Manifestations of the Fruit

God  -

Jeremiah 31:3

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying:
  “I have loved  you with an everlasting love;
 I have drawn  you with unfailing kindness.

Angels –

Luke 15:10

In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Jesus Christ –

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born,
 to us a son is given,
 and the government  will be on his shoulders.
 And he will be called
 Wonderful Counselor,  Mighty God,
 Everlasting  Father,  Prince of Peace.

Job –

James 5:10

Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets  who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Colossians –

Colossians 3:12

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves  with compassion, kindness, humility,  gentleness and patience.

Romans –

Romans 5:14

Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam,  who is a pattern of the one to come.

Centurion –

Matthew 8:10

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.

Paul –

1 Thessalonians 2:7

Instead, we were like young children among you.

Scattered people of God –

2 Peter 1:6

and to knowledge, self-control;  and to self-control, perseverance;  and to perseverance, godliness

God Hears

Psalm 2:1-3

He hears the raging of the nations and the plots of the rulers. What  do they want? Freedom from God! But the  way to real freedom is by submission not by rebellion. To throw off God’s  will is to invite bondage and destruction.

Titus 2:13-14

We wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

We haven't arrived at our destination (cf. Philippians 3). We are in waiting! Jesus, who offered his own life for our redemption, will gloriously return to take us home. During our time of waiting, let's be eager to do what is right, good, and holy.

God laughs 

Psalm 2:4

Puny man does not worry God with  all his noise and threats. God is  on His throne and has everything in control. When the world’s  noise frightens you, turn to the Lord and let Him take over ( Acts 4:23-31)

Thought

If you can’t sleep, don’t count sheep – talk to the Shepherd!

He asked

Psalm 4:2-3

Asking the Lord for help is still a good way to deal with inner turmoil (phil. 4:6-7)

He received

Psalm 4:6-8

In the darkness, he saw the face of God  and received  light. In his sorrow, he discovered the gift of gladness. In the time of battle,  he received peace God  did not immediately change the situation, but He did change David; He can do the same for you.

All I can say is Thank You

“Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18,)

When I choose to thank God for every circumstance in my life, good or bad, it causes me to anticipate the future positively—to look forward to how God will work through the situation rather than vex over the problem at hand. Praying with thankfulness also leads to peace! Some poor souls have spent their whole lives and fortunes, but have not found the peace for which they have longed. God offers His peace freely if we are willing to trust Him.

‘Only knowing how to say “THANK YOU!” is not a bad place to be!

Lord, help me to be thankful in all circumstances that You walk me through in this life. Help me to continually have gratitude upon my lips. Thank You for all You have done and all that You are doing. Amen.

Ephesians 6:12

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

This is war! We face a daily battle and it is not just with sin and temptation. We have a real foe whose desire for us is our destruction. But, our foe has already been defeated and his angels stand rebuked.
So, let's keep our spiritual vigor knowing that we're not playing church but fighting for the Kingdom

Gospel

Knowing the power of the Gospel, we don’t need to be frantic. Jesus is more than sufficient for every need. The world is  sick, and Jesus has the only remedy – the  Gospel.

Our part is simply that we must carry this medicine to the patients. Jesus commanded it – “ *Go* !” That is not a suggestion or a recommendation, but an order. We had better obey, or else miss the greatest joy known to man.

Go

Joy Robbers

Philippians 4:11

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Pierced for our Rebellion

Isaiah 53:5

But he was pierced  for our transgressions,
 he was crushed  for our iniquities;
 the punishment  that brought us peace  was on him,
 and by his wounds  we are healed.

Betrayed by Judas

Matthew 26:50

Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”
 Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.

Heavenly Wisdom

James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

My Refuge

Psalm 119:14

I rejoice in following your statutes
 as one rejoices in great riches.

You Can Live Forgiven

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins  and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Atrophying or Absorbing?

Mark 4:12

so that,
  “‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving,
 and ever hearing but never understanding;
 otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’”

For the Love of God

Psalm 32:5
Then I acknowledged my sin to you
 and did not cover up my iniquity.
 I said, “I will confess
 my transgressions  to the Lord.”
 And you forgave
 the guilt of my sin.

Where is Your Focus?

Isaiah 54:10
Though the mountains be shaken
 and the hills be removed,
 yet my unfailing love  for you will not be shaken
 nor my covenant  of peace  be removed,”
 says the Lord, who has compassion  on you.

You’re Alive Because God Wants to Love You

Ephesians 1:4-5
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will

Anticipate God’s Goodness

Psalm 27:13
I remain confident of this:
 I will see the goodness of the Lord
 in the land of the living.

Going through Marah

Exodus 15:23
When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah. )

What is Separation?

Consecration – Exodus 13:1-2

The Lord said to Moses,   “Consecrate to me every firstborn male.  The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal.”

Distinguish – Exodus 33:16

How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us?  What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

Not Associating – Joshua 23:7

Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear  by them. You must not serve them or bow down  to them.

Noto To Be Yoked – 2  Corinthians 6:14

Do not be yoked together  with unbelievers.  For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

Not To Make Treaty – Deuteronomy 7:2

and when the Lord your God has delivered  them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy  them totally.  Make no treaty  with them, and show them no mercy.

Sanctified – John 17:17

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

To Be Holy -  Deuteronomy 7:6

For you are a people holy  to the Lord your God.  The Lord your God has chosen  you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.

Spiritual Thoughts 

. Idolatry is worshiping anything that ought to be used, or using anything that is meant to be worshiped. - Augustine

. Preach to the suffering, and you will never lack a congregation.  There is a broken heart in every pew. - Joseph Parker

God’s Scriptural “Benefit Package”

2 Timothy 3:14-17

This world offers financial plans, weight loss programs, and a host of other opportunities that all claim to yield beneficial results. But nothing is as profitable to us as Scripture.

God’s plans for you do not stop at salvation. His goal is that you become conformed to the likeness of His Son, and the tool He uses to achieve His purpose is the Bible. Today’s passage outlines His comprehensive program for your spiritual transformation.

The foundation is laid with the teaching of Scripture’s basic truths. These doctrines about God’s character and work anchor our souls during the storms of life and protect us from deception. Since we all have certain flesh patterns, perfection is impossible, and we sometimes fall into sin. But when Scripture offers reproof, we are convicted about our wrongdoing.

This is followed by correction. The Lord never convicts us and leaves us in the mess we have made. He provides what we need to make things right.

The final step is training in righteousness. Think of this as a one-on-one discipleship course with the Word of God. If we heed the instruction and discipline of Scripture, we’ll grow in obedience and godliness and eventually will find that we need less reproof and correction.

Full participation in God’s scriptural benefit package involves three steps: Read the Bible each day; believe everything God says in His Word—not just the parts that appeal to you (Heb. 4:2); and do what He says. You will become equipped and qualified to fulfill His purpose for you.

Luke 9:13

“He replied, "You give them something to eat." They answered, "We have only five loaves of bread and two fish — unless we go and buy food for all this crowd."

I love the way Jesus gets his disciples' attention. "You feed them, boys!" Of course they knew that they couldn't! Yet Jesus showed them that if they brought their meager resources to him, they could do amazing things.

When the big picnic was over, each of them got to pick up a basket full of leftovers from the table of God's grace! Let's remember that it isn't the challenge or the resources that limit us; it's our unwillingness to bring what we have to Jesus and trust that he will do something with us to bless others in ways we couldn't have dreamed! (cf. Ephesians 3:20-21)

Gentle and Humble

Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,  for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

The Gentle Christian

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

Misery and Mercy

Psalm 130:4
But with you there is forgiveness,
 so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

Mercy – Christ Showed Us the Way

1 Peter 2:9-10
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Rest in the Shadow

Psalm 91:1
Whoever dwells in the shelter  of the Most High
 will rest in the shadow  of the Almighty.

Remembering God’s Blessings

Psalm 9:1-2
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
 I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
    I will be glad and rejoice  in you;
 I will sing the praises  of your name,  O Most High.

God’s Love is Holy Love

Isaiah 54:10
Though the mountains be shaken
 and the hills be removed,
 yet my unfailing love  for you will not be shaken
 nor my covenant  of peace  be removed,”
 says the Lord, who has compassion  on you.
Gentle and Humble

Molded by the Master

Jeremiah 18:1-6

If you have ever watched a potter work, as Jeremiah did in today’s passage, you know the wonder of seeing a lovely vessel take shape from a lump of clay. God’s object lesson to the prophet was that the nation of Israel—as well as every person from the beginning of time—was to be shaped by His hand. We are all lumps of human clay waiting for the touch of the master Potter.

When clay is placed on the wheel, the potter already has a specific design in mind. The same is true of us—God has determined how He plans to work in our life and what part we are to play in building His kingdom (Eph. 2:10). He shapes with His hands and cuts with His tools so that our character begins to look like that of His Son Jesus. Each believer will be formed differently to carry out the unique service God has in mind for him or her. But regardless of our special equipping, we all bear the unmistakable imprint of our Potter.

Too often we look around at the talents and abilities of others and wish to be more like someone else. But we have been perfectly designed for the purposes God has for us, and He makes no mistakes. If we spend our time wishing for talents that do not suit God’s plan, or if we refuse to use the spiritual gifts He’s given us, we waste His effort and our opportunity to serve Him.

The Master is pleased with the way that He has designed our life and the abilities He’s poured into us. To honor the Potter as a vessel should, we must submit to being molded and used as He desires.

Spiritual Thoughts

.. The man who knows his sins is greater than one who raises a dead man by his prayer.  He who sighs and grieves within himself for an hour is greater than one who teaches the entire universe.  He who follows Christ, alone and contrite, is greater than one who enjoys the favor of crowds in the churches. - Isaac the Syrian

.. What we do in the crisis always depends on whether we see the difficulties in the light of God, or God in the shadow of the difficulties. - G. Campbell Morgan

.. If worship is just one thing we do, everything becomes mundane.  If worship is the one thing we do, evening takes on eternal significance. - Timothy J. Christenson

Molded by the Master

Jeremiah 18:1-6

If you have ever watched a potter work, as Jeremiah did in today’s passage, you know the wonder of seeing a lovely vessel take shape from a lump of clay. God’s object lesson to the prophet was that the nation of Israel—as well as every person from the beginning of time—was to be shaped by His hand. We are all lumps of human clay waiting for the touch of the master Potter.

When clay is placed on the wheel, the potter already has a specific design in mind. The same is true of us—God has determined how He plans to work in our life and what part we are to play in building His kingdom (Eph. 2:10). He shapes with His hands and cuts with His tools so that our character begins to look like that of His Son Jesus. Each believer will be formed differently to carry out the unique service God has in mind for him or her. But regardless of our special equipping, we all bear the unmistakable imprint of our Potter.

Too often we look around at the talents and abilities of others and wish to be more like someone else. But we have been perfectly designed for the purposes God has for us, and He makes no mistakes. If we spend our time wishing for talents that do not suit God’s plan, or if we refuse to use the spiritual gifts He’s given us, we waste His effort and our opportunity to serve Him.

The Master is pleased with the way that He has designed our life and the abilities He’s poured into us. To honor the Potter as a vessel should, we must submit to being molded and used as He desires.

Spiritual Thoughts

.. The man who knows his sins is greater than one who raises a dead man by his prayer.  He who sighs and grieves within himself for an hour is greater than one who teaches the entire universe.  He who follows Christ, alone and contrite, is greater than one who enjoys the favor of crowds in the churches. - Isaac the Syrian

.. What we do in the crisis always depends on whether we see the difficulties in the light of God, or God in the shadow of the difficulties. - G. Campbell Morgan

.. If worship is just one thing we do, everything becomes mundane.  If worship is the one thing we do, evening takes on eternal significance. - Timothy J. Christenson

BEAUTIFUL PRAYER

= I asked God to take away my habit.

God said, "No". It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.


= I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, "No. His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary."

= I asked God to grant me patience.

God said, "No. Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn't granted,
it is learned".

 = I asked God to give me happiness.

God said, "No. I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you".

= I asked God to spare me pain.

God said, "No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you
closer to me".

= I asked God to make my spirit grow.

God said, "No. You must grow on your own! , but I will prune you to make you
fruitful".

= I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.

God said, "No. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things".

= I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.

God said..."Ahhhh, finally you have the idea".

= THIS DAY IS YOURS DON'T THROW IT AWAY

May God Bless You,

The final forming of a person's character lies in their own hand.

Matthew 6:1

"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven."

Compassion is not for personal glory, just as it is not a private internal emotion. Christian compassion must always motivate us to act in the best interest and for the greater good of those in need, without calling attention to ourselves or our sacrifices. God provides what we need to bless others and takes care of the reward when our goal is to please him and to be used by him to bless others who are in need.

Spiritual Thoughts

.. Anger is the noise of the soul; the unseen irritant of the heart; the relentless invader of silence. - Max Lucado

.. The aim and final reason of all music should be nothing else but the Glory of God and the refreshment of the spirit. - Johann Sebastian Bach

.. How beautiful it is to learn that grace isn’t fragile, and that in the family of God we can fail and not be a failure. - Gloria Gaither

.. here is not only fear, but terrible danger, for the life unguarded by God. - Oswald Chambers
.. Fill the heart with the love of Christ so that only truth and purity can come out of the mouth. - Warren Wiersbe

.. We are Christians and strangers on this earth.  Let none of us be frightened; our native land is not this world. - Augustine of Hippo

.. Gratitude changes the pangs of memory into a tranquil joy. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

.. Many of my prayers are made with my eyes open.  You see, it seems I’m always praying about something, and it’s not always convenient–or safe–to close my eyes. - Wayne Oates

.. Live in such a way that any day would make a suitable capstone for life.  Live so that you need not change your mode of living, even if your sudden departure were immediately predicted to you. - C. H. Spurgeon

.. Make God’s will the focus of your life day by day.  If you seek to please Him and Him alone, you’ll find yourself satisfied with life. - Kay Arthur

Ephesians 6:12

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
This is war! We face a daily battle and it is not just with sin and temptation. We have a real foe whose desire for us is our destruction.

But, our foe has already been defeated and his angels stand rebuked.
So, let's keep our spiritual vigor knowing that we're not playing church but fighting for the Kingdom

My Heavenly Fathers Letter

. You may not know me, but I know everything about you
Psalms 139:1 
O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.

. I know when you sit down and when you rise up
Psalms 139:2 
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

. I am familiar with all your ways
Psalms 139:3 
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

. Even the very hairs on your head are numbered
Matthew 10:29-31
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.
30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

. For you were made in my image
Genesis 1:27 
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him;

. In me you live and move and have your being
Acts 17:28 
‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

. For you are my offspring
Acts 17:28
‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

. I knew you even before you were conceived
Jeremiah 14:5 
Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn because there is no grass.

. I chose you when I planned creation
Ephesians 1:11-12 
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,
12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

. You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book
Psalms 139:15-16 
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

. I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live
Acts 17:26
From one man he made every nation of men that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.

. You are fearfully and wonderfully made
Psalms 139:14 
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

. I knit you together in your mother's womb ~
         Psalms 139:13 
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

. And brought you forth on the day you were born
Psalms 71:6 
From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you.

. I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me
John 8:41-44
41 You are doing the things your own father does.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.”
42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me.
43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say.
44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

. I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love
1 John 4:16 
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

. And it is my desire to lavish my love on you
1 John 3:1 
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

. Simply because you are my child and I am your father ~
1 John 3:1 
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

. I offer you more than your earthly father ever could
Matthew 7:11 
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

. Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand
James 1:17 
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

. For I am your provider and I meet all your needs
Matthew 6:31-33 
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

. My plan for your future has always been filled with hope
Jeremiah 29:11
 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

. Because I love you with an everlasting love
Jeremiah 31:3 
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

. My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore
Psalms 139:17-18 
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Where I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.

. And I rejoice over you with singing
Zephaniah 3:17 
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”

. I will never stop doing good to you
Jeremiah 32:40 
I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me.

. For you are my treasured possessions
Exodus 19:5 
Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine,

. I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul
 Jeremiah 32:41 
I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul.

. And I want to show you great and marvelous things

Jeremiah 33:3 
‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

. If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me
Deuteronomy 4:29 
But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.

. Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart
Psalms 37:4 
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

. For it is I who gave you those desires
Philippians 2:13 
For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

. I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine
Ephesians 3:20 
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

. For I am your greatest encourager
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,
17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

. I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
. When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you
Psalms 34:18 
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

. As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart
Isaiah 40:11 
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

. One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes
Revelation 21:3-4
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.
4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

. And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth
Revelation 21:3-4 
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.
4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

. I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus
John 17:23 
I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

. For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed
John 17:26 
I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

. He is the exact representation of my being
Hebrews 1:3 
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

. He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you
Romans 8:31 
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

. And to tell you that I am not counting your sins
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 
18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:
19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

. His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you
1 John 4:10 
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

. I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love
Romans 8:31-32 
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32  He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

. If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me
1 John 2:23 
No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

. And nothing will ever separate you from my love again
Romans 8:38-39
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

. Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen
Luke 15:7 
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

. I have always been Father, and will always be Father
Ephesians 3:14-15
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father,
15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.

. My question is Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13
12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

. I am waiting for you
         Luke 15:11-32
Please read this portion.

Love you my child

Heavenly Father.

Joshua 1:9

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

While these words were spoken to Joshua when he took over for Moses, they are also applicable to us. Take a moment and read Psalm 139 out loud and see that God's promise to be with us is for all who truly call upon him. Listen to Jesus' words in Matthew 28:18-20, as he promises his disciples to "be with them always, even to the close of the age." Remember God's promise, reiterated from an Old Testament blessing in Hebrews 13:5, "Never will I leave you, never will I desert you!"

Let's be strong; our God, our Father, our Shepherd is always near, even if it doesn't seem so. We cannot go anywhere without his presence being near us and in us. We are not alone. We don't have to be afraid. In fact, not even death can separate us from his love (see Romans 8:35-39).

Hebrews 4:12

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
What is the greatest tool to repair the human heart? ...by-pass surgery? ...angioplasty? ...artificial heart? ...transplant? How about the Word of God? You see, while these other techniques can be of great aid to the physical heart of people, God's tool for heart surgery is his Word. This sharp scalpel can reach the soul and spirit as well as being a physical blessing.

So how much of your heart are you offering to God, and his powerful heart-healing tool to touch? As you open God's Scripture, as you hear the message of God preached, why not ask for the Holy Spirit's help to help you understand, apply, and put into practice what is being taught? Let's offer our hearts to the Great Physician to do his work in us!

Nehemiah 9:6

“You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.”

God is Creator! Life is defined in him and by him. The multitudes of heaven worship and adore him. For me, that means two very important things. First, I need to give him my heart-felt worship and praise. Second, when I praise God, I am doing something eternal.

 You and I won't take much out of this life into the next, but among those things is our praise to our God and Father. Praise be to God, not just now, but forevermore!

Hindrances to looking unto Jesus

Looking at the circumstances –

Matthew 14:30

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Looking to our own interests –

Philippians 2:4

not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Looking at others and comparing –

2 Corinthians 10:12

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves.  When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.

Confronting Closed Doors

Acts 16:5-12

We cannot help feeling disappointed when a door of opportunity closes. But our heavenly Father will often prevent us from going forward when He wants to redirect our steps toward a wiser pathway. What determines whether we partake of His greater blessing is our reaction: Will we beat against the barred door or look for a new opening?

The apostle set out with a wise and rational plan, but human reasoning isn’t always reliable. The Bible tells us to trust in the Lord instead of our own understanding (Prov. 3:5). If we’re to follow God’s will for our life, we must live by the Spirit’s prompting. Consider that the Creator of the universe is taking a moment to nudge you in the right direction so that you may be fruitful and blessed. Follow Him, and He will direct your steps down the right paths and through the best doorways.

Bible Promises

Genesis 1:31

And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Genesis 4:9

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?”

Results of looking unto Jesus

Will walk steadily –

Matthew 14:29

Come,” he said.
 Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

Will not be shaken –

Acts 2:25

David said about him:
  “‘I saw the Lord always before me.
 Because he is at my right hand,
 I will not be shaken.

    Will be transformed –

2 Corinthians 3:18

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate  the Lord’s glory,  are being transformed into his image  with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Spiritual Thoughts 

.. Anger is the noise of the soul; the unseen irritant of the heart; the relentless invader of silence. - Max Lucado

.. The aim and final reason of all music should be nothing else but the Glory of God and the refreshment of the spirit. - Johann Sebastian Bach

.. How beautiful it is to learn that grace isn’t fragile, and that in the family of God we can fail and not be a failure. - Gloria Gaither

.. here is not only fear, but terrible danger, for the life unguarded by God. - Oswald Chambers

Results of looking unto Jesus

Will walk steadily –

Matthew 14:29

Come,” he said.

 Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

Will not be shaken –

Acts 2:25

David said about him:

  “‘I saw the Lord always before me.
 Because he is at my right hand,
 I will not be shaken.

    Will be transformed –

2 Corinthians 3:18

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate  the Lord’s glory,  are being transformed into his image  with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Spiritual Thoughts 

.. Anger is the noise of the soul; the unseen irritant of the heart; the relentless invader of silence. - Max Lucado

.. The aim and final reason of all music should be nothing else but the Glory of God and the refreshment of the spirit. - Johann Sebastian Bach

.. How beautiful it is to learn that grace isn’t fragile, and that in the family of God we can fail and not be a failure. - Gloria Gaither

.. here is not only fear, but terrible danger, for the life unguarded by God. - Oswald Chambers

We produce fruit thro’ repentance.

Matthew 3:8

Produce fruit in keeping with repentance

Our fruit should last.

John 15:16

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you  so that you might go and bear fruit —fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

We recognize men by the fruit.

Matthew 7:20

Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them

By healing and understanding the Word.

Matthew 13:23

But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Through a noble and good heart.

Luke 8:15

But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

Apart from Jesus we cannot bear fruit.

John 15:5

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit;  apart from me you can do nothing

Psalm 98:1

“Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.”

Songs can stir us up or they can bring us comfort. Songs can take us back to a special time, or songs can give us hope for things to come. Unfortunately, we usually leave the words and the music of our songs only for someone else to write, never taking time to write our own "new song."
But today, why not make up your own new song of praise and thanks to God. It doesn't have to be great, just heartfelt and offered to the Father from whom all joyful songs come.

Fruit of the Spirit

The Holy Spirit produce it.

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit  of the Spirit is love,  joy, peace,  forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
There is no law against it.

Galatians 5:23

gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.
Pruning increases the faithfulness.

John 15:2

He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit,  while every branch that does bear fruit  he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

Remaining in Christ bears more fruit.

John 15:5

Fruitfulness brings glory to God.

John 15:8

This is to my Father’s glory,  that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
We are appointed to bear fruit.

John 15:16

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you  so that you might go and bear fruit —fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

Our fruit should last.

John 15:16

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you  so that you might go and bear fruit —fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

Meaning of the Death of Christ

A Ransom – 1 Timothy 2:6

who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

An Atonement – Romans 3:25

whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,

To Reconcile – Colossians 1:20

and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

As A Substitute – 1 Peter 3:18

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit

As an Obedience – Philippians 2:8

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Criticism

 The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.

Matthew 6:25

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?"

God gives beauty to the flowers and life to grass. 

In the grand scheme of things, these are transitory and insignificant. He sent his Son from Heaven to save us. So, he most definitely is going to give us what we need until we go home to live with him!