life.

The world and Jesus offer two very different types of food.  In the world you will thirst and hunger again, and you will face hurts and disappointments.  With  Jesus, we will never thirst nor hunger, and He will cover you with His grace, mercy and love. 

Are you tired of your menu?  Try Jesus. He will nourish your soul and  spirit,  and with Him you will thirst no more.

May you be richly blessed this day.

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