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     The following is my attempt to create some short Bible based messages, in a simple and easy to understand way.

I’d rather hang out with people who admit they struggle with sin in their life and are sorry for it, than with those who think sin isn’t really a problem in their life, and don’t give it a second thought.

I’d rather be surrounded with a group of people that are on fire for God but don’t know their Bible that well, than with a group of Bible scholars who have no fire.

I’d rather hear about what God has done in your life this week more than anything else.

I’d rather have people think I am a “Jesus Freak,” than for them to not even know I am a Christian.

I’d rather have a few people praying fervently for me, than a bunch of people who won’t really pray that hard.

I’d rather have one person leading worship while playing a piano who is truly worshipping God, than a whole band who is just playing worship music.

I’d rather go to a new church and have one person sit down next to me and get to know me, than have ten people shake my hand and say “Welcome.”

I’d rather not use my Christian liberty to do certain things in my life, than to use it and possibly cause a fellow Christian to stumble in their walk with the Lord.

I’d rather see a church have an altar call for unbelievers every week to come forward and give their lives to Christ, and only one person a month comes forward to be saved, than to see a church have no altar call at all.

I’d rather take a chance on losing a friendship while on earth for sharing the Gospel with that friend and upsetting them, than to say nothing, and one day lose their friendship for eternity.

Are you sharing the burdens of your Christian brother? You should be. (see: Gal 6:1-2)

Do you think there are many ways to eternal life? Jesus said you are wrong! He said HE was the only way! (see: Jn 14:6)

Every person, job, accomplishment, etc… will eventually disappoint. Only our Lord will never disappoint.

You can read the Bible, but you will never fully understand it without the Holy Spirit, who helps us to understand all things of God (Jn 14:26)(Jn 16:13).

No matter what you are facing, it isn’t too big for God. (see: Jer 32:17,27, Gen 18:14)

The Bible says that “only” those who have placed their faith in Jesus are “children of God.” (see: Gal 3:26, Jn 1:12)

Christian, don’t ever go anywhere without wearing your spiritual armor. (see: Eph 6:10-17)

Do you “fear” God? You should! The Bible says it is the “beginning of wisdom.” (see: Ps 111:10, Prov 9:10)

When you become a Christian, you are going to lose some friends. This is a good thing. New friends are coming!

Christians can lay up treasures in Heaven, and when you do, no one can steal them. They will be waiting for you when you get there. (see: Mt 6:19-20, Mk 10:21)

If you are a Christian, God has given you are least one spiritual gift which you can use to serve Him. Find it, and use it.

God knows “exactly” the day you will die. No one, or nothing can alter that day.

If you put God first in “everything” that you do, you can never go wrong.

The primary goal of all Christians should be to become more and more like Jesus. (see: Eph 4:13,15, Phil 3:12-14)

No person that you see in a day is there by accident. What will you do with that opportunity?

If God calls you to do something for Him, do it, no matter who tries to stop you.

What you want to accomplish may be impossible for you, but it is not impossible for God. (see: Mt 19:26, Lk 1:37)

As a Christian, some people should hate you. Jesus said to expect it. (see: Jn 15:19-20)

God’s ways are higher than our ways. We will never fully understand. (see: Isa 55:8-9, Job 37:5)

God’s timing very rarely matches up with our timing.

God will deal with those who do evil to you. We are not to deal with them ourselves. (see: Rom 12:19)

God hates pride (Prov 6:16-17). God “gives grace to the humble” (1 Pet 5:5)(James 4:6).

Those who belong to Jesus have “ministering angels.” (see: Heb 1:14)

Peter got out of the boat and started to walk on water, but then began to drown because of a lack of faith. But, at least he had the faith to get out of the boat.

When you are “born again,” everything that you did prior to that moment is in the past. You start a whole new life!

Every Christian has a testimony of how Jesus has changed you. It is one of your greatest witnessing tools.

Job said in (Job 31:1), “I made a covenant with mine eyes.” Have you done this? Be careful what you look at.

Paul said in (1 Th 5:18)(Eph 5:20) to give thanks in “everything.” “Some” is not too difficult, “everything” is very difficult.

God can take our weaknesses and turn them into strengths.

There is NOTHING in the universe that does not belong to God.

Everyone should have at least one goal in life that they cannot reach unless God helps them.

Sometimes, there is a battle in the heavens for our prayers to be answered, so be patient. (see: Dan 10:12-14)

If you help your enemy, sometimes it can be like “heaping coals of fire on his head.” (see: Rom 12:20)

If you have faith even the size of a tiny “mustard seed,” you can do amazing things with God’s help.

Someday, the “fullness of the Gentiles” (Rom 11:25) will be reached. Amazing things will begin to happen at that time!

The wicked may prosper for a while, but not forever. (see: Ps 37:1)

Taking the Lord’s Supper should not be done lightly. (1 Cor 11:27-30) says some have been sick, and others have died for taking it in an “unworthy manner.”

God should be glorified in EVERYTHING we do. (see: 1 Cor 10:31)

Jesus must always become greater, we must always become less. (see: Jn 3:30)

Without the resurrection of Jesus, there would be no Christianity. (see: 1 Cor 15:14,17)

If you know how many times you have prayed today, you probably aren’t “praying without ceasing.” (see: 1 Th 5:17)

If you love God, He promises to “work all things together for your good.” (see: Rom 8:28).

You are just as much of a sinner as anyone else.

Doing good works is important, but doing them to earn salvation is useless.

 Be a “cheerful giver.” God loves that! (see: 2 Cor 9:7)

No one loves you more than Jesus loves you!

Every single world leader is in power only because God allows it. (see: Rom 13:1-2, Jn 19:11)

I like this analogy on God seeing the bigger picture: You only see part of the parade from ground level. God sees the whole parade from His viewpoint up high.

Jesus understands when you are tempted. While on earth, He was tempted too. (see: Heb 2:18, Heb 4:15-16)

The only one who can “truly” know your heart is God. (see: 1 Kin 8:39, 1 Sam 16:7)

Those who believe in Jesus without seeing Him are called “blessed.” (see: Jn 20:29)

Do you have someone in your life who is “sharpening your iron?” This can be invaluable. (see: Prov 27:17)

Everything that you need in your life, God will supply it. (see: Phil 4:19)

Sometimes, the reason why we don’t get what we pray for is because it “consumes upon our lusts.” (see: James 4:3)

Do you need renewed strength? Wait for the Lord. (see: Isa 40:31)

Before you do or say anything, think of Christ.

We should never fear what any man can do to us. (see: Mt 10:28, Ps 118:6)

The trials in our life produce endurance (James 1:2-3), and patience (Rom 5:3-4).

When I gave my life to Jesus, it took a while for many things to change, but one thing that changed immediately was a “peace that passes all understanding.” (see: Phil 4:7)

Jesus is not, nor ever has been: an angel, a “good” man, or an “enlightened” teacher. Jesus is, and always has been God!

The Bible clearly says that Father is God, Jesus is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. The Bible also says “God is one” (Deut 6:4)(Jas 2:19). This is why Christians believe in a 3 in 1 triune God (the Trinity).

People change, God never changes. (see: Mal 3:6, Jas 1:17)

When a person is born again, he receives the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13-14). This is the “guarantee” of our salvation (2 Cor 1:22)(2 Cor 5:5).

If the Holy Spirit lives inside of you, you belong to God (Rom 8:9). If you don’t have the Holy Spirit, you don’t belong to God.

When we receive the Holy Spirit at salvation, He will do “many” things in us. Among them is to comfort (Jn 14:16), teach (Jn 14:26), and guide (Jn 16:13) us, and to give us “righteousness, peace, and joy” (Rom 14:17).

While Jesus was on Earth, He said it was “good” that He was leaving, because then the Holy Spirit could come. (see: Jn 16:7)

It is easy to love someone who loves you. What should set a Christian apart is loving those who hate you. (see: Mt 5:44, Lk 6:27-28)

Peter said, “we ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). This applies more than ever today.

God will “test” us, but He will never “tempt” us. (see: Jas 1:13)

Jesus was sinless (2 Cor 5:21)(Heb 4:15). We are sinners (1 Jn 1:8,10)(Rom 3:23). The “wages of (our) sin is death (Hell)” (Rom 6:23). This is why we need Jesus. His perfect sinless, righteousness is “imputed” to us (2 Cor 5:19,21)(Rom 4:7-8,24-25), and saves us, when we place our trust in Him.

The Holy Spirit can give us “supernatural power” from God to accomplish tasks that we could never accomplish on our own (see: Acts 4:8-12, 31, Acts 13:9-12). We should pray to be “filled” over and over with the Spirit (Eph 5:18). (This is not a one-time experience.)

There are “countless” numbers of angels working on God’s behalf (Rev 5:11)(Dan 7:10)(Heb 12:22). Many times, they are sent to help us in some way.

The 5th Commandment says to “honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long” (Ex 20:12)(Eph 6:2-3). (This is the first Commandment with a promise.)

Before you get a divorce, think about these 4 words from God: “For I hate divorce.” (see: Mal 2:16).

Are you seeking to connect with God in a deeper way? Consider humbling yourself before God by fasting.

Fornication is “any” sex outside of marriage. Jesus calls it an “evil sin” (see: Mt 15:19, Mk 7:21). We are told to “flee” from it (1 Cor 6:18).

God tells us to “hate” a number of things: evil, pride, and arrogancy (Prov 8:13), iniquity (Heb 1:9), lying (Prov 13;15), vain thoughts (Ps 119:113), bribes (Prov 15:27), covetousness (Prov 28:16), the love of money (Lk 16:13), and even “our life in this world” (Jn 12:25).

God can heal sickness, but God does not always heal immediately, and sometimes He chooses not to heal at all (see: 1 Tim 5:23, 2 Tim 4:20). Do NOT be mislead into thinking there is something wrong with your faith if you haven’t been healed.

The Bible says that the words that come out of your mouth show what is in your heart (Mt 15:18)(Mt 12:34)(Lk 6:45).

If you think you are facing a lot of trials in your life, take a look at the trials of Paul in (2 Cor 11:23-28). It might help put things in perspective.

God encourages persistent prayer (Lk 18:1-8)(Lk 11:5-13), but not mindless, repetitive prayer (“vain repetitions”) (Mt 6:7).

Did you know that (1 Sam 12:23) says it is a sin if we don’t pray for others?

Satan cannot do anything to God’s chosen people that God does not allow. (see: Lk 22:31, Job 1:6-12, Job 2:1-7)

When we are being persecuted for our faith, Jesus said we are “blessed.” (see: Mt 5:10-12)

Christians should not be “yoked” with unbelievers. Christians are called “light,” and unbelievers are called “dark.” (see: 2 Cor 6:14-18, Eph 5:6-8,11)

Wouldn’t it be great to be called “a man after God’s own heart?” That’s what God said about David in (Acts 13:22)(1 Sam 13:14).

Jesus also draws “all” men to Himself (Jn 12:32), however, we can reject this drawing: (Jn 5:40)(Mt 23:37)(Lk 13:34). PLEASE don’t reject it!

Did you know that appearances of Jesus can be found in the Old Testament? It is a “fascinating” study! Check it out!

We must take up our cross and follow after Jesus. Jesus said if we don’t, He said we aren’t worthy of Him. (see: Mt 10:38)

You aren’t worthy of Jesus if you love your father, or mother, or son, or daughter more than Him. (see: Mt 10:37)

As Christians, we need to remember that while we are on this planet, it is not our home. We are not to “love” the things of this world. (see: 1 Jn 2:15-17, Jas 4:4)

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Most people constantly strive to be first. Jesus said that to be first, we must be last (and a “servant of all”). (see: Mk 9:35)

Have you sometimes wondered if it is better to die and go to be with Jesus, or stay on earth and carry out God’s work? Paul had this dilemma. He chose to stay, and God used him mightily. (see: Phil 1:21-24)

The greatest love you can show to another person is to lay down your life for them (I believe this can be taken literally, or figuratively). (see: Jn 15:12-13, 1 Jn 3:16)

Do you say, “I could never be a thief, adulterer, alcoholic, drug addict, etc…?” (1 Cor 15:10) says, “But by the grace of God I am what I am.” (My favorite Bible verse.) If not for God’s grace, we might fall into any sin.

It is easy to tell people that they need to forgive, but when it comes to our own need to forgive, it isn’t always so easy to do.

One of the primary reasons why non-believers want nothing to do with going to church is because they believe it is filled with “hypocrites.” They expect Christians to live to a higher standard. I believe that it is right for them to expect this.

Our love for others should not be based upon “feelings.” Feelings will eventually fade. Our love should be based upon “commitment.” No matter how we “feel,” we will still love a person, because we are “committed” to them.

To me, one of the scariest things is a person who says, “I am a Christian, but I can’t remember the last time I read my Bible.”

We should be thankful that God doesn’t always give us “everything” that we ask for in prayer.

All through the Bible, God chose to use people that nobody would have expected Him to use.

Do you long to hear from God? Read your Bible.

According to the Bible, all people on earth fall into one of two categories: “children of God” or “children of Satan.” You are only a “child of God” through faith in Jesus Christ (Gal 3:26). Otherwise….

(2 Chr 16:9) says, “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” If you need God’s “strength,”  keep this verse in mind.

The Bible says “the Word of God will endure forever” (Isa 40:8)(1 Pet 1:23-25). God supernaturally protects His Word, and it will “endure” whether I defend it or not. But, I’m still gonna defend it.

Some of the strongest Christian testimonies come from people who are “born again” later in life. It’s NEVER too late!

As you grow in your Christian faith, you are going to find more and more things that you didn’t realize were sin.

I know that there are perfectly good reasons for why I wasn’t saved until I was 32 years old, but sometimes I still do the “what if” I had been saved in high school thing. (I still think about my high school best friend committing suicide.)

I don’t think there has ever been a time in history when more people are “proud” of their sins than they are today.

Each time you attempt to take a step to grow in your faith, you can expect stronger opposition from Satan. Push through!

It is amazing how many times I have heard someone say, “I am going to start going to church again this week,” or “I am going to start attending Bible study this week,” then some (often small) thing happens, and they don’t go.

Lately, there are days when I am barely able to sleep at all. Almost without fail, something big for God happens later on in the day.

There is a Biblical difference between “questioning God” and “doubting God.” Many people questioned God in the Bible, and He seemed to have no problem with it. However, He did have a problem when people “doubted” Him.

Many people pray for God to “change” someone in their life, but sometimes, the better prayer might be for God to “change” you, and how you react to that person.

We need to be happy where we are, on the way to where God is taking us. If we can’t be happy where we are, God likely isn’t going to give us more.

It’s not our having possessions that Jesus minds, it is being unwilling to give up our possessions that is the problem. (see: Mk 10:17-22)

Do you have a “prayer closet?” This isn’t necessarily a closet per se, but rather, it is simply a place you can regularly go to get alone with God, and spend some time with Him in prayer.

One of two things is always true with every trial that happens in our lives: #1. God causes it, #2. God allows it. Either way, God is in total control, and has a reason for what is happening.

God has created you just the way you are. Don’t compare yourself to others.

The unsaved are acting the way they are supposed to act. We cannot expect an unsaved person to act like the saved.

The more the Christian church is persecuted, and its believers killed, the more it continues to grow. That doesn’t make sense to many in this world.

Satan can perform miracles too. Never forget that! (see: Mt 24:24, 2 Th 2:9, Rev 16:14, Rev 19:20)

Have you ever seen a person that you know is a Christian just by looking at them? I want to be that person one day.

There are two kinds of anger: unrighteous and righteous. Unrighteous anger is becoming angry over wrongs that are done to us. This is sin. Jesus never displayed this. Righteous anger is becoming angry over wrongs done to others. This is not sin. Jesus did this.

Many times, answered prayer brings a person closer to God, however, sometimes it ends up leading a person farther from God. It may not always be best to get what you pray for.

The primary purpose of prayer should always be to conform our will to God’s will, not the other way around.

Hell is always a choice. A person will end up there if they stubbornly refuse throughout their lifetime to confess that they are a sinner, and need Jesus to pay for their sin.

Forgiving is not contingent on forgetting what someone did to you, it is based upon on not holding their sin against them anymore.

God can take our weakness, and turn it into strength. In doing this, God alone gets the glory for what we do. (see: 2 Cor 12:7-10)

There is a song called “Hosanna,” and one of the lyrics says, “(God) break my heart for what breaks yours.” This would be a great prayer.

Our faith usually doesn’t grow a lot when things are going well, it grows in the midst of trials.

There is never a single moment when God is not thinking about you or watching you.

In Heaven, some will be given many rewards, and some few. We will not be jealous of those who get more, because “jealousy” is a sin, and there is no sin in Heaven. Instead, I believe we will selflessly rejoice with those who get more rewards. If only that would happen on earth right now.

I thank God for those Bible teachers that make me want to go out and change the world after I hear or read their teachings.

STD’s and abortions would virtually disappear if men and women would simply follow God’s plan for us: sex only for one man and one woman joined as one in marriage.

A lot of the mistakes I have made in my life are because I have tried to please people rather than God.

When I look back at a lot of the things I did in my life before I became a Christian, it literally makes me sick. I am SO thankful for a new life in Jesus!

It is so amazing to me that some people that I know from my past, that I never thought would become Christians, are now Christians. (I am sure some are amazed that I am too.)

I love (Acts 12:5-17). People are gathered to pray (likely for Peter’s release from prison). Peter is released by an angel, goes to the place they are praying, and knocks on the door. A girl answers the knock, then tells the gathering “It is Peter.” They think she is crazy, and say, “It is his angel.” How often do we pray, and don’t really believe God will answer?

You can combine all of the knowledge found on the internet, and it will still pale in comparison to what God knows.

God wants us to pray about ALL things. There is nothing too small. Keep in mind that “everything” is small to God.

Many people don’t like to pray in front of others because they are afraid they will sound stupid. (I have struggled with this.) However, if you just focus on talking to God one to one, and shut everything else out, it gets easier.

Spending time with a recently and radically saved person who is on fire for God is pretty awesome.

“My faith is a personal thing, I don’t want to talk about it.” I use to say this. Now, it scares me when I hear others say it. I was lost when I said it.

One thing I try to do from time to time in my prayer life is to think of all the “little” things that God does in my life, that I hardly ever thank Him for. Then, I take time to thank Him (i.e. that the dryer is still running, that I have air conditioning, that I have clean water to drink, etc…).

Most Christians think that when they get to Heaven and see the Lord, they will run up to Him and give Him big a hug. I think we will fall on our faces, and probably won’t be getting up for a long time.

No matter how hard you try to carry out the will of God, if you do it without the power of the Holy Spirit, you won’t get very far.

Every day could be a God-given chance for you to change someone’s life for eternity.

Satan knows what the Bible says better than you do, but he distorts the meaning of its verses.

I know of no Christian, who at the end of their life has ever regretted praying too much, reading their Bible too much, or worshipping the Lord too much.

When you are a Christian who is serving the Lord, there are two ways to get yourself in trouble: #1. Believing everything bad that people say about you, #2. Believing everything good that people say about you.

As Christians, our sin can never separate us from our “union” with God, but it can break our “communion” with God. This is why we need to confess and repent when we sin. We do not want any sin to hinder a close relationship with the Father.

The more time we spend with someone, the better we get to know them. This also applies to knowing God.

If a Christian in America had to suffer like Christians do in other parts of the world, how many would stand strong?

You know how upsetting it can be when you think you know someone, and then they suddenly change? This never happens with God; He never changes. (see: Mal 3:6, Jas 1:17, Heb 13:8)

Are Christians to “tolerate” what other religions teach about what we have to do to have eternal life? Jesus said He was the “ONLY” way to eternal life (Jn 14:6). That doesn’t sound “tolerant” to me.

This is a fact shown in the Bible, and throughout history: the more a person has, the less likely they are to place their trust in Jesus. (see: Mt 19:24)

Do non-Christians see something in your life as a Christian that they are missing?

Yes, God wants you to be happy, but having joy is more important from a Biblical standpoint.

Every miracle that God does first begins as a problem.

Every Christian has at least one miracle that God has done in their life: the moment they were converted and became a Christian.

God promises to “work all things for good for those who love Him” (Rom 8:28). This is a matter of faith and trust in the Lord, because many times, from our perspective, it may not seem like He is doing this.

If you are practicing hidden sin in your life that you are afraid that people will find out about at any moment, you will never have the full power of God to minister to those people.

Salvation is never shown in the Bible to be a “process.” It comes in an “instant,” and what happens in that “instant” is God comes to live inside of you in the form of the Holy Spirit. You are “saved” at that moment (Eph 1:13-14).

I am criticized for this thinking by many, but when I first meet someone, my first assumption is that they are “lost” (not saved), and I am going to find a way to share the Gospel with them as soon as possible.

God is not concerned with our ability, only our availability.

I am amazed at how many people today believe they are “sharing the Gospel,” and never mention sin, or repentance, or Hell.

You may be smart, but you will never have “wisdom” without God’s Word.

Perhaps the best proof that the Bible is the inspired Word of God is that hundreds of years before Jesus came to Earth, the Old Testament told us dozens of things about Him, and each of these were accurately fulfilled when He came.

I am convinced that Christians who are “people pleasers” have the hardest time sharing the Gospel.

An old saying, “God is God, and you are not.”

This verse always stays with me, “For our God is a consuming fire” (Heb 12:29).

If you say you are “saved,” and you aren’t doing good works, you should question if you are “saved” (James 2:17,26).

If you are an alcoholic, don’t go to a bar, order a drink, and then pray “God, help me not to drink this.”

If I baked a “big” batch of brownies, and mixed in a very tiny amount of dog poop, would you eat the brownies? The same is true with sin in our lives. Mixing in a “little” sin can ruin a lot more.

What did you do for the Lord today?

I feel fairly confident that most of what we think we will do in Heaven won’t be what we will do in Heaven.

That God actually lives inside of me is utterly amazing, and also a bit terrifying at times.

In (1 Kin 19:18), God said to Elijah, “Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.” This verse gives me comfort. (Also see: Rom 11:4)

If people actually believed Jesus could return tomorrow, everything would change.

Thankfully, God’s love for us isn’t affected by what we do.

Many believe that if they do more “good things” than someone else, they will get to Heaven. The problem is, the standard to get to Heaven isn’t being “better” than someone else, the standard is being as “good” as God! Only by accepting the sinless sacrifice of Jesus can this standard be met.

While the words of Jesus in the Bible are definitely important, we must be careful not put them ahead of other words in the Bible. ALL of the words in the Bible are inspired by God and important, not just the words of Jesus. (see: 2 Tim 3:16, 2 Pet 1:20-21)

Concerning “thoughts and prayers.” If something bad happens in my life, please don’t “think” of me, but instead, “pray” for me.

In the Bible, when people gave their lives to Christ, over and over, they did it publicly. They could be killed for making that commitment. Now, the trend is to have everyone “close their eyes,” so a person can quietly make a commitment without “being uncomfortable or embarrassed.” Crazy… This is why Billy Graham encouraged people making a commitment to come forward at his Crusades.

To me, one of the greatest tragedies of today is that most people who call themselves “Christian” have no idea how to share the Gospel with someone.

(Jn 10:28) says, “and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” So, once you have eternal life, you cannot pull yourself out of God’s hand by doing the wrong thing. You are not stronger than God!

Time means nothing to the Lord. (see: Ps 90:4, 2 Pet 3:8)

In Jesus, we can be forgiven of any sin. However, we may still have to face consequences from our sin. (Jesus can help us through that though.)

Would people really like a movie or television show less if it contained no cuss words?

I know that while I am on this planet my life can be nothing like it will be in Heaven one day. However, I keep trying to take some steps in that direction.

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Do you ever stop to think about the words you are singing in church, and whether or not you really mean what you are singing?

God is both love “and” justice. The justice part gets left out quite a bit today.

Wouldn’t it be nice if “brothers and sisters” in Christ treated fellow Christians like “actual” brothers and sisters?

Jesus used Scripture to fight the temptations of Satan (Mt 4:1-11). How can we expect to fight temptations if we don’t know Scripture?

One of my “heroes of the faith,” Leonard Ravenhill said, “I doubt that more than two percent of professing Christians in the United States are truly born again.” He may not be right, but I constantly think about that now.

I once heard a pastor say, “If your church closed today, would anyone in the community notice?”

Please pray this for me too: (Eph 6:19) “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.”

The “greatest in the kingdom of heaven” will be those who humble themselves as a little child. (see: Mt 18:4)

Perhaps the greatest words of Jesus: “It is finished.” (see: Jn 19:30)

Most of us do not like listening to people who complain. God doesn’t like it either. (see: Phil 2:14, 1 Cor 10:10)

When we confess our sins and repent, God forgives us. However, sometimes we need to remember to forgive ourselves too.

The main problem with “prosperity teaching” is that it goes against (Heb 13:5), and other verses which say to: “be content with what you have.”

God knew you, and loved you, before you were even conceived! (see: Ps 139:13-16, Jer 1:5)

The Bible says that we are to “defend the needy.” Is there anyone more in need of defense than the unborn? (see: Prov 31:8-9, Ps 82:2-4)

No matter where a Christian is, they are “never” alone because the Holy Spirit lives in them. (see: 1 Cor 6:19-20, Jn 14:16)

I have gotten myself in trouble more times than I can count over this, but to me, a lie is a lie, whether it is big, small, or a half-truth. If you ask me something, expect the truth (i.e. “Do you like this outfit?”).

Of all the Bible studies I have written, the one that I get the most questions about (by far) is making oaths to God. So many have made an oath, and now they want to break it. PLEASE be careful about making an oath to God! You may later regret it.

The only way this world will ever truly find “peace” is through Jesus Christ. (see: Jn 14:27, Jn 16:33)

In Heaven, there will be no more pain (Rev 21:4), sorrow (Rev 7:17), or evil (Rev 22:3,15).

God comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others. (see: 2 Cor 1:3-7)

There is only one place in the Bible that shows Jesus sleeping; it is in the midst of a storm (Mt 8:23-27). I believe this is a picture of how we can have peace through Jesus in the midst of our storms.

When you are tempted to get mad when someone hurts you, remember that your enemy is not “flesh and blood,” but Satan and his demons. (see: Eph 6:12)

“Antichrist” is used to describe any person who denies Jesus is the Christ, or who denies the Father and the Son (1 Jn 2:22). Any person who does not confess Jesus is come in the flesh (1 Jn 4:3)(2 Jn 1:7) is also “antichrist.”

When we need the Lord’s help, we desperately cry out to Him in prayer. I don’t understand why some people think this applies to everything except the need to pray for salvation. (see: Rom 10:13)

God can take your past and use it to make a difference in someone else’s life.

In our weakness and infirmity, the Holy Spirit makes intercession for us. (see: Rom 8:26-27)

The word “Almighty” in the New Testament comes from the Greek word “pantokrator” meaning “all-power.” This is where we get our word “omnipotent,” meaning “all-powerful.” Only God is omnipotent = Almighty. Jesus is called “Almighty” in (Rev 1:8) and (Rev 4:8).

In the Old Testament, there was no command to forgive sins. It was always an eye for an eye (Ex 21:24-25) or restitution (Ex Ch. 21 & 22). Only God could forgive sins. So, when Jesus forgave sins (Lk 5:20-25)(Mk 2:1-12)(Mt 9:1-8)(Lk 7:47-50), He was claiming deity.

John the Baptist was born 6 months before Jesus (Lk 1:24-2:7), yet in (Jn 1:30) John said that “He (Jesus) existed before me” (NASB) (or “he was before me”- KJV). In saying this, he was clearly proclaiming Jesus’ eternal existence as God.

(Mt 18:20) “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” We often quote this verse, but have you ever stopped to think that in saying this, Jesus was claiming that He could be everywhere at once? Omnipresence!

Amendment 1 of the Constitution says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” Nowhere does the Constitution say, “church and state should be separate.” This country was founded on God!

The Bible seems pretty clear that dinosaurs and man were on the earth together (see descriptions in: Job Ch. 40 & 41). The belief that dinosaurs were millions of years before man is not supported by the Bible.

Is there anything God can’t do? Yes! He cannot lie (Heb 6:18). He cannot be tempted with evil (Jas 1:13). He cannot deny Himself (2 Tim 2:13). He cannot change (Mal 3:6). He cannot stop loving us (Rom 8:38-39), and more…

I truly believe God has a sense of humor. I see it in the Bible at times, and I have seen Him do things in my own life which I feel sure He is behind and laughing at.

God desires for ALL men to be saved and go to Heaven (1 Tim 2:3-4)(2 Pet 3:9)(Mt 18:14).

How does the Bible say we are saved? By trusting (Eph 1:12-13), receiving and believing (Jn 1:12-13) in Jesus Christ to save us by faith (1 Pet 1:9), through hearing the word (Col 1:6). calling upon Him in prayer (Rom 10:13), confessing He is Lord, and arose from the dead (Rom 10:9-10), and repenting of our sins (Acts 3:19).

God has made His presence known to ALL men through the testimony and light of creation (Rom 1:18-20)(Ps 19:1-2) and conscience (Rom 2:12-16).

For a while after I was saved, I did not go to church because I was so upset that the church I had grown up in had not told me how to actually be saved. I thought all churches were the same, and I wanted nothing to do with them. I later learned differently, and it changed my life.

(Heb 10:25) tells us not to “forsake the assembling of yourselves together.” Christians “must” join together for fellowship and worship.

God knows the exact number of hairs on your head (Mt 10:30)! Some, like me, make this task a little easier for God.

(Mt 19:19) says, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Some people miss one part of this verse: we should love “ourselves” too.

The 3rd Commandment says, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” Taking the Lord’s name in vain is to use it as a swear word, to use it falsely in an oath, or the most common use today, to use it frivolously or with no real purpose. This includes the often uttered “Oh my G_d” (or OMG).

(Gal 6:2) tells us to “bear one another’s burdens.” This is important, but if all you do is share your “burdens” with someone “every time” you get together, you may not have many left to help you bear your burdens after a while.

If you have a view of God that is different from what the Bible says, you have made a god in your own image.

(Rom 13:14) says, “make no provision for the flesh.” Do not open the door to “anything” that might lead you to sin.

The Bible says that we were created for God (Col 1:16) and His pleasure (Rev 4:11); for His glory (Isa 43:7), and to praise and worship Him (Isa 43:21)(1 Pet 2:9)(Ps 102:18).

God did not “need” to create us, He “wanted” to create us. I believe the reason, quite simply, is “love.” Love cannot be shared if there is no one to love, and God wanted people upon which He could pour out His immense love.

We are told in (Ps 53:2) that God is looking down from Heaven for those who are seeking Him. Those who “seek” God will: “find Him” (Deut 4:29), “be rewarded” (Heb 11:6), “not lack for any good thing” (Ps 34:10), “be blessed” (Ps 119:2),  and “not be forsaken” (Ps 9:10).

When you look in the Bible, and throughout history, true “revival” came when the word of God was boldly preached, and people became so convicted about the holiness of God and their total unworthiness, that they fell to their knees in sorrow, contrition, humility, and reverence for God.

The God of the Old Testament, and the God of the New Testament are the same God. God didn’t suddenly change from the Old to the New.

Yes, I am a Bible “fundamentalist.” I believe the Bible is the inerrant, infallible word of God. I believe Jesus is God. I believe in the substitutionary atonement. I believe in the virgin birth of Jesus. I believe in the resurrection of Jesus, and His second coming at some future time.

In (Acts 20:26-27)(NLT), Paul said, “I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault, (27) for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.” Can you say this too?

God HATES rebellion, and says it “is as the sin of witchcraft” (1 Sam 15:23).

It is sometimes a very difficult thing, but the Bible clearly says that if a fellow “Christian” is practicing a certain sin and doesn’t care, or want to stop it, we need to separate ourselves from them (1 Cor 5:11-13)(2 Th 3:6,14-15)(Titus 3:10-11)(Rom 16:16-17).

Christians do not necessarily need to listen only to Christian music, but whatever music you are listening to should not be glorifying or encouraging sinful things, or using lyrics that are ungodly.

“Christianity is a crutch for weak people.” I have heard this all my life. My first response: “What is it easier to do, just live your life in any old way and do whatever you want, or attempt to live your life according to the laws and commandments set down by God?”

Are there aliens on other planets? If there is, Jesus would have to have died to pay for the sins of the people on each of these planets, just as He did on Earth. Personally, I don’t think this has happened.

Satan cannot read our minds. Only God is omniscient (all-knowing). Satan cannot know what is in our mind or heart. He can only know things about us that he sees or hears.

No man has ever been perfect and sinless. Only God is perfect and sinless. Jesus was (and still is) perfect and sinless (2 Cor 5:21)(1 Jn 3:5)(1 Pet 2:22).

Sin is equal in “one” way: any sin will keep you out of Heaven (a lie will keep you out of Heaven just as much as murder will). However, nowhere in the Bible does it say that God views all sins equally. The phrase “sin is sin” is not Biblical.

The Bible tells us to be meek (Eph 4:2)(Col 3:12)(1 Tim 6:11). If we are meek, the Bible says we will: Be blessed (Mt 5:5), Have abundance of peace (Ps 37:11), Eat and be satisfied (Ps 22:26), Be guided and taught by the Lord (Ps 25:9), Be lifted up (Ps 147:6), and Be given salvation (Ps 149:4).

D. L. Moody said, “If I walk with the world, I cannot walk with God.” As Christians, we live in this world, but we are not to be a part of it. This world is not our home. It is where we temporarily live until we arrive in our permanent home with the Lord in Heaven.

Humans are God’s greatest creation. Only humans are made “in the image of God” (Gen 1:26-27)(Gen 9:6)(Jas 3:9)!

The Bible says that if we obey God’s commandments (Jn 15:11), pray in Jesus’ name (Jn 16:24), and are in fellowship with the Father and Jesus Christ (1 Jn 1:4), our joy will be full.

The first priority of Jesus was to please the Father, and do His will (Mt 26:39)(Jn 5:30)(Jn 6:38). If we would have this same desire, we would sin a lot less.

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit dwelt temporarily in certain people to carry out God’s will. In the New Testament (and today), the Holy Spirit dwells permanently in those who belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph 1:13-14)(2 Cor 1:21-22). What a privilege!

It is important to understand that no one had the power to take the life of Jesus. Jesus could have stopped those who were murdering Him at any time (Mt 26:53-54). He freely gave His life (Jn 10:18)(Titus 2:14)(1 Jn 3:16) out of love for us, to pay for our sins.

Two questions I ask, along with the answers I hope to hear: [Question] “What was the greatest day of your life?” [Answer]: “The day I surrendered my life to Jesus.” [Question]: “Who do you love more than anyone else?” [Answer]: “The Lord.”

The Bible is clear that God doesn’t hear all prayers (i.e. 1 Pet 3:12, Jn 9:31, Isa 59:2, Prov 15:29, Isa 1:15). Why?? I believe one verse answers this the best: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (Jn 14:6).

One day, we will have a new “glorified” body,  just like the body Jesus had after His resurrection (Phil 3:21)(1 Cor 15:48-49)(1 Jn 3:2). It will be powerful, (1 Cor 15:43), incorruptible (1 Cor 15:42), and never die (1 Cor 15:54)(Lk 20:36).

Biblical meditation is “God-centered” (looking outward and upward to God) (Ps 63:6)(Ps 77:12)(Ps 143:5), and primarily focused on His Word (Ps 119:15,23,48,78,148). Most of what is called “meditation” today is “self-centered” (looking inward), seeking to better oneself, and find fulfillment.

I don’t care what a person running for president or congress offers to do for me, if they support a woman’s right to murder their unborn child, they aren’t getting my vote.

“What are some examples of sin?” When asked this question, we often mention things like murder, rape, kidnapping, stealing, but we rarely mention things like: anger (Mt 5:22), bitterness (Eph 4:30-31), envy (1 Pet 2:1), gossip (Lev 19:16), lying (Ex 20:16), and unforgiveness (Mt 6:14-15).

When Job’s friends first came to him after he was afflicted, (Job 2:13) says, “So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.” Perhaps something for us to consider?

What will be the greatest place of honor in Heaven? I believe it might be to sit to the right and left of Jesus in His Kingdom. James and John requested this honor, and Jesus said that the Father would make that decision (Mt 20:20-23)(Mk 10:35-40).

The Bible says in Revelation 21 that the “holy city, New Jerusalem” (Rev 21:2), where all believers will one day dwell for all eternity, will not have a sun or moon to light it, “for the glory of God has illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb (Jesus)” (Rev 21:23). Isn’t that amazing?

Yes, Jesus does miracles and people believe. No, Jesus does not do miracles when people refuse to believe unless he does one. If you are waiting for a miracle to occur before you believe, it likely isn’t going to happen. (see: Mt 16:1-4)

No two Christians will ever see each other for the last time. There is great comfort in this saying.

A quote from Warren Wiersbe says, “A prophet weeps while others are laughing.” I am not sure that I would call myself a “prophet,” but my heart is continually breaking over what I see in the lives of many who call themselves Christians.

It is not “judging” people to tell them what the Bible says about a certain sin.

The most dangerous “false teachers” are often the ones who are teaching what is very close to the truth.

Twenty years ago, I never could have imagined a day when a man who feels like a woman, or who is dressed like a woman, would be competing in women’s sports and breaking records, and then going into the ladies locker room to take a shower.

If you know a person is lost, and will end up in Hell one day, is it more loving to: (A.) warn them and share the Gospel “or” (B.) say nothing so you don’t make them upset?

I am constantly amazed at how important it is for atheists to convince me that I am wrong about God.

If the only time you are learning about the Bible is on Sunday morning, you have a problem. If you aren’t even taking the time to learn on Sunday morning, you have an even bigger problem.

Are you one person in private, and a different person in pubic? If so, you are a hypocrite.

God can’t answer your prayer unless you first pray it.

If you actually believe in God, two words are never true: “luck” and “coincidence.”

I love to go fishing, but the fishing that I am most concerned with is being a “fisher of men.” (see: Mt 4:18-20)

One of my favorite quotes is by John Ortberg: “We’d like to be humble…but what if no one notices?”

Just because a church is large, that doesn’t always mean that God is blessing it.

Christianity isn’t about what “religion” you are, it is about having personal relationship with Jesus.

I have never once seen a person want to become a Christian so they could be rich.

At the end of each year, my desire is to be able to look back and say, “I am closer to God now than I was at this time last year.”

There is no bottom to our ability to dive deeper in our relationship with the Lord.

This may be crazy… but when someone dies who I know was a Christian, one of my first thoughts is usually: “I wonder what they are doing right now?”

I truly believe that my dad was a Christian, but he wasn’t a happy person. One thing I can’t wait to see in Heaven is my dad smiling.

So many people are lonely. If lonely people would simply reach out to make a difference in the lives of other people, there would be a lot less loneliness.

When you have tried everything else, and hit bottom, that is often where you will find Christ.

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I wouldn’t trust anyone who has a successful ministry and hasn’t suffered greatly.

If you simply believe all of the promises of God in the Bible, you will never worry.

If you believe you can lose your salvation, you will never fully be able to enter into the “rest” of Jesus. (see: Mt 11:28)

As long as there is a natural solution to your problem, your “faith” will never be fully tested.

Work your day around your time with God, not your time with God around your day.

The world is blind to the fact that the more God has been pushed out of our schools, the more violent they have become.

Christians who have gone through severe trials, and come through them with God’s help, usually know God in a way most other Christians don’t.

Lord, forgive me for the opportunities you gave me today to serve you that I didn’t take.

God isn’t looking for eloquent prayers, He is looking for prayers from our heart.

That God uses someone like me as a Bible teacher is proof that God can literally use anyone to accomplish His will.

No matter what trials are going on in your life, there are always blessings too. Look for, and cling to those blessings in the midst of your trials.

It is often said that what a leader does in private is no one’s business. To me, what they do in private is actually who they are.

When you are dead and buried, what Godly legacy will you leave behind?

When is the last time you heard a sermon on the “fear of God?”

One of the primary things I look for in a church is, what are its members doing for the Lord outside of the Sunday service?

The life of Solomon in the Bible is proof that we can have everything we could possibly desire, and still feel empty without the Lord.

This, from Leonard Ravenhill, “Today Christians spend more money on dog food than missions.”

If you left your church because it didn’t accept you for “who you are,” and “who you are” is in some way connected with practicing a sinful lifestyle, you left the church that you need to be in.

I suspect that when rewards are handed out in Heaven one day, the ones who are most rewarded for their faithfulness will, for the most part, be people we have never heard of.

The longer you stay in the dark, the more your eyes change and get used to it. The same is true with our spiritual life. The longer we stay in the dark, the more we change and get used to it.

One day, Christians will be taken off of this planet in the Rapture. The Holy Spirit, who lives in each Christian will also be removed at that time. The evil that will then occur will be unlike anything this world has ever seen.

I learn a lot about my Christian brothers and sisters based upon the entertainment choices they make.

I can sit down to study the Bible for a little while, then look up at the clock and two hours have passed.

The hardest part of prayer for me has always been listening.

Christ gave His life for you. Are you willing to give your life for Christ?

When we are saved, it is called being “born again.” Just as it takes time for a newborn infant to grow and get stronger, so the same is true for a newborn Christian.

Time after time,  I have heard people say, “I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders” after they have made a decision to surrender their life to Jesus.

I remember the days when people used to take notice when the Lord’s name was taken in vain, or a curse word was uttered on a movie or television show.

I remember the days when married couples used to sleep in separate beds on television shows so as to not appear sinful.

I remember the days when it was normal to see a family go to church on Sundays on a television show.

I remember the days when the Church wasn’t trying to figure out how to reach the younger generation in church services.

I still remember that day in the 70’s when the youth pastor came into the Sunday service wearing shorts, and that got everyone talking.

I have a story that few Christians can top. In my youth, I was expelled for life by my Sunday School teacher for refusing to write and say a prayer in front of my class. (I was reinstated the next week by the pastor.)

If there is one positive trend in television shows and movies today, it is that smoking is no longer considered a good thing.

I try to have an extra measure of compassion for youth today. If there were computers in my youth, I suspect I would have been a way bigger mess than I was.

I honestly can’t imagine how I could get through some days now if I didn’t have Christ.

I remember years ago, some missionary friends coming back to the U.S., and not using ice in their drinks. They explained that they got used to it because you couldn’t use ice in the country they were in because of contaminated water. Ice: just a little blessing we can thank God for in the U.S.

The problem many Christians have with “laying up treasure in Heaven” is that it means delayed gratification.

Somewhere on this planet right now is one person that God considers His greatest servant. I would so much love to know who that is and meet them.

There are days when I am utterly astounded at how much Jesus has changed me.

The thing that drives me the craziest about myself is also probably the thing that God has used the most to help others.

One of my favorite sights each year is seeing candles lit while singing Silent Night.

Waiting on God has never been a strength of mine.

What if your dad came to you and said, “I want you to spend decades of your life helping me build a giant boat because God told me that He is going to flood the earth?” Noah’s sons likely heard something like that, and did it. I think that deserves some recognition.

If you choose to live your life without Jesus while on earth, that decision will be carried with you into eternity.

You cannot become addicted to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, gambling, porn, etc… if you never start.

The first time I shared the Gospel with someone, and he gave his life to Christ, I was so excited that I couldn’t sleep for two days. That God uses us to win souls for His Kingdom is the greatest privilege and honor we have on this planet.

I was baptized as a baby, grew up in church, believed in Jesus, went to Sunday School, got confirmed, and yet I was lost. Thirty-two years later, I finally heard the Gospel at a Billy Graham Crusade and surrendered my life to Jesus.

If we prayed to God, leaned on God, and spent time with God in the good times as much we do in the bad times, I wonder if we would have less bad times?

I never get tired of hearing testimonies from people whose lives were “radically” changed by Jesus when they were saved.

When someone tells me that they don’t know when they were saved, that always worries me a little. How can you go from God “not” living inside of you, to God living inside of you (in the form of the Holy Spirit), and not notice any change?

One of Satan’s most used attacks is to make new Christians question whether or not they were actually saved.

One of my favorite quotes: “When I met Christ, I felt that I had swallowed sunshine.” (E. Stanley Jones)

When things seem hopeless, lean on the promises of God in the Bible.

Jesus is alive! The founders of all other religions are dead.

Christians should be trying to change the “world,” not fit in with it.

Idolatry is more than just worshipping a created image, it is anything or anyone that we love or worship more than God, place ahead of God, or put in place of God. This includes family, friends, money, jobs, houses, cars, television, sports, pleasure, sex, food, and more.

If you sacrificed just one t.v. show a night, and instead spent that time in prayer and God’s Word, I guarantee your life would change.

While your life will almost certainly become more difficult once you become a Christian, you will also have the power of Jesus to help you through.

Be thankful that the world doesn’t know the things about you that God knows.

Five good steps to remember in prayer (in order): confession of sins / repentance, praising God, thanking God, praying for others, praying for yourself.

God generally doesn’t meet our needs well in advance, He meets them day by day.

The Creator of everything in the universe allows you (through Jesus) to talk to Him at ANY time. Do you realize what a privilege this is?

I truly believe that physical pain can at times be connected to unforgiveness.

Everything that God says you can become in the Bible, you can become.

How many grains of sand are there on every beach in the world? The years of our eternal life with Jesus in Heaven will be longer than that.

Satan has existed for thousands of years. He is smarter than you, and more powerful than you. You will “never” defeat Satan! Only through the Lord can victory over Satan be won.

(Isa 40:22), written by Isaiah around 700 B.C. says, “It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth.” How did Isaiah know the earth had a circular shape? Only God could have known that at that time, and inspired Isaiah to write it.

I just can’t picture people in Heaven praising and worshipping God with no emotion; with hands in pockets, standing perfectly still, like many churches today.

God is looking for those who are willing to “present (their) bodies (as) a living sacrifice” (Rom 12:1).

How can a person argue that the “death penalty” is wrong, and then turn around and say “abortion” is acceptable?

Thousands of years ago, God promised to preserve His Word (Isa 40:8)(1 Pet 1:23-25). It is still preserved today, and nothing, or no one, will ever be able to eliminate the Word of God.

In (Lk 17:11-19), Jesus healed 10 lepers. Only one returned to give glory to God, and thank Him. I believe that the primary prayer that needs to be prayed for a person who needs healing is that God will be glorified in the healing, and receive thanks.

Yes, saying “Oh my G_d” is taking the Lord’s name in vain.

We do not need Mary, or dead people (“saints”) to carry our prayers to God. We can go to Him directly through the blood of Jesus!

The “armor of God” (Eph 6:10-17) does not just automatically “jump” onto our body. We must actively “put it on.”

We should never try to contact the dead, or pray to the dead. The Bible calls this “necromancy” (Deut 18:11), and it is a sin.

Satan cannot create something from nothing. An old commercial used to say, “We don’t make the things you buy, we make the things you buy better.” In describing Satan’s power, we might rephrase this, saying, “He doesn’t make things, he makes the things God created worse.”

Anna (Lk 2:36-38) was a prophetess, was able to spend every moment of her life in God’s Temple (praying, fasting, and proclaiming God’s word), and she met Jesus Christ. That sounds like an AWESOME life to me!

(Heb 10:25) tells us not to “forsake the assembling of ourselves together.” Christians are to gather together for corporate worship, and to study God’s Word. Church is the best place for this.

God never meant for us to walk alone. Even Jesus had a group of 12 that he chose, and of that 12, He also had a smaller group of 3 that He shared even more deeply with. When Jesus sent people out, He sent them in “twos” (i.e. Lk 10:1).

I truly believe that all Christians should have people in their lives that they are “accountable” to. One to three people that hold them responsible for their actions in areas of their lives in which they consistently struggle with sin, or fail to live up to God’s standards. (see: James 5:16)

Some Christians believe it is wrong to celebrate Christmas. I may be wrong, but I don’t believe God the Father is going to say to me in Heaven one day, “I am angry with you because you chose a day to celebrate, and rejoice over the birth of my Son.”

Santa is not omniscient (all-knowing). He is not omnipresent (able to be everywhere). He cannot work miracles. At Christmas, focus on, and teach your children about Jesus who has these attributes, and not Santa who doesn’t.

Lord Jesus, I don’t know for sure what day You were born on, but today I give thanks for, and celebrate the first day of Your incarnation. I thank You for humbling Yourself to become a man, giving Your life to pay for my sins, so I can spend eternity with You one day.

Perhaps it is harmless, but I still hate seeing Merry “X”-mas instead of “Christ”mas.

A fish is not cleaned until it is first caught. Remember this when you are “fishing for men.” (see: Mt 4:19)

Everything you have belongs to God. Giving back at least 10% (as in tithing) to further the work of God is not asking too much.

Lord, open the doors that you want me to go through, and close those that you don’t.

Sometimes, when we don’t know what direction God wants us to go, we simply need to step out in faith, and see if God blesses it.

Very rarely has God clearly spoken to me about what He wants me to do. However, when I have stepped out in faith to do what I feel like He wants, He has often sent people into my life who will say something to confirm that I am in His will. (This just happened again a few days ago.)

The local church is a place to “assemble” with fellow believers to pray and worship God. It is a place to use your spiritual gifts to serve. It is a place to share the Gospel, and win souls. And, it is a place you can go if you need others to come along side of you in your time of need.

With the waves crashing around him, Peter was allowed by Jesus to walk on water. But when he started to doubt Jesus, he began to drown. Keep your eyes upon Jesus, and do not doubt, and you can accomplish great things. (see: Mt 14:22-33)

I don’t know what my future holds, but I know that God is already there, and He will bring me to exactly where I need to be.

Who raised Jesus from the dead? The Bible says the Father did (Gal 1:1), Jesus did (Jn 2:19), and the Holy Spirit did (Rom 8:11). He was raised by God (Rom 10:9). Only God could do this. This is one proof of a triune God.

The body of a Christian is God’s Temple, with the Holy Spirit living inside (1 Cor 3:16-17)(1 Cor 6:19-20). He is constantly working to remodel and improve that Temple.

I will always remember reading the story of an atheist who had a chance to speak to a popular Word of Faith teacher, and he told him that even though he was an atheist, he really enjoyed listening to his sermons. The atheist said the teacher got the weirdest look on his face.

Just because a church is big, and popular doesn’t mean that God is behind it.

Lots of people “believe” in Jesus, and want Him in their lives. But, few are willing to turn from their sins and repent, so that they can have a saving, personal relationship with Jesus.

I get so angry when I see churches that say they are sharing the Gospel, and leading people to the Lord, and they never even mention sin or repentance.

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The Bible talks about the power of the tongue (and our words) (Prov 18:21)(Prov 15:4)(Prov 12:18). This is so true. I still remember words that were spoken to me, both positive and negative, from years ago. Your words have the potential to affect a person forever (for better or worse).

Lord, give me opportunities to share the Gospel, the boldness to take those opportunities, and the wisdom to know what to say during those opportunities.

The difference between what sounds Biblical, and what actually is Biblical is sometimes very small.

In some way, the source of every sin is pride.

More sensitivity to sin is one mark of a growing Christian.

Sometimes, it feels like Satan is screaming into my head with an invisible bullhorn.

It is not “legalism” to desire to obey all of God’s commands, it is “legalism” to think that obeying God’s commands will get you to Heaven.

Statistics have shown that couples who pray together are less likely to divorce.

Jesus “IS” God!

You may sin less than any person on this planet, but you still aren’t going to Heaven without Jesus.

Lord, surround me with people who will push me closer to You.

Lord, fill me with your Holy Spirit, and empower me as I seek to serve you today.

“Do not think that I (Jesus) came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.” (Mt 10:34-36) (NASB)

That empty feeling inside that you are seeking to fill with drugs, drinking, sex, entertainment, gambling, etc… can only truly be filled by Jesus Christ.

October 27, 1994 will always be the most important day of my life, the day I surrendered my life to Jesus at a Billy Graham Crusade.

Every unborn child is “conceived” by God. When Mary became pregnant with the unborn Jesus, the child was “conceived” by the Holy Spirit (Mt 1:18). Therefore, the Holy Spirit is God.

Sometimes, the question is asked, “If you knew Jesus was coming back tomorrow, would you do anything differently?” Hopefully, your answer is “no.” You should be living your life each day like Jesus could return at any moment.

If Jesus was on the earth right now, I wonder if he would have a Facebook and Twitter page? If He did, I wonder what would be on it? How would it compare to your page?

In (2 Kin 6:16-17), God opened the eyes of a young man to see what is going on in the invisible realm. He was shown an army of angels on a mountain ready to do battle to protect Elisha. There may be an invisible army of angels doing battle on your behalf right now. 

I have found that most who ask the question: “What happens to those who have never heard of Jesus?” don’t really care about those who have never heard, but instead they just want to find a reason to criticize God.

If a man gives his life to save someone today, he is called a hero, and the one who is saved from death is forever thankful and grateful. However, because it was so long ago, and it was for everyone, many people fail to appreciate that Jesus gave His life to save them from death.

Worshipping the Lord is far more than merely singing worship songs. True worship is a lifestyle. It is day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. It is a continual attitude of love, praise, reverence, adoration, obedience, thankfulness, submission, prayer, confession, and more.

Clearly, one day in Heaven, we will be praising (Rev 19:5) and singing (Rev 5:9)(Rev 14:3)(Rev 15:3) to the Lord. If we aren’t doing so here, we are certainly not prepared for Heaven.

Each adult has a responsibility to teach the next generation about the Lord (Ps 78:4)(Ps 145:4)(Ps 71:18)(Ps 22:30-31)(Joel 1:3).

Jesus said in (Jn 4:23-24), “true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth.” We need both the Holy Spirit (Phil 3:3), and truth, which is God’s Holy Word in the Bible (Jn 17:17)(Ps 119:160)(1 Kin 17:24), to truly worship the Lord.

The Bible calls “gossip” a sin (Lev 19:16)(Prov 11:13)(Prov 20:19). My rule of thumb is that if I am about to say something behind a person’s back that I wouldn’t say to their face, I shouldn’t do it.

The Bible has more verifiable, surviving manuscript evidence supporting it than any book in history. No other historical book is even close, with the Bible having at least 10 times the surviving evidence than any other work.

I don’t make New Years resolutions, but if I did, I would have the same primary one each year: to finish the New Year in a closer relationship with the Lord than I had with Him in the previous year.

No matter how big your sin is, it can be forgiven and cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.

The very best thing a person can say to me is: “I have been praying for you.”

If I don’t die first, one day, I will fly up into the clouds when Jesus returns!

When I started to realize that God has a reason for everything that happens to me, I started to relax more.

One of the saddest things today is that if an non-Christian walked up to a Christian and asked “How can I be saved?,” the Christian wouldn’t even know what Bible verses talk about salvation.

Compare what percent of time you spend in prayer asking God for things, versus what percent of time you spend thanking God for what He has already done.

My life has definitely been more difficult since I became a Christian, yet I am happier and more at peace than I have ever been.

I love my wife, my family, and my friends, but I love Jesus more.

(Jer 3:14) says, “Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you…”

If God shows you something, it is always going to line up with the Bible. If it doesn’t, God didn’t show you something.

One of the most unpopular, and least mentioned verses in the Bible is (Jn 7:24), where Jesus tells us to judge the actions of others, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”

I truly believe that if some Christians really thought about the fact that God lives inside of them (in the form of the Holy Spirit), they would live their lives differently.

(2 Tim 3:4) says that in the “last days… men will be… lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” Has there ever been a time when this is more true than today?

If your life was secretly being broadcast live, 24 hours a day (like The Truman Show movie), would people be drawn to Jesus Christ because of what they see?

How would you feel if someone only called you when they needed your help? How do you think God feels when some people do that?

I have found one topic that gets Christians more riled up than anything else, and that is when I preach on reasons why a Christian should consider not drinking alcohol.

The birth of each child is precious and amazing, however, the most important thing is being born a second time (“born again”). (see: Jn  3:3-8)

“Happiness” is a goal for almost everyone in this world, but “joy” is tied to Jesus, and is the goal for Christians.

When my name comes up in conversation, my hope is that what follows has something to do with Jesus.

God always notices when you do something out of love for Him.

If you belong to Jesus, no one can pull you out of His hand, including you. (see: Jn 10:28)

A lukewarm Christian is not persecuted for his faith.

There are a few things I have prayed for for years, and I have not received them yet. God may not want me to have them, but nonetheless, I wake up each day thinking, “Maybe today!”

God wants you in the starting lineup, not sitting on the bench.

The two scariest Bible verses: “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…” (Mt 7:22-23).

If you knew it was the last time you would ever see your loved one, how would you act? Do that now.

Your sex (male or female) is determined by God at conception. No matter how you “feel,” you will always be that sex.

Even though some Christians have the spiritual gift of “evangelism” (Eph 4:11), all Christians are called to evangelize and share the Gospel (Mt 28:18-20).

Only Christians believe that we are not saved by any works that we do.

If we do something that we think is wrong, it is sin, even if what we do is not actually a sin. (see: Rom 14:23)

One of the most exciting things in life is when you have been praying for someone to surrender their life to Jesus, and then they make that decision.

Those Christians who don’t study God’s Word (the Bible) will fall for all sorts of false teachings. Unfortunately, this is running rampant today.

I truly believe that if a Christian believes baptism is a part of salvation, they are never going to be a very effective evangelist.

As a non-Christian, I was a sinner. As a Christian, I am a sinner, but now my sin is forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ.

The worst moment for a germaphobe at a church service is when the pastor says, “Shake hands with everyone around you, or give them a high-five.”

My trials have made me who I am today, and I am thankful to be where I am right now.

Paul struggled with sin just like we do. (see: Rom Ch. 7)

If you find a “religion” that says they have a book (or books) equal to the Bible, or a person equal to Jesus, run away!

If you want to make sure your loved ones will one day “rest in peace,” make sure they have trusted in Jesus Christ to pay for their sins before they die.

The most important thing that I can tell any married couple is to keep Jesus at the center of their marriage.

If God makes a promise, He will ALWAYS fulfill that promise!

If we could be saved by any “works” that we do, it would give us a reason to “boast.” (see: Eph 2:8-9)

If you are sharing the Gospel with someone, and they do not accept it, remember that no one can come to Jesus unless they are drawn by the Father (Jn 6:44). You may be planting seeds for a future time when the Father does draw them.

I pray that my passion and fire for the Lord, that began the moment I surrendered my life to Him, never fades.

God’s Word is said to be “living” (Heb 4:12). I have seen this more times than I can count! I constantly find some new revelation in His Word that I have never noticed before.

I urge all Christians to keep a journal of encouraging things that you find in God’s Word, and encouraging words that you receive from fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Look at this journal when times of trial and discouragement come.

Jesus, may my children, and their children, and all future generations know you, and love you, and serve you passionately!

As your children grow up, pray that God is working mightily and powerfully in the lives of their future spouses.

Lord, as I teach your Word, please don’t let me get in the way of anything you want to say.

More love, more power, more of you in my life Lord!

I do not want God’s power and anointing to be limited by sin in my life.

If you “feel” like the Lord has done something in your life, and it doesn’t line up with His Word, He wasn’t behind what you “feel.”

The strength of a tree lies in roots which we cannot see. The same can be said of the strength of some Christians.

Just because we don’t say it out loud doesn’t mean that God doesn’t know it.

Lord, please “enlarge my territory,” and open doors for me to teach your Word to as many people as possible.

Four words that can change a life, “Jesus died for you!”

Whatever is possible to receive from God while I am on this planet, I want it!

Jesus, help me to “love my enemies,” in the same way that you did.

Being persecuted for our faith on social media doesn’t really compare to the persecution Christians faced in the New Testament.

I will never forget the video of Chinese Christians crying when they received a new Bible.

So many great men of God have died in the last few years: Billy Graham, R.C. Sproul, Warren Wiersbe, Norman Geisler, Ravi Zacharias, and more. Lord, I pray that you will raise up wise, powerful, Spirit-filled leaders to fill the void.

Lord, please guard and protect the hearts and minds of our youth, who are being bombarded with filth on a daily basis.

Sometimes, God places something on my heart, and if I do it immediately, I see His power as I do it. But, if I wait and do it later, there isn’t much power.

Some people hold unforgiveness towards a person for years, and that person doesn’t even know they did anything wrong.

Sadly… many of the earth’s nicest and kindest “good” people will one day be separated from Jesus for all eternity.

When you realize that nearly everything in the Old Testament in some way points to Jesus, it makes a lot more sense.

Most Christian martyrs aren’t murdered for believing in God, they are murdered for saying that there is only “one God,” and you can only get to Him through Jesus.

No matter how bad my day has been, I am still incredibly blessed.

At one of my Bible studies a few years ago, we had a new guy. When he saw me for the first time, he immediately went outside for a bit. He told me after the study that he had to go outside to throw up. I wasn’t quite sure how to take that. (I don’t think He ever came back.)

I have come to value those people in my life who have stayed with me, and remained “faithful” over the years. I can understand why God  places such importance on being “faithful” to Him.

Don’t let lukewarm Christians put your fire out.

I have found that most Christians who “argue” that we don’t need to tithe today say that because they don’t want to give up at least 10% of their income.

^500

Most people believe that when the Bible talks about the “fear of the Lord,” fear means “reverence.” It can indeed mean that, but it can also mean actual “fear,” and I think that if more people actually “feared” the Lord, this whole world could be transformed.

(1 Pet 3:15) says, “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.” I have spent much of my life as a Christian trying to obey this command.

I haven’t received a lot of “signs” from the Lord, but at one very low point in my life, I was outside walking and praying at night, and I looked up and very clearly saw a “heart-shaped” cloud. I will never forget that.

Every once in a while, I ask the Lord in prayer to tell my loved ones in Heaven that I love them, and to give them a hug. I don’t know if He does this, but it makes me feel better.

I spent SO many years doing religious “vain repetitions” like saying The Lord’s Prayer, saying different “creeds,” and taking the Lord’s Supper, all while being unsaved. I am thankful that the Lord forgave me of this after I was born again, and began a new life in Christ.

Does each believer in Christ have a “guardian angel?” I am not sure, but in case we do, I sometimes ask the Lord to thank mine because I am sure I have kept him busy.

A lot of people hope for “world peace,” but according the Bible, lasting peace can only come through Jesus Christ (Jn 14:27)(Jn 16:33)(Phil 4:7). Therefore, if we ever hope to have any measure of peace in this world, evangelism is how it will be achieved.

The Bible determines what is right and what is wrong, not man!

I was a sinner on the way to hell, and Jesus saved me from that.

Will Jesus return in my lifetime? I don’t know, but I am preparing for it.

Jesus loves you more than anyone you know.

I know it is the new trend today, but I don’t think I could ever get used to reading the Bible on my phone.

At the end of a Christian’s life on this earth, there stands Jesus with open arms.

I am not sinless, but the sinless righteousness of Jesus has been “imputed” to me.

The peace of this world is the absence of problems or conflict, but the peace of God is peace in the midst of problems and conflict.

As bad as things are right now, when Christians are taken off this planet in the Rapture, and with them the Holy Spirit that lives in them, I can hardly imagine how bad things will get.

The definition of “I am on fire” usually differs between Christians and non-Christians.

At the root of all of the problems in the world right now is sin and evil in the heart of man, and only Jesus can “permanently” change a man’s heart.

With all of the “outrage” that is going on today, why isn’t there also “outrage” for the thousands of unborn children who are being murdered each day? What would happen if there was?

I wonder if those Christians who are protesting against certain abusive police officers are also on their knees praying for the salvation of those same officers?

I feel fairly confident that God has laughed at me quite a few times.

God is often working on my “patience.” At the time I am writing this, the test is getting behind the person in drive-thru who takes 5 minutes to order.

A comforting verse to Christians who have “backslidden” (Jer 3:14) “Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you…” Confess your sins, repent, and turn from whatever is causing this in your life. Pray that the Holy Spirit will empower you to be where you need to be.

Putting ourselves first to achieve happiness is a concept that can be found nowhere in the pages of the Bible.

For years I have been building a video collection of clean, old television shows from my childhood (1960’s & 70’s) to watch at the time when television today would be unwatchable. I think it is about time to bust out the collection.

Dear non-Christian, that emptiness that you feel inside can only be filled by Jesus Christ.

Although Satan tries, and sometimes people try to steal my “joy” and “peace,” no one, or nothing can remove these things that have been placed inside of me by the Holy Spirit!

Did you know that God knows the results of the upcoming election, and has already made a perfect plan based upon those results? Nothing will change that plan, so you can stop worrying.

The moment Christ becomes your Savior, you have changed your eternity forever.

The moment Christ becomes your Savior, you become my brother or sister for life.

You will never be thankful to God for anything that you feel entitled to.

You need not fear anything in this world if you are in God’s will.

Who do you pray for the most? Is it you?

Our lives as Christians would be SO much worse if God allowed Satan to do everything that he wants to do to us.

If only more people understood that their sin never affects them alone.

Find the spiritual gifts God has given you and use them. If you don’t, you will never feel fulfilled in your spiritual life.

I would rather upset people than upset God.

You know, God could stop this pandemic in an instant if He wanted to. Have you ever stopped to think about why He hasn’t?

There is an acronym for the word JOY: Jesus, Others, Yourself. You will never find true joy if you put the Y before the J.

If God calls me to take action on something, and I do it right away, I usually see God’s power at work. But, if I wait to take action, I rarely see God’s power.

What if you were told, “Do this one thing, and your life will be blessed beyond what you can even imagine?” Would you do it? Jesus makes this promise to all who come to Him.

In this world, which seeks immediate gratification, few take the time to consider that what we do in our short 70-80 years (or so) of life on this planet has repercussions which will last for “billions” of years in eternity.

If you ask God a question, one answer you will never hear from Him is “I don’t know.”

“Conviction” from sinning is from the Holy Spirit, and is good. When it happens, you need to confess your sin and repent. “Condemnation” from sinning is from Satan, and is bad. When it happens, you need to reject it.

I am living my whole life for a God and Savior I have never even seen. I am good with that.

“Christians don’t need to go to church, we are the church.” Every time I hear someone say that, I feel fairly confident that person has had a bad church experience at some point in the past.

I wonder how many people who support abortion have actually seen an abortion. I guarantee the numbers supporting it would drop if they actually saw one. (There is evidence backing this up.)

Christian, no matter how high of a position you rise to in your life, from a Biblical standpoint, you are still called to be servant.

What is the most important job for a Christian? Sharing the Gospel, and winning souls for Christ, right? I wonder what percentage of people who call themselves Christians have done this most important job even once (or have even tried)?

If your pastor had offered to pay you to go to church today, would you have gone?

My desire to teach God’s Word outweighs my constant embarrassment in doing so with a lack of eloquence.

I have learned over time that praying for some people’s finances to improve doesn’t always end up being the best thing for that person when they do improve.

God knows my mind and my heart. At times, this gives me great comfort, and at other times, it terrifies me.

If you are a teacher of God’s Word, and your “love language” is “words of affirmation,” you have a difficult road ahead.

While preaching about God’s love is important, it rarely brings conviction of sin.

I am far more impressed with Christians who show up at prayer meetings and Bible studies than I am with Christians who make it to church most Sundays.

The fear of teaching God’s Word incorrectly keeps me from getting to sleep some nights.

Trying to change this world without mentioning Jesus is like trying to stay dry during a hurricane with an umbrella.

There are people who are truly Christians, and people who say they are Christians. You can tell the difference between the two when their faith is tested in the midst of trials and persecutions.

Some Christians are trying to find all kinds of “hidden truths” in the Bible when they really don’t even understand the truths that are very clear.

If a person tells you they have found something new in the Bible that almost everyone has missed before, your “red alert” should go off.

I wonder if other Bible teachers or pastors feel a HUGE sense of relief when they finish writing a Bible study?

Place Christian friends in your life who will never allow you to become a “lukewarm” Christian.

The Bible never once shows God making distinctions between people based upon the color of their skin.

I have come to find that I am not so much looking for “friends” anymore, but instead “like-minded” brothers and sisters in Christ who want to gather together and know Christ more deeply and intimately.

Jesus used Scripture to fight Satan’s temptations (Mt 4:1-11), so why do Christians feel like they can fight temptation without knowing Scripture?

It is hard for me to comprehend that a political candidate can say, “I am in favor of murdering unborn children” as a way of gaining votes, and that actually works.

After a disaster, many people have become Christians because Christians are the first ones there to help them. (Support Christian disaster relief organizations.)

Who is the biggest beneficiary of your prayers? (Just something to think about.)

Dying should not be your greatest concern. Dying without Jesus as your Savior should be your greatest concern.

One prayer can change EVERYTHING!

Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.

I can live without water for several days, but I cannot live without “living water” for even a minute (see: Jn 4:10-14).

There are people who have done things that are worse than you have done, and they were still saved by Jesus.

Everyone you know is going through a battle of some kind, most won’t tell you that though.

I struggle with depression, patience, mercy, and more, but I have a Savior and Holy Spirit who are giving me strength, and helping me through.

Believing in the deity of Jesus is an essential of the Christian faith. A recent poll (2020) by Ligonier Ministries found that nearly one-third of evangelical Christians deny this truth. In other words, these “professing” Christians are lost…

For you today: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed…” (Lk 11:41-42). What is needed? “To “(sit) at Jesus feet and hear His Word” (Lk 11:39).

Many people come to the foot of the cross, but most are unwilling to be placed on the cross. 

So many people want to be saved without actually giving up their sins.

One of the worst things I can hear in a church service is, “Church can be fun! We are here to have a good time!”

Yes, it is important to “live for Jesus,” but are you also willing to “die for Jesus?”

God has given us “spiritual gifts” to benefit others, not ourselves.

Is it worth winning an argument if your Christian witness is damaged in the process?

Any Christian who knows their Bible is not really surprised by what is happening in the world right now.

You can blame “hypocrites” for your failure to accept Christ while on earth, but that excuse won’t work at the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:11-15).

Just a reminder, Satan is a: liar/murderer (Jn 8:44), deceiver (Rev 12:9)(Rev 20:7-8,10), accuser (Zech 3:1)(Rev 12:10), condemner (1 Tim 3:6), and tempter (Mt 4:3)(1 Th 3:5), among other evil things.

The reason why most Christians go to church and worship on “Sunday” (rather than “Saturday”) is because that was the day that Jesus arose from the dead. Therefore, when you meet each Sunday, you are celebrating the “Resurrection” of Christ!

I feel fairly confident that thousands of Christians are so attached to their church that they wouldn’t leave even if God called them elsewhere.

It makes me sad when I hear a pastor say that they hate it when a stranger asks them what they do, because it kills the conversation, and the person acts differently. I wonder if Jesus hated it when people found out who He was because it killed conversation and made people act differently?

According to Google, there are about 4300 “religions” in the world. All but one of those (Christianity) will lead you to Hell. 

Have you ever stopped to think about why the Lord’s Prayer begins with “Our Father” instead of “My Father?”

While it is okay to ask for prayer on social media, it makes me sad when that is the “first place” some people have to turn to.

Do not make anything your “identity” that the Bible calls sin.

I don’t care how well a person “claims” to know the Bible, if the Holy Spirit doesn’t live in them, they don’t know the Bible (see: 1 Cor 2:14).

You can’t say, “I know the Bible says this, but….”

It should always be, “I can’t come to that because I have church,” not, “I can’t come to church because I have that.”

Unfortunately, it often takes disasters to cause people to turn to the Lord.

Affluence and God are almost always on opposite sides.

If you are going to teach our children to accept sinful lifestyles, you better remember this, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Mt 18:6)

There is no person in history whose existence is denied more than Jesus.

^600

If you “diligently” seek the Lord, you will be rewarded (See: Heb 11:6).

I am born again, blood-bought, forgiven, redeemed, justified, spirit-filled, loved, blessed, and on-fire for the Lord!

In (Rev 7:9) it says that there will be people in Heaven from “all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues.” There will be no division in Heaven over the color of one’s skin, and if you are dividing over it now, you won’t be one of those in Heaven.

I have never seen a time when there is more lawlessness than there is today. An increase in lawlessness will occur before Jesus returns (Mt 24:12).

The First Calvinist Church is having a potluck dinner this weekend. We
won’t be giving an invitation. If God wants you to come, you will come.

Most churches say that they are looking to grow by reaching the unchurched and unsaved, but in almost every case, if, or when they grow, it is with people moving from a different church.

No matter where you are, God can find you!

You will never be free of your sins if you are blaming others for them.

Don’t teach others what the Bible says based upon second-hand knowledge.

One way or another, God will humble you if you refuse to humble yourself (see: Mt 23:12).

No person should ever have to earn a Christian’s love.

“He that winneth souls is wise” (Prov 11:30). Are you being “wise?”

I want to be a “man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22).

Trying to change people through “love” almost always works better than trying to change people through “fear.”

As crazy as it may sound, God knows you better than you know yourself.

Sometimes, the shortest prayers can be the most powerful.

NOTHING will ever stop God’s Word (1 Pet 1:25)(Isa 40:8).

Jesus is the “beginning” and the “end” (Rev 21:6)(Rev 22:13).

If God hasn’t told you anything new to do, keep doing the last thing He told you to do.

Whatever problems you are facing in this world, you can overcome them through Jesus (Jn 16:33).

I love to read books, but most of my reading time is taken up studying and trying to understand God’s book.

I have had and tried most of what this world has to offer. Trust me, it doesn’t compare to what Jesus offers. 

We tend to pray for the political candidate of our choice without praying for the opposing candidate.

Many Christians cry out for God to take charge and rule right now, but God actually did this for a time in the Old Testament, and His people (Israel) cried out for a “king like the other nations” (1 Samuel 8). Ultimately, I think most who call themselves Christians would be the same as Israel.

It seems significant that (Acts 7:56) says Jesus was “STANDING at the right hand of God,” rather than “sitting,” as Stephen was about to join Him in Heaven.

Whether you want the responsibility or not, as a Christian, you are called to live your life as an example to others (Jn 13:15)(1 Pet 2:21)(1 Cor 11:1).

“Not my will, but yours, be done.” This prayer of Jesus should be the prayer of all Christians.

Paul says in (Phil 3:13), “but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead.” Put your past failures and mistakes behind you, and move forward in Christ Jesus!

Sadly, the definition of a Christian for many people is “I am a good person.”

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov 16:18). I believe this applies to nations as well as individual people.

There is evil going on in this country right now that even the people of Sodom and Gomorrah could never have imagined, and look what happened to them.

A year with the trials and turmoil we have faced in 2020 (i.e. global pandemic, record fires and hurricanes, rioting, and more) is exactly what is prophesied in the Bible to happen before Jesus returns. Are you ready? Go here if you are not: https://jesusalive.cc/planofsalvation/

Remember this verse: (1 Jn 4:20) “the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.”

Satan tried to take me out when I was younger and unsaved, but I believe God supernaturally protected me because He knew I would be turning to Jesus in the future.

When I see or hear about a church that is growing quickly, sadly, my first reaction is almost always concern.

When a person tells me that they are upset after they have sinned, I generally see that as a good thing. The person who can sin, and feels nothing is the person I am more concerned about.

You don’t have to go to school or seminary to work in ministry.

If we could love the Lord with ALL of our heart, soul and mind, and our neighbor AS ourselves, sin would virtually disappear.

“(You) cannot tell where (the wind) comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit” (Jn 3:8). Don’t ever assume that someone is too far gone to receive the Holy Spirit and be saved.

(Eph 5:18) says, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled (Gr: pleuro) with the Spirit.” A literal translation of this word “pleuro” is: “Be being filled with the Spirit.” In other words, Christians should seek to be filled with the Spirit over and over.

Sometimes, when you are on the way to work, or working out, perhaps you should use that quiet time to intercede for people in prayer rather than listen to music.

In the 39th year of his reign, King Asa had a severe disease in his feet, and because He did not seek the Lord, but physicians instead, he died from his disease 2 years later (2 Chr 16:12-13). Lesson: It is ok to go to physicians, but seek healing from the Lord first.

I truly hate it when I learn that a person has gone to a new church, and no one has spoken to them (except a greeter). Christian friends, a great way to serve the Lord is to take the time to have a conversation with someone you don’t know in church every week.

You will eventually regret it if you compromise your faith for someone.

Few Christians leave a legacy of faith that is remembered years after they have died. Strive to be one of them!

Mordecai Ham led Billy Graham to Christ, and Billy Graham lead millions to Christ. You never know what impact that one person you lead to Christ might have.

Sometimes, only God knows the small things you are doing to be faithful to Him.

I truly believe that the more storms God has brought you through, the more you are able to praise Him in the storms.

Two things primarily changed the faith of the disciples from being weak and timid to strong and powerful: 1. The Resurrection of Jesus, 2. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit. That same power is available to you!

If someone literally gave their life to save yours (like took a bullet for you), you would never forget that, right? Well, Jesus did that for you!

You have done nothing to make God love you, He just does.

God may decide to change you rather than the person you are praying for Him to change.

You cannot be the “bride of Christ” and be married to the world too.

Jesus, more of you and less of me!

It is safe to say that if the actors/actresses of Hollywood are for it, God is against it (and I am too).

It comes down to this: “If you are pro-choice, I am not voting for you.”

If someone you know loses a loved one, please don’t tell them that “God needed another angel.” First, men cannot be, nor ever will be angels. Second, it really isn’t very comforting.

Have you ever paid attention to the fact that every time you pray the “Lord’s Prayer,” you are promising God that you will “forgive those who have trespassed against you?”

The world says that accumulating money and things will make you happy and blessed, and the Bible says giving away money and things will make you happy and blessed.

The Bible teaches us over and over to put the lives and needs of others before our own. Those who support abortion teach the opposite, advocating for a mother to put her life before the life of her unborn child.

Did you know that Jesus said it is a “sin” not to believe in Him (Jn 16:9)?

Did you know that the Bible says it can be “sin” when you don’t pray for people (1 Sam 12:23)?

Hypocrisy is when a person is living in unrepentant sin, and also trying to tell others what is wrong with our President, or some other elected official.

When I hear someone say that the greatest moment of their life is: when they got married, had a child, got a job, won an award, or anything other than “the moment I was born again,” I am truly concerned that they have never had a moment of salvation.

Christian parent, please never say “My child is my life.”

The Bible says that “rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft” (1 Sam 15:23).

When man is allowed to determine what is “right or wrong,” rather than the Bible, chaos follows.

God will always be more than you think He is.

Everyone knows this world is messed up right now, the problem is that most believe elected officials will fix it, when only Jesus ultimately can.

Satan and his demons attack all people, but only those in Christ have supernatural power to overcome those attacks.

I truly believe that the root cause of some people’s physical ailments is due to holding on to unforgiveness and bitterness.

While God hates some sins more than others, He still hates all sin.

God is constantly waiting for you to talk to Him!

I believe that Jesus is still in His resurrected body right now, and when we get to Heaven and see Him, we will have a visual reminder of what He did for us.

You are immortal. When you will die one day on earth, you will spend the rest of eternity in one of two places: Heaven or Hell. PLEASE accept Jesus payment for your sins, and make that place Heaven!

No one in Christ needs to be terrified of the future.

Did you know that if you confess you are a sinner, and repent, and trust in Jesus to pay for your sins, all of the wrong that you have done in your life is put in the past? You begin a new life! That is why the Bible calls being saved “born again.”

God knows exactly how many stars there are, and He has a name for each one of them! (Ps 147:4). Think about that…

The answer to every single problem that is going on in the world right now can be found in the Bible.

In the last two hours, (as I write this) JesusAlive.cc has had visitors from South Africa, Barbados, India, Canada, Australia, Philippines, Singapore, Nigeria, New Zealand, and more. How amazing is it to have the ability to share God’s Word all over the world?

Ok, so let me ask this: “Is addiction a sinful stronghold that needs to be broken?” If so, does this apply to those who “have” to have their coffee (caffeine) every day, or it will affect their mood? Yes? No?

There is almost certainly at least one person praying for you that you don’t even know about.

Sometimes the people who seem to be the strongest in their faith are the ones that need help the most.

Jesus, in His great love, sacrificed His life even for those He knew would never accept His payment for their sins.

Friends, following the “traditions” of a religion isn’t going to save you! I grew up in a church like this, and I was never saved. It is all about making a personal decision to surrender your life to Christ, and accepting His payment for your sins!

When I start going through old “keepsakes,” I get constant reminders of how “messed up” my younger years were. Thank you Jesus for putting that in the past, and giving me a new life!

Yes, you are going to sin, but don’t try to “justify” your sin. God hates that!

One of the best memories in my early Christian life was going to the beach at night with a group of friends, sitting around a fire singing praise and worship songs, and then witnessing to those who came out of the bars to listen to us.

You can tell a lot about a Christian when it is announced that a hurricane is on the way.

No matter how dirty you are, Jesus can wash you clean.

I hate it when Christians say, “I go to the early service at church so I can get it over with.”

There is no such thing as an “ex-Christian.”

I find it a lot easier to lead a non-Christian to the Lord than someone who thinks they are a Christian.

What if you spent as much time reading your Bible as you do looking at your phone?

Jesus justifies you in an instant, and the Holy Spirit sanctifies you over your lifetime.

Jesus will be waiting when everything else you try in this world fails.

Those who called themselves atheists while alive are no longer atheists after death. There are no atheists in Hell.

As a Bible teacher, one of the best things I can hear from those I teach is: “You have made me want to study the Bible more.”

^700

The Bible is a blood-stained book.

Have you ever made a promise in prayer to God that if He did “this or that” for you, you would do “this or that” for Him? If God answered your prayer, He hasn’t forgotten your promise.

Are you as bold for the Lord in “real life” as you are on social media?

I don’t know when Christ is returning, but I know it is one day closer than it was yesterday!

If you belong to Christ, I guarantee that God has saved you from some harm that you have idea about.

Most people don’t have a problem with Jesus until it is said that the ONLY way to Heaven is through Him.

Most people don’t want to walk on a narrow, sometimes lonely road. They would rather walk on a broad road, filled with lots of people. The Bible says this is the road which leads to Hell.

Satan loves to make people believe they have plenty of time to turn from sin and repent.

There is spiritual warfare going on all around you that you cannot see (i.e. see: 2 Kin 6:16-18, Dan 10:12-14).

You don’t have to sin less than someone else to get to Heaven, you have to be sinless, and you never will be. This is why you need Jesus.

Even though I have never seen Jesus, I love Him!

Don’t be like the disciples who fell asleep at one of the most crucial moments in history (see: Mt 26:36-46).

What changes happened in your life after you were saved?

Bracket the start of your day, and the end of your day, with thanks to God in prayer.

If you are telling people that God is first in your life, make sure your actions reflect that.

It is heartbreaking that probably the first words uttered by most in Hell are: “But I was a good person!”

If God tells you to do something, do it! Remember Jonah!

If you can leave your church service every week without feeling any “conviction,” you should consider looking for a new church.

If you really, truly only lived your life to please Jesus, and no one else, I guarantee that your level of joy and peace would increase.

Do those who knew you before you became a Christian see a change in you?

Sometimes, what is considered “love” is instead “lust.” “Love” is of God,
“lust” is of Satan. I show the differences between the two here: https://jesusalive.cc/love-versus-lust-in-bible

If you have a cell phone, you have the ability to have the Bible with you everywhere you go.

If you realized how much God has forgiven you, it would be easier for you to forgive others.

(Jn 17:23) says that the Father loves you as much as He loves Jesus!

What you want, and what God knows you need are often two different things.

I met one of my best friends on the day he was getting baptized. When it was announced that he was getting baptized after the service, I approached him to find out what his testimony was. He is now in my Bible study, and we have been friends ever since.

I love deep God talks!

While God has taken “years” to answer some of my prayer requests, He has answered!

If your relationship with the Lord is not where you would like it to be, remember that God is not at fault.

Be “noble” like the Bereans. Take the time to test what people tell you the Bible says, against what the Bible actually says (Acts 17:11).

If you “really” want God to use you, you must be willing to do whatever He asks of you.

I can promise you this, Hell is not going to be a place where people will be “partying” with their friends.

If only we could grasp what “eternity” means, we would make more sacrifices in our short time on earth for eternal rewards.

Teenagers, God does not want you dating the opposite sex so that you can bring them to Christ.

Three things you will never regret: Praying, Reading the Bible, Worshiping God.

Generally, no one knows that a “lukewarm” Christian is a Christian except for those closest to them.

I don’t know for sure if God approves of “dating” or not, but I do know that you won’t find it in the Bible.

God has given us many promises in the Bible. You can pray those promises to Him.

Remember that (Dan 10:12-14) mentions that there is sometimes war in the heavens to stop prayer from being answered. Be patient!

The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away (see: Job 1:21).

All religions but Christianity say “Do” (works for salvation), Christianity says “Done” (works cannot save us, we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus).

You don’t have to have music to “worship” God. 

You cannot be filled with the Holy Spirit AND yourself.

It is SO much better to turn to Jesus when I am in pain, than to turn to the things of this world like I used to do.

If someone’s driving is annoying you, be careful about getting right up on their bumper, because they might be heading to your church.

I don’t think anything touches my heart more than when I am speaking to someone who starts crying when talking about what Jesus has done in their life.

When people say, “Don’t judge what I am doing, only God can do that,” they usually say that like they somehow think that is the better option.

When I first became a Christian, I truly wish that someone had told me that not all churches are the same. I honestly had no idea. I was literally shocked (in a good way) when I finally ended up at a new and different church (and denomination).

Every day, you might have the chance to change someone’s life forever by sharing the Gospel. If that isn’t the coolest thing ever, I don’t know what is.

We take for granted many things in life that are actually great blessings from God.

While we can’t control everything that happens to us, we can control how we react to what happens to us.

Christians in many countries are killed or imprisoned for having, or reading a book that is gathering dust on your bookshelf: the Bible.

Christians in many countries are killed or imprisoned for something that most in the U.S. take for granted: the right to “assemble” with fellow believer’s to worship God and study His Word.

Contrary to popular belief, I have often found that the less people have, the happier they are.

God never says, “OOPS!”

Always remember, hurting people hurt people.

If you are a Christian, you will never meet with a fellow Christian for the “last time.”

God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

One way that you can know if you have a servant’s heart is by how you act when you are treated like a servant.

I don’t know what the future holds, but I trust the One who holds the future.

It is easier to “guard your tongue,” and not speak hurtful words, than to speak them, and then try to repair the damage.

When all I have left is Christ, that is when I am strongest.

Life is fragile, handle with prayer.

The moment you think you have humility, you have lost it.

If a single living cell was found on another planet, it would be called “life.” So, why do many not consider it “life” when it is found in a pregnant mother’s womb?

Do unto others as though you were the others.

Every miracle that happened in the Bible started out as a problem.

Those who call themselves “tolerant” tend to hate Christians the most.

While God tells us as Christians to be “fishers of men,” He doesn’t tell us to “clean the fish.” He will do that.

God will never run out of whatever it is that you need.

The moment you understand that Jesus is all you need, that will be the moment your life will change forever!

♫ Give me grace to see beyond this moment here, to believe that there is nothing left to fear, and that you alone are high above it all, for You my God, are greater still!♫ (The Greatness Of Our God – Hillsong)

The darker it gets, the more the light of Jesus can shine.

The choices you make today could have an impact on your eternity.

God can direct your steps, but if you don’t take the steps, how can He order them?

Do you ask God to keep you safe each time you get behind the wheel of your car?

The greatest gift that God has given to Christians is to place Himself inside of them.

Dead saints cannot hear and answer your prayers. Mary cannot hear and answer your prayers. Only God can hear and answer your prayers.

Sin is about to occur when the words “I am a Christian, but….” are uttered.

ALL of the “spiritual gifts” that God has given to Christians are to be used to bless others. I will never understand those Christians who believe that God gave them a “spiritual gift” to bless themselves.

If God hasn’t “clearly” called you to to be a pastor/Bible teacher, I urge you: Don’t do it! If God has called you, He will provide for you. If He hasn’t, you will be crushed. People are mean!

I would rather have God’s presence than any presents.

According to one source, around the world, a Christian is martyred for practicing his/her faith every 6 minutes. Virtually none of these are in the U.S. Meanwhile, most in the U.S. who call themselves Christians don’t even bother to regularly read their Bible, or go to church.

♫ Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders. ♫

Salvation is a gift from God (Rom 6:23)(Eph 2:8). If we could lose our salvation, that would be equal to God taking back His gift.

No elected official, or government can do what only God can do.

While I am joyful when anyone is born again, I have a little extra joy when I see an elderly person become born again.

The Holy Spirit is waiting to teach you more than you could ever dream or imagine!

So many people turn to God only when they are in trouble, and then wonder where He is.

God brings to Heaven thousands of aborted babies each day.

I LOVE watching it snow! Fresh snow covers everything, and makes it look new and beautiful. It gives me a picture of Jesus covering our sin (see: Isa 1:18).

Sadly… there are actually Christians who believe that taking a vaccine will send a person to Hell, even if that person is a born again Christian.

It seems to me like Christians who choose not to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas, or the death of Jesus at Easter, often see themselves as morally superior to those who do celebrate.

God is not concerned with how a person looks. God looks at each persons heart (1 Sam 16:7).

The Gospels tell us so many AMAZING things that Jesus did while on earth. However, John tells us that He did “many other things” which were not recorded. So many in fact, that if written down, “the world itself could not contain the books that would be written” (Jn 21:25).

Christians, do not lose your “first love!” (The love, passion, and fire you had for Jesus when first saved.)

While not everything in the Bible is meant to be taken “literally,” a “literal” interpretation is the first place you should start at when reading a verse.

When I was a new Christian, I was told by a Bible teacher, “Reading the Bible isn’t something we do for God, it is something we do for us!” When I found out that this is false, and that reading the Bible can be an act of “worship,” it changed my life.

When someone tells me “I have been a Christian for all of my life,” that concerns me. You cannot be “born” a Christian. You must have a moment when you made a decision to place your trust in Jesus to pay for your sins. It is a moment most Christians never forget.

Starting life as a “born again” Christian is the beginning of a lifelong journey, directed by the Holy Spirit, to become more and more like Jesus.

^800

Lord, may I never forget that as I am sitting in my comfortable chair studying Your Word, someone at this moment is being tortured because they were caught studying it.

(James 4:7) tells us how to make the devil “flee” from us: #1. “submit to God” #2. “resist the devil.”

Those who have the Holy Spirit should display: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (see: Gal 5:22-23).

The more I learn and understand the Bible, the more questions I have!

When you look at the “Armor of God” in (Eph 6:10-17), you will notice that it doesn’t mention any armor covering the back. I believe this means that we are to keep pressing forward when the enemy attacks, and to never turn our back and run away.

Yes, Christians can “judge” actions. No, Christians cannot “judge” the motives behind those actions.

I get way more upset over the actions of “worldly” Christians than I do over the actions of those who actually belong to the “world.”

Would you like it if you blessed someone with money, and then they used that money to play the lottery? No! God thinks the same way with the money He has blessed you with.

Remember the example of Paul and Silas who were “praying and singing hymns” after being beaten many times with rods, and then thrown into prison with their feet placed in stocks (see: Acts 16:22-25).

I have read that the Salvation Army gets more money from kettles placed in poor areas, than from kettles placed in affluent areas.

Jesus isn’t a part of my life, Jesus IS my life!

Christian, I urge you not to use your “liberty” to make choices which make you indistinguishable from those in the world.

Christians, marry someone who is saved that you can “pray with,” rather than marry someone who is unsaved that you will have to “pray for.”

I truly believe that for some, their church can actually become an idol.

The more you care about Christ’s opinion, the less you will care about people’s opinions.

Being saved later in life, like I was, does have at least one advantage; I can clearly remember how miserable my life was for a long time before Christ changed it.

God might use YOU to be the answer to someone’s prayers! Ask God to guide you and lead you to those you can bless through His provision.

Jesus died for WHOSOEVER who would accept His payment for their sins, not just an “elect” few!

Sheep are aimless without a shepherd. Jesus compared us to “sheep,” and Himself to a “Shepherd.”

(Prov 11:30) says, “he that winneth souls is wise.” Are you being wise?

“By my God I can leap over a wall” (Ps 18:29).

I expect quoting the Bible to offend non-Christians, but when it offends people who call themselves Christians…….

Building an idol takes time, it does not happen in an instant.

Don’t look back lovingly on the place that God has told you to flee. Remember Lot’s wife (Lk 17:32).

Even though I thought I was a Christian, by seeing the Lord in some Christians that I knew, I realized that something was missing in my life. This in big part led me to surrender my life to Jesus.

If your use of “spiritual gifts” in church is causing “confusion,” God is not behind it (1 Cor 14:33).

Pretty much everything this world tells you will make you happy is the opposite of what the Bible says will make you happy.

God isn’t counting how much less you sin than someone else to determine if you will get to Heaven. He stopped at sin #1, and said, “That is enough, you aren’t coming.” No sinner is going, and you are one. This is why you need the sacrifice of the sinless Jesus to pay for your sins.

If someone lost their father, and afterwards, found a letter personally written to them by their father, most would treasure that letter for a lifetime and read it again and again. As a Christian, the Bible is a letter written to you from your Father. You should treasure it, and read it again and again.

(James 3:1) says, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” I take this verse VERY seriously!

Those times when you should be in bed, but you’re having an encounter with the Lord and you don’t want it to stop.

I get accused of many things by people who call themselves Christians, but one thing they can’t accuse me of is lacking passion for the Lord.

The more you spend time with the Jesus, the more you become like Him.

Satan and his demons have studied you. They know where you are weakest, and they will attack you in that area to damage your relationship with the Lord. Put on your spiritual armor (Eph 6:10-17).

Before I became a Christian, I sometimes used to be upset for several days if my favorite sports team lost a game. Now, as a Christian, I just turn off the t.v., and move on.

Satan will try to keep you focused on the pain from your past, so that you can’t focus on the good future God has for you.

God’s way in God’s timing. That is what I want.

It isn’t always easy, but if you base your value on what Jesus thinks of you, instead of what people think of you, your life will be so much more peaceful.

Experience has taught me that people can twist the Bible to make it say whatever they want it to say, no matter what that is.

When everything in your life is crumbling and falling over, Jesus will always be the one thing that will remain standing.

Christians, try to place yourself in the shoes of a non-Christian. Can you imagine facing everything that is going on in this world right now without the Holy Spirit inside of you? The thought of it kind of makes me sick….

Surround yourself with people who will always place God above you.

If you are going to be preaching “God doesn’t want anyone to have physical ailments, and if you just have faith, He will always heal you,” then you had better not be wearing glasses, or have any cavities.

Lord, what things do you have for me that I am missing out on?

When you go through your day thinking that no one you meet is by accident, you tend to think of those people differently.

One thing I NEVER dreamed would happen when I started the JesusAlive website back in 2002 was that I would be teaching a live, online video Bible study with people from all over the U.S.. God’s plans are bigger than mine… He knew. Thank you Lord!

That moment, when you didn’t do it because you felt like God was saying not to, and you find out what God saved you from.

God, you must increase, and I must decrease (Jn 3:30).

Lord, please crush all pride in me.

Fear says, “What if?” Faith says, “Even if.”

I wonder what great leaders we would have, what great inventions would have been created, what great songs would have been written, what great athletic records would have been broken by those who never got a chance at life because of abortion?

Many of the things that we take for granted in the U.S. are things that people in other parts of the world are praying for just to survive.

Yes, there actually are people who believe that God is angry at those who don’t use a KJV Bible.

Yes, there actually are people who believe that they are closer to God than you are because they speak in tongues.

If people don’t hear the “bad news” first, how can they ever appreciate the “good news” of the Gospel? (Gospel = “good news”)

I have been a Christian now for 27 years, and sadly, I must confess that I have sinned each and every day of those 27 years.

Many would be wise to remember that the Bible says, “He who guards his mouth and tongue, guards his soul from troubles” (Prov 21:23)(NASB).

After you are born again, you will start to hate sin that you once loved.

Lord, may my life move closer and closer to a place where everything that I do, and everything that I say draws people closer to you.

David “ran” towards the giant he was facing, confident that God would give him the victory (1 Sam 17:48). Do the same with the “giant” you are facing.

Even a lie will send you to Hell (Rev 21:8). Only Jesus can save you!

If your spouse is saved, thank the Lord! I have seen many miserable marriages where one spouse is saved, and the other is not.

Satan is seeking to destroy you in every possible way. God is protecting you in ways you can’t even imagine. Thank Him!!

God chooses to use us even though He knows ahead of time all of the “dumb” things we will do.

Don’t be “proud” of your denomination. God doesn’t care about your “denomination,” and He hates pride!

If you turn to Jesus, expect to have division with family members: “father against son, son against father, mother against daughter, daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law against mother-in-law” (Lk 12:51-53).

The “world” may try to remove God from everything, but they can’t remove God from inside of a Christian.

Jesus came to earth for you! Jesus lived a sinless life for you! Jesus suffered for you! Jesus died for you! Jesus was resurrected for you! Jesus sent the Holy Spirit for you! Jesus is in Heaven now. Jesus LOVES you!!

Pride is what got Satan kicked out of Heaven. Don’t be proud!

Peter told Jesus, “Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death” (Lk 22:33). When the time came, he wasn’t ready, and denied Jesus. The time may soon be coming for Christians to have to make that decision too. Are you ready?

When Martha was worried, Jesus told her what she needed to do: “sit at His feet” (Lk 10:38-42).

I have decided to follow Jesus; No turning back, no turning back. Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow; No turning back, no turning back.

Years ago, I was told, “When you see 11:11 on a clock, make a wish.” Instead, I decided that when I see 11:11 on a clock, I was going to pray for people I know who are lost. I also added 1:11. I am still doing that today.

If you believe that a baby who is born a male can later be declared a female, don’t you dare try to attack Christianity for “going against science!”

I have been told that other countries are now sending Christian missionaries to the United States.

Sorry, but you can’t send “good thoughts,” “good vibes,” or “positive energy” to anyone…

If you need peace, you need Jesus!

How we dress, and how we act should not cause people to focus on us more than on Jesus.

Just as a predator goes after an animal that has strayed from the herd, so Satan goes after a Christian who has strayed from fellow Christians.

Lord, may more Christians study your Word, and pray for discernment, to know what is Biblically true and Biblically false.

“The one who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God” (Jn 8:47 – NASB).

If “all” you do is tell people over and over “God loves you,” those people will never have a proper “fear of God.”

I am SO thankful that social media was not around during my unsaved days in high school and college! I cannot imagine what disgusting stuff I might have posted. Lord, give me compassion for unsaved young people on social media today, and help me remember why they post what they post.

“He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (Prov 28:13 – NKJV).

In both Hebrew and Greek, the word “Sabbath” basically means “STOP!”

Jesus’ death opened the door to the Father (see: Mt 27:51).

A Biblical example of a bad prayer: “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican” (Lk 18:11).

Born Feb. 17, 1962, born again Oct. 27, 1994.

Seriously, God wants you to talk to Him about EVERYTHING.

Goal: To be praying fervently in a building with fellow Christians, and the power of the Holy Spirit literally “shakes” that building (see: Acts 4:31).

Do you thank God when it starts pouring rain right “after” you get into your car, or enter a building?

Make sure the people you are witnessing to understand the importance of the “first coming” of Jesus, before explaining to them the importance of the “second coming” of Jesus.

Would you give your life for someone who hated you? Jesus did.

At the beginning of creation, Satan said to Eve, “Did God really say?”(Gen 3:1). Thousands of years later, Satan is still effectively using that trick.

Christians, keep in mind that nearly every entertainment choice you have today is brought to you by non-Christians.

If you stay in your church long enough, you will eventually be hurt. It
isn’t “always” a reason to leave.

Before you call someone a “false teacher,” you better understand what the Bible says a “false teacher” is.

If your primary reason for wanting to go to Heaven isn’t so that you can spend eternity in the presence of Jesus Christ, it makes me wonder if you have a personal relationship with Him right now on earth.

I don’t highlight verses in my Bible, but if I did, I am pretty sure that
eventually every verse in my Bible would be highlighted.

In order to be a Christian, you must believe in the Resurrection of Jesus
Christ from the dead (Rom 10:9-10).

^900

Amber alert messages on your phone are an opportunity to enter into intercessory prayer.

Nearly every person believes that they are going to Heaven when they die. The Bible says that most people “aren’t” going to Heaven when they die (Mt 7:13-14). Only one is right.

Every Christian has one sin that they struggle with more than any other. This is sometimes called a “besetting sin.” When you are under pressure, Satan will almost always tempt you to commit this sin. Be prepared to fight this with God’s Word and prayer.

Christian friend, whatever you are going through right now, God promises that somehow, some way, He is going to work good from it (Rom 8:28).

When the wife of Joseph’s master tempted him to sin by “sleeping with her,” He “fled and ran outside” (Gen 39:12). When someone tempts you to sin, be like Joseph.

Before you speak to a man about God, speak to God about that man.

From a Biblical standpoint, sex is never viewed as “casual.”

Never underestimate the importance of having a parent that prays for you.

If all churches in the U.S. were closed by the government, and Christians were forced to secretly meet in houses, facing face death or imprisonment if caught doing so (like in China or Iran today), I wonder how many U.S. Christians would actually risk meeting in houses?

Being raised in a family that goes to church every Sunday doesn’t mean you are saved. It took me 32 years to learn that.

I wonder if there are any names left for people to call me who disagree with my Bible studies?

Some people turn themselves into an idol.

Sanctification means, that as a Christian, God will never stop working to make you more like Jesus.

Unmarried young men and women, the best “gift” you can give to your future spouse is your virginity. Don’t give that “gift” to anyone before you are married.

Jesus is Lord! Everyone will make this confession, either before they die, or after they die, when it will be too late for salvation (Phil 2:9-11).

I know this won’t mean much to most of you, but the fact that I am running a Christian ministry is proof that Jesus is real.

There is nothing better than waking up each day being excited to see how God is going to use you throughout the day.

Lord, thank you for the spiritual gifts you have given me, and please help me to use them to their fullest to bless others.

Planning for the future is important, and the “most” important thing to plan for is your life after death. Do you know where you are going? Go here if you don’t: https://jesusalive.cc/planofsalvation.

Easter isn’t about the bunny, it is about the Lamb!

If you are fighting against God, let me give you some advice: God ALWAYS wins!

I truly believe that asking God for His “wisdom” is one of the best things we can pray for.

Jesus is THE way! Jesus is THE truth! Jesus is THE life!

When we confess our sins, and repent, God forgives our sins and puts them in the past (Ps 103:12)(Heb 10:17). However, Satan will still bring those sins up to condemn you. Don’t let Satan steal the peace of forgiveness God has given you!

The more you love Jesus, the less you are going to love the world.

I feel sad for those who believe that prayer is a one-way conversation.

Lord, I thank you for every Christian that you have placed in my life that prays for me.

Do you have something you own that just keeps running, when it should have given out long ago? Think of that as God’s provision for you.

Satan can use other people to attack you, and accomplish his purposes. When this happens, remember that your enemy is Satan, not “flesh and blood” (Eph 6:12).

The goal is to become more Christ-like.

The first half of my life was a mess, but God has turned that into a message.

God will place people in your life, and remove people from your life, for as long as you live. Trust that He has a reason for doing this.

I will never feel comfortable calling God the Father: “Daddy.”

One of the ladies in my Bible Study said to me, “You are making headlines in Hell.” That is one compliment I don’t think I will forget.

You are a sinner; Jesus wasn’t. That is why you need Him.

One of the signs of a mature Christian is being able to worship God when things are going badly in your life, as much (or more) as you do when things are going well.

Sometimes, what seems like a blessing in your life may not be a blessing from God at all.

One of the stupidest quotes I hear Christians use is, “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” No one can “preach” (share) the “Gospel” without words…

The book of Philippians uses the word “joy” more than any other Epistle Paul wrote. He wrote it while in prison.

You are better off waiting on God than wishing you had waited on God.

A recent survey found that only 36% of churchgoers “strong agreed” that being a Christian means denying yourself. Sadly, I am not really surprised by that figure.

You can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you!

The world is constantly focused on the external. God is constantly focused on the internal.

I don’t like to brag, but my Father is God!

They may not share it, but EVERY Christian has a prayer request they need you to pray about.

If I die, I am with Christ. If I live, Christ is with me. Live or die, I cannot lose.

Attacked by demons, protected by Jesus.

Daniel wasn’t saved from being eaten by lions because he prayed when he got thrown into the lion’s den (Dan Ch. 6). He was saved from the lions because he had been on his knees praying 3 times a day for years before that (Dan 6:10).

Satan got Eve to question God’s Word. That’s all it takes!

The Bible never recommends “following your heart.”

Jesus didn’t eat with sinners because he was being tolerant, He ate with sinners so they would repent of their sins, and turn to Him.

What WON’T get you into Heaven: being a good person, doing good things, going to church, your denomination, being baptized, being confirmed, being born into a Christian family. What WILL get you into Heaven: Jesus!

I actually walk up to random people and talk about the Lord. ONLY God could make that happen!

I don’t understand this new trend that says you have to “build a relationship” with a person before you can share the Gospel with them. Where does the Bible show this being done??

When people say, “The Bible has been changed over time,” you can pretty much guarantee that what has been “changed” is something they disagree with.

If you can’t find a good church anywhere you go, maybe the problem isn’t with the churches….

One of the saddest phrases I hear people say is “Rest In Peace” (RIP), when I know the one who died is not “Resting In Peace,” because they never accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for their sins.

Even Satan isn’t dumb enough to deny the existence of Jesus.

My wife likes to ask Christians, “In your whole life, has any person ever walked up to you and shared the Gospel? The answer is almost always, “No.”

If someone shared the Gospel with you, and led you to Christ, you will remember that person for the rest of your life.

If you are looking for a church, and someone tells you, “Try my church, it’s cool!” that isn’t the church you want.

A part of being saved (born again) is surrendering your life to Jesus, and giving Him control. Most who “fall away” change their minds, and decide they would rather be in control.

Lord, forgive me for taking credit for things you have done.

You can earn a “Sunday School Attendance” pin and still be lost. I have mine hanging up as a reminder.

If you call sin sin today, many will call you the sinner.

God works SO many miracles each day! Open your eyes and LOOK for them!

When God creates a life in the womb, from the moment of conception, and for the rest of eternity, that life will always exist.

Sin today really isn’t any more prevalent than it was in the past, however, the difference is that in the past most people tried to hide it, and today most people proudly and openly flaunt it.

Any person in Hell right now isn’t there because Jesus didn’t choose them, they are there because they didn’t choose Jesus.

God may cause your enemy to fall, but that doesn’t mean we should rejoice when He does.

The Bible says that Satan is the “god of this world” (2 Cor 4:4). Therefore, if you are of this world, Satan is your god.

Halloween: For my outfit tonight, I’ll be wearing the full armor of God.

Jesus created the wood that was used for the cross he was crucified on.

Listening to your pastor cannot replace reading your Bible.

Anyone who says they don’t sin doesn’t realize how many things the Bible calls sin.

If you are my friend, I am thankful to God for you.

The “world” says to focus on yourself. The Bible says to “die to yourself” (Gal 5:24)(Col 3:5).

Lord, I need more of you, more than I need more from you.

There are 8 billion people in the world, and God wants to spend time with you personally!

If you ask me how to fix a problem, most of the time God is going to be involved in my solution.

While on earth, Jesus was tempted (Heb 2:18)(Heb 4:15), but yet sinless (2 Cor 5:21)(1 Jn 3:5). Always remember, being “tempted” is not a sin, but what we do “after” we are tempted is what can become sin.

Yes, we should love ourselves (Mt 19:19)(Mt 22:39). No, that should not be our primary focus.

Jesus can heal whatever “triggers” you.

My heart aches when I see people being deceived by the same tricks that Satan used to use to deceive me.

For “years,” in ignorance, I took Communion (the Lord’s Supper) in an “unworthy matter” (1 Cor 11:27-30). I thank God that He had mercy and grace upon me, and saved me from “weakness, sickness, and death.”

Hinduism is clearly against the teachings of the Bible, so why would Christians practice something like yoga, that comes from, and is an essential part of the Hindu religion?

^986

Copyright: https://JesusAlive.cc © Steve Shirley

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Aiden Gale

Lord, please guard and protect the hearts and minds of our youth who are being bombarded with filth on the internet.
I love this one. I can see why you said it twice in this post.