Wednesday August 4 dinner
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Grazing table
Charcuterie meats and cheeses
Deli turkey and ham
Smoked Gouda spread
Pimento jalapeño spread
Assorted crackers
Pasta salad
Pea salad
Potato salad
Green Salad
Olives
Fresh fruit
Red Velvet cupcakes

Wednesday July 20th dinner

Baked potato bar
Taco meat
Nacho cheese
Butter
Sour cream
Green onions
Cheese
Salad
Tortilla chips
Chocolate and vanilla sheet cake
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Wednesday 7/14/2021 evening menu:

Lasagna
Gluten free low carb lasagna
Anti pasta bowl
Assorted fresh veggies
Salad
Garlic bread
Chocolate and pumpkin mini pies thank you Vickie
Melons and other fresh fruit
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Wednesday June 30th menu

Hot dogs
Chili
Sour kraut
Fritos
Chopped onions
Pickle relish
Salad
Assorted fresh veggies
Melons and fresh fruit
Red velvet cake

Canadian County Cowboy Church
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June 23 2021 Wednesday meal
Cheesy Chicken spaghetti
Green beans
Garlic bread
Salad
Assorted fresh veggies
Peach cobbler
Cherry cobbler
Ice cream
Melons and fresh fruit

Canadian County Cowboy Church
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June 16 Wednesday dinner
Meat loaf
Tomato gravy
Mashed potatoes
Corn
Salad/and fixings
Chocolate sheet cake
Watermelon
Cantaloupe

Canadian County Cowboy Church

Wednesday night meal June 9th
Hot dogs
Cowboy pasta salad
Crab salad
Lettuce with salad fixings
Assorted Crackers
Macaroni and cheese
German chocolate cake
Ice cream sundays

Canadian County Cowboy Church

Don’t forget Wednesday night Bible study June 9,2021. We will have dinner on a donation basis ( if you are financially unable to donate please come anyway) at 5:30 until 6:30 Pm. We are changing the Wednesday night ending meal time from 6:45 PM to 6:30 PM. Bible study will start at 7PM.
The serving line will close at 6:30 Pm.
This is so that the kitchen people will be able to get things put away and be able to attend Bible study. Come and join us for a great time and fellowship.

​Hello Women of Joy! I'd love for you to join us for our "Strong and Courageous" Bible study series starting this Wednesday night, May 26th at 7:00 pm. CCCC serves a meal from 5:30-6:30. Suggested donation $5.00, if you are able to pay. Otherwise please enjoy a meal on the church. If you can help Clear Off tables and put away food, it would be greatly appreciated. Many hands make the load lighter.
Please bring your Bible, pen and an open heart. I'm looking forward to seeing you. Love, Evelyn

Bible Study January 13, 2021

Are You PREPARED for ETERNITY ? Part 13

ASSURANCE: Three Things God Cannot Do

1.) GOD cannot CHANGE. God is our HEAVENLY FATHER and HE does NOT and cannot change. EVERY scripture, EVERY PROMISE in the WORD OF GOD is for YOU today and ALWAYS.
Hebrews 13:8. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Though human leaders have much to offer, we must keep our eyes on Christ, our ultimate leader. Unlike any human leaders, HE will never change. Christ has been and will be the same forever. In a changing world we can trust our unchanging Lord. Jesus Christ is the same and HIS GOOD NEWS does not change.

Yesterday: Jesus was the FATHER'S agent in creation (Hebrews 1: 2, 10).

Today: Jesus currently sits at the FATHER'S right hand (Hebrews 1:13; 7:26-28;10:12) HE will rule the universe FOREVER. (Hebrews 1:8,10-12).

Malachi 3: 6. I am the Lord and I do not change.

James 1:17. Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or cast a shifting shadow.

Psalm 33:11. But the Lord's plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.
The Lord's plans stand firm forever. Are you frustrated by inconsistencies you see in others or even in yourself? God is completely trustworthy - - HIS intentions never change. And HE has a good and perfect plan for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11 - 13) Don't allow satan to DISTRACT YOU or DISCOURAGE YOU. 

2.) GOD cannot LIE.

Numbers 23:19. GOD is not a man, so HE does not lie, HE is not human, so HE does not change HIS mind. Has HE ever spoken and failed to act? Has HE ever promised and not carry it through?

1 Samuel 15:29. And HE who is the glory of Israel will not lie, nor will HE change HIS mind, for HE is not human that HE should change HIS mind!

Hebrews 6:18-19 So God has given both HIS promise and HIS oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for Refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary.
These two unchangeable things are God's promise and his oath. God embodies all truth; therefore, HE cannot lie. Because God is truth, you can have ASSURANCE and be secure in HIS promises; you do not need to wonder if HE will change HIS plans. Our Hope is secure and immovable, Anchored In God, just as a ship's Anchor Holds firmly to the seabed. To the true Seeker who comes to God in belief, God gives an unconditional promise of acceptance. When you ask God with openness, honesty, and sincerity to save you from your sins, he will do it. This truth should give you encouragement, assurance, and confidence.

3.) GOD cannot Allow Sinners into HEAVEN.

Revelation 21:27 Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty - but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
Not everyone will be allowed into the New Jerusalem, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Don't think that you will get in because of your background, personality, or good behavior. Eternal life is available to you only because of what Jesus, the Lamb of God, has done.

Revelation 22: 12-15. "Look I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the Tree of Life. Outside the city are the dogs - the sorcerer's, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshippers, and all who loves and practices lying.
Those who wash their robes are those who seek to purify themselves from a sinful way of life. They have repented of their sins. They strive daily to remain faithful and ready for Christ's return.
In Eden, Adam and Eve were barred from any access to the tree of life because of their sin. (Genesis 3:22-24). And the new Earth, God's people will eat from the tree of life because their sins have been removed by Christ's death and Resurrection. Those who eat the fruit of this tree will live forever. If Jesus has forgiven your sins, you will have the right to eat from this tree.
Jesus will exclude from the holy city those "who lie, and those who love to live a lie." They are hypocrites, trying to live one way while pretending to believe another.

1 Corinthians 6: 9-11 Don't you realize that those who do wrong will NOT inherit the KINGDOM OF GOD? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people – NONE of these will inherit the kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the spirit of our God.
Christians must be careful, however, to condemn only the homosexual practice, not the people. Those who commit homosexual acts are not to be feared, ridiculed, or hated. They can be forgiven, and their lives can be transformed. We are to love the sinner yet hate the sin. The church should be a Haven of forgiveness and healing for repentant homosexuals without compromising its stance against homosexual behavior. The Bible specifically calls homosexual behavior sin. ( Leviticus 18: 22-29; Romans 1: 18-32; 1 Timothy 1: 9-11)

Paul emphasizes God's action in making Believers new people. The three aspects of God's work are all part of our Salvation: our sins were washed away, we were set apart for special use (Sanctified) and we have been made right with God (Justified).
Galatians 5: 19-21. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, Outburst of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the kingdom of God.
We all have evil desires, and we can't ignore them. In order for us to follow the Holy Spirit's guidance, we must deal with them decisively, crucify them, (Galatians 5:24). These desires include obvious sins such as sexual immorality and demonic activities. They also include less obvious sins, such as hostility, jealousy, and selfish ambition. We must not ignore such sins or refuse to deal with them. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to repentance and a transformed life.
Matthew 19:16-22 Someone came to Jesus with this question: "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?" "Why ask me about what is good?" JESUS replied. "There is only one who is good. But to answer your question – if you want to receive eternal life, keep the Commandments." .....

To this man seeking Assurance of eternal life, Jesus pointed out that salvation does not come from good deeds but a love for God. The man needed a whole new starting point. Instead of adding another commandment to keep or good deed to perform, the young man needed to submit humbly to the lordship of Christ.

In response to the young man's question about what good deed he needed to do in order to be assured of eternal life, Jesus told him to keep God's ten commandments. Jesus then listed six of them, all referring to relationships with others. When the young man replied that he had kept the Commandments, Jesus told him that he must do something more - sell everything and give the money to the poor. Jesus' statement exposed the man's weakness. The Lord knows our heart, our motives and intentions. In reality, this young man's wealth was his God, his Idol, and he would not give it up. Thus, he violated the first and greatest commandment (Exodus 20:3; Matthew 22:36-40). We must love the Lord Our God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two Commandments.

As our world seems to be changing rapidly every day, we do have Blessed ASSURANCE that every promise in the Bible is for us today.

The Bible tells us that God can do all things (Matthew 19:23-30) and it also tells us that he is incapable of lying. This means that the Lord is always faithful and true. Whatever HE says, HE will perform and bring it about in His time. There is a great reward awaiting those who are true Disciples of Christ.

Every word HE speaks to you can be trusted - 100% of the time. He is your Eternal Rock and exceedingly great reward. He will finish what HE has started in your life.

We will experience circumstances in life where we will doubt, and we will seem to lose Faith. But in that place – in the midst of hopelessness and the lack of assurance - God reassures us of HIS nature, of HIS great love for us, and of HIS provision on our behalf.
Place your hand in HIS and hang on today. Place your family, your work, and your life at HIS feet and watch what HE will do. Be assured, for placing your faith in God is the best decision you will ever make.

ASSURANCE PROMISES

2 Peter 1:3-4; Hebrews 13:8; Ephesians 3:20-21; Psalm 16:8-11; 1John 3:21

Prayer by Joan Hunter

Father God, thank you for all your promises to me and for your reassurance in the mist of my doubt and unbelief. I thank you that your promises to me are true and they cannot fail because you cannot lie or change. Your thoughts toward me are too numerous to count, and they are always kind. Because you are always the same, I trust that I will find all I need in you, Jesus. Your words are my daily bread and I am fully assured in you.
You are able to do above all that I could ever ask or imagine. You are near to me and I will not be shaken. Through your great promises I will partake in our divine nature, escaping the corruption of this world, and be all that you have created me to be in Jesus.
Thank you that I can come to you with full Assurance today because of Jesus finished work on the cross. Amen.

Are You PREPARED for ETERNITY? Are You ASSURED right now that you would make HEAVEN should JESUS RETURN this moment? If NOT, JESUS is patiently waiting for YOU.

Evelyn

January 6, 2021

Are You PREPARED for ETERNITY? Part 12

CHRIST the PERFECT Sacrifice that Died Once for ALL

Hebrews Chapters 9

Women of JOY, Hebrews 9:1-5 describe the Tabernacle, Israel's place of worship before the temple was constructed. Israel's Tabernacle was a tent with two rooms, a lampstand: (Exodus 25:31-40, 40:38), a table: (Exodus 25:23-30). The gold incense altar probably stood just outside the inner curtain

(Exodus 30:1-10) . The Ark of the Covenant was the most important item in the Tabernacle since it represented the presence of God

(Exodus 25:10-22). The jar containing Manna was a reminder of God's provision in the wilderness (Exodus 16:32-34). Aaron's staff that sprouted leaves (Numbers 17:1-11) that's a reminder not to rebell against God's chosen leaders (Numbers 17:10; Hebrews 13:17). The stone tablets of the Covenant held the Ten Commandments and were to remind the people of the terms by which they were to live out the Covenant (Exodus 25:16; 31:18). The cherubim of divine Glory were statutes of angels formed onto the ark's cover. This category of angels is especially associated with God's glorious presence (Leviticus 16:14-16).

Hebrews 9:6-10

This was the Old Covenant worship. The worship practices in the Holy Place, the first room of the Tabernacle (Hebrews 9:2) or the duty of the priest, who kept the lamps lit and the sacred loaves of bread replenished (Exodus 27:20-21; Leviticus 24:8). At the back of the first room of the Tabernacle was a curtain that separated the first room from the second room called the Most HOLY Place (Exodus 26: 31-33. This curtain was a sacred barrier: only the high priest could go behind it into the MOST HOLY PLACE, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Hebrews 9:7; Exodus 30:6,10; Leviticus 16:1-34). The high priest could enter the most holy place, the innermost room of the Tabernacle, one day each year to atone for the nation's sins. The Most Holy Place was a small room that contained the Ark of the Covenant (a gold covered chest containing the original stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written, a jar of manna, and Aaron's staff). The top of the chest served as the "atonement cover " (the alter) on which the blood would be sprinkled by the high priest on the Day of Atonement. The Most Holy Place was the most sacred spot on Earth for the Jews and only the high priest could enter it. The other priests and the common people were forbidden to come into the room. Their only access to God was through the high priest, who would offer a sacrifice and use the animals blood to atone first for his own sins and then for the people's sins (Hebrews 10:19).

Hebrews 9:10-14 CHRIST is the PERFECT SACRIFICE

The people had to keep the Old Testament dietary laws and ceremonial cleansing laws until Christ came with God's new and better way.

CHRIST has now become the HIGH PRIEST over ALL the good things of the New Covenant. CHRIST'S offering is SUPERIOR because it was made with HIS own BLOOD rather than the blood of goats and calves (Leviticus 16:3-5). CHRIST'S OFFERING is SUPERIOR because HE entered the MOST HOLY PLACE ONCE for ALL TIME. Unlike the sacrifices in the old Covenant, which had to be made year after year (Hebrews 10:1), JESUS' sacrificial death only had to be made ONCE for our Redemption.
Though you know Christ, you may believe that you have to work hard to make yourself good enough for God. But rules and rituals and good deeds have never cleansed people's hearts. You are cleansed from your sins by the BLOOD of JESUS alone. By JESUS BLOOD:

1.) We have our heart and conscience cleansed
2.) We are freed from death's sting and can live to serve God
3.) We are freed from sins power.

If you are carrying a load of guilt because you are finding that you cannot be good enough for God, take another look at Jesus' death and what it means for you. Christ can heal your conscience and deliver you from the frustration of trying to earn God's favor. Bring you're guilt-ridden life to Christ, confess your inability to clean up your own conscience, ask HIM to forgive you. Thank HIM for HIS Deliverance. God can forgive you and clear your record. Through Christ's own Death, Christ freed us from the slavery of sin forever.
When the people sacrificed animals, God considered the people's faith and obedience, cleansed them from sin, and made them ceremonially acceptable according to Old Testament law. But Christ's sacrifice transforms our lives and hearts and makes us clean on the inside. His sacrifice is infinitely more effective than animal sacrifices. No barrier of sin or weakness on our part can stifle his forgiveness.

Hebrews 9:15-27

People in the Old Testament times were saved through Christ sacrifice, although that sacrifice had not get happened. And offering unblemished animal sacrifices, they were anticipating Christ coming and his death for sin. There was no point in returning to the sacrificial system now that Christ had come and had become the final, perfect sacrifice.
Why does forgiveness require the shedding of blood? This is no arbitrary decree on the part of a bloodthirsty God, as some have suggested. There is no greater symbol of life than blood; BLOOD Keeps Us Alive. JESUS shed HIS BLOOD - - gave HIS life - - for our sins so that we would not have to experience spiritual death, eternal separation from God in an ETERNAL HELL. JESUS is the source of LIFE, not death. HE gave HIS own LIFE to pay our penalty of sin, for us so that we might LIVE, ETERNALLY in HEAVEN with HIM. After shedding HIS blood for us, Christ rose from the grave and proclaimed VICTORY over sin and death.
Under the New Covenant, Christ did not offer HIS sacrifice in the earthly Tabernacle. Rather, HE entered into the very PRESENCE of GOD in heaven to act on our behalf. HIS sacrifice makes HIM a much better mediator to bring us into a right relationship with God.
(2 Corinthians 5:19-21).

Under the old Covenant, the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement had to be made again and again (Leviticus 16:29-34). CHRIST'S SUPERIOR SACRIFICE was made ONCE for ALL time.

Christ is on our side at God's side. He is our Lord and Savior. He is not there to convince or remind God that our sins are forgiven but to present both our needs and our service for him as an offering (Hebrews 7:25).

The "end of the age" refers to the time of Christ coming to Earth in fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. Christ ushered in the new error of Grace and forgiveness. We are still living in the "end of the age ". The day of the Lord has begun and will be completed at Christ's return.

JUDGEMENT is not a popular theme today, but the Bible teaches JUDGEMENT is COMING. Do you look forward to Christ return, or do you see it as a threat? As sure as death itself, judgment awaits. At God's judgement there will be no higher court of appeal should the verdict not be to your liking. If you hope for a favorable verdict in this court, put your hope entirely on Jesus. Give your heart to HIM and serve him.

All people die physically, but Christ died so that we would not have to die spiritually. We can have wonderful confidence in HIS saving work for us, doing away with sin--past, present and future, when we REPENT. HE SACRIFICED HIMSELF ONCE for ALL (Hebrews 9:26); HE has given us the Holy Spirit to help us deal with present sin; HE appears before God for us now in heaven (Hebrews 9:24); and HE promises to return (Hebrews 9:28) and raise us to eternal life in a world where sin will be banished. HE will bring Salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.

Galatians 5: 5. But we who live by the spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us.

We receive GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS at our salvation (Romans 5: 8-11; 10:9-10), in an ongoing way through the SPIRIT'S SANCTIFICATION (Romans 8:1-14), and fully at the resurrection when Christ return (Romans 8:18-30). God's sole power provides righteousness and fulfills HIS PROMISE (Galatians 3:13-14, 22).

Jesus when HE was crucified, took upon HIMSELF God's curse that should have fallen upon all sinners.

Women of JOY there is an old song that I love, "He Paid a Debt He Did Not Owe".
He paid the debt he did not own, I own the debt I could not pay.
I needed someone to wash my sins away.
And now I sing a brand new song, "Amazing Grace".
Christ Jesus Paid the debt I could never pay.
Are you thankful for what the LORD has done for YOU?

Prayer

Dear JESUS, I THANK YOU LORD for being merciful and gracious toward my sin when I repent and for FOREVER FORGETTING my unrighteous Deeds. Help me to be obedient to YOU and your WORD, letting my LIFE shine BRIGHTLY for YOU. Help me to be EAGERLY AWAITING your RETURN. I want to be PREPARED for ETERNITY. Amen.

Women of JOY may our GOOD LORD BLESS and KEEP you, now and throughout the year. Remember we have 365 chances to LOVE, LAUGH and LIVE our BEST for JESUS. HE gave HIS ALL for us. Let's give our ALL to HIM this year. Happy New Year!!

Evelyn

Bible Study December 30, 2020

HAPPINESS is a CHOICE. Let's CHOOSE HAPPY !

Women of JOY as we close the year 2020 and begin 2021, we have a choice to make. Many are ready to get the year 2020 behind them. We do not know what 2021 entails. We do not know what tomorrow will bring but we do know Who Holds Tomorrow. Let's choose TO TRUST our LORD and be HAPPY.

1 Peter 3:8-12

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tender-hearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will bless you for it. For the scripture say,
"If you want to enjoy life and see many HAPPY days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn Away From Evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil."
​
Peter list five key elements that should characterize any group of Believers:

1.) Have one mind. Unity -- Pursuing the same goals
2.) Sympathize -- Being responsive to others needs
3.) Love -- Seeing and treating each other as brothers and sisters
4.) Tenderness -- Being affectionately sensitive and caring
5.) Humility -- Being willing to encourage one another and rejoice in each other's successes.

These five qualities go a long way toward helping Believers serve God effectively. And you will be filled with GOD'S JOY and HAPPINESS.

The Bible in Acts 20:35 states that "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" which teaches that there is JOY in the act of giving when it is done with PURE motives.

In our fallen world, it is often acceptable by some to tear people down verbally or to get back at them if we feel hurt. Peter, remembering Jesus's teaching to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-42), encourages his readers to pay back wrongs with a blessing, such as praying for the offenders. In God's kingdom, revenge is unacceptable behavior, as is insulting a person, no matter how indirectly it is done. Rise above getting back at those who hurt you. Instead of reacting angrily to those people, pray for them. (1 Peter 3: 9)

If you want to be happy and enjoy life, which is possible even when there is no apparent reason for us to enjoy life, we must keep our tongues free from evil.

(1 Peter 3:10) If we speak positively and keep the truth of GOD'S WORD on our lips, we will have JOY even in the midst of difficulties.

Too often we see peace as merely the absence of conflict, and we think of peacemaking as a passive role. But an effective Peacemaker actively pursues Peace by building good relationships, knowing that peace is a byproduct of commitment. Making peace is hard work - - you have to search for it and work to maintain it - - but it results in God's blessing. (1 Peter 3:11)

Acts 16:22-26. Paul and Silas were stripped, beaten, and placed in stocks in the inner cell. Stocks were made of two boards joined with iron clamps, leaving holes just big enough for the ankles. The prisoners legs were placed across the lower board, and then the upper board was closed over them. Sometimes both wrists and ankles were placed in stocks. Paul and Silas, who had committed no crime and who were peaceful men, were put in stocks design for holding the most dangerous prisoners in absolute security. Despite this dismal situation, they praised God, praying and singing as the other prisoners listen. No matter what our circumstances, we should praise God. Others May Come to Christ because of our example.

Could it be because of Paul and Silas' JOY and HAPPINESS in the midst of their sorrow caused them a sudden breakthrough?
These men of God exercised the power of joy in the midst of very difficult circumstances. Their clothes were torn off, they were beaten with rods and thrown into jail, and yet they did nothing wrong. In that depressing situation, they expressed a supernatural Joy evidenced by their praying and singing. Their Joy could not have been a natural response, because there was nothing in the natural to be joyful about.

Acts 16:27-34 As a result of seen first-hand the supernatural JOY of Paul and Silas, the Jailer and his family were saved.
Matthew 5:13-15 We are to be the Salt and Light of the earth. If a seasoning has no flavor, it has no value. If you have no evident JOY or HAPPINESS, you will not be a good example of a Christian. If Christians make no effort to affect the world around them, they are of little value to God. If we are too much like the world, we are worthless, Christians should not blend in with everyone else. Instead, we should affect others positively, just as seasoning brings out the best flavor in food.

Can you hide a city that is sitting on top of a mountain? It's light at night can be seen for miles. If we live for Christ, we will glow like lights, showing others what Christ is like. We hide our light by:

1.) Being quiet when we should speak.
2.) Going along with the crowd.
3.) Denying the light (JESUS)
4.) Letting sin dim our light.
5.) Not explaining our light to others.
6.) Ignoring the needs of others.

Let's not shut our light off from the rest of the world. Let's let our life shine brightly for Jesus. I believe more people in the world will receive the Salvation that waits for them when Christians truly begin to express the JOY of their SALVATION. There's a couple of old songs that have a good message, " If You're Happy, Notify your Face" and "Give the World a Smile".
Give the world a smile each day. Helping someone on life's way. From the path of sin, that will bring The Wanderers in, to the Masters fold to stay. Help to cheer the lone and sad. Help to make some Pilgrim glad. Let your life so be that all the world might see, the JOY of serving Jesus with a SMILE, a bright sunny smile.

Women of JOY, the following is a true story that I hope will inspire you.

"Happiness " Author unknown

A 92 year-old, well poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready. As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, he was provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window.
" I love it, "he stated with the enthusiasm of an 8 year old having just been presented with a new puppy. "Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room. Just wait." "That doesn't have anything to do with it," he replied. "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged. It's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice. I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away just for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories! Thank you for your part in feeding my memory bank. I am still depositing. "

Remember the five simple rules to be HAPPY:

1.) Free your heart from hatred.
2.) Free your mind from worries.
3.) Live simply.
4.) Give more.
5.) Expect less.

Women of JOY, my prayer is that our GOOD LORD BLESS and KEEP you, now and throughout the year. If the LORD WILLS, we have 365 chances to LOVE, LAUGH and LIVE our BEST for HIM.

Evelyn

Are You PREPARED for ETERNITY? Part 11

Are You Growing and Maturing in LORD?

Hebrews 5:11-14 & 6:1; 1 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Peter 1:5-8, 3:18; Mathew 22:37-40; Luke 8:14-15, 17:5;
1 Corinthians 3:2-8, 9:6-10, 22:12-27, 13:10-12, 14:20; Ephesians chapter 4. (4:1-6,11-16, 20-24); Philippians 1:8-11, 4:6-9; Colossians 1:9-10, 2:6-7; 1 Timothy 4:11-15; 1 Samuel 2:26; Psalm 92:12-14; James 1:22-25

When we become Christians, we enter into a relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit that will cause us to grow. With the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to become more like Jesus and to become more holy. It is this spiritual growth that increases our faith. We are to be doers of the WORD and not hearers only, deceiving ourselves. James 1: 22-25.

Babies are weak, easily hurt and easily influenced. As they GROW they become stronger and wiser. The Lord wants us to grow daily into HIS image.

When your children stop asking you where they came from and stop telling you where they're going you know they're growing up! As Christians in the body of Christ, we are to grow and mature. As we grow up, we mature. We grow up because we feed on healthy spiritual food, the WORD of God and we mature because we gain deeper knowledge of God and Christ.

As we mature, we change. We are not all alike; we each have various gifts and talents. Even though we all enjoy the same position in Christ and have all responded to the same calling of God, we are not clones. We are not produced with a cookie-cutter.

Our maturity in the body of Christ is a process. It is a maturing process that is nourished by the spiritual gifts given to the body in which we are becoming more and more like Christ. The church is the place where we grow in maturity:

Ephesians chapter 4

1.) Ephesians 4: 1-6. "There is one body, says Paul. Unity does not just happen; we have to work at it. Often differences among people can lead to division, but this should not be true in the church. Instead of concentrating on what divides us, we should remember what unites us; one body, one Spirit, one future, one Lord, One Faith, one baptism, one God!"

Have you learned to appreciate people who are different from you? Can you see how their differing gifts and viewpoints can help the church as it does God's work? Learn to enjoy the way we members of Christ's body complement one another.(See 1 Corinthians 12:12-13) No one is ever going to be perfect here on Earth, so we must accept and love other Christians in spite of their faults. When we see faults in fellow Believers, we should be patient and gentle. Is there someone whose actions or personality really annoys you? Rather than dwelling on that person's weaknesses or looking for faults, pray for him or her.

To build Unity is one of the Holy Spirits important roles. He leads, but we have to be willing to be led and to do our part to keep the peace. We do that by focusing on God, not on ourselves.

2.) Ephesians 4 :7-11 We grow in our maturity through Christ servants. All believers in Christ belong to one body; all are united under one head, Christ himself. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) Each believer has God given abilities that can strengthen the whole body. Your special ability may seem small or large, but it is yours to use in God's service. Ask God to use your unique gifts to contribute to the strength and health of the body of Believers so they may grow and mature in the Lord. God has given each one of us a gift of his grace for building up the community of believers.

3.) Ephesians 4: 12 We grow in maturity for Christ service. God's gifts are given so that Believers will build up the church, to equip God's people to do HIS work: ALL believers are called to active Christian service. God has given HIS church and enormous responsibility – – to make disciples in every nation. (Matthew 28:18-20). This involves preaching, teaching, healing, nurturing, giving, and Ministry, building, and many other tasks. If we had to fulfill this command as individuals, we might as well give up without trying - - it would be impossible. But God calls us as members of his body. Some of us can do one task; some can do another. Together we can obey God more fully than any of us could alone. It is a human tendency to overestimate what we can do by ourselves and to underestimate what we can do as a group. But as the body of Christ, we can accomplish more together than we would dream possible working by ourselves. Working together, the church can express the fullness of Christ.

Here's a few ways to be mature, to help you grow up in the Lord.

1.) Take more responsibilities...
2.) Don’t nag, whine or complain...
3.) Quit blaming or making excuses altogether...
4.) Have the courage to accept what's coming...
5.) As long as it's biblical and godly, allow others to be who they are...
6.) Don't gossip or badmouth about people....
7.) Be fair to others...

Spiritual maturity brings spiritual strength that will help you overcome hardships. Having a strong spiritual outlook may help you find a meaning in life’s difficult circumstances.

Maturity is the ability to respond to the environment being aware of the correct time and location to behave and knowing when to act, according to the circumstances.

Why is spiritual maturity important? The Bible describes new Believers as feeding on "milk." We need to come to a point where we are no longer "spiritual babies" But mature into "spiritual adults." The most important reason is for our lives to reflect the nature of Jesus Christ. Spiritual maturity is something that should be a priority for every Christian. It's important in our lives for how we serve God, interact with other people, and take care of our families.

As we get into our topic, I invite you to take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit to open your understanding of his word and will. It is the holy spirit that reveals the word of God to us.

What is spiritual maturity according to the Bible? Many people claim to be Christians, but there is a difference between being a fan of Jesus and a follower of Jesus.

Our spiritual maturity can Define what side of the fence we are on. To be a follower of Jesus is to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow him. "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. "" Mark 8:34

Let's take a moment to reflect on the past. Do you remember where the Lord met you? More than likely, he met you in your mess. God is so good that he pushes beyond the barriers of the world's rejection to meet his lost sheep.

Here is one thing we must understand. Though God meets us in our mess and accept us as we are, he does not want us to stay that way. HE calls us to Spiritual Growth.

Hebrews 5:11-14, 6:1 "There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don't seem to listen. You have been Believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God's word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn't know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don't need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from Evil deeds and placing our faith in God."

God's plan is for us to move beyond the elementary teachings and to grow more into the image of Jesus Christ. This is what spiritual maturity is – – for all are characteristics to be more like Jesus in every way.

Why is Spiritual Maturity important? The Bible describes new believers as feeding on "milk." We need to come to a point where we are no longer "spiritual babies" but mature into "spiritual adults".

1 Corinthians 3:1-3 "Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn't talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian Life. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren't ready for anything stronger. And you still aren't ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn't that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren't you living like people of the world?

Paul called the Christians infants in the Christian life because they were not yet spiritually healthy and mature. The proof was that they quarreled like children, allowing divisions to distract them. Immature Christians are "worldly," controlled by their own desires; mature Believers are in tune with God's desires. How much influence do your desires have on your life? Your goal should be to let God's desires be yours. Being controlled by your own desires will stunt your growth.

What are marks of a person who is growing in spiritual maturity? How do I know if I am growing spiritually?
Spiritual life has often been compared to walking up stream. If you are not progressing forward, then you are going backwards. The waves of the world are too powerful; the ungodly TV shows, the ungodly music, the depraved culture of this world are always seeking to push a Believer backwards. Therefore, we must always seek to progress in our spiritual life; otherwise, we will be spiritually declining.

Paul wrote this letter to the Church of Philippi. Here in this text he was praying for them to continue to progress spiritually. He was not praying because they lacked maturity. As seen throughout the letter, the Philippians were a very special church that he enjoyed it tremendously. They were the only church in Paul's early Ministry that supported him financially. (Philippians 4:15). He spoke of his pleasant thoughts and memories of her and how he loved this church with the loins of Christ. (Philippians 1: 1 - . In many ways, the Philippians were a model Church.

However, this church was not perfect, and no church, on this side of Glory, will be. It needed to continue to progress.

Therefore, in Philippians 1: 9-11, Paul shares his prayer for her - - prayers consumed with the church's spiritual growth.

As we look at Paul's prayer, it should encourage us in our own prayer lives - - it should encourage Us in how to pray and what to pray. Many times our prayers are very vague. We say, "Bless sister so and so." "Bless our church." "Bless our country." However, it only makes sense that if we are bringing a petition before the one who has ALL power that our petitions would be specific.
In addition, Paul's prayer should challenge Us in the area of our spiritual growth. As we study this passage, we must ask ourselves, "are we progressing spiritually as individuals and as a congregation?" We are always either growing or going backwards. Our spiritual life is never standing still.

A mature Christian is marked by abounding love.

Philippians 1: 9" And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more."

The first Mark of a mature Christian is continually abiding in love. Christ said all of the laws were signed up in love.
Matthew 22:37- 40. Jesus replied: "LOVE the Lord your God with ALL your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: LOVE your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets hang on these two Commandments. "

If we are growing and maturing in Christ, we will see ourselves both loving God more and loving others more. When people see us, they should see someone who is more in love with God and people, than themselves. Christians are identified by this.

In addition, one of the marks of a mature church is its continual growth in love. People come into these congregations and are overwhelmed with a sense of love. In contrast, a characteristic of an immature church is that when people visit, they are alienated and left out. They don't feel welcome to or loved.

Love is decisive. It is an act of the will. I choose to love God. I choose to love my neighbors by serving them. I choose to love my enemies by praying for them and blessing them. I may not feel like doing this, but as an act of obedience to God - - and act of the will - - I choose to love them.

Let us be afraid when our love is stagnant. It is possible to Simply attend church every Sunday and exist in the same Community without our love increasing. We constantly see one another. We see one another as children grow up, and we go to the same small group, but our love for one another is not growing. Lord, forgive us for having a stagnant love.

Living in a church Community is the perfect way for this love to grow and be fostered. When someone is sick, we have a chance to not only pray for them but to find ways to serve them in their sickness. We have a chance to stretch our love for one another in the mist of the difficulties of Life. Many times it is during trials that our love for one another is forced to stretch and grow.

also, let us hear that not only our trials the perfect time for our love to grow but specifically while in Conflict. Many people see conflict as the antithesis of love, but this is not true. Conflict can often be the Catalyst for loving more. The roommate that gets on our nerves, the co-worker or employer that is impossible to deal with – Dash those are people and situations that can stretch our love. They are opportunities for us to grow in love for someone, to develop spiritual maturity.

It's just like going to the gym. When a person works out, the muscles are stretched and fatigued by carrying a certain load. By carrying that load one is telling the muscles, "You must grow stronger in order to carry this load!" In response the muscles grow bigger, develop more strength, and more endurance.

It is the same with us. It is hard to grow in love for people that we are not often around or that we know only at a surface level. Many times, by going through difficulties together, our love is stretched so that it can grow. This is also true in our relationship with God. He often increases our love for him through stretching our love in the midst of trials or difficulties.

Paul's prayer for the Philippian church that already love God and love one another was that their love would abound.
Are you increasing in your love for God? Are you increasing in your love for the brothers and sisters in your church? Are you partnering with them in difficulties? Are you lifting them up in prayer? Are you willing to humble yourself in the mist of conflict to love them more?

Spiritually mature Christians are not stagnant - - they have not peaked in their love. They are seeking for it to grow. They are seeking for it to abound both towards God and toward others. In fact, what marks them as mature is the fact that they are still growing more and more in love with God every day and they are growing more and more in love with their neighbor every day.

What ways has God stretch your love in order for you to both love God and others more?

Paul's prayer for the Philippians' love to grow more in knowledge and depth of insight. (Philippians 1: 9) he is praying for their love to abound More & More. He is praying for their love to be intelligent. Often we hear comments like "Love is Blind." Love is not blind - - Love is intelligent and wise. He praised for the love to not only grow in knowledge but in depth of insight. Death of inside can be translated "discernment." Love always is Discerning so it can choose what is best.

A mature Christian is marked by growing knowledge of the scripture. A mature Christian is growing in the knowledge of God and becoming more Christ-like each day.

When a young Christian will listen to just about any music, watch just about any TV show, hang out with just about any people, the spiritually mature instead practices discernment in order to do what is best for his spiritual life and others. This is what marks the spiritually mature and that's what Paul prayed for this church. He prayed that their love would grow in knowledge so they could choose what is excellent.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I ask that you help me to grow and mature for your service. Your word says a mature Christian is marked by abounding love. My prayer is that your love may abound more in me. In Jesus holy name I pray. Amen.

Evelyn

November 4, 2020 Bible Study

Are You PREPARED for ETERNITY? Part 10

LISTEN and REST

Women of JOY as we live each day for our Lord, awaiting CHRIST RETURN, GOD wants us to "Do our BEST to REST in HIM"

Hebrews 4:1-3 God's promise of entering his REST still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. For this GOOD NEWS – – that God has prepared this REST – - has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn't share the FAITH of those who LISTENED to God. For only we who believe can enter HIS REST. As for the others, God said, "In my anger I took an oath: they will never enter my place of REST, even though this REST has been ready since HE made the world."

Hebrews 4:1-2 The author transitions to the promise that the faithful will enter God's rest and exhorts his listeners to take this promise seriously. Hearing is not enough: it must be combined with faith. We must LISTEN then BELIEVE.

Hebrews 4:1 To fear God means to experience an appropriate REVERENCE, even awe, for God and HIS will. It would be the worst of tragedies to fail to experience what God has promised.

Hebrews 4:3. People who believed the GOOD NEWS are the true Heirs of God's REST, the Salvation that God offers through Christ's sacrifice.

Some of the Jewish Christians who received this letter may have been on the verge of turning back from their promised REST In Christ, just as the people in Moses' day had turned back from the Promised Land. In both cases, the difficulties of the present moment overshadowed the reality of God's promise, and the people doubted that God would fulfill HIS promises. When we trust our own efforts instead of Christ power, we, too, are in danger of turning back. Our own efforts are never adequate; only Christ can see us through.

"Hebrews 4:3 teaches that those who did not LISTEN to God's word or OBEY his instructions did NOT enter into the PLACE OF REST he offered them. So when you feel frustrated or upset, or if you lose your peace and your joy, ask yourself, a
""Am I BELIEVING in God's WORD?""

The only way we will ever be free from struggling is to BELIEVE the WORD OF GOD and Obey whatever Jesus puts in our hearts to do. Believing God's WORD delivers us from struggling so that we can REST in the promises of God.

Are you in need of God's rest? Adhere to him, trust in Him and rely on Him and experience the rest He has prepared for you.

"The Rest of God" by Joyce Meyer

"Hebrews 4: 3 teaches that those who believe God ENTER into HIS REST. Experiencing HIS REST is one way you can tell whether you are really in FAITH, or whether you are just trying to have faith. When you truly enter into the realm of Faith, you enter into the rest of God.

Rest is freedom from excessive reasoning, struggle, fear, inner turmoil, worry, and frustration, which develop because of our working to do what only God can do. Being in God's rest is not necessarily resting from physical activity but resting in confidence in the mist of everything that goes on in life. It is a rest of the Soul where the mind, will, and emotions are at peace.

You can rest in God because you know he will take care of you and meet your needs. You do not know when or how, and you really do not care because you are enjoying the life you have right now while God works on your problem.

God wants us to live at PEACE and in HIS REST. But in order for us to do that, we need to ""believe that God exists and that HE is the REWARDER of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him."" Hebrews 11:6

If you are worn out, I urge you to enter into God's rest. I encourage you to quit trying to control everyone and everything around you and simply allow God to do for you what only he can do.

No matter what you face, God wants to help you. "

Hebrews 4:11-16 So let us do our BEST to enter that REST. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall. For the WORD OF GOD is ALIVE and POWERFUL. It is sharper than the sharpest two edged sword, cutting between Soul and Spirit, between joint and Morrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the son of God, let us hold firmly To What We Believe. This high priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his Mercy, and we will find Grace to help us when we need it most.

In Hebrews 4: 11 God wants us to enter HIS REST. If Jesus provided for our rest through faith, why must we "do our best to enter that rest"? This is not the struggle of doing good in order to obtain salvation, nor is it a mystical struggle to overcome selfishness. It refers to making every effort to appreciate and benefit from what God has already provided. Salvation is not to be taken for granted; to appropriate the gift God offers requires decision and commitment.

In Hebrews 4:12. the WORD OF GOD is not simply a collection of words from God, a vehicle for communicating ideas; it is living, life-changing, and dynamic as it Works in US. With the incisiveness of a surgeon's knife, GOD'S WORD reveals who we are and what we are not. It penetrates the core of our moral and spiritual life. It discerns what is within us, both Good and Evil. The demands of God's WORD require decisions. We must not only LISTEN to the WORD; we must also let it SHAPE Our Lives.

In Hebrews 4:13 NOTHING can be hidden from GOD. HE KNOWS about everyone everywhere, and everything about us is wide open to HIS ALL SEEING eyes. God sees ALL we do and knows ALL we think. Even when we are unaware of HIS presence, HE is there. We can have no secrets from God. It is COMFORTING to realize that although God knows us intimately, He still loves us.

In Hebrews 4:14 -16 this High Priest of ours understand our weaknesses, for He faced ALL of the same testings we do, yet HE did not sin. Jesus understands our human frailty because He was tempted in every way that we are, yet without sinning. How freeing it is to have our High Priest who is both sinless and understanding - - intercede for us. So let us come BOLDLY to the throne of our GRACIOUS God. There we will receive HIS MERCY and we will find GRACE to help us when we need it most.

Our High Priest understands our weaknesses, our human pull toward sin, because He faced all of the same testing as we do. He was tempted with all the essential aspects of sin, such as lust, greed, unforgiveness and dishonesty . This makes him compassionate as our High Priest (Hebrews 5:2), yet he did not sin. Jesus is unlike the Earthly high priest, who had to make offerings for their own sins before they could make offerings for the people. (Hebrews 5:3; 7:26-28; 1 Peter 2:22-23)

Christ is superior to the priest, and HIS priesthood is superior to their priesthood. To the Jews, the high priest was the highest religious Authority in the land. He alone entered the MOST HOLY PLACE in the Temple once a year to make atonement for the sins of the whole nation. (Leviticus 16) Like the high priest, Jesus mediates between God and us. As humanity's representative, He intercedes for us before God. As God's representative, He assures us of God's forgiveness. Jesus has more Authority than the Jewish high priest because HE is truly God and truly man. Unlike the high priest, who could go before God only once a year, Christ is always at God's right hand, interceding for us. He is always available to hear us when we pray.

Jesus is like us because he experienced a full range of temptations throughout his life as a human being. We can be comforted knowing that Jesus faced Temptation - - HE can sympathize with us. We can be encouraged knowing that Jesus faced Temptation without giving in to sin. He shows us that we do not have to sin when facing the seductive line of Temptation. Jesus is the only perfect human being who has ever lived.

In Hebrews 4:16 prayer is our approach to God, and we are to come "boldly." Some Christians approach God meekly with heads hung low, afraid to ask him to meet their needs. Others pray flippantly, giving little thought to what they say. Come with reverence because He is your KING. But also come with BOLD Assurance because HE is your FRIEND and COUNSELOR.

"JESUS Understands" by Joyce Meyer

"Hebrews 4: 15 states that Jesus experienced every emotion and suffered every feeling you and I do, but He did it without sin. Why did He not sin? Because He did not give into His wrong feelings. He knew the scripture in every area of life because He spent years studying it before He began His ministry.

You and I will never be able to say no to our feelings if we do not have within us a strong knowledge of God's WORD. JESUS had the same feelings we do, but He never sinned by giving in to them.

When I am hurt by someone and I feel angry or upset, it is such a comfort to me to lift my face and hands and voice to the Lord and say, "Jesus, I am so glad that you understand what I am feeling right now and that you do not condemn me for feeling this way. I do not want to give vent to my emotions. Help me, Lord, to get over them. Help me to forgive those who have wronged me and not slight them, avoid them, or seek to pay them back for the harm done me. "

Why not bow your head and thank the Lord for understanding you too? Pray with me: "Thank you, God, for understanding me and not condemning me. Thank you for not giving up on me. I ask for your help, that I may become more understanding like you are. "

When you and I pray, we need to make sure we approach God as Believers, not as Beggars. Remember, according to Hebrews 4:16, we are to come boldly to God's throne: not beggarly, but boldly; not belligerently, but boldly.

Be sure to keep the balance. Stay respectful, but be bold. Approach God with confidence and recognize your need for Grace. Believe that HE Delights in your prayers and is ready to answer any request that is in accordance with HIS WILL.

So what must I do to find REST for my SOUL?

"Come Away With Me for a while. The world, with its non-stop demands, can be put on hold. Most people put Me on hold, rationalizing that someday they will find time to focus on Me. But the longer they push Me into the background of their lives, the harder it is for them to find Me.

You live among people who glorify busyness; they have made time a tyrant that controls their lives. Even those who know Me as Savior tend to march to the tempo of the world. They have bought into the illusion that more is always better; more meetings, more programs, more activity.

I have called you to follow Me on a solitary path, making time alone with Me your highest priority and deepest Joy. It is a pathway largely unappreciated and often despised. However, you have chosen the better thing, which will never be taken away from you. Moreover, as you walk close to me, I can bless others through you. " Sarah Young's devotional "Jesus Calling "

Song of Songs 2:13 The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevine are blossoming. Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one.

Luke 10:38-42. As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, set at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me." But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her. "

Women of JOY we must take time to sit at JESUS feet, LISTEN to HIM, to find REST for our SOULS.

Women of JOY, let's do our BEST to be LISTENING and RESTING in HIM until HE RETURNS. Remember JESUS KNOWS. HE CARES. HE is ABLE! LISTEN to HIS WORD and REST in Him. His PROMISES NEVER FAIL. Don't you think JESUS wants to come back for a RESTED Bride NOT a stressed or distressed one?

Prayer

Heavenly FATHER, I THANK YOU that I can approach your THRONE of GRACE BOLDLY with ALL my cares. Thank you for your LOVE for me. Help me to be obedient and LISTEN to your WORD and find REST for my SOUL. In JESUS CHRIST HOLY NAME I pray. Amen

"Reflect upon your present blessings - - of which Every Man Has many - - not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. " Charles Dickens

"I can be a better me than anyone can. " Diana Ross

Evelyn

October 28, 2020

Eagles In A Storm

Women of JOY, due to our ice storm, and having no electricity, I hope this will bring you COMFORT and ENCOURAGEMENT. I plan to continue our "ARE YOU PREPARED FOR ETERNITY?" series soon.

Eagles In A Storm

Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it "sets its wings" so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. We must "set our eyes" on Jesus when our storms rage.

Hebrews 12:2 We do this by "setting our eyes" on Jesus, the champion who initiates and protects our faith....

The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.

When the storms of life come upon us – – and all of us will experience them - - we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God. The storms do not have to overcome us. We can't allow God's power to Lift Us above them. God enables us to ride the Winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure, and disappointment in our lives.

King Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived wrote.,

Ecclesiastes 7: 14 Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life.

Solomon summarized life. There are good and bad days that attend our lives. Make the best of both. When things go well, rejoice and praise God; when they go wrong, and adversity attacks the soul, rest on the assurance that God is there and HE cares. His goodness is shown in the providential help he offers in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16. So let us come boldly to the throne of grace that we will receive Mercy and find Grace to help us in time of need.

As our compassionate High Priest, Jesus has opened the way for people to enter God's presence "boldly", where we can obtain HIS MERCY and GRACE to help us when we need it most. Prayer is our approach to God, and we are to come BOLDLY.

God allows both good times and bad times to come to everyone. He blends them in our lives in such a way that we can't predict the future or count on human wisdom and power. We usually give ourselves the credit for the good times. Then in bad times, we tend to blame God without thanking him for the good that comes out of it. When life appears certain and controllable, don't let self - satisfaction or complacency make you too comfortable, or God may allow bad times to drive you back to him. When life seems uncertain an uncontrollable, don't despair - - God is in control and will bring good results out of your struggles.

Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

God works in "everything"-- not just isolated incidents - - for are good. This does not mean that all that happens to us is good. Evil is prevalent in our fallen world, but God is able to turn every circumstances around for our long – range good. God is not working to make us happy but to fulfill his purpose. This Promise is not for everybody. It can be claimed only by those who love God and are called by HIM, those whom yield to the Holy Spirit and accept Jesus as their Savior. Such people Have A New Perspective, a new mindset. They trust in God, not in worldly Treasures; their security is in heaven, not on Earth. Their faith in God does not waver in pain and persecution because they know that God is with them.

2 Timothy 2:3-4. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don't get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.

Joshua 1: 9. Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Deuteronomy 31:8. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.

Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down; it is how we handle them.

Isaiah 40: 28-31. Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the Everlasting God, the CREATOR of all the Earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of HIS understanding. HE gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who WAIT upon the LORD and put their TRUST in HIM will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

" Quietly waiting on God, spending time alone with him in prayer, worship, or Bible reading, as Isaiah 40:31 encourages us, does more to restore our bodies, minds, and emotions than anything else we can do. We need to do this regularly. I urge you to insist on quiet time with God; do not let anyone take those consecrated moments from you. In those times, God empowers you to face everything you need to do with renewed physical, emotional, mental and spiritual strength." Joyce Meyer

During life's storms we are to run to JESUS. JESUS NEVER FAILS.

Philippians 4: 6-9 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and Minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you have learned and received from me - - everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of Peace will be with you.

God's peace is different from the world's peace (see John 14:27). True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings. It comes from knowing that God is in control. Let God's peace guard your heart against anxiety.

What we put into our mind determines what comes out in our words and actions. Paul tells us to program our mind with thoughts that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. Do you have problems with impure thoughts and Daydreams? Examine what you are putting into your mind through Television, Internet, books, conversations, movies, and magazines. Replace harmful input with wholesome material. Above all, READ GOD'S WORD and PRAY. Ask God to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure. It takes practice, but it can be done. If you do, you will be filled with HIS PEACE that passes all of your understanding during life's storms.

When you WAIT upon the LORD, you WILL RISE UP and SOAR HIGH on wings like eagles, looking down on the storm, while others are flapping their wings trying to stay a flight.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I ask that I will be patient as I wait upon YOU to bring me through my storms. I praise you and thank you for your mercy, grace, and strength in time of need. YOU are my REFUGE and STRENGTH, a very present HELP in time of trouble. Psalm 46:1. In JESUS CHRIST HOLY NAME I pray. Amen.

Women of JOY, I assume my age may have something to do with it, but I have attended more funerals recently than I wish. I hope the following story warms your hearts.

TRADIN'
Author Unknown

I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes. I noticed a small boy, delicate a bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily appraising a basket of freshly picked green peas. I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I was a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller, the store owner, and the ragged boy next to me.

"Hello Barry, how are you today?" "H'lo Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good."

"They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?" "Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time. "

"Good. Anything I can help you with?" "No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas."

"Would you like to take some home?" asked Mr. Miller. "No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with. "

"Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?" " All I got's my prize marble here."

"Is that right? Let me see it," said Mr. Miller. "Here 'tis. She's a dandy."

"I can see that. Hmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?" the store owner asked.

"NOT zackley but almost. "

"Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble," Mr. Miller told the boy.
"Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.

Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, "There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, Tomatoes, or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store." I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado, but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and they're bartering for marbles.

Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and where I was learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the funeral home, we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts, all very professional-looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her, and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one; each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.

Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket. "Those three young man who just left were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim "traded" them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size they came to pay their debt." "We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world," she confided, but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho." With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.

The Moral

We will not be remembered by our words, but by Our Kind Deeds.

"People may forget what you said, people may forget what you did, but people will NEVER forget how you made them feel. Maya Angelou
​
I pray this warmed your hearts and I'm praying for you to stay safe and warm. Love, Evelyn

October 14 Bible Study

Are You PREPARED for ETERNITY? Part 9

October 14, 2020

DON'T LET YOUR TALK HINDER YOUR WALK

Women of JOY the following scripture is one I try to pray on a regular basis.

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight O Lord, my strength and Redeemer.

The psalmist knows his faults, so he prays to remain faithful and commits himself to the Lord. He desires to please God in everything he says and thinks.

Luke 6: 45 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.

Jesus reminds us that our speech and actions reveal our true underlying beliefs, attitudes, and motivations. The good Impressions we try to make cannot last if we are being deceptive. What is in your heart will come out in your speech and behavior. What people take in and treasure determines what will emerge in their lives.

Romans 12:1 - 2 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - - the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

God has good, pleasing, and perfect plans for his children. He wants us to be transformed people with renewed Minds, living to honor and obey him. Because he wants only what is best for us, and because he gave his son to make our new life possible, we should joyfully give ourselves as living sacrifices for his service.

Paul warned Christians: Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world that are usually selfish and often corrupting. Wise Christians decide that much worldly behavior is off-limits for them. Our refusal to conform to this world of values, however, must go even deeper than just behavior and customs; it must be firmly planted in our mind: Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think and speak. It is possible to avoid most worldly customs and still be proud, covetousness, selfish, stubborn, and arrogant or a gossip. Only when the Holy Spirit renews, re-educates, and redirects our mind are we truly transformed.

1.) Gossip is included in lists of disturbing sins.

2 Timothy 3:1-5. You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others, gossip, and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them Godly. Stay away from people like that!

Romans 1: 28-29 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of Envy, murder, Strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips.

2.) Gossip can cause deep hurt to others and ourselves.

Proverbs 26: 20-22. Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife. The words of a gossip or like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.

A gossip and quarrelsome person are both like fuel to the fire of trouble and discord. Talking about every little irritation and piece of gossip only keeps the fires of anger going. Refusing to discuss them cuts the fuel line and makes the fires die out. Does someone continually irritate you? Decide not to complain about the person, and see if your irritation dies from lack of fuel.

Proverbs 13: 3. Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.

Having control of the tongue demonstrates wisdom. (James 3:1-12) You have not mastered self-control if you do not control what you say. Words can cut and destroy. James recognized with this truth when he stated, "The tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness." If you want to be self-controlled, begin with your tongue. Stop and think before you react or speak. If you can control this small but powerful member, you can control the rest of your body.

James 3: 5-6. " In the same way the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boast. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."

James compares the damage the tongue can do to a raging fire – the tongues wickedness has its source and Hell itself. The uncontrolled tongue can do terrible damage. satan uses the tongue to divide people and pit them against one another. Idle and hateful words are damaging because they spread destruction quickly, and no one can stop the results once they are spoken. We dare not be careless with what we say, thinking we can apologize later, because even if we do, the scars remain. A few words spoken in anger can destroy a relationship that took years to build. Before you speak, remember that words are like fire - - you can neither control or reverse the damage they can do.

3.) Choose not to gossip or associate with others who gossip.

Proverbs 20:19. He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip.
Proverbs 17:28. Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.

1 Peter 3: 10-11. For whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.

Too often we see peace as merely the absence of conflict, and we think of peacemaking as a passive role. But an effective Peacemaker actively pursues Peace by building good relationships, knowing that peace is a by-product of commitment. The Peacemaker anticipates problems and deals with them before they occur. When conflicts arise, they are brought into the open and dealt with before they grow unmanageable. Making peace is hard work - - you have to search for it and work to maintain it - - but it results in God's blessings.

James 1:26. Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.

4.) Gossip and unwholesome speech produce ungodly results.

Proverbs 18:21. Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those who love it will eat its fruit.

The wise speak thoughtfully because they know that what we say has consequences.

Proverbs 10:19. Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

Proverbs 21: 23. He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles.

Galatians 5:15. But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.

2 Timothy 2:16-17. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. This kind of talk spreads like cancer.

5.) Gossip must be replaced with love and encouragement.

Ephesians 4:29. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Psalm 141:3-4. Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in Wicked Deeds along with those who are evil doers; do not let me eat their Delicacies.

On the average, a person opens his or her mouth approximately 700 times a day to speak. Wow! David wisely ask God to keep him from speaking evil - - even as he underwent persecution. Jesus himself was silent before his accusers (Matthew 26: 63) Knowing the power of the tongue, we would do well to ask God to guard what we say so that our words will bring honor to his name.

Evil acts begin with evil desires. It isn't enough to ask God to keep you away from temptation, make you stronger, or change your circumstances. You must ask HIM to change you on the inside.

Proverbs 17:9. Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.

Maintaining a good relationship with another person means forgiving rather than dwelling on faults. This proverb is saying that we should be willing to disregard the faults of others. Forgiving faults is necessary to any relationship. It is tempting, especially in an argument, to bring up all the mistakes the other person has ever made. Love, however, keeps its mouth shut - - difficult though that may be. Try never to bring anything into an argument that is unrelated to the topic being discussed. As we grow to be like Christ, we will acquire God's ability to forget the confessed sins of the past.

Proverbs 16:24 Gracious (Kind) words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Colossians 4:6. Let your speech always be with Grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

Salt is both a seasoning and a preservative (see Matthew 5:13). Paul might be encouraging Christians to speak to unbelievers in words that are well-chosen and win some. The rabbis occasionally referred to wisdom as salt, so Paul might also be exhorting Christians to speak wisely.

When we tell others about Christ, it is important always to be gracious in what we say. No matter how much sense the message makes, we lose our effectiveness if we are not courteous. Just as we like to be respected, we must respect others if we want them to listen to what we have to say.

6.) PRINCIPLE: Be very careful what you say because you never know how it will come back to affect you.

Ecclesiastes 10:20. Don't criticize the king, even silently, and don't criticize the rich, even in the privacy of your bedroom. A bird might carry the message and tell them what you said.

It is often a mystery how someone knows what we have said. The best way to control our reputation is to control our thoughts and words.

Matthew 12:36-37 And I tell you this, you must give an account on Judgment Day for Every Idle Word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.

One's words reflect the TRUE condition of the heart. Jesus reminds us that what we say reveals what is in our heart. What kind of words come from your mouth? That is an indication of what is in your heart. You cannot solve your heart problem, however, just by cleaning up your speech. You must allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with New Attitudes and motives; then your speech will be cleansed at its source.

Women of JOY, here are some PRACTICAL STEPS.

* EXAMINE your HEART. What is behind gossiping? Jealousy? Envy? Revenge? Fear?

* To help break this sinful pattern, write the following on a card: What is my motivation for sharing this? Keep the card close at hand to help you evaluate your conversations throughout the day.

* Avoid places where gossip often occurs (break rooms at work, etc.).

* Have friends keep you accountable.

* If gossiping on the phone or computer is a temptation, keep a card closed with verses written on it (e.g., Proverbs 21:23; 16:24; Ephesians 4:29).

* If someone begins to gossip, have the courage to explain that you prefer not to listen.

* Make a list of how gossip destroys. Review it often.

Sometimes we FOCUS on who somebody's NOT instead of WHO THEY ARE. We forget about ALL the GOOD qualities and focus on the bad.

Sometimes it is not even people that upset us, it is the expectations we put on them.

GOD gives us SELF CONTROL not OTHERS CONTROL. We have to take responsibility of our own thoughts, words and actions.

What you are THINKING ABOUT will determine how you FEEL, which becomes your ACTIONS, then becomes your HABITS, which then becomes your CHARACTER, which becomes your DESTINATION.

Women of JOY, here is a cute saying to think about. Y'all better stop disliking people over what you heard, and be thankful God isn't disliking you over what he knows.

Prayer

FATHER GOD my prayer to you today is that I let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight O Lord my strength and my Redeemer. I want my Walk and Talk to bring HONOR to your PRECIOUS NAME. In JESUS CHRIST HOLY NAME I PRAY.
Let's make a practice of THINKING on GOOD THINGS, SPEAKING KIND WORDS and being PREPARED FOR ETERNITY.
​
Evelyn

October 7, 2020

Are You PREPARED for ETERNITY? Part 8

DISTRACTIONS and DISCOURAGEMENT - Some of the devil's TACTICS

Nehemiah Chapters 1, 4 & 6

Nehemiah was serving as a cupbearer to Artaxerxes I (King of Persia) when he received news that the exiles who returned to Judah from Babylon and Persia were in trouble and the wall of Jerusalem was still in shambles. After praying about Jerusalem's plight, Nehemiah was authorized by King Artaxerxes to go to Jerusalem to serve as governor and to rebuild the city walls. As an inspired leader, he rallied his countrymen to rebuild the wall completely in only 52 days in spite of determined opposition.

Women of JOY most of the following has been taken from Joyce Meyer Study Bible.

"The book of Nehemiah is the story of a man who had a burden from God to rebuild the walls of the ruined city of Jerusalem. It is also the story of people who came together for a common purpose, worked and prayed in unity, resisted their enemies, responded to Nehemiah's good leadership, achieved their goal, celebrated their victory, enjoyed the rewards of their labors, and experienced spiritual renewal.

But in order to accomplish the tasks set before them, Nehemiah and the people had to be totally dedicated to the restoration to which God had called them. As their leader, Nehemiah stayed focused on his assignment, steadfastly refusing to be distracted or discouraged. Even in the midst of intense mocking and persecution and all kinds of resistance, he remained diligent and prayerful until his God-given-assignment was complete.

Just as Nehemiah's enemies were Relentless in their various efforts to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, the devil will use multiple strategies as he repeatedly tries to thwart the restoration and rebuilding God wants to do in your life. The enemy does not oppose anything that does not threaten him, so let his resistance be a sign that God is indeed doing a great work in you. Be like Nehemiah; fight back with frequent, fervent prayer and with increased diligence as you partner with God to bring His purposes to pass in you.

1.) GOD WANTS TO REPAIR EVERY BROKEN THING IN YOUR LIFE and RESTORE everything that has been lost.

2.) The enemy's resistance should be an encouragement that God is doing something significant in your life, because he never opposed anything that does not threaten him.

3.) STAY FOCUSED. The enemy will oppose Restoration in your life, but be like Nehemiah and stay focused and prayerful. You will overcome!

Like Nehemiah, we are to confess our sins and failures to the Lord
(Nehemiah 1:16-7), confident that He will forgive us of those sins and failures and cleanse us from all unrighteousness, as He had promised in His Word.
(1 John 1:9)

Nehemiah waited for God to respond to his prayers. (Nehemiah 1:5-11)
When you pray, do you give God time to answer or do you try to push ahead? Remember Nehemiah, and always wait on God to respond to your prayers in His timing.

4.) OPPOSITION WILL COME. As we live and work for God, opposition will come. Do you find yourself under attack in your ministry? It is vitally important to have people in your life who will faithfully be at your side through prayer and other means of support. (Nehemiah 4:1, 3, 9-11, 16-17)

When people or events come against us to destroy us as Sanballat and Tobiah tried to destroy Nehemiah and his work, we are to stand firm, confident that everything is going to work out for the best. Nehemiah 4:20. Whatever you are going through, remember, "this too shall pass".

When problems arise – – and they will – – we are to assume that the Lord will intervene and take care of all our problems without our invitation. We are to pray and ask Him to change our circumstances. Then we are to remain constant and stable as Nehemiah did, and that will be a sign to the enemy of his impending downfall and destruction.

Do you know why our constancy and fearlessness are a sign to satan that he will fail? Because he knows that the only way he can overcome a Believer is through deception and intimidation. How can he threaten someone who is not afraid of him? How can he deceive someone who recognizes his lies and refuses to believe them? What good does it do him to try to stir up fear or anger or depression in someone who will not be moved by emotions but chooses to stand firmly on the word of God?

When the devil sees his tactics are not working, he realizes he is failing and will be utterly defeated. God will fight for us as he did for Nehemiah, and we will have the victory.

If we need help, we are to confidently ask God for it, as Nehemiah did when he cried out to God, "But now strengthen my hands!" (Nehemiah 6:9) then we are to listen in faith for his answer. The word explains that when we ask God for something, we must ask in faith with no wavering, no hesitating, and no doubting. (James 1:6) God wants us to be totally confident in him to manifest his power and love in our lives.

Nehemiah's enemies had hired someone to tempt him to fear and hide in the temple. (Nehemiah 6:11-13). This was yet another obstacle that Nehemiah refused to accept. He continued to move forward and do what God had called him to do.

5.) GOD WILL MAKE A WAY. Like Nehemiah, God has made a way for us to do everything He has put in our hearts. He does not put dreams and Visions in us to frustrate us. We must be like Nehemiah and keep our confidence in God all the way through to the end, not just for a short while. While it looks like the obstacles in front of you are too formidable, do not give up! The completion of your project may be just one or two steps away, as it was for Nehemiah.

Tobiah was trying to frighten Nehemiah, (Nehemiah 6:19, but Nehemiah did not succumb to fear. Fear presents us from receiving and doing all God has planned for us. Hear God's message to you: "Fear not, for I, the Lord, am with you. Don't be DISCOURAGED, for I AM your GOD. I WILL STRENGTHEN YOU and HELP YOU. I WILL HOLD YOU UP by my VICTORIOUS RIGHT HAND. ( Isaiah 41:10)

6.) FINISH WELL. Nehemiah knew how to finish what he started. (Nehemiah 6:15) God uses people who know how to complete what they have begun. Many of us are good at starting, but not good at finishing. The reason is simple. Emotions motivate us and get us going, but it takes more than emotion to get us to the Finish. Let's say we received an encouraging word from God or someone else, and we are off and running. The question is, how long do we keep running after the emotions wear off? Many of us stop right that minute, as soon as we no longer feel anything. The beginning of a new thing is always exciting. But it is not those who start the race in excitement who win; it is those who stick to it and make it across the Finish Line – – when nobody is excited anymore, when nobody is cheering them on, when their emotions are no longer supporting them, when they do not feel they can go on any longer, when it looks as if they will never make it to the end, when all they have left is that one word from God that got them started in the first place. Those people are called finishers, and Nehemiah was certainly a good one!" Joyce Meyer

7.) WE NEED GOD'S WISDOM. Women of JOY in order to be PREPARED FOR ETERNITY we need WISDOM and the SPIRIT of DISCERNMENT in the days we are living. We need to discern the devil's tactics, LET NOTHING DISTRACT or DISCOURAGE US.

Proverbs 24:14 In the same way, WISDOM is SWEET to your soul. IF you find it, you will have a BRIGHT FUTURE , and your HOPES will NOT be CUT SHORT.

James 1:5. If any of you lacks WISDOM, let him ASK GOD, who gives generously to ALL without reproach, and it WILL be given him.

8.) STAY ALERT, FOCUSED and DO NOT ALLOW satan to DISTRACT YOU or DISCOURAGE YOU! Weeks are busy, sometimes work is difficult, school is hard, and just about everything distracts us from what our main focus should be. While we are struggling to keep our lives under control, the LORD wants OUR TIME to KNOW US and HEAL US and REFRESH US and STRENGTHEN US for life's journey. THE WORD OF GOD is ABSOLUTELY necessary to bring our minds back to focus on the Lord's goodness, love and sovereignty.

If we put God first in our lives, He will work everything else out for us.

Matthew 6:33 Seek FIRST the KINGDOM of GOD and HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS then ALL of these things SHALL BE be ADDED UNTO YOU .
Matthew 11:28 COME to ME, ALL who are weary and heavy-laden, and I WILL GIVE YOU REST.

The enemy was trying to block the Israelites from re-building the wall. He was trying to distract them, discourage them by mocking them. Nehemiah 4:1-4. satan wants to distract and discourage us from God's assignment. Where God has called you, your assignment, your anointing, is your sweet spot. You need to know it, understand it and realize that God wants to use you in this area. But we must be aware that satan knows it too. The devil sets us up to upset us. He wants to discourage us so we will give up. But we must remember:

1 John 4:4. YOU are from GOD, little children, and have OVERCOME them; because GREATER is HE who is IN YOU than he who is in the world.

Romans 8:31-39 ..... but in all these things we OVERWHELMINGLY CONQUER through HIM who LOVED US. ....

The Enemy's Perfect Plan
(Author Unknown)

The devil called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his evil angels, He said, "We can't keep Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from Reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from conservative values. But we can do something else. We can keep them from forming an intimate, abiding relationship experience in Christ. If they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken. So, let them go to church, let them have their conservative lifestyles, but steal their time, so they can't gain that experience in Jesus Christ. This is what I want you to do, angels. Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining the vital connection throughout their day! "

"How shall we do this?" shouted his angels.

"Keep them busy in the nonessentials of life and invent unnumbered schemes to occupy their minds" he answered. "Tempt them to spend, spend, spend then borrow, borrow, borrow. Convince the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6 or 7 days a week, 10 to 12 hours a day so they can afford their lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children. As their family fragments, soon their homes will offer No Escape From the pressures of work."

"Overstimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still small voice. Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive, to keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their homes. And see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."

"Fill their coffee tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds with news 24 hours a day. Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, sweepstakes, mail-order catalogs, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering, free products, services and false hopes."

"Even in their Recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their Recreation exhausted, disquieted, and unprepared for the coming week. Don't let them go out in nature to reflect on God's wonders. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, concerts and movies instead. And when they meet for Spiritual Fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences and unsettled emotion."

"Let them be involved in Soul - winning. But crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Christ. Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family unity for the good of the cause."

It was quite a conversation in the end. And the evil angels went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busy, busy, busy and rush here and there.

Has the devil been successful at his schemes? You be the judge.

Women of JOY let us NOT be DISTRACTED or become DISCOURAGED. God wants to repair everything broken in your life and restore everything that has been lost. Our enemy will oppose Restoration in your life, but be like Nehemiah and stay focused and prayerful so you can be wise to the schemes of the devil and remain strong in the LORD. We MUST ENDURE to the END and OVERCOME!

Prayer

Thank you FATHER GOD for your WORD for me to STAND UPON. Thank you for prospering me and providing me with your STRENGTH for me to ARISE and DO whatever YOU have called me to do. (Nehemiah 2:20) When my enemies come against me, Lord, I pray that you will frustrate their purposes so that I can do as the Israelites and return to the task you have given me. (Nehemiah 4:15) Help me to KEEP MY EYES on you so I will NOT become DISTRACTED or DISCOURAGED. In JESUS CHRIST HOLY NAME I pray. Amen.

Women of JOY let's strive to live each day FOCUSED on the LORD so we WILL NOT become DISTRACTED or DISCOURAGED.

Evelyn

Bible Study

September 30, 2020

Are You PREPARED for ETERNITY ? Part 7

GOD'S FORGIVENESS

Women of JOY, In 1 John, John's gospel explains how JESUS CHRIST came to offer ETERNAL LIFE. His first letter tells how to know, by our experience and behavior, that we have ETERNAL LIFE. John's gospel tells us how JESUS came to reveal the FATHER; his letter shows how we can be confident in our relationship with HIM. John's gospel relates how JESUS gives the spirit to each one who is Born Again; his letter explains daily life in the spirit. John's gospel encourages Jesus's disciples to practice spiritual Unity by loving one another; his letter clarifies how to put that love into action.

John was an older and perhaps the only surviving Apostle at the time of his writing 1 John. He had not yet been banished to the island of Patmos, where he would live in exile. As an eyewitness of CHRIST, he wrote authoritatively to give this new generation of Believers assurance and confidence in God and in their faith.

Key Verses are:

1 John 1:9. "IF we CONFESS OUR SINS, HE is FAITHFUL and JUST to FORGIVE US our SINS and to CLEANSE US from ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. "

Confession is supposed to FREE us to ENJOY FELLOWSHIP with CHRIST and PREPARE US FOR ETERNITY. It should ease our consciences, bless us with PEACE and JOY and lighten our cares. To maintain continual fellowship with God, we need to confess our sins to HIM. Forgiveness and cleansing are GUARANTEED because GOD is FAITHFUL to HIS PROMISES and because HE acts on the basis of HIS Justice. Christ's death for our sins fulfills God's justice and acquits US of ALL our guilt. But some Christians do not understand how it works. They feel so guilty that they confess the same sins over and over; then they wonder if they might have forgotten something. Other Christians believe that God forgives them when they confess. Christians Must Believe that GOD wants to forgive us. He allowed his beloved Son to suffer and die for each one of us just so he could offer us pardon. When we come to Christ, he forgives ALL the sins we have committed. We don't need to confess the sins of the past over and over again, and we don't need to fear that God will reject us if we don't keep our slate perfectly clean. Of course we should continue to confess our sins when we sin.

1 John 5:11-13. " And this is what GOD has testified: HE has given us ETERNAL LIFE, and this life is in HIS SON. Whoever has the SON has LIFE; who ever does NOT have God's SON does NOT have life. I have written this to you who believe in the NAME OF THE of the SON of GOD, so that you may know you have ETERNAL LIFE ."

Whoever has the SON, JESUS CHRIST, living in them, has life: Those who have the SON of GOD living in them have God's ETERNAL LIFE now - - they enjoy the presence of God's spirit (1 John 2: 20, 25, 27) and they will live in Eternity with God. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

1.) ALL MANKIND have SINNED.

Romans 3:23. For EVERYONE has sinned; we ALL fall short of God's glorious standard.

Some sins seem bigger than others because their obvious consequences are much more serious. Murder, for example, seems to us to be worse than hatred, and adultery seems worse than Pride, but this does not mean that because we only commit "little" sins we deserve eternal life. ALL SINS makes us sinners, and ALL SINS Cut us off from our HOLY GOD. ALL sins, therefore, lead to DEATH (because they disqualify us from living with a HOLY GOD), regardless of how great or small they seem. Do not minimize "little" sins or overrate "big" sins. They ALL SEPARATE us from GOD, BUT they ALL can be FORGIVEN.

2.) GOD'S FORGIVENESS is AVAILABLE for ANY SIN.

Psalm 130: 3-4. If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

Keeping a record of sins (or holding a grudge) is like building a wall between you and another person, and it is nearly impossible to talk openly while the wall is there. God does not keep a record of our sins; when HE FORGIVES, HE FORGIVES COMPLETELY, tearing down any wall between us and him. Therefore, we fear (Revere) God, yet we can talk to him about anything. When you pray, realize that God is holding nothing against you. His lines of communication are completely open.
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Lamentations 3:22. The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for HIS COMPASSIONS NEVER FAIL.

Daniel 9:9. The LORD our GOD is MERCIFUL and FORGIVING, even though we have rebelled against HIM.

Isaiah 44:22. I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the Morning Mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.

3.) FORGIVENESS provided by our HEAVENLY FATHER is COMPLETE.

Isaiah 38:17. Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. And your love kept me from the pit of Destruction; you have put ALL my SINS BEHIND YOUR BACK.

Isaiah 43:25. I, even I, AM HE who BLOTS out your TRANSGRESSIONS, for my own sake, and REMEMBERS your SINS NO MORE.
How tempting it is to remind someone of a past offense! But when God forgives our sins, he totally forgets them. We never have to fear that he will remind us of them later. Because God forgives our sins, we need to forgive others.

Psalm 103:12. As far as the East is from the West, so far has HE REMOVED our TRANSGRESSIONS FROM US.

Note ... There is a North Pole and a South Pole. There is NO East or West Pole. East and West can never meet. This is a symbolic portrait of God's forgiveness: when HE forgives our sins, HE separates it from us and does not even remember it. We need never wallow in the past, for God forgives and forgets. We tend to dredge up the ugly past, but God has wiped our record clean. If we are to follow God, we must model HIS FORGIVENESS. When we forgive another, we must also forgive the sin. Otherwise we have not truly forgiven.

Micah 7:18-19. Who is a God Like You, who PARDONS SIN and FORGIVES the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but Delight to show Mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and HURL ALL OUR INIQUITIES into the DEPTHS OF THE of the SEA.

When people REPENT, and in FAITH SEEK the LORD, HE GRACIOUSLY FORGIVES their sins, HURLS their iniquities, as it were, into the DEPTHS of the SEA, and REMEMBERS THEM NO MORE.

GOD Delights to show HIS UNFAILING LOVE! He does not forgive grudgingly but is glad when we repent, and he offers forgiveness to ALL who come back to him. Today you can confess your sins and receive his loving forgiveness. Do not be too proud to accept God's free offer.

4.) ASKING GOD to FORGIVE US is REQUIRED.

1 John 1:9. IF we CONFESS OUR SINS, HE IS FAITHFUL AND JUST TO CLEANSE US FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS.

Romans 10:9-10. that IF YOU CONFESS with your MOUTH JESUS as LORD, and BELIEVE in your HEART that GOD RAISED JESUS from the DEAD, YOU SHALL BE SAVED.

Have you ever wondered, " HOW DO I BECOME A CHRISTIAN?" These versus give you the beautiful answer: Salvation is as close as your own lips and heart. People think it must be a complicated process, but it is not. If we confess that we are a sinner, believe in our heart and say with our mouths that Jesus Christ is the Risen Lord, we will be saved.

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.

What is confession? To confess our sin is to agree with GOD, acknowledging that HE is right to declare what we have done as sinful and that we are wrong to desire or to do it. It means affirming Our intention of forsaking that sin in order to follow God more Faithfully.

Acts 3:19. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.

John the Baptist had prepared the way for Jesus by preaching that people should turn from their sins. The apostles message of Salvation also included the call to repent - - acknowledging personal sin and turning from it. Many people want the benefits of being identified with Christ without admitting their own Disobedience and repenting. The key to forgiveness is confessing your sin and turning from it.

If you want to follow Christ, you must repent of your sins, turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. To REPENT MEANS TO TURN FROM SIN, to change the direction of your life from selfishness and Rebellion against God's laws. At the same time, you MUST TURN TO CHRIST, depending on HIM for FORGIVENESS, Mercy, guidance, and purpose. We cannot save ourselves - - only JESUS can save us. Baptism identifies us with Christ and with the community of Believers. Baptism does NOT save you. It is an OUTWARD expression to the WORLD of an INWARD experience you've had with JESUS. You are burying your OLD SELF and coming up CLEAN and NEW. You are following CHRIST'S example by being water baptized. (Matthew 3:13-17). It is a condition of discipleship and a sign of faith.(Acts 2:38-39) AND it is an act of OBEDIENCE to the LORD. (Matthew 28:18-20)

5.) When GOD FORGIVES, HE RESTORES. GOD WILL supply COMPLETE RESTORATION .

Romans 8:1-2. There is therefore NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in CHRIST JESUS. For the LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE has SET YOU FREE in CHRIST JESUS from the law of SIN and of DEATH.

"NOT GUILTY; let him go FREE." What would those words mean to you if you were on death row? The fact is that the whole human race is on death row, justly condemned for repeatedly breaking God's holy law. WITHOUT JESUS we would have NO HOPE AT ALL. But thank God! HE has DECLARED us NOT GUILTY and has offered us FREEDOM FROM SIN and POWER to DO HIS WILL. HE GIVES US the POWER we need to live the Christian Life.

2 Corinthians 5:17. Therefore, if ANYONE is IN CHRIST, he is a NEW CREATION; the OLD has GONE, the NEW has COME!

Christians are brand-new people on the inside. The HOLY SPIRIT gives them NEW LIFE, and they are not the same anymore. We are not reformed, rehabilitated, or re-educated - - we are RE-CREATED (New Creations), living in vital Union with CHRIST (Colossians 2 :6-7). At conversion we do not merely turn over a new Leaf; we begin a NEW LIFE under a new MASTER. It requires a new way of looking at all people and all of creation. Does your life reflect this New Perspective?

Psalm 25:7. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, oh Lord.

Colossians 1:13-14. For HE has RESCUED us from the KINGDOM of DARKNESS and TRANSFERRED US INTO the KINGDOM OF HIS DEAR SON, who PURCHASED our FREEDOM and FORGAVE OUR SINS.

The Colossians feared the Unseen forces of Darkness, but Paul says that True Believers have been transferred from Darkness to LIGHT, From Slavery to FREEDOM, from guilt to FORGIVENESS, and from the power of satan to the POWER of GOD. We have been RESCUED from a rebel Kingdom to serve the rightful KING. Our conduct should reflect our new Allegiance.

6.) GOD RECONCILES us TO HIMSELF through JESUS CHRIST and counts OUR SINS against us NO MORE.

2 Corinthians 5 18-19. ALL this is from GOD, who THROUGH CHRIST RECONCILED US to HIMSELF and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in CHRIST GOD was reconciling the world to HIMSELF, NOT counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

GOD brings us BACK TO HIMSELF (reconciles Us) by BLOTTING OUT OUR SINS.(See also Ephesians 2:13-18) and making us right with HIM. When we TRUST CHRIST, we are no longer God's enemies, or strangers or foreigners to him. Because we have been reconciled to God, we have the privilege of encouraging others to do the same, and thus we are those who have the "task of reconciling people to him."

Hebrews 8:12. For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.

A final characteristic of the New Covenant is that God would forgive their wickedness and NEVER again remember their sins. The BLOOD OF JESUS cleanses HIS people COMPLETELY from sin. (Hebrews 9:13-15; 10:14-18, 22 ; 1 John 1:7)

7.) What GOD does with FORGIVEN SIN is a beautiful picture of what CHRIST DEATH ON THE CROSS accomplished.

Isaiah 1: 18. Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like Scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red like Crimson, they shall become like wool.

Crimson was the color of a deep - Red permanent dye, and it's deep stain was virtually impossible to remove from clothing. The blood-stained hands of the murderers are probably in view here (Isa.1: 15, 21). The stain of sin seems equally permanent, but GOD CAN REMOVE SINS STAIN from our life as HE promised to do for the Israelites. We do not have to go through life permanently soiled. GOD'S WORD assures us that if we are willing and obedient, CHRIST will FORGIVE & REMOVE our most indelible stains (Psalms 51: 1 - 7). Will you ask HIM to make you clean?

8.) JESUS is the ONLY one through whom one can be SAVED and ENJOY the Forgiveness of sins.

John 14:6 JESUS told him, " I AM THE the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. No one can come to the FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME.

This is one of the most basic and important passages in scripture. How can we know the way to God? Only through Jesus. JESUS is the WAY because HE is both GOD and man. By uniting our lives with his, we are united with God. Trust JESUS to take you to the FATHER, and ALL the BENEFITS of being GOD'S child will be yours. As the way, JESUS is our PATH to the FATHER. As the truth, HE is really ALL of GOD'S PROMISES. As the life, he joins his Divine Life 2 hours, both now and eternally. Jesus is, in Truth, The Only Living way to the father. Some people might argue that this way is too narrow. In reality, it is wide enough for the whole world, if the world chooses to accept it. Instead of worrying about how limited is sounds to have only one way, we should be saying, "THANK YOU GOD, for providing a sure way to get to you! "

John 3:16-17 For GOD SO LOVED the WORLD that HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON SO THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVES in HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH but have EVERLASTING LIFE. For GOD sent NOT HIS SON INTO the WORLD to CONDEMN the WORLD but that the WORLD THROUGH HIM MIGHT BE be SAVED.

In ETERNAL LIFE in HEAVEN there Is No Death, Sickness, Sadness, Confusion , Worries, Doubts, Fear, Enemy, Evil, or Sin. When we do not accept Christ, we make choices as though this life is all we have. In reality, this life is just the introduction to Eternity. RECEIVE this NEW LIFE in CHRIST JESUS by FAITH and begin to evaluate ALL that happens from an ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE. To "believe" is more than intellectual agreement that JESUS IS GOD. It means to put our trust and confidence in HIM that HE ALONE CAN SAVE US. It is to put Christ in charge of our present plans and eternal Destiny. Believing is both trusting HIS WORDS as reliable, and relying on HIM for the POWER TO CHANGE. If you have never trusted Christ, LET this PROMISE of EVERLASTING LIFE be yours - - and BELIEVE.

Acts 4:12 And there is SALVATION in NO ONE ELSE, for there is NO OTHER NAME under HEAVEN given among men by which WE MUST BE SAVED.

IF GOD designated JESUS to be the SAVIOR of the WORLD, NO ONE ELSE can be HIS equal. No other religious teacher could die for our sins; no other religious teacher came to Earth as GOD'S ONLY SON; no other religious teacher rose from the dead. Our focus should be on JESUS, whom GOD provided as the WAY to have an ETERNAL RELATIONSHIP with HIMSELF there is NO OTHER NAME or WAY!

1 Timothy 2:5-6. For there is ONE GOD, and there is ONE MEDIATOR between GOD and MEN, the man CHRIST JESUS, who gave HIMSELF as a ransom for ALL, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

We human beings are separated from GOD by sin and we need a SAVIOR- - a way across the abyss of sin and back to GOD. Only one person in the universe is our mediator and can stand between us and GOD and bring us together again - - JESUS, who is both GOD and MAN. JESUS' sacrifice brought New Life to ALL people. Have you let HIM bridge the gap between YOU and GOD?

9. GREAT NEWS!!! GOD'S FORGIVENESS is FREE!!! SALVATION is FREE!!!

Ephesians 2:8-10. GOD saved you by HIS GRACE when you believed. And you cannot take credit for this; it is a GIFT from GOD. SALVATION is NOT a REWARD for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are GOD'S Masterpiece. HE has created us ANEW in CHRIST JESUS, so we can DO the GOOD things HE planned for us long ago.

We become Christians through God's unmerited favor, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part. However, out of gratitude for this free gift, we will seek to help and serve others with kindness, love, and gentleness, and not merely to please ourselves. While no action or work we do can help us obtain salvation, God's intention is that our Salvation will result in acts of service. We are not saved merely for our own benefit but to serve Christ and build up the church.

Grace is a wonderful thing. It is God's unmerited favor by which we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit ministers Grace to us from God the Father. It can be said that Grace is the HOLY SPIRIT'S power flowing out from God's Throne to save us; it enables us to live holy lives and to accomplish the will of God.

Women of JOY can you imagine trying to earn your way into God's favor? That would be an impossible task. No amount of Good Works would ever be enough. Take a moment and reflect on the riches of GOD'S GRACE and thank HIM for HIS LOVE and KINDNESS toward you.

Prayer

Thank you, JESUS, that in YOU I have REDEMPTION, DELIVERANCE, and SALVATION through your blood, the remission of my sins, in accordance with the riches of your GRACIOUS FAVOR, which YOU have lavished upon me and every kind of wisdom and understanding. Help me to understand that your GRACE is SUFFICIENT for my every need and that YOU are an ever-present HELP in time of need. Ephesians 1:7-8; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 46:1. Amen.
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Evelyn

September 23, 2020

Are You PREPARED for ETERNITY? Part 6

FORGIVING OTHERS

Women of JOY, FORGIVENESS is a struggle for ALL of us at one time or another in our lives. One of the great stories of forgiveness is an experience Corrie ten Boom, author of The Hiding Place had after she was released from the concentration camp. No one can deny that Jesus Christ's love was living and shining through Corrie ten Boom.

"It was in a church in Munich where I was speaking in 1947 that I saw him - - A balding heavy set man in a gray Overcoat, a brown felt hat clutched between his hands. One Moment I Saw the overcoat and the brown hat, the next, a blue uniform and a visor cap with its skull and crossbones.

Memories of the Concentration Camp came back with a rush: the huge room with its harsh overhead lights, the pathetic pile of dresses and shoes in the center of the floor, the shame of walking naked past this man. I could see my sister's frail form ahead of me, ribs sharp beneath the parchment of skin.

Betsie and I had been arrested for concealing Jews in our home during the Nazi occupation of Holland. This man had been a guard at Ravensbruck concentration camp where we were sent.

Now he was in front of me, hand Thrust out: "A fine message, fraulein! How good it is to know that, as you say, all our sins are at the bottom of the sea!"

It was the first time since my release that I had been face to face with one of my captors and my blood seemed to freeze.

"You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk," he was saying. "I was a guard there. But since that time," he went on, "I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well, Fraulein -- "again the hand came out -- "will you forgive me?"

And I stood there--and could not. Betsie had died in that place – – could he erase her slow terrible death simply for the asking?

It could not have been many seconds that he stood there, hand held out, but to me it seemed hours as I wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do.

For I had to do it - - I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us. "If you do not forgive men their trespasses, "Jesus says," neither will your Father in Heaven forgive your trespasses. "

Still I stood there with the coldness clutching my heart. But forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. "Jesus, help me!" I prayed silently. " I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling. "

And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, and incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, spang into our joint hands. And then this healing warmth seem to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.

"I forgive you, brother!" I cried. "With all my heart!"

For a long moment we grasped each other's HANDS, the former guard and former prisoner. I had never known God's love so intensely as I did then." Corrine ten Boom

Guideposts Associates, Inc.

Women of JOY when our heart, mind and emotions do not want to forgive we must simply pray and ASK GOD for HIS HELP. Ask HIM to give you the words to say and to help you be the right example of a Christian. It is GOD'S WILL we FORGIVE others and the Bible says HE will HEAR us when we ASK for things according to HIS WILL.

Christians are instructed to do some pretty difficult things in the Bible. One of the most difficult seems to be truly forgiving those who have wronged you. We are often fine with not trying to enact Revenge. Yet, we are usually slow to let things go. The Bible's teaching on forgiveness is very clear. We must always, no matter what forgive, and if we do not forgive, then how can we expect God to forgive us?

1.) Forgiving others is not an option; it is a step of obedience. It is a command of Scripture. Forgiving others is an absolute necessity. YOU MUST FORGIVE to be PREPARED for ETERNITY!

Matthew 6:14-15. "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your HEAVENLY FATHER will also FORGIVE YOU . BUT if you do NOT FORGIVE OTHERS, then your HEAVENLY FATHER will NOT FORGIVE your transgressions."

Colossians 3:13-14. "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect Unity."

Ephesians 4:31-32 "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. "

Matthew 5:23-24. "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the Altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. "

Mark 11:25. "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your FATHER in Heaven may forgive you your sins.

2.) We must forgive our debtors.
Matthew 6:12. "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. "

3.) Jesus says we must forgive often. There is no limit to the number of times we are to forgive someone. Do not keep a record of how many times you have forgiven someone.

Matthew 18: 21-22 Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times? " Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but 70 x7."

Luke 17: 3-4 So watch yourselves. Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And If he sins against you seven times a day, and seven times comes back to you and saying, "I repent," forgive him.

4.) The parable of the unmerciful servant shows how sinful it is not to forgive; God sends judgement on this end.
Matthew 18:23-25

5.) JESUS on the CROSS. Luke 23:34. JESUS asked GOD to forgive the people who were putting him to death - - Jewish leaders, Roman politicians and soldiers, bystanders – – and GOD answered that Prayer by opening up the way of Salvation even to JESUS' murderers. JESUS was suffering the most horrible, painful death ever devised by sinful man, and HE looked at the people responsible for his suffering and prayed for their forgiveness. The Roman officer and soldiers who witnessed the crucifixion said, " This man truly was the SON of GOD." ( Matthew 27: 54) . Soon many priests were converted to the Christian faith. (Acts 6: 7.) Because we are all sinners, we all played a part in putting Jesus to death. The GOOD NEWS is that GOD is gracious. HE WILL FORGIVE US and give us NEW life through HIS SON.

The real issue is that many people often make excuses as to why they do not need to forgive. Stating the issue is too big. Or God understands why I cannot forgive that person. However many examples exist in the Bible that show forgiveness in action. Examples that prove no matter how big or small the transgression you are still called to let it go.

6.) As Stephen died, HE spoke words very similar to JESUS ' words on the cross. Acts 7:54-60. Steven was asking God not to count his murder as Sin on those who were actively murdering him. We often talk about powerful last words. Stevens has to go down as some of the most powerful words ever uttered. Hearing him forgive his murders had to have an impact on those watching. (Possibly even leaving a lasting impression on a young man named Saul that would later become the Apostle Paul.)

7.) Paul stands alone. 2 Timothy 4:16. The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them.

Paul stood trial with no other believers with him for support. It would have been easy to be upset at the others for not supporting him. But that is just not who Paul was. He is a great example of living a truly Christian lifestyle. Instead of holding a grudge or complaining he's simply forgives them. Making a statement that seems to show he hopes that their action will not be held against them in any way by anyone.

Think about it in terms of how most people would react today. You are brought out in front of the judge and you look over and do not see any familiar faces. None of your colleagues or friends have shown up to support you in this time of need. You would definitely be upset and probably angry.

As we know Paul was not thrown in jail this time. So just imagine walking back in the house where everyone is? I imagine it would only go one of two ways. You either walk in and start going off about how "You have always been there for them", and so on. Or, you just give them the cold shoulder and go to your room. It is even possible you would want others to hold their actions against them but it seems as though Paul was able to understand their situation and forgive them almost instantly. If we would all act as Paul did we would see so much more joy in our homes and churches!

8.) The history of Joseph Genesis 37:1 - 50:26.

" Because his brothers hated him, Joseph was thrown into a pit and left there to die (Genesis 37:23,24). But God had other plans! As it turned out, Joseph was sold as a slave in Egypt, became a servant to a wealthy ruler, and then was thrown into a pit again (prison) for a crime he did not commit (Genesis 39). Ultimately, Joseph was freed from prison and ended up in the palace, second-in-command to Pharaoh, the ruler over all Egypt. (Genesis 41:39-46).

How did Joseph get from the Pit to the Palace? I believe he made that journey by staying positive, refusing to be bitter, being confident in GOD, and TRUSTING HIM. Even though Joseph was labeled a "slave", he refused to have a slave mentality.

Even though he appeared to be defeated on many occasions, he kept standing up on the inside. In other words, Joseph had a right attitude. Without a right attitude, we can start out in the palace and end up in the pit. This happens to a lot of people. Some people have great opportunities given to them, and they do nothing with their lives. Others may get a very bad start in life, but then overcome all obstacles and succeed.

I also believe Joseph believed in the dreams God had given him. Joseph was a dreamer; he made big plans and refused to give them up (Genesis 37:5-10. The devil does not want us to have dreams and visions of better things. He wants us to stay in the pit and be "do - nothing's."

I challenge you to make up your mind right now to do something great for God. No matter where you started, you can have a great finish. If people have mistreated and abused you, do not waste your time trying to get revenge - - leave them in GOD'S hands and TRUST HIM to bring Justice into your life. Know what you want out of life and what you want to do. Don't be vague; be confident! To be confident means to be bold, open, plain, and straightforward - - that does not sound like a vague, sheepish, fearful individual who is uncertain about everything. Decide to leave your mark in this world. When you depart from this Earth, people should know that you have been here. Even if you are in a "pit" today, God can still raise you up and do great things in you and through you!"

Joyce Meyer

9.) Paul tells us we must forgive and restore one who has sinned against us.

2 Corinthians 2: 5-11. " I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him. I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ's Authority for your benefit, so that satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes."

These forces are the outcome of Paul's earlier visit and the insult he received. Following Paul's severe but tearful letter, the church condemned the behavior of the man who caused all the trouble and disciplined him (2:6). He repented, so now it was time to forgive and comfort him, as Paul had already done. The man now needed FORGIVENESS, and acceptance from the church.

These incredible acts should lead us to ask a few questions. Would I be able to forgive as Corrie ten Boom did?

As Stephen did? As Paul did? As Joseph did? As JESUS does? Do LOVE JESUS enough to be OBEDIENT to HIM and FORGIVE ? These biblical examples show love and obedience to God. They each forgave something massive, am I even willing to forgive the little things? The Bible says to lLOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR as you LOVE yourself. If you TRULY LOVE someone you are WILLING to FORGIVE them of ANYTHING. Just as we see the biblical examples were willing to do. Like Stephen, you cannot do much worse to someone than killing them for simply sharing their belief. Throughout the ages, and all around the world, many have given their life for the gospel. Because of their love for Jesus they were faithful until the end. They heard the words "Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joys of Heaven." And GREAT will be their REWARD throughout ETERNITY in HEAVEN!

Of course someone's actions against you may change your relationship with them. But that does not mean you should not forgive them. You have to look past what they did and realize that they are lost or walking in their FLESH, NOT being LEAD by the SWEET HOLY SPIRIT. Show them the GRACE and MERCY of the FATHER, who we know IS WILLING to FORGIVE ANYONE. Even in death, Steven was the reflection of the FATHER that we are ALL called to be.

We are to LEARN from these examples. JESUS was able to FORGIVE because HE came to earth because of HIS GREAT LOVE for ALL mankind, to die on the CROSS for our SINS. HE had true understanding and love. Since we are unable to see into the hearts of others, as Jesus did, it can be hard to forgive. We sometimes make assumptions of the motives of people, oftentimes we can assume wrong. As Christians, we should always assume the BEST in others, even those who hate us. Not thinking people are evil or out to get us all the time. But that they truly do NOT know what they are doing.

Steven was placed in a very similar position to Jesus. He preached TRUTH to a group. In the hopes of saving them and leading them to a true relationship with the HEAVENLY FATHER through JESUS CHRIST. Stephen's words infuriated the people, just as Jesus' did. Causing them to brutally murder him.

Unlike Jesus, Stephen could not see into the hearts of his accusers. He was unable to tell what they truly believed. But that did not stop him from forgiving. He assumed that these people were truly lost. Leading him to use his final breath to ask God to not count the sin of his murder against them.

We have seen examples of forgiveness that should cause us to want to forgive those who have wronged us. But some of us may require a little more encouragement. I believe the GOLDEN RULE is a great reason to forgive others in your life.

Matthew 7:12 Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

None of us want a grudge to be held against us. But when we DO NOT FORGIVE OTHERS that is exactly what we are doing to them. So how can we ever expect someone to forgive us if we never forgive others? We cannot, so it is important and necessary that we forgive so we can be forgiven. This also is how JESUS taught us HOW to PRAY, asking the FATHER for FORGIVENESS in the LORD'S PRAYER.

Matthew 6:12. and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.

Forgiving others is a reflection of a repentant, regenerate heart, which makes our own forgiveness possible. Those who have experienced God's forgiveness will forgive. Jesus implies that those who are unwilling to forgive have not received God's mercy, and perhaps have never truly repented.

Forgiving others can, of course, be very hard. Especially depending on the severity of the circumstances. Even though that is true it does not mean you should not still forgive them. You must. The GOOD NEWS is that GOD can give you the STRENGTH you need, just as HE did Corrie ten Boom. Simply PRAY and ASK GOD for HIS HELP. Ask HIM to give you the words to say and to HELP YOU be the RIGHT EXAMPLE of a CHRISTIAN. Stephen's LOVE and FORGIVENESS may be one reason Saul become Paul, a MIGHTY preacher of the Gospel. Corrine ten Boom's LOVE for JESUS may be one reason the Ravensbruck CONCENTRATION CAMP prison guard became a CHRISTIAN.

What did their FORGIVING OTHERS do for the KINGDOM of GOD? We will find out in HEAVEN. ONLY GOD KNOWS what HE can do WHEN WE FORGIVE. HEAVEN WILL TELL.

JESUS FORGIVES US when we repent. We MUST FORGIVE OTHERS to be PREPARED for ETERNITY.

It is GOD'S WILL we FORGIVE OTHERS and the Bible says HE WILL HEAR US when we ASK for things according to HIS WILL. But UNFORGIVENESS blocks our prayers. Let's FORGIVE and RECEIVE GOD'S BLESSINGS and PEACE.

1 John 5:14 -15. "And we are confident that HE hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases HIM. And since we know HE hears us when we make our request, we also know that HE WILL GIVE us what we ask for.

Prayer

FATHER GOD, I ask you to search my heart to see if there is ANY UNFORGIVENESS in me. Help me to be QUICK to FORGIVE and to take action if necessary. Help me to FORGIVE ALL who have wronged me as YOU have FORGIVEN me. Help me to be PREPARED for ETERNITY, in JESUS CHRIST HOLY NAME, I pray.

Something to think about. What would it be like if God did not forgive you? Does that change your heart for forgiving others?

1.) Forgiveness is NOT a FEELING but an ACTION.

2.) FORGIVENESS is a CHOICE of OBEDIENCE to GOD.

3.) Forgiveness does NOT mean the other person was right, but FORGIVING provides FREEDOM and PEACE.

4.) EVERY time a past wrong is REMEMBERED, do NOT hold it against the offender. As a Christian, it is to be FORGIVEN.
NOWHERE in the BIBLE is it taught that we are to FORGIVE OURSELVES.
GOD FORGIVES US.
​
Evelyn

September 16, 2020

Are You PREPARED for ETERNITY?
Part 5

Ecclesiastes 3:11, 14-17
Romans 8:22-28
1 Peter 4:7-11; 1 Peter 1:10-12
Matthew Chapter 25; Matthew 24:42-51
Revelation 19:6-9
Matthew 13:24-30; Matthew 7:1-5
Matthew 13:36-46

Women of JOY God has planted ETERNITY in the human heart. This means that we can never be completely satisfied with Earthly pleasures and Pursuits. Because we are created in God's image, we have a SPIRITUAL THIRST, we have ETERNAL VALUE, and NOTHING BUT the ETERNAL GOD can truly satisfy us. GOD has built in US a Restless yearning for the kind of perfect world that can only be found in HIS perfect rule. He has given us a glimpse of the Perfection of HIS creation. But it is only a glimpse; we cannot see into the future or comprehend everything. So, we must TRUST GOD now and do HIS work on Earth. Read Ecclesiastes 3:11

God has made everything beautiful for its own time. We can sometimes see this beauty in our work and in the world, but many times people cannot see. God reserves for himself the understanding of how everything fits together. (Read Romans 8:22-28)

GOD has planted ETERNITY, an awareness of the infinite, within each of us - - enough for us to be in awe of HIM who is infinite and eternal, and enough to hope for eternal life after death. Are you prepared for eternity?

What is the purpose of life? It is that we should fear the ALL-POWERFUL GOD. To fear God means to respect and stand in awe of him because of who he is. Purpose in life starts with whom we know, not what we know or how good we are. It is impossible to fulfill your God - given purpose unless you Revere God and give him first place in your life knowing that whatever God does is final is a reason to fear Him - - to trust and Revere God and respect all that he does. (Read Ecclesiastes 3:14-17)

1 Peter 4:7-11 speaks of the end of the world coming soon: At Christ's coming, the "last days" predicted by the Old Testament prophets had begun.
The next event in Salvation history is the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST, which will bring the END OF THE WORLD as we know it. The end could come at any time; therefore, Christians must always be READY for it.

Our GOD given talents and abilities should be Faithfully used in serving others; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment. Some people, well aware of their abilities, believe that they have the right to use their abilities as they please. Others feel that they have no special talents at all. Peter addresses both groups in vs 10-11. Everyone has some gifts; find yours and use them for the Lord. Peter mentions speaking and serving. Even as you seek to discover your gifts, if you see a need in the church, seek to meet it. You may find gifts in areas you might not have guessed!

How is God glorified when we use our abilities? When we use them as HE directs, to help others, they will see JESUS in us and GLORIFY HIM for the help they have received. Peter may have been thinking of JESUS' words, "Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will PRAISE your HEAVENLY FATHER." Matthew 5:16. ALL GLORY and POWER belong to HIM forever and ever! Amen.

Matthew chapter 25 reinforces the need for individuals TO BE WATCHFUL and to PREPARE for the RETURN OF CHRIST. We MUST BE PREPARED FOR ETERNITY! JESUS told the following Parables to clarify further what it means to BE READY for HIS RETURN and HOW TO LIVE until HE comes. In the story of the 10 bridesmaids, (Matthew 25: 1-13), we are taught that every person is responsible for his or her own spiritual condition. The story of the Three servants, (Matthew 25: 14-30), shows the necessity of using well what God has entrusted to us. The parable of the sheep and goats, (Matthew 25: 31-46), stresses the importance of serving others in need. No Parable by itself completely describes our preparation. Instead, each paint one part of the whole picture.

The ARRIVAL OF THE BRIDEGROOM at midnight while the Bridesmaids slept further highlights the fact that the SECOND COMING OF JESUS will come Suddenly, at a time that no one can anticipate. (Matthew 25: 1-13)

This parable teaches that the LORD EXPECTS HIS SERVANTS to be FAITHFUL to the task given to them WHILE WAITING for HIS RETURN. The DELAY of CHRIST'S RETURN will cause some to turn to EVIL Deeds, Matthew 24: 42-49, some to INACTIVITY, (Matthew 25: 3), and some to FEARFUL passivity. (Matthew 25:18)

The master divided the money among his servants according to their abilities. No one received more or less than he can handle. If he failed in his assignment, his excuse could not be that he was overwhelmed. Failure would indicate only laziness or hatred toward the master. The bags of silver represent any kind of resource we are given. GOD gives us TIME, GIFTS, and OTHER RESOURCES according to our abilities, and HE EXPECTS us to INVEST them wisely UNTIL HE RETURNS. We are responsible to use well what God has given us. The issue is not how much we have but how well we use what we have.

Matthew 25:19 highlights the LONG DELAY OF CHRIST RETURN. (Matthew 24: 45-51)

JESUS is COMING BACK- - we know this is true. Does this mean we quit our jobs in order to serve God? No, it means we are to use our time, talents, and treasures diligently in order to SERVE GOD COMPLETELY in whatever we do. For a few people, this may mean changing professions. For most of us, it means doing our daily work out of LOVE for God. Let's CELEBRATE TOGETHER; "ENTER into and share the JOY of your MASTER" is OUR HEAVENLY FATHER'S APPROVAL and perhaps the Messianic Banquet called the MARRIAGE SUPPER of the LAMB. (Matthew 25: 21; Revelation 19:6-9)

Matthew 25:24-30 This last man was thinking only of himself. He hoped to play it safe and protect himself from his hard Master, but he was judged for his self-centeredness. We must not make excuses to avoid doing what God calls us to do. If GOD truly is OUR MASTER, we must OBEY WILLINGLY. Our time, talents, abilities, and money are NOT ours in the first place - - we are CARETAKERS, NOT OWNERS. When we ignore, squander, or abuse what we are given, we are rebellious and deserve to be punished.

Matthew 25:29-30. This Parable describes the consequences of two attitudes toward Christ's return. The person who diligently prepares for it by investing his or her time and talents to serve God will be rewarded. The person who has no heart for the work of the Kingdom will be punished. God rewards faithfulness. Those who bear no fruit for God's kingdom cannot expect to be treated the same as those who are faithful.

Matthew 25:31-46. GOD WILL SEPARATE HIS OBEDIENT followers from Pretenders and UNBELIEVERS. The real evidence of our belief is the way we act. To treat all persons, we encounter as if they were Jesus is no easy task. What we do for others demonstrates what we really think about Jesus' words to us: Feed the hungry, give the homeless a place to stay, look after the sick. How well do your actions separate you from Pretenders and Unbelievers?

Jesus used sheep and goats to picture the division between Believers and Unbelievers. SHEEP and GOATS often grazed together just as JESUS said the WHEAT and the TARES would grow together. (Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43) Believers and non-believers will coexist in the world until the end of History. I personally like to tell anyone who says, "They do not go to church because they are hypocrites"... I tell them with a gentle smile, "I'd rather go to church with them than go to HELL with them."

Matthew 13:40-43 At the end of the world, ANGELS will SEPARATE the EVIL from the GOOD. There are true and false Believers in churches today, but we should be cautious in our judgments because only Christ is qualified to make the final separation. If you start judging, you may damage some of the good "plants". It is more important to judge our own response to God than to analyze others responses. JESUS said, "JUDGE NOT lest YOU BE JUDGED." Read (Matthew 7:1-5)

Matthew 13:42. JESUS often uses these terms to refer to the COMING JUDGMENT. The Weeping indicates SORROW or REMORSE, and GNASHING OF TEETH shows EXTREME PAIN. Those who say they do not care what happens to them after they die do not realize what they are saying. They will be punished in a BURNING HELL throughout ETERNITY for living in selfishness and indifference to God.

Matthew 13:44-46. The KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is more valuable than anything else we can have, and a person must be willing to give up everything to obtain it. The man who discovered the treasure hidden in the field stumbled upon it by accident but knew its value when he found it. Although the transaction cost the man everything, he paid nothing for the Priceless treasure itself. It came free, with the field. Nothing is more precious than the Kingdom of Heaven; yet GOD gives it to us as a FREE GIFT.

Women of JOY I encourage you to NOT be AFRAID to take the TALENT GOD gave you and USE it for HIS GLORY. You do not want to end up unhappy, unfulfilled, and dissatisfied because you are compromising what God has placed in you. Please use your talents to the greatest possible extent and to do your best in every area of your life. Then you will hear your master say, " Well done!"

Prayer

Sweet JESUS, I declare that you are WORTH so much more than the MOST PRECIOUS things I have. Help me to LOVE YOU EXTRAVAGANTLY with ALL my HEART and STRENGTH, ALL the Days of MY LIFE. I want to be PREPARED to spend ETERNITY with YOU and hear the words WELL DONE! Amen.

Women of JOY let's NOT hide our TALENTS but USE them for the LORD.

" Life should not be a journey to the Grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to Skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!" Hunter S. Thompson

Evelyn

September 8, 2020 Bible Study

Are You PREPARED for ETERNITY ?

Part 4

September 9, 2020

1 Corinthians chapters 13 and 15

Women of JOY our desire should be that we are WALKING in LOVE when JESUS RETURNS. Our motives and behavior are extremely important to God. IF we are to be CHRISTLIKE , we must LOVE ONE ANOTHER. If you want to walk in love, read 1 Corinthians 13 and apply its principles to your life. Without love we are a useless nobody. 1 Corinthians 13:2. Let EVERYTHING you do be done in LOVE. JESUS said that LOVING GOD with ALL your HEART, ALL your SOUL, and ALL your STRENGTH is the FIRST and GREATEST COMMANDMENT. This COMMAND is combined with the command to LOVE your NEIGHBOR as YOURSELF. Jesus said that if we truly love God and our neighbor, we will naturally keep the Commandments. This is looking at God's law positively. Rather than worrying about all we should not do, we should concentrate on all we can do to show our love for God and others. Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37-40

Spiritual gifts in themselves do not Define our Worth to God or to the church. In fact, apart from the expression of love, spiritual gifts are of no value.
1 Corinthians chapter 13 defines real love. Love is more important than all the spiritual gifts exercise in the church body. Great faith, acts of dedication or sacrifice, and Miracle working power have little effect without love. Love makes our actions and Gifts useful. Although people have different gifts, love is available to everyone. If we are to be CHRISTLIKE, then we must LOVE as CHRIST LOVED.

At the heart of the Gospel of the GOOD News stands the message of the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:1; Romans 5:8-10

Those who continue firm in their faith will be saved. 1 Corinthians 15:2; Matthew 10:22; 24:13; John 15:6; Galatians 5:4; Colossians 1:21-23;
John 15:5-8; 1 Corinthians 1:4-9; Philippians 1:3-6

Physical bodies cannot inherit God's Kingdom. Only a spiritual, resurrected body can experience the kingdom in all its fullness. We all face limitations. Some may have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. Some may be blind, but they can see a new way to live. Some may be deaf, but they can hear God's good news. Some may be lame, but they can walk in God's love. In addition, they have the encouragement that those disabilities are only temporary. Paul tells us that we all will be given new bodies when Christ returns and that these bodies will be without disabilities, never to die or become sick. This can give us hope in our suffering while here on Earth.

Christian's alive at the day of Jesus' return, also known to Christians as the Rapture, will not have to die but will be transformed immediately. A trumpet blast will Usher in the new Heaven and Earth. The Jews would understand the significance of this because trumpets were always blown to Signal the start of great festivals and other events. Numbers 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:50-53.

This will happen IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE.

Someone has said that the average person blinks somewhere between 10,000 to 20,000 times a day. In one of those times, Jesus could return! That is an awesome thought. In the twinkling of an eye, Jesus is going to step from his throne in glory at the right hand of the Father in heaven and return back to this earth.

A TWINKLE is a reflected particle of light seen in the eye. Most of us have noticed a twinkle in someone's eye... That reflected light we observed traveled at 186,000 miles per second (speed of light). That little ray of light entering the eye and then then being reflected occurs in about a billionth of a second. A twinkle is pretty fast, don't you think?

If JESUS' RETURN is in the TWINKLING OF an EYE, you will NOT have time to get ready, should your heart not be ready to meet HIM.

1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17 says, " For the LORD HIMSELF HIMSELF SHALL descend from heaven with a SHOUT with the VOICE of the Archangel, and with the Trump of GOD: and the DEAD in CHRIST shall rise first: then we which are ALIVE and remain SHALL BE be CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD in the air: and so shall we ever be with the LORD."

Resurrection of the Dead
1 Corinthians 15: 50 - 53

"What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever. BEHOLD , I show you a mystery, a wonderful secret ; we shall not all die (sleep), but we shall all be changed (transformed)! It WILL HAPPEN, in a moment, in the TWINKLING OF an EYE, when the last Trumpet is blown: for when the trumpet sounds, those who have died shall be raised to live FOREVER (incorruptible). And we who are living shall be changed (transformed). For our dying bodies must be TRANSFORMED into bodies that will NEVER die; our mortal bodies must be TRANSFORMED into IMMORTAL bodies.

Christian's referr to being CAUGHT UP as the RAPTURE. The Greek word means, a catching away.

The picture of this coming promise could be like a metal scrap yard. In a metal scrap yard, there is a giant magnet on a crane that will pick up metal. If that magnet is moved across the ground, not every piece of metal would rise – only that which was made of iron. Why is that? Because the iron has the same nature as the magnet.

In the same way, if you have the same nature as JESUS CHRIST, filled with HIS LOVE, for GOD is LOVE, then when JESUS comes again, you are going up whether you are beneath the ground or on top of the ground. Simply said, if you have been born again through Christ Jesus, you are heaven - born and you will Be Heaven bound.

The second coming of Jesus Christ is necessary to fulfill the purpose of God. Jesus's resurrection is the Pledge of our Resurrection.

All believers in Christ are going to be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air. Life will be going along as usual and then SUDDENLY, JESUS is going to come. That is the reason said, therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as you think not the son of man cometh. Matthew 24: 44

Only God the Father Knows the future. Jesus said, "However, NO ONE KNOWS the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the son himself. Only the father knows." Matthew 24: 36.

YOU MUST BE READY. IF NOT, YOU will be LEFT BEHIND. And the REMAINING TIME on EARTH WILL be filled with HORROR... A living Hell on Earth before an ETERNITY of HELL.

The key is Jesus is coming – and the WORD of GOD promises that. The question is Are You PREPARED for ETERNITY?

How can you tell that it is close?

JESUS said, "For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. Matthew 24: 38-39.

Let's be LOVING GOD and LOVING OTHERS when JESUS RETURNS!! Love is the greatest thing in life. 1 Corinthians 13:13, and WALKING in LOVE should be our main focus. GOD is LOVE, and HE wants us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
1 John 4: 11, 16. We can only truly love others by receiving and expressing God's love. In order to do that, we need to understand that HE LOVES US and ACCEPT HIS LOVE. When we do, we begin a love walk that causes us to live in a new CHRISTlIKE way - - a new way of thinking, a new way of speaking, and a new way of acting.

It is EASY to say WE LOVE GOD when that love does not cost us anything more than weekly attendance at religious services. But the REAL TEST of our LOVE for GOD is how we TREAT the people right in front of us - - our family members, fellow believers, coworkers, and Neighbors. We CANNOT TRULY love GOD while NEGLECTING to LOVE those who are CREATED in HIS IMAGE. LOVE is expressed in many different ways, but one factor is always the same: LOVE GIVES. 1 John 4:20-21

I pray that you will become enthusiastically devoted to walking in love and blessing people.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, your WORD says that LOVE is the greatest thing in the world. Teach me that LOVE should be number one on my spiritual priority list. Help me to walk in your love by receiving your love and expressing it to others. I do not want to deceive myself into thinking that I can love God while I hate, neglect or mistreat others. 1 John 4:20. Help me to realize that I will find fulfillment in LIFE ONLY by LOVING YOU and LOVING OTHERS. In JESUS CHRIST HOLY NAME I pray. Amen.

Evelyn

September 2 2020 Bible Study

Are You PREPARED for ETERNITY ?

Part 3

1 Thessalonians
Matthew chapters 24 and 25

Women of JOY in every chapter of 1 Thessalonians, Paul mentions the second coming of Jesus Christ. This is a topic that has sparked interest, speculation, excitement, and controversy for years. We must live as if Jesus could return at any moment but we are not to try to figure out when Jesus will return. Only God the Father knows this.

Matthew 24:36-39. "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of Heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone."

The Sign of HIS Coming. Matthew 24:29-31

The Illustrations. Matthew 24:32-35

Like the Days of Noah. Matthew 24:36-39

The Two. Matthew 24:40-41

JESUS' Return Will Be SUDDEN

MUST Be READY for the LORD'S COMING. Matthew 24:42-51

We need to live with an awareness of HIS return and to conduct our everyday lives in ways that honor HIM and represent HIM well – – treating others as we want to be treated, keeping GOD first in our lives, obeying HIM, and seeking to do HIS will, while we wait.

In 1 Thessalonians Paul commends the Thessalonians' COURAGE and STEADFAST FAITH in the midst of persecution. Their CONDUCT serves as an example and an encouragement to us today when we are persecuted or ridiculed.

1 Thessalonians 2:13. As a believer, READING GOD'S WORD and PRAYING for GOD to HELP YOU, please KNOW that GOD is at work in your life right this very minute, whether you know it or not. Please encourage Yourself every day, by saying, "GOD IS WORKING IN ME RIGHT NOW. HE IS CHANGING ME!" I AM the RIGHTEOUSNESS of CHRIST. Speak from your mouth what the WORD of GOD SAYS, NOT what you FEEL.

Romans 8:1-2. "There is therefore NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in CHRIST JESUS. For the law of the SPIRIT of LIFE in CHRIST JESUS has set ME FREE from the law of SIN and of DEATH. "

2 Corinthians 5: 17. "Therefore If ANY MAN be in CHRIST, he is a NEW CREATURE: OLD things are PASSED AWAY; behold, ALL things are become NEW.

You have probably heard the saying, "You have got to look out for number one. This means, you live for yourself, because that is what everyone else is either trying to do or telling you to do. However, as a Christian, you are called to live a life that is pleasing to GOD. Ask HIM to continually show you HOW to live to PLEASE HIM.

1 Thessalonians 4:1 "FINALLY we request and exhort you in the LORD JESUS, that, as you received from us instruction as to how you should walk and PLEASE GOD, as indeed you are doing, that you may EXCEL still more."

"GOD is concerned about YOUR BODY as well as YOUR SOUL. GOD COMMANDS you to ABSTAIN from SEXUAL IMMORALITY because engaging in sexual activity outside of marriage will keep you FROM living a HOLY LIFE. AVOID situations that may tempt you or that cause lust to Rise Up In You. Practice FIDELITY in Marriage and CHASTITY in singleness." Joyce Meyer

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 " For this is the will of GOD, that you should be consecrated (Set apart for PURE and HOLY LIVING), your sanctification; that is, that you should ABSTAIN from SEXUAL IMMORALITY; that each of you know how to possess his own body in CONSECRATION, SANCTIFICATION and HONOR, NOT in LUSTFUL PASSION, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the Avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. For GOD has NOT called us for the purpose of IMPURITY, but in SANCTIFICATION. Consequently, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the GOD who gives HIS HOLY SPIRIT to you."

IF you ALLOW the HOLY SPIRIT to GUIDE YOU, HE WILL LEAD YOU INTO ALL TRUTH. John 16:13

"Did you know the Bible specifically tells us in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 to mind our own business?

Minding our own business is a principle we need to follow, and we will discover that we enjoy life so much more when we apply it. Many times we get into things that were really none of our business to begin with, and those very things end up making us miserable.

God does not give us an anointing to handle someone else's business; he gives us anointing for our own. This is why things become so messy when we get involved where we should not. There is obviously a time to get involved and help people in need, but there is also a balance that should be honored. Ask God to help you know when to get involved in a situation and when to mind your own business!" Joyce Meyer

1 Thessalonians 4:11 "To Make it your AMBITION to LIVE QUIETLY and PEACEFULLY, to MIND YOUR OWN AFFAIRS (Attend to your OWN BUSINESS) and WORK with your HANDS, as we COMMANDED YOU. "

GOD'S WILL and DESIRE IS that we ALL make HEAVEN.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 " For GOD HAS NOT DESTINED us for WRATH, BUT for obtaining SALVATION through our LORD JESUS CHRIST, who died for us, that whether we are awake or asleep (dead), we may live together with HIM. Therefore ENCOURAGE one another, and BUILD UP one another, just as you also are doing."

John 3:16-17 "For GOD so LOVED the WORLD that HE gave HIS ONLY SON that WHOSOEVER BELIEVE in HIM should NOT PERISH but have EVERLASTING LIFE. For GOD sent NOT HIS SON into the world to CONDEMN the world but that the WORLD through HIM might be SAVED."

1 John 1:9 "IF we CONFESS OUR SINS, HE is FAITHFUL and JUST (RIGHTEOUS), to FORGIVE us and to CLEANSE us from ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. "

As you read 1 Thessalonians, please pay attention to all of the important insights, especially to 1 Thessalonians 5: 14-23, which is a wonderful list of instructions for everyday living and incorporate them into your everyday activities.

v.14 ADMONISH (warn and advise) the unruly, the disorderly, ENCOURAGE the weak and fainthearted, Be PATIENT with ALL people.

v.15. DO NOT render EVIL for EVIL. SEEK to do GOOD to ALL. ALWAYS. show KINDNESS to EVERYONE.

v.16 REJOICE ALWAYS. Be HAPPY.

v.17. PRAY without CEASING. NEVER GIVE UP.

v18. In EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS. Romans 8:28 GOD CAN and WILL. work EVERYTHING for your GOOD, IF you give it ALL to HIM.

v19. DO NOT QUENCH (Suppress or Subdue) the HOLY SPIRIT.

v.20. DO NOT SPURN or DESPISE the GIFTS of PROPHETIC REVELATIONS, INSPIRED INSTRUCTIONS or EXHORTATION, or WARNING.

v.21. EXAMINE EVERYTHING CAREFULLY. TEST and PROVE ALL THINGS. HOLD FAST to that which is GOOD.

v.22. ABSTAIN ( Restrain oneself) from EVERY FORM of EVIL.

v.23. May the GOD of PEACE HIMSELF SANCTIFY YOU through and through, may your SPIRIT, SOUL, and BODY be PRESERVED COMPLETE, WITHOUT BLAME, (Separate YOU FROM PROFANE things), UNTIL the COMING of our LORD JESUS CHRIST (The MESSIAH).

Please be ENCOURAGED , as Paul did the Thessalonians, to ALWAYS REMEMBER....

"FAITHFUL is HE Who is CALLING YOU (to HIMSELF) and ABSOLUTELY TRUSTWORTHY, and HE WILL bring it to pass."
1 Thessalonians 5:24

We NEED to be READY should JESUS come today.

Prayer

Thank you, GOD, for loving me so much that you gave up your only SON, so that if I believe in HIM, I will not perish, but I will have everlasting life with you. I know that you did not send your SON to condemn me, but that I might find Salvation and be made PURE and HOLY through HIM . GOD I pray that YOU would INCREASE in my life and I will decrease . I want to become more like YOU and be READY to MEET YOU. Thank you God that you have NOT appointed me to WRATH or condemnation, but to SALVATION through JESUS CHRIST, who died for me so that I might live with HIM throughout ETERNITY. In JESUS CHRIST HOLY NAME, I pray. Amen.

Let's be READY for ETERNITY!

Evelyn

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR ETERNITY

Part 2

August 26, 2020

Women of JOY We are to:

1) Be on GUARD and DO NOT be DECEIVED.
2) STUDY and SEEK to KNOW the TRUTH.
3) Be a LIFETIME LEARNER of the TRUTH of GOD.
4) ALWAYS be READY for ETERNITY.

2 Peter Chapters 1, 2 ,3

2nd Peter was written to people who either did not know the truth of God or were not standing firm in it, so they were in danger of being deceived concerning the second coming of Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us in several places in the New Testament not to be deceived. We are living in a day when deception is all around us - - and it will only increase as we draw nearer to Jesus' Second Coming. The only way to avoid being deceived is to know the truth for yourself. People who think they "know it all" fall into deception.

2 Timothy 2:15 "STUDY to show thyself APPROVED unto GOD, a workman that needeth NOT to be ASHAMED, RIGHTLY DIVIDING the WORD of TRUTH.
This verse well illustrates the need for understanding that word meanings may change, and we must be ever on guard against misapplying or twisting scripture, even when we try to teach the truth.

Bible study is very important but 2 Timothy 2: 15 is not just a command to study the Bible. Being an approved workmen involves much more. Paul wanted Timothy to understand that to be a Workman that God could have APPROVED he would have to be DILIGENT in his SERVICE to GOD. God is not the kind of Master that accepts shoddy work. By earnestly applying himself in service, Timothy would not need to be ashamed as he stood before God in the day of judgement. Paul wanted Timothy to be PREPARED for ETERNITY. To be that diligent, approved Workman, he would have to correctly handle the WORD of TRUTH, what the King James version renders, rightly dividing the word of Truth. It will involve bringing an open mind, an open heart, and a faithful life to the WORD of TRUTH.

The goal of being an APPROVED Workman should be the goal of all of God's children. We should look to the WRITTEN WORD of GOD with the same reverence as the psalmist who wrote, "Thy WORD is a LAMP unto my FEET, and a LIGHT unto my PATH. Psalms 119: 105.

If you ever wanted an instruction manual for your life, know that God's power has provided everything you need for life and for godliness. You receive everything you need through KNOWING HIM and READING HIS WORD. Remember that every one of HIS PROMISES is for YOU.

2 Peter 1:2-3 "GRACE and PEACE be multiplied to you in the KNOWLEDGE of GOD and of JESUS our LORD; seeing that HIS divine POWER has granted to us EVERYTHING pertaining to LIFE and GODLINESS, through the TRUE KNOWLEDGE of HIM who called us by HIS own GLORY and excellence.

2 Peter 1:3 GOD'S POWER provides everything we need to enjoy great and godly lives, but what HE provides comes to us through the full, personal knowledge of HIM. We must have a personal relationship with HIM. We cannot know GOD through someone else. We can know about HIM through others, but to know HIM for ourselves we must study HIS WORD ourselves and spend time with HIM individually.

You can be as close to GOD as you want to be. HE is NO RESPECTER of PERSONS. Acts 10:34. And if one person can have a close, intimate relationship with HIM, then so can everyone else. I believe it all depends on how much time we are willing to put into developing our personal relationship with HIM.

Going to church does not necessarily make us close to God. Going to church is a good and right thing to do, but we need more than an hour on Sunday morning with God if we are going to learn enough to fulfill our destiny and truly enjoy life.

2nd Peter 1:3 tells us that GOD calls us to his own GLORY and EXCELLENCE. Wow! HE wants us to have EXCELLENT LIVES, but HE also expects us to learn how to BEHAVE EXCELLENTLY. Finding the STRENGTH to do so only comes as we WAIT on HIM. "They that WAIT upon the LORD SHALL RENEW their STRENGTH....Isaiah 40:31. And spending time in God's word teaches us right from wrong. The BIBLE gives MANY INSTRUCTIONS about how to BEHAVE with people and in certain circumstances. It teaches us to be excellent and to go the extra mile and do whatever we do as best we can and unto the Lord.
Matthew 5:38-42

As we study GOD'S WORD word, we are transformed into HIS image, from GLORY to GLORY. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Do you want your Christian Life to be EFFECTIVE and BEAR FRUIT? Then follow the instructions in 2 Peter 1:5-7: Be DILIGENT concerning GOD'S PROMISES, EXERCISE your FAITH to DEVELOP VIRTUE, GROW in KNOWLEDGE, INCREASE in SELF CONTROL, BE STEADFAST, PRACTICE GODLINESS , and SHOW CHRISTIAN LOVE to others. How can we improve in these areas as you go about your everyday activities and relationships?

"2 Peter 2:10 says that PRESUMPTION is a treacherous trait of a person who walks after the flesh.

Presumption: 1) an idea that is taken to be true, and often used as the basis for other ideas, although it is not known for certain. 2) Behavior perceived as arrogant, overconfident, and unreasonably bold, disrespectful, and transgressing the limits of what is permitted or appropriate.

We must always be on guard against presumption. Presumption causes disrespect and rebellious attitudes toward Authority.

Presumptuous people talk when they should be quiet. They tried to dictate direction to those from whom they should receive Council. They give orders when they should be receiving them; and they do things without asking permission.

Presumption is a big problem and comes from a wrong heart. God does not want us to be presumptuous. He wants us to be humble. Eliminate presumption from your life and cultivate humility." Joyce Meyer

2 Peter 3:8 reminds us that God has his own sense of timing. God does not move in our timing. He is never late, but he is usually not early either. He is often the god of the Midnight Hour. He sometimes whites until the last second before he gives us what we need.

We must learn to trust God's timing. But before we can do that, we must come to the place where we have surrendered are all to him and are broken before him. What I mean is that our self will and our spirit of Independence must be broken before God is free to work his will in our lives and circumstances. Before he intervenes on our behalf, he has to be sure that we are not going to take matters into our own hands and do something out of his perfect timing.

Galatians 6:9 says, "And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." The interesting thing about this scripture is that it always seems to encourage people. Yet really, God does not tell us when something is going to happen because "due season" is not specific. If we start checking references that have to do with timing in the Bible, we will find descriptions like: "at the appointed season", "in due time", "in due season."

Many times when we are waiting on God in a situation and we get discouraged about the time it is taking for God to answer, this scripture will encourage you. Galatians 6:9 say, "we shall reap, if we faint not." Keep holding on to God's promises that never fail. "Due time" is really just the time that God knows is right. Scripture does remind us to trust God.

David wrote in Psalm 31: 14-15. "But I trusted in, relied on, and was confident in You, O Lord; I said, you are my God. My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my foes and those who pursue me and persecute me." Like David, we must learn to put our confidence in the Lord, trusting him to deliver us out of our circumstances - - and into the next right thing dash – in his perfect timing.

Make a commitment of time to GOD and I believe you will see the LIFE and POWER that is available to you through HIS PROMISES. Refuse to have a second hand relationship with GOD ; get to know HIM for yourself.

2nd Peter discusses the need to grow in CHRIST 'S GRACE and WARNS against FALSE TEACHING that threatens that growth. Many are teaching or preaching ONLY a portion of the BIBLE. Many worldviews, religious perspectives, and cultural values clamour for attention. This letter warns against compromising the Christian Faith. We need to take this WARNING seriously.

Let the book of 2nd Peter cause you to make a fresh commitment to being a Victorious Christian and a lifetime learner, one who continually seeks and studies the TRUTH of GOD' S WORD. Do not simply listen to other people, but be convinced for yourself. Study and read on your own; not just take second hand information. Stay close to the word of God. Pray that you will not be deceived, and do whatever it takes to make sure you have accurate knowledge of the Bible. As you pursue deeper and deeper knowledge of the truth, let the words of
2 Peter 3:18 " But GROW in the GRACE and KNOWLEDGE of our LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIS. To HIM be the glory, both now and to the date of Eternity. Amen. And be READY for the SECOND COMING of OF CHRIST.

2 Peter 3: 3-18
v3. "Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lust, v4. and saying, "Where is the promise of HIS coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation." v5. For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the WORD of GOD the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, v6. through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. v7. But the present heavens and earth by HIS WORD are being reserved for FIRE, kept for the DAY OF JUDGEMENT and DESTRUCTION of UNGODLY MEN. v8. But do not let this one fact escaped your notice, beloved, that with the LORD one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. v9. The LORD is not slow about HIS PROMISE, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, NOT wishing for ANY to PERISH but for ALL to come to REPENTANCE. v10. But the DAY of the LORD will come LIKE a THIEF , in which the HEAVENS will PASS AWAY with a Roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense Heat, and the Earth and its Works will be BURNED UP . v11. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in HOLY CONDUCT and GODLINESS, v12. LOOKING FOR and hastening the COMING of the DAY of GOD, on account of which the HEAVENS will be DESTROYED by BURNING and the elements will MELT with INTENSE HEAT! v13. But according to HIS PROMISE we are looking for NEW HEAVENS and a NEW EARTH, in which RIGHTEOUSNESS dwells. v14. Therefore, beloved, since you LOOK for these things, be DILIGENT to be FOUND by HIM in PEACE, SPOTLESS and BLAMELESS, v15. and regard the patience of Our Lord to be SALVATION; just as also our beloved Paul according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, v16. as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the scriptures, to their OWN DESTRUCTION. v17. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, BE on your GUARD lest, being Carried Away by the ERROR of IMMORAL , WICKED men, you FALL from your own STEADFASTNESS. v18. But GROW in the GRACE and KNOWLEDGE of our LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. To HIM be the GLORY, both now and to the DAY of ETERNITY. Amen"

Once we understand Grace, we must grow and learn how to receive it in every situation as 2 Peter 3:18 encourages us.

We grow in Grace by putting our faith in God and receiving HIS GRACE in situations that are difficult or impossible for us. Sometimes we put our FAITH in GOD, and HE gives us GRACE for DELIVERANCE. At other times we put our FAITH in GOD, and HE gives us GRACE to "go through." We must leave that choice to HIM and KNOW that either way we can have VICTORY, but ONLY by GRACE through FAITH.

If you struggle with something right now in your life, ask yourself honestly if you are putting your FAITH in GOD and that you believe HIS GRACE WILL meet the need. Remember, Grace is unmerited, unearned favor to us sinners. It is GOD'S POWER coming into our situation to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

GOD wants you to have the VICTORY until HE RETURNS. ARE YOU PREPARED FOR ETERNITY?

PRAYER

Father, I pray that your grace, favor, and peace would be multiplied to me in the full, personal precise, and correct knowledge of Jesus my Lord. Thank you, God, that your divine power has bestowed on me all things that are necessary and suited to life and godliness through the full and personal knowledge of Jesus Christ, who has called me by and to his own glory and excellence. Father, I thank you that you do not delay and you are not tardy or slow about what you promised, but you are long-suffering and extra-ordinary patient. Help me to be on GUARD, NOT be DECEIVED, STUDY and SEEK to KNOW YOUR TRUTH, and BE READY for JESUS' SOON RETURN, in JESUS HOLY NAME I PRAY.
Praying GOD'S BLESSINGS on you. Evelyn

August 19, 2020 Bible Study

Are you Prepared For Eternity

Part 1

Women of JOY, II Peter 3:3 tells us that in the last days scoffers are going to appear... "Know this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lust." JESUS says these mockers will ridicule ALL doctrine that says CHRIST is returning to establish HIS new kingdom.

"These same scoffers claim a "new world order" is indeed coming. And they're thinking, a new Society is just on the horizon, about to usher in an entirely new reality. There have been many New Age claims throughout history and the latest has been quietly gaining momentum over the last three decades. Why is the world clamoring now for a new world order to be ushered in? It is because satan knows his time is short. He knows CHRIST is SOON TO RETURN, and he wants to keep multitudes DECEIVED by tantalizing them with a fantasy world. The doctrine of a coming new age is filled with every false hope including Global Peace. It is meant to bring DOUBT to GOD'S PEOPLE about the reality of JESUS'S return.

A new world is indeed coming and it is dawning even now – – yet it is not a New Age of any kind. It is a world in which CHRIST is returning to establish HIS HOLY KINGDOM. Every Nation will come under the LORD'S RIGHTEOUS Rule, and every opposing force will become HIS footstool." David Wilkerson

JESUS is COMING!

"For the LORD HIMSELF will descend from heaven with a shout, with a voice of the Archangel, and with the trumpet of GOD; and the dead in CHRIST shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the LORD in the air, and thus we shall always be with the LORD. Therefore Comfort one another with these words."
1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17

"But the DAY of the LORD will come like a thief, and which the heavens will pass away with a Roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense Heat, and the earth and its Works will be burned up. Since ALL these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in HOLY conduct and GODLINESS, LOOKING for and hastening the coming of the DAY of GOD, on account of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense Heat! But according to HIS PROMISE we are looking for NEW HEAVENS and a NEW EARTH in which RIGHTEOUSNESS dwells. 2 Peter 3: 10-13

Scoffers will have no part in this new kingdom. None of the following will be allowed to enter this glorious New World called HEAVEN:

"But for the FEARFUL and UNBELIEVING and ABOMINABLE and MURDERERS and IMMORAL persons and SORCERERS and IDOLATERS and ALL LIARS, their part will be in the lake that BURNS with FIRE and BRIMSTONE, which is the second death." Revelation 21:8
"But NOTHING UNCLEAN will enter it, nor ANYONE practices ABOMINATION and LYING, SHALL EVER come into it, but ONLY those whose NAMES are written in the LAMB'S Book of Life." Revelation 21:27

"Not everyone who says to ME, LORD, LORD, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who DOES the WILL of MY FATHER who is in heaven. Matthew 7:21

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR ETERNITY? ARE YOU STRONG?
We MUST NOT ALLOW the scoffers to get us sidetracked or make us stumble.

We MUST KNOW GOD'S WORD, STAND GUARD, STAND STRONG, and NOT be DECEIVED.

1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 24: 4-13; Matthew 26:31-41

Whether you believe it or not, you need to know that every minute of every day that God gifts you there is a battle waiting for your soul. It may not be clean and tidy or socially acceptable to say, but there is evil in the world and satan, it's prince, wants your soul and your life as a trophy. In reality, there is only TRUTH and Evil. JESUS said "I am the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE and no one comes to the FATHER but by ME." John 14:6 TRUTH and evil are the only two forces at war in our world. Jesus said, " Anyone who isn't with me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me."
Matthew 12: 30

There is all around us, at all times, a spiritual battle .... A battle for your soul. God wants for you to be engaged in the battle and be PREPARED, standing STRONG for HE is coming soon. HE will go with you and NEVER LEAVE YOUR SIDE, but you MUST go and be VIGILANT at ALL times. Stay ALERT! "Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8.

BE ON YOUR GUARD! Be a WARRIOR! STAND STRONG! BE NOT DECEIVED!

So what are we to be on guard against? What are we warring against? "For we are not fighting against flesh -and -blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the Unseen World, against the mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12

As we accept our call to be a warrior, it is imperative that we understand who we are fighting. It is satan who is behind all evil. He uses people.

What are we watching for? Any trap satan may have hidden. He DISGUISES HIMSELF and remember he uses people.
"For such men are FALSE apostles, DECEITFUL workers, DISGUISING themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even satan DISGUISES himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also DISGUISE themselves as servants of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their deeds." 2 Corinthians 11: 13 - 15

"Beware of the FALSE prophets, who come to come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. YOU will KNOW them by their FRUITS.... Matthew 7:15-16. It takes TIME for fruit to MATURE to SEE what type of FRUIT is being PRODUCED.

CHRISTIANS BEAR GOOD FRUIT. With GOOD FRUIT, what do Christians have to LOOK FORWARD to? REWARDS throughout ETERNITY in HEAVEN with JESUS!

ETERNITY: unending time; infinite; endless life after death; a state where time has no application; timelessness; Never Ending

"But in keeping with HIS PROMISES we are looking forward to a new Heaven and a new Earth, where RIGHTEOUSNESS dwells. So then, dear friends, since we are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found SPOTLESS, BLAMELESS and at PEACE with HIM. Bear in mind that our LORD'S patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that GOD gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other scriptures, to their own destruction. Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, BE on your GUARD so that you may NOT be carried away by the error of the Lawless and FALL from your secure position. But GROW in the GRACE and KNOWLEDGE of our LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. To HIM be glory both now and forever! Amen."
2 Peter 3: 13-18

KNOW GOD'S WORD! STAND GUARD! STAND STRONG! BE NOT DECEIVED!

And here's the thing, satan will do whatever it takes to DECEIVE you, weaken you and LURE you away from the LORD... to keep you from making HEAVEN. Those rulers of the Unseen World, they do not work in a way that shows them to be the dark and evil forces they are. They DISGUISE themselves well and rarely, if ever, show you their fangs or knock you out and drag you away. No, they whisper and nudge and work at you little by little, little by little. They do not draw a line in the sand and force you to choose, they keep erasing and re-drawing the line, pulling you farther and farther over the TRUE and original line they have obscured. The rulers and authorities of the Unseen World are those who do the work of satan those who come as an angel of light, or a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Both Paul and Peter desire to shout a wake-up call. WAKE UP! PAY ATTENTION! BE on YOUR GUARD! STAY in the WORD! BE ALERT! Stay in the WORD, be alert, be observant of the people and things in each and every moment of your life each day. You can NEVER let your guard down! STAY in the WORD! And make sure you are LISTENING to the RIGHT VOICES. JESUS, our GOOD SHEPHERD said "MY SHEEP WILL KNOW MY VOICE And they FOLLOW ME" John 10:27

Becoming a WARRIOR involves cultivating your heart and living a life that is grounded in GOD'S WORD... in TRUTH. In Luke 8:4-21, JESUS tells a story about dirt. The dirt represents your heart, and JESUS mentions four different types of dirt (hearts). Three of the soils (hearts) either allowed satan to rob the WORD by his lies and evil schemes, or they didn't get ROOTED in the WORD or they allowed the cares of the world to choke them out. The fourth soil (heart) held FAST the WORD of GOD and bore FRUIT with PERSEVERANCE. The last type of soil is a loose, cultivated, soil which has been broken up and fertilized and is the perfect dirt for growing your seed of FAITH that will produce FRUIT in GOD'S KINGDOM. Our soul must be good so the root of our faith grows strong and deep; strong and deep so it does not wither and die when the intense heat of Trials and tests come... when the scoffers come. Don't let another Gardener be the one who's responsible for the growth of your seed of faith. A church, being baptized, a pastor... , they are not the answer. A strong root of Faith, cultivated by the hard work of your personal relationship with JESUS, reading GOD'S WORD, PRAYING, LOVING OTHERS, this is the answer to GROWING, becoming STRONG and BEARING FRUIT for GOD'S KINGDOM. EVERYTHING you do for the LORD will be REWARDED to you in HEAVEN. When you get to HEAVEN, you want to hear the LORD say, "WELL DONE thou GOOD and FAITHFUL servant." Matthew 25:23

Are you PREPARED for ETERNITY? IF NOT, YOU can get PREPARED NOW!

Romans 3:23. "ALL have SINNED and fall short of the glory of GOD. "

1 John 1:9 " If we CONFESS our SINS, HE is FAITHFUL and JUST to FORGIVE us our SINS and to CLEANSE us from ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS."

John 3:16-17. "For GOD so LOVED the WORLD, that WHOEVER BELIEVES in HIM should NOT PERISH but have EVERLASTING LIFE. For GOD did NOT send HIS SON into the world to CONDEMN the world but that the world should be SAVED THROUGH HIM. "

Romans 6:23. "For the wages of SIN is DEATH, but the FREE GIFT of GOD is ETERNAL LIFE. "

JESUS wants YOU to spend ETERNITY with HIM in HEAVEN.

Revelation 21:4. "HE (JESUS ) will wipe away EVERY TEAR from their eyes, and DEATH Shall be NO MORE more, NEITHER shall there be MOURNING, NOR CRYING, NOR PAIN ANYMORE , for the FORMER THINGS have PASSED AWAY."

Revelation 21:5. ""And HE who sits on the THRONE said, "BEHOLD , I AM making ALL THINGS NEW, " And HE said, "Write, for these WORDS are FAITHFUL and TRUE. ""

Revelation 22:12. "BEHOLD, I COME QUICKLY; and MY REWARD is with ME, to give EVERY MAN according to his WORK."

Prayer
Heavenly FATHER, I thank you for sending your son JESUS to this EARTH to DIE for MY SINS on a cross. I ask you JESUS to FORGIVE me of ALL my sins. CLEANSE ME and make my heart clean. I want to live with you FOREVER throughout ETERNITY in HEAVEN. I ask this in JESUS PRECIOUS HOLY NAME. Amen.

Let’s STAY PREPARED for ETERNITY because JESUS WILL COME when NO man knows, NOT even the Angels oh Heaven, NOR the son (Jesus), ONLY our HEAVENLY FATHER.

Matthew 24:36-39

So let’s be ready...

I Want to Stroll Over HEAVEN with YOU Some GLAD DAY.

Evelyn

August 12,2020 Bible Study

Are You BARREN or BEAUTIFUL ?

WOMEN of JOY, KNOWING, GROWING, and BEARING FRUIT is God's desire for each of us. GOD wants to KNOW you intimately. He desires you to MATURE and BEAR fruit for HIS KINGDOM. We all are bearing fruit. But what kind of fruit? You either bring Unity and JOY or Division and Sorrow. You are either pulling people together or pulling them apart. Or are you like dry Barren land or an empty well just existing?

You are either a reservoir or a channel, a drain or a fountain or spring.

Reservoir: A place where fluid collects and is stored, non flowing. Often stagnant which produces a foul odor.

Channel: A Wide Strait or Waterway between two land masses that lie close together, a passageway. It is Flowing. It will not become stagnant, stinking. It does not produce a foul odor. A channel keeps moving, producing good, clean water.

Drain: Cause something to run out leaving it empty, dry or dryer.

Fountain: A structure from which water is pumped into the air to keep the water fresh.

Spring: A Spring is the result of an aquifer being filled to the point that the water overflows onto the land surface.

Which are YOU?

And what kind of fruit do you bear?

John 15:1-17. Jesus said "Every tree is known by its fruit. Good trees produce good fruit and bad trees produce bad fruit." Without a ROOT there is NO FRUIT. We MUST be ROOTED in GOD'S WORD and STAND upon JESUS, the SOLID ROCK. JESUS said "I AM the VINE, YOU are the BRANCHES. Apart from ME, YOU can DO NOTHING. "

Without GOD you have no real life at all. There is no reason for anything. Everything was made for CHRIST . Your next breath comes from CHRIST and is to go back to CHRIST. We must fully depend on JESUS. Without HIM we have NOTHING but with HIM we have EVERYTHING. When you do not have CHRIST, you have NO POWER over sin, satan and you truly do not have life. The LORD is your STRENGTH. HE directs our lives and HE is not only our SAVIOUR, but our DELIVERER, PROTECTOR and PROVIDER and GUIDE. With HIM, HE will lead us and show us the WAY so we can bear fruit.

John 15:2 "Every branch in ME that does not bear fruit, HE takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, HE prunes it, that it may bear more fruit."

John 15:4. " Abide in ME, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the Vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in ME."

John 15:6. "IF anyone does not abide in ME, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned."

Where are you connected? What are you grafted into; the things of God, the presence of God or the things of this world? You could be grafted in, you have received salvation but you have been idle, letting others do the work, coming to church on Sunday but living your life all week barely reading the WORD, or not at all, praying only when you need something or are in trouble.

James 2:17. "Even so FAITH, if it has no WORKS, is DEAD, being by itself."

KNOWING and GROWING: 1 Peter 2:1-2 " Therefore, putting aside ALL MALICE and ALL GUILE and HYPOCRISY and ENVY and ALL SLANDER, like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the WORD, that by it you may GROW in respect to SALVATION,"

2 Peter 3:17-18. "YOU therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness, but GROW in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. To HIM be the GLORY, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."

If you are NOT grafted into the vine, JESUS CHRIST you will become wilted, withered, dried up and will evidently die.
Is your soul dry and thirsty today? We cannot bear much fruit if our soul is dry. If it is, come to JESUS. Sit at HIS feet. JESUS is saying, " Come unto ME ALL who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest ..." Matthew 11:28-30.

Sit at JESUS feet and drink of HIS FREE LIVING WATER. Revelation 22:17

Be FILLED UP with ALL the FULLNESS of GOD. Ephesians 3:14-16

JESUS will meet you in the Stillness of your soul. Stillness of soul is increasingly rare in this world addicted to noise and speed. JESUS is pleased with your desire to create a quiet space where HE can meet with you. Do not be discouraged by the difficulty of achieving this goal.

JESUS monitors all your efforts and is blessed by each of your attempts to seek HIS face. HE wants to fill you with HIS LOVE, JOY and PEACE. These are gifts, flowing to YOU, by being in HIS LIVING PRESENCE.

JESUS wants to RENEW your MIND. When your thoughts flow freely, they tend to move toward problems. Your energy is drained away from other matters through this negative Focus. Worst of all, you lose sight of JESUS, the ONE who is ABLE to STRENGTHEN YOU so you can BEAR BEAUTIFUL FRUIT. A Renewed mind is presence focused. Train your mind to seek the LORD in every moment, every situation.

Romans 12: 2. "And do not be conformed to this world: but be transformed (changed) by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and perfect, pleasing, acceptable will of GOD is."

There will be REWARDS for BEARING GOOD FRUIT. If you are more concerned about Earthly matters than Eternal ones, you will lose your Rewards.
Colossians 3:1-2 "If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on Earth."

2 Corinthians 4:16-18. " Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light Affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of Glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

JESUS wants to RESTORE YOU. If you have given up on a promise from God, HE can RESTORE your FAITH and BREATHE HOPE into your heart. Maybe you have given up on GOD'S healing power in your physical body. GOD is in the business of RESTORATION. HE specializes in taking our broken lives, our broken hopes and dreams, and even our broken bodies, and bringing restoration to them, breathing new life and hope into them.

Psalm 23: 2-3. "HE makes me lie down in Green Pastures; HE leads me beside Quiet Waters. HE RESTORES my soul; HE guides me in the paths of righteousness for HIS NAME'S sake.
"
Joel 2:25-27. " So I will RESTORE to you the years that the swarming Locust has eaten... YOU shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the NAME of the LORD your GOD, who has dealt wondrously with you; ...and my people shall never be put to shame."
Psalm 30:11 "YOU have turned my MOURNING into JOYFUL DANCING. YOU have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with JOY."

There are REWARDS awaiting ALL who BEAR GOOD FRUIT.

Matthew 16: 27 "For the Son of Man (JESUS) is going to come in the GLORY of HIS FATHER with HIS angels; and will then recompense, every man according to his deeds."

Revelation 22:12 "Behold I AM coming quickly, and my reward is with ME, to render to every man according to what he has done."

Philippians 3:14; Romans 2:6; Psalm 62:12; Hebrews 10:35; Hebrews 11:26; Mark 9:41; 1 Corinthians 3:8,14; 2 Corinthians 9:6; 1 Peter 5:4; Proverbs 11:18; Colossians 3:24; 2 John 1:8; John 14:3

JESUS has called us to be like HIM and to bear fruit, much fruit, beautiful fruit. Are you a fruit Bearer or are you Barren? If you are BARREN, let JESUS RESTORE YOU, RENEW YOU, REFRESH YOU TODAY so you can be FILLED with the FULLNESS of GOD, BEARING BEAUTIFUL FRUIT.

PRAYER
​
Dear LORD, YOU are ALWAYS FAITHFUL to YOUR PROMISES. Thank you for saving me and calling me to live for YOU, BEARING BEAUTIFUL FRUIT. YOU take away my burdens and FREE me from strife, discord, stress and trauma. Restore the SPARKLE to my eyes. TURN my MOURNING into DANCING and clothe me with your JOY. I DO NOT want to live a BARREN LIFE. RESTORE me so I can BEAR BEAUTIFUL FRUIT for YOU. YOU are a GOD of RESTORATION, and YOU LOVE to RESTORE everything in my life that has been lost. RESTORE my SOUL, HEALTH, RELATIONSHIPS, and FINANCES . I pray RESTORATION over my ENTIRE LIFE. I desire to BEAR GOOD FRUIT for YOU in JESUS PRECIOUS NAME I pray. Amen.
Let's strive to BEAR GOOD FRUIT for our LORD. For GREAT will be your REWARD in HEAVEN.

Praying BLESSINGS into YOUR LIFE.

Evelyn

August 5th 2020 Bible Study

FAITH that OVERCOMES Fear
FEED Your FAITH - STARVE Your Fear

Women of JOY, the most pervasive spirit in our world today that continually seeks to attach itself to people is the spirit of fear. This world provides many opportunities for a person to lose their emotional balance. There are many threats to our health, families, finances, friends, children and jobs and the spirit of fear is waiting to take advantage of our fears.

We can learn through many examples in the Bible that GOD does not want HIS people to fear. Instead of fear, we are encouraged to stand in AWE of GOD trusting that HE is going to work everything out for HIS GLORY and our GOOD Romans 8:28. Instead submitting to the spirit of fear because of what we see with our eyes or hear, we are to rise up in the POWER of CHRIST and in the authority of JESUS, displacing fear with the FAITH God has put deep within us. GOD is our refuge and strength; HE has given us POWER to OVERCOME fear that tries to torment us.

Through CHRIST you can OVERCOME fear and walk in the POWER, AUTHORITY and COURAGE that GOD has given to us. GOD has not given you a spirit of fear, but of POWER and LOVE and a SOUND MIND. 2 Timothy 1:7. Fear does not have to have a place in your life today.

If GOD be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

We will survive. We will overcome. Our times are in God's hands. Psalm 31:15

Jesus has the keys. Isaiah 22:22; Revelation 1:17- 18; Revelation 3:7
And HE has given us the keys. Matthew 16:19

NO weapon formed against us shall prosper. Isaiah 54-17

Greater is HE that is within us than he that is in the world. 1 John 4: 4

COURAGE is NOT the absence of FEAR . It is MOVING FORWARD in fear. "COURAGE is being scared to death but SADDLING UP ANYWAY." John Wayne FEAR is FAITH In Reverse.

DON'T catch the Fear Flu. Speak the LORD'S PROTECTION over your body.
Mark 11:12 - 26

Get VACCINATED with FAITH. Please read Psalms 91

By JESUS stripes we are HEALED. Isaiah 53: V; 1 Peter 2:24

JESUS said I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU or FORSAKE YOU. Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5

We will have tests, trials and tribulation while here on this Earth but JESUS promises that HE will be with us through them ALL. Isaiah 43: 1-3

Do not allow fear to cause you to go into denial. Everyone has problems. Face the problem but FOCUS on FAITH. Do NOT doubt GOD and HIS WORD .

Fear can cause us to procrastinate and become nondecisive. Joel 3: 14.
The Bible offers many principles to Aid the process of making decisions that honor God.

1) Aways begin with prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5 :16-18
2) Define the issue. Wise decisions are informed decisions.
3) Seek biblical wisdom. Some decisions become easy if there is one Clear Choice lining up with GOD'S WORD. Psalms 119:105; Proverbs 2:1-7
4) Seek Godly counsel. Proverbs 15:22
5) TRUST GOD with your decision. If you have made your decision with prayer, sound wisdom, biblical counsel, TRUST GOD for the outcome.
6) Be willing to admit mistakes and adjust accordingly. In most cases there is NO wisdom in continuing down a wrong path after you have discovered it is wrong. Be willing to admit mistakes or failures and ask God for forgiveness and the grace to change.
7) Give ALL PRAISE to GOD for your success. When decisions result in personal success, the Temptation is to believe it is due to your own power, Talent OR genius. However, it is GOD who BLESSED our efforts and gives strength. John 3:27

There are times when remaining indecisive is wise. We may lack all the information needed. However, for the most part, indecision may show a lack of willingness to commit. In that sense, indecision is weakness. John 12:43

GOD HONORS COURAGEOUS PEOPLE. When we pray for wisdom we are to BELIEVE (have FAITH), that GOD WILL ANSWER. 1 John 5:15; James 1:5. When we ask in harmony with GOD'S WILL we must ask in FAITH without doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:6. In other words, faithless prayer is spiritual indecisiveness.

Do NOT allow fear of failure to creep inside of you.

If GOD feeds The Sparrows and ALL of nature, HE can take care of you.
Matthew 6:25-34

If you're DOWN to NOTHING, GOD is UP to SOMETHING. Like King Jehoshaphat, Keep Your Eyes Upon God and WORSHIP HIM.
2 Chronicles 20: 12-22 .... "but our eyes are upon you."

Covid-19 has brought America down – – to a shutdown. We must LOOK UP to the ONE who holds tomorrow. HE'S Got The Whole World in HIS Hands. He's our CREATOR , SAVIOUR, HEALER, PROVIDER and PROTECTOR. TURN your WORRY into WORSHIP!! CHOOSE FAITH over FEAR! FEED your FAITH! STARVE your FEAR!

Scriptures: Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 46:1; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:18;
Psalm 27:1; Proverbs 3:24; Isaiah 35:4; Psalm 23:4

Prayer

Father God, forgive me for all the ways I have given into fear in my life. You have not given me a spirit of fear, but Power, LOVE, and a SOUND MIND. You are my REFUGE and STRENGTH, and YOU are ALWAYS with me when I find myself in trouble. Because YOUR PRESENCE is with me, FATHER GOD, I will NOT fear when I walk through hard times. You COMFORT me in the midst of the Valley of the shadow of death.
JESUS because YOU are in me, I will have NO fear, for PERFECT LOVE cast out ALL fear in my life. Give me a Fearless Heart, YOUR heart, in JESUS PRECIOUS NAME I pray.

Let's KEEP our FAITH UP!! Love, Evelyn

July 29, 2020 Bible study

Burdened or Broken? 

"Does it ever feel like the Heartbreak in your life is trying to break you? I understand. I really, really do. I've been in that place where the pain of heartbreak hits with such sudden and sharp force that it feels like it cuts through skin and bone. It's the kind of pain that leaves us wondering if we'll ever be able to function like a normal person again.

But God has been tenderly reminding me that pain itself is not the enemy. Pain is the indicator that Brokenness exist.

Pain is the reminder that the real Enemy is trying to take us out and bring us down by keeping us stuck in broken places. Pain is the gift that motivates us to fight with brave tenacity and fierce determination, knowing there's healing on the other side.

And in the in-between? In that desperate place where we aren't quite on the other side of it all yet, and our heart still feels quite raw?

Pain is the invitation for GOD to move in and replace our faltering strength with HIS. I'm not writing that to throw out spiritual platitudes that sound good; I write it from the depth of a heart that knows it's the ONLY way.

We must invite God into our pain to help us survive the desperate in-between." Lysa TerKeurst

Women of JOY, we all have issues; we all have things to deal with, and sometimes those burdens feel too heavy to bear. You may feel you are about to break or are already broken. It is easy to let troubling times, guilt, shame, family issues, health issues, etc. overwhelm us, making us feel broken. We are imperfect people in a broken world but that does not mean we are unloved. God sees us in our Brokenness and loves us at all times. Please let me tell you, that we have a kind, gentle, patient God who can heal our Brokenness and loves us despite our flaws when the world wants to point these things out. God loves us and HE is the only one who can truly heal our Brokenness. A bruised Reed HE will not break and a smoldering Wick HE will not snuff out. In faithfulness HE will bring forth Justice. Isaiah 42:3.

GOD promises us forgiveness, comfort and love surpassing any trouble and all pain in this life. We must cast all our cares upon HIM. 1 Peter 5:7 ; Matthew 11:28; Jeremiah 33:3

When we are broken, if we allow God, HE will heal us, reshape us, and mold Us in HIS image. HE will not let any pain go in vain. HE can use it all for HIS NAME .

Isaiah 43:2. Even when times are rough and you are in "Deep Waters", God will be right by your side, leading and guiding you through your worst.

Isaiah 41:10. Do not fear! Even in your Brokenness, God will give you strength and hold you up when you cannot hold yourself up. Remember the Footprints in the Sand poem? When you see only one set of footprints, Jesus is carrying you.

Revelation 21:4. God's promises us a place in heaven where there will be no suffering or Brokenness. HE promises to make us WHOLE. Look to heaven and take heart.

Psalm 147:3 God will literally bind up our Brokenness. HE is the GREAT HEALER and can heal any Brokenness we have in our life. He can sew us back together and provide Eternal healing.

Zephaniah 3:17 We are broken, but God still takes great Delight in US. HE rejoices over us with singing. Think about that. God sings A Love Song about you . God loves us so much despite all the junk we have in our lives. There is nothing we can do or that anyone can do to us, that will separate us from the love of God.

John 16:33. There is so much trouble in this world, our lives are full of trouble, and even more so, our nation. We have this HOPE, however, that GOD has overcome it ALL.

2 Corinthians 12:9. When everything around us seems to fail and we even fail ourselves, GOD'S Grace does not fail. His Grace is enough to support us in all our Brokenness.

Nehemiah 8:10. In the midst of our broken lives, we can have JOY. The LORD brings JOY and STRENGTH to those who are struggling. Try quoting Nehemiah 8:10 over and over out loud. Believe it and receive it!

Romans 8: 28. Even our Brokenness is for GOD'S good. Our test should become our testimony. God can and will take the bad things in life and use them for HIS purpose, if we allow HIM to. This is often outside of our comprehension as humans, but we only have a limited view of GOD'S ultimate plan. GOD is using your Brokenness for HIS good, now and always.

It takes BROKEN SOIL to bring a HARVEST. It takes BROKEN CLOUDS to bring RAIN. It takes BROKEN ATOMS to bring an ATOMIC BOMB. It took a BROKEN ALABASTER BOX of PERFUME to ANNOINT JESUS' FEET. Peter's BROKEN SPIRIT after denying JESUS three times, was healed and restored by JESUS. He later preached the gospel of JESUS and 3,000 souls were saved in one service. John 18:13-27; Acts 2:14-42

We must remember that JESUS is touched by the feelings of our infirmities. We can come to HIS Throne of Grace BOLDLY and receive HIS MERCY and STRENGTH in time of need . Hebrews 4: 14-16. GOD is the GOD of ALL Comfort. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4.
Draw NEAR to GOD and HE WILL draw NEAR to YOU. James 4:8

Prayer

Sweet HEAVENLY FATHER, you know what I am going through. You promised to NEVER leave me nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5), and YOU will be with me until the end of the ages. (Matthew 28:20) I ask that YOU take my pain, my Brokenness and heal me, mold me and use me for your kingdom. I know that no pain will go in vain. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Love, Evelyn

Living in the Presence of GOD & Knowing HIM Intimately

WORSHIP opens doors to all of GOD'S GOODNESS . Psalm 16:11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with JOY in your presence with eternal Pleasures at your right hand. You will show me the path of Life: and in your presence is fullness of joy, at your right hand there are Pleasures forevermore.

1.) David had an absolute love for God and His law.
2.) David took time to be in the presence of God.
3.) David was truly repented of his sin.
4.) David knew who to turn to in every situation.

True lasting Joy will be found in the presence of the LORD. David understood the meaning of staying close to GOD, "You alone are my portion and my cup, you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in Pleasant places, surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the LORD, who counsels me, even at Night My Heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With HIM at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalms 16: 5-8.

We find that David demonstrated his faith and trust in GOD on a daily basis. Faced often with seemingly insurmountable circumstances ( a giant, an angry king, a rebellious son); still he sought GOD. When caught in sin, he quickly repented and turned from it. Psalms 51. David praised GOD in every situation.

Oswald Chambers wrote. "It is not God's promises we need, it is GOD, Himself.
David was a man after God's Own Heart because he was focused on the presence of GOD more than anything else, GOD was his focal point. David spoke these words and lived by them. " I say to the Lord, you are my Lord, apart from you I have no good thing. " Psalms 16: 2

Do you desire to be a man or woman after God's Own Heart? Then GOD must be our very heartbeat. We must hunger and thirst after HIM as if we were in a dry parched land, without water. Psalms 63: 1-2.

As the deer pants for water so my soul longs for you. Psalms 42:1. We must allow GOD to be our focal point and be completely in love with HIS WORD. Psalms 119

I have a plaque on my wall that reads, A Bible that is falling apart often belongs to someone who isn't.

The WORD of the LORD endures forever. 1 Peter 1: 25
As I seek GOD with my whole heart, I will surely find HIM .Jeremiah 29:13

GOD is yearning, waiting and watching to see if we will come into HIS PRESENCE so HE can fill us up, revive us, restore us, renew us. HE cares so much about us that HE has EVERY HAIR numbered on our heads and sees every sparrow that falls to the ground. And we are far more valuable to HIM than the sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall RENEW their STRENGTH.... Isaiah 40:31 Enjoy your time with the LORD. Let HIM STRENGTHEN you and COMFORT you.

We must turn to GOD in every situation. Cast ALL your cares upon HIM for HE cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
We must be repented of our sin. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.

We MUST BELIEVE that GOD LOVES us and that HE is ABLE. But without FAITH it is impossible to please GOD because anyone who comes to HIM must believe that HE exists and that HE rewards those who earnestly seek HIM . Hebrews 11: 6

Desiring to be in GOD'S PRESENCE, living In God's PRESENCE means you make a beeline for your prayer closet, Bible and private time with HIM, because you know GOD awaits. You put magazines aside, craft projects and anything that prevents you from letting GOD satisfy your soul. Just as your stomach growls and gnaws for food, your SPIRIT longs for GOD . Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that precedes from the mouth of GOD. Matthew 4:4. Hunger and thirst represent the desperate longing for more of GOD .

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6.

Be ever filled with the SPIRIT. We need our heart filled up every day. Each day can drain you. When you fill up your car with gas, it does not run forever. You have to stop and fill up again. We have to do the same. We need the PRESENCE and POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT in our every day lives to live victoriously.

Ephesians 4:16 That HE would Grant you, according to the riches of HIS GLORY, to be strengthened with POWER through HIS SPIRIT in the Inner Man; v. 19-21 And to KNOW the love of CHRIST which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to ALL the fullness of GOD. Now to HIM who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond ALL that we ask or think, according to the POWER that works within us, to HIM be the glory in the church and in CHRIST JESUS to ALL generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20 -21

Worship brings us into GOD'S PRESENCE where there is fullness of JOY. It is not just wearing a Christian t-shirt but moving from RELIGION to RELATIONSHIP. It is time to move from trusting in yourself to TRUSTING GOD for EVERYTHING, to be in AWE of HIM, to PRAISE HIM, HONOR HIM, REVERENCE HIM, RESPECT HIM, to be so IMPRESSED with HIM , having an ATTITUDE of GRATITUDE for not only WHAT HE has done for you but for WHO HE is. HE is The GREAT I AM, COUNSELOR, SAVIOUR, HEALER, PROVIDER, PROTECTOR, our BEST FRIEND and more, that will NEVER LEAVE YOU or FORSAKE you. Let us be captured by JESUS LOVE, let HIM hold us close, be ENTHRALLED with HIS WORD and spend more time, quality time with HIM .

The LORD looks down from heaven on ALL mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who SEEK GOD. Psalms 14:2

Taste and see that the LORD is GOOD; BLESSED is the one who takes REFUGE in HIM. Psalms 34:8

You have said, "SEEK my face. My heart says to you, your face, LORD, do I seek. Psalm 27:8

REPENT therefore and return again, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of REFRESHING may come from the PRESENCE of the of the LORD. Acts 3:19

PRAYER

Dear HEAVENLY FATHER, I desire to KNOW YOU more. I desire to EXPERIENCE YOUR FULLNESS of JOY that is found ONLY in YOUR PRESENCE. I want to be one who is after your very heart. I do hunger and thirst after you, seeking you earnestly. As I sit at your feet, teach me more of who you are and instruct me in the way of your heart. I know that in your PRESENCE is FULLNESS of JOY. I want to bask in your LOVE. MOLD me and MAKE me more like YOU, in JESUS PRECIOUS NAME I pray. Amen.
I Pray GOD'S HOLY PRESENCE envelops you.

Evelyn

My MIND, MOUTH and MOODS

Do you ever THINK ABOUT what you are THINKING ABOUT ? You can talk yourself into a LOUSY mood or you can talk yourself into a GOOD mood, with a thankful heart. Try writing down all your blessings and go around your house praising the Lord for what he has done for you.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer. Psalms 19: 14

We have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2: 16

Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed, Changed, by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

The devil is going to put negative thoughts into your mind but we are not to DWELL on them. You cannot keep negative thoughts from entering into your mind just like you cannot keep a bird from flying over your head. But you can keep the bird from building a nest on your head . So do not allow yourself to build a tangled nest of negative thoughts in your mind.

Our thought life reflects Who We Are. Proverbs 23:7; Mark 7: 20-23

We must choose to think biblically. We are to think on good things. Philippians 4:8

We need to change our thinking when our thoughts do not match God's.
2 Corinthians 10: 4-5; Ephesians 4 22-24; 1 Corinthians 2: 16

No place or thought is hidden from God. Jeremiah 23: 23 - 24; Psalm 139: 2

We should not think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. Romans 12:3; Galatians 6: 3; 1 Corinthians 10:12

Our Lives must reflect sacrificial thinking if we want to be like Jesus. Philippians 2: 5-7

Mature thinking is an intellectual and spiritual goal. 1 Corinthians 13:11;
1 Corinthians 14: 20; Proverbs 22:17

We must remove worldly thinking. Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 3:18 - 21

Loving God must have first priority in our thinking. Matthew 22:37; Deuteronomy 10:12; Joshua 23:11

We must maintain an eternal perspective in our thinking. Colossians 3: 2

Our minds must be focused on spiritual things. We should desire what God desires for us. Romans 8: 5-8

Our THOUGHTS become our WORDS and our WORDS become ACTIONS.

A person's words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook. Proverbs 18: 4

Words satisfy the soul as food satisfies the stomach; the right words on a person's lips bring satisfaction. Proverbs 18:20

Evil words destroy one's friends; wise discernment rescues the Godly. Proverbs 11: 9

Kind words are like honey - - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but hard words stir up anger. Proverbs 15:1

Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:4

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21

If you speak POSITIVE WORDS it will not only Build Others Up but it will Build You Up. That will CHANGE your MOOD. Our words can bring life or death to our marriage, our children and to us. Matthew 21: 18-22 Jesus cursed the fig tree with his words and it died at once. There can be DEATH or a MIRACLE in your MOUTH. v.21-22 And Jesus answered and said to them, " Truly I say to you, if you have FAITH , and DO NOT DOUBT, you SHALL not only do what was done to this fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, be taken up and cast into the sea, it SHALL happen. And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive. Our words put it into action. Our faith brings it in. BELIEVE and RECEIVE. DOUBT do WITHOUT.

"Be CAREFUL with your WORDS, once they are said, they can be ONLY be FORGIVEN but NOT FORGOTTEN. Words are FREE. It's how you use them, that may COST. WORDS can INSPIRE. And WORDS can DESTROY. Choose yours well. Our words have power. They impact others, but they also impact us." Michael Hyatt

What you are THINKING will determine how you FEEL, which become ACTIONS, then HABITS, then your CHARACTER which becomes your DESTINATION.

THINK about what you are THINKING about. Get rid of your STINKIN' THINKIN' because it WILL become YOUR WORDS and YOUR WORDS become YOUR MOOD. Think on GOOD THINGS.

If you were hungry you would go get a sandwich. If you are hungry spiritually for more of God and His blessings, then READ the WORD of GOD. It's your road map. Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life". John 6:35. TASTE and SEE that the LORD is GOOD. Psalm 34:8. And see how your MIND , MOUTH and MOOD change.

PRAYER
​
Dear Lord, Help me understand that, like my body, my mind requires Godly nutritious imput to be healthy. Empower me to resist the mental junk food of negative thoughts that lead to depression, guilt, bitterness, hopelessness, perfectionism and words that I wish I could take back. Give me a desire to feed on Your WORD and focus only on THINGS that are TRUE, HONEST, JUST, PURE, LOVELY, and a GOOD REPORT. Philippians 4:8. Help me spend more time with YOU for in YOUR PRESENCE there is FULLNESS of JOY. Psalm 16:11. Yes, LORD, YOUR JOY is my STRENGTH. Nehemiah 8:10. I will THINK HAPPY THOUGHTS, SPEAK KIND WORDS which will bring me into a HAPPY MOOD. I ask ALL this in the PRECIOUS NAME of JESUS . Amen.

Evelyn

07/08/2020 Bible Study

Surviving the Fiery Trials with Excellence

We are in a battle every day of Our Lives - - against the flesh, sin, sickness or other evils in this world. As followers of Jesus Christ, we should eagerly expect and pray for victory because that is what Jesus promises to us.
The only reason we can pray for victory is because Jesus purchased for us everything we need to experience in life - - forgiveness of sins, healing of the Mind and Body, deliverance from demonic influence, provision for our needs, and more. We never gain Victory because we are good enough, or pray enough, or read the Bible enough. We only have the victory because JESUS has won the battle. HE has defeated satan and The Last Enemy to be defeated, which is death. Knowing that should cause us to be thankful in the midst of our battles and give us hope.

Let Faith and Hope arise within you because JESUS has won the victory on your behalf and HE will be with you until the end, through every fiery trial and storm that you go through. YOU will come through purified as gold.
1 Peter 4:12-19; 1 Peter 1:7; Psalm 66:10-12; Job 23:10

Our tests and trials come not to punish us, destroy us or discourage us but to purge us, strengthen us and to increase our faith. One phone call from the police, the school, doctor or Hospital can throw you into a storm. You could be sailing on smooth Seas and then receive the one phone call or a notice served to you. James 1: 2-3 We are to consider it all joy when we encounter these fiery tests and trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces endurance. Our tests become our testimony.
In EVERY fiery trial, storm or test, You, O LORD, are the VICTORY. 1 Chronicles 29:11; 1 Corinthians 15: 57. YOU speak peace be still. Psalm 46:10

Until you get in a fiery trial or storm you do not know how powerful our God is. Our God is a consuming fire. HIS Fire purifies us. Hebrews 12: 28-29; Jeremiah 9: 7-9; Daniel 12:10; Malachi 3:1-4; Isaiah 48:10. Peter said, Think it not strange when you go through fiery trials. 1 Peter 4:12 - 19. Notice he said through fiery trials. That means you will make it through with our good Lord's help. He is always faithful.

God spoke to Moses in a burning bush. Exodus 3: 1-5. God lead the Israelites through the wilderness with A Cloud by day and Fire by night. Exodus 13: 21. God rained down fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 19: 24-25. Fire fell from heaven and consumed a burnt offering. Leviticus 9:24; 1 Kings 18: 21-39. Elijah went to heaven in a Chariot of Fire. 2 Kings 2: 3-9. On the day of Pentecost 120 cloven tongues of Fire sat upon each head. Acts 2: 1-4. The fire cleanses your mind and purifies your soul.

King Nebuchadnezzar defied the God of Heaven. He commanded ALL to bow down or to be burned. Daniel 3: 1-6 He commanded the fire to be increased seven times hotter. That fire produced for them what it will produce for you today – –VICTORY. Daniel 3: 8 - 30. The fire burned off the ropes that bound them and the fire of the Holy Spirit will burn off what binds you. You will be free. You will have total VICTORY.

YOU will have victory over the attack on your job or business, victory over the attack on your family, VICTORY over the attack of sickness or disease on your body, VICTORY over the attack on your marriage or children.
King Nebuchadnezzar Commanded all to bow down. Our government wants us to bow to political correctness. They are trying to push God out of everything. Jesus said, you are either for me or against me. Matthew 12: 30. When you bow to public opinion you compromise God's word. We are to STAND & Not Bow Down. ... having done ALL to STAND . Ephesians 6: 3

We must be courageous and fear not. God has not given us the spirit of fear. 2 Timothy 1:7. The righteous are to be bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1. Let God arise and let his enemies be scattered. Psalms 68: 1-3
We are not to bow to murdering our babies while in their mother's womb. Jeremiah 1: 5; Psalms 139: 13-16; Exodus 20:13
We are not to bow to men marrying men. Leviticus 20:13; Romans 1: 26-27; 1 Corinthians 6: 9-10; 1 Timothy 1: 8-10; Jude 1: 7
We are not to bow to anti-semitism – it is sin. God said, I will bless those who bless thee and curse those that curse thee. Genesis 12:3.

We must put on the WHOLE armour of GOD and STAND to fight and win our fiery battles. Ephesians 6:10 - 18.

We must not Bend. We will NOT BOW down to sin. We will STAND for RIGHTEOUSNESS. If God be for us who can be against us. Romans 8:31

The four Hebrew slaves had an EXCELLENT SPIRIT. God exalted them because HE knew they would not bow. Daniel continued to pray and he was delivered from the mouth of the Lions. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego Would Not Bow Down and they were delivered from death while in the fire. They loved not their lives unto death. Revelations 12: 11.
It is time to lift up a standard against the enemy. Isaiah 59:19. Weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning. Psalms 30:5. You can sing, "It Is Well with My Soul" while in the fire. Paul and Silas sang Praises at midnight after being beaten and put in jail and they were delivered. Acts 19:23-34. They too had an EXCELLENT SPIRIT.
The Hebrew slaves had an EXCELLENT SPIRIT that distinguished themselves from others. We are in this world but not of this world. John 17: 15-16; 2 Corinthians 6: 17.

When you have an EXCELLENT SPIRIT you will work with diligence and professionalism. With an EXCELLENT SPIRIT you will have EXCELLENT lives, EXCELLENT marriages and EXCELLENT lifestyles that bring HONOR to GOD. Does your appearance, your talk your daily walk honor God?

Daniel 6:1-28. They could NOT find ANYTHING to attack Daniel's character because he had an EXCELLENT SPIRIT. (v.6:3) Daniel distinguished himself because he possessed an excellent spirit. We need to be excellent in our spirit. God will ALWAYS be with us in our fiery trials. He will NEVER leave us or forsake us. Hebrews 13: 5-6. So be strong and courageous. Deuteronomy 31:6
When you have an EXCELLENT SPIRIT, GOD WILL help fight your battles and bring you through the fire to VICTORY!
GOD'S PROMISES

Can anything ever separate us from Christ love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or Calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? ... No, despite all these things, overwhelming Victory Is Ours through Christ, who loved us. ... Romans 8:35, 37-39

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57
For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5: 4-5
Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you." Isaiah 35:4

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise... in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56: 3-4

As for God, His way is blameless; the Word of the Lord is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. Psalm 18:30
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

PRAYER

Sweet JESUS, you defeated death, hell and the grave at Calvary. I thank you that there is nothing that can separate me from your love. Despite horrible earthly circumstances, you promised us overwhelming VICTORY in Christ Jesus. You give me the faith that I need to overcome the fiery test and trials of this world. I trust that greater is the one in me than the one who is in the world! Please give me an EXCELLENT SPIRIT while in the fire. I know you will never leave me and will be with me always. Help me sweet JESUS never to bow to sin but STAND for YOU. Thanks be to God, who always leads me through to VICTORY through my Lord Jesus Christ! Amen.

​Evelyn



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July 1 Bible Study
Are You FREE? Do you have REAL FREEDOM?
JESUS wants to set YOU FREE! So if the SON sets you FREE, you will be FREE indeed. John 8:36. Only JESUS CHRIST can give us that kind of FREEDOM. JESUS said, "For the Son of Man came NOT to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45. JESUS died for us so that we might live FREE---FREE from bondage to sin. "Set you free" implies that something other than yourself (Jesus Christ) has to come and free you, as in; The Prisoner was set free by his captors. "Make you Free" is saying that the knowledge of the TRUTH will allow you to live free. JESUS is TRUTH. "I am the Way, the TRUTH and the Life. No one comes to the Father except by Me." John 14:6. The TRUTH will make you FREE. John 8:32. There is therefore NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in CHRIST JESUS. For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you FREE from the law of sin and of death." Romans 8: 1-2.
Accept God's Freedom as you Ponder these scriptures. John 8: 31-32, 36; Acts 13: 39; Romans 6: 6 - 7, 22 - 23, 8:2, 16, 21, 23; Galatians 2:4, 5:1; 2 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Timothy 1:7; Psalm 118:5, 119:45; Isaiah 61:1
FREEDOM is in CHRIST.
"It was for FREEDOM that CHRIST sets us FREE; therefore keep FIRM and do NOT be subject again to the yoke of BONDAGE. " Galatians 5:1
Enjoying the John 10:10 Abundant Life is Your Birthright in CHRIST.
With Fourth of July being this Saturday, I hope you enjoy the following Inspirational quotes on FREEDOM.
" Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged." Ronald Reagan
" The framers of our Constitution meant we were to have freedom of religion, not freedom from religion." Billy Graham
"The government of the United States is acknowledged by the wise and good of other nations, to be the most free, impartial, and righteous government of the world; but all agree, that for such a government to be sustained many years, the principles of Truth and Righteousness, taught in the Holy Scriptures, must be practiced." Assorted Authors
"He that is kind is free, though he is a slave; he that is evil is a slave, though he be a king." Augustine
"The man who loves his wife above all else on Earth, gains the freedom and power to pursue other Noble, but lesser, loves." David Jeremiah
"Our freedom is tied to our individual Souls, a gift from God, not from government." Mike Huckabee
"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionist, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ! For this reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded Asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here." Assorted authors
"The time is near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves." George Washington
"FREE WILL carried many a soul to Hell, but never a soul to Heaven." Charles Spurgeon
"FREE WILL is not the Liberty to do whatever one likes, but the POWER of doing whatever one sees ought to be done, even in the very face of otherwise overwhelming impulse. There lies Freedom, indeed." George MacDonald
"If we do not abide in prayer, we will abide in temptation. Let this be one aspect of our daily intercession: " God, preserve my soul, and keep my heart and ALL its ways so I will NOT be entangled. When this is TRUE in our lives, a passing Temptation will NOT overcome us. We will remain FREE while others lie in BONDAGE. " John Owen
"How can we hope to RETAIN our FREEDOM through the generations if we fail to TEACH our YOUNG that are Liberty springs from an Abiding Faith in our Creator? " Jonathan Falwell
"Either sin is with you, lying on your shoulders, or it is lying on Christ, the Lamb of God. Now if it is lying on your back, you are lost; but if it is resting on Christ, you are free, and you will be saved. Now choose what you want." Martin Luther
" There is an AMAZING and REFRESHING Journey of FREEDOM for those who know JESUS CHRIST as LORD." Crystal McDowell
"To SERVE God, to LOVE God, to ENJOY God, is the SWEETEST FREEDOM in the world." Thomas Watson
PRAYER for Our NATION
Heavenly Father, I come to you in the MIGHTY NAME of JESUS thanking YOU and praising YOU for our great nation. I pray that you would restore a moral conscience to our nation.
I pray that we would again see the value of teaching our children the virtue of being good citizens - - to not only live for the good of the individual but the good of others as well. Dear Father, I desire to see our nation restored to Godly integrity and Excellence, so that our children and our citizens can be proud of their nation and proud to be called citizens of it.
In recognizing our duty to God and our country, keep us mindful to pray for our nation not only in our churches and our homes but also in the quietness of our daily lives.
Heavenly FATHER, I pray that you would surround our president with wise counsel - - men and women of Integrity who place your agenda and the good of this nation above their own and whose motives are for that which is right. I pray that you would give our leaders discernment, understanding and knowledge so that our nation may know stability internally and abroad.
I give thanks for our president according to your Word and thank you for working in and through his leadership so that we might lead peaceable lives in Godliness and honesty.
And praying for those in Authority, I therefore lift up our Congress (both the House of Representatives and the Senate .) I pray that, by Your power, our legislative body would make laws that are just.
FATHER, I asked you to give them wisdom to make decisions that would strengthen and prosper our nation and bring honor to your NAME . I desire that they would make right decisions concerning the politics, the social welfare and the economics of our nation. I pray that you would cause Congress to be motivated more by your hand than by partisan or personal concerns.
As our Supreme Court makes its decisions, I pray that its decrees would be Your decrees. I desire that, by Your hand, Godly Justice would rise up within our justices and that they would make rulings in line with YOUR WILL.
We give you thanks, dear Father, knowing it is your good pleasure and will to work in every level of government, in JESUS MIGHTY NAME we pray. Amen.
Quoted from " Pray for Our Nation" www.prayforournation.com
Praying you have a BLESSED 4th of July!
Evelyn
PRAYFOROURNATION.COM
www.prayforournation.com


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June 24 Bible Study

Greetings Women of JOY

YOU need a WELL, an ALTER and an ENCOUNTER

In ancient times, the well was located at the center of the community. It represented the sustenance for life. Jesus is our Water of Life. Revelation 22:1

Abraham dug wells and built altars. Everywhere he moved and lived, he dug a well and built an altar and called upon the Lord. Genesis 12: 7-8; 13: 18; 22: 9

An altar speaks of a place of surrender and sacrifice. On one of the altars, Abraham laid his son Isaac, ready and willing to offer him to the Lord. Do you have an altar to call upon the Lord? Abraham's complete surrender to God led him to Great blessings from God. God provided a ram for him.

An altar speaks of cleansing, that everything is clean between you and God. A place of repentance. Psalms 51

Isaac was the second generation. Genesis 21:1-3. He received the inheritance. Sometimes with inheritance the person does not really appreciate the hard work, the calluses, the doing without to get where they are. Isaac came to a time he needed to have his own personal relationship with God. He built an altar and called upon the Lord. Genesis 26:25.

We must have a personal relationship with God to enter Heaven. The Lamb's Book of Life has no family names in it, only individual names. Revelation 13:8; Revelation 20:12. Even if you had Godly Parents and grandparents that does not mean you will make it to heaven. You must be born again. John 3:1-21. You can go to church every time the doors are open but that does not make you are a Christian any more than you standing in a garage makes you a car. (A Joyce Meyer quote.)

Jacob was the third generation. A Deceiver. He wanted the shortcut blessing. His brother Esau came in from hunting famished. Jacob persuaded his brother to sell his Birthright to him for a bowl of soup. Genesis 25: 19 - 34. The blessing Jacob received from his father was by deception. Genesis 27:1-46. Isaac went by what he felt instead of what he heard. Our emotions will lead us astray sometimes. Jacob's skin-covered arm deceived his father Isaac.

Later Jacob needed his own personal relationship with God, his own encounter with God. He built an alter and called upon God. Genesis 33: 20; Genesis 35: 1-7. He was crippled by an Angel. Genesis 32: 22-31. He now is broken.

Job lost everything except his wife. He was broken. Job 1:13-22

Joseph was in prison approximately 14 years. He was Broken. Genesis 39: 19-21

Jonah was in the belly of a great fish. Broken. Matthew 12: 38-41, 16: 4; Jonah 1:17.

Saul was knocked off his high horse and blinded for 3 Days. Broken. Acts 9:1-19

These were all broken, yet restored. After the breaking comes your greatest blessings, IF you are ready and willing...Willing for Jesus to mold you into His image, to make you a Vessel of Honor for Him, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:20-21

Victory in Jacob's life came by a touch. What kind of touch? A victory touch? A good feeling touch? No, a breaking touch. Genesis 32: 25. After Jacobs touch he never walked the same again. He had a different walk. When you have an encounter with Jesus, you will walk differently, think differently, talk differently, live differently. You will never be the same again. After your encounter with Jesus, you will receive your blessings. You may even have a new name. God changed Jacob's name to Israel because he had striven with God and with man and prevailed. Genesis 32:28. YOU can overcome anything with JESUS. John 16:33; Philippians 4:13

Many times the blessing is hidden in the breaking. It is in the breaking of life that produces blessings. The blessings flowed with abundance when Jesus broke the Five Loaves and two fish. John 6: 1-14; Matthew 14: 13-21.

Have you thanked the Lord for breaking you? Every time you have been rejected, alienated, disappointed, been cursed, told no, experienced broken homes, broken families, broken dreams and hopes, Jesus is there to restore you, renew you and make you whole. Isaiah 41: 10-13; Psalms 147:3; Psalms 62: 5-8; Matthew 11 28-30. The very thing you are cursing, God will use it to bless you, if you surrender ALL, ALL your Brokenness to Him. "ALL things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8: 28. What satan intends for evil, God can and will turn it around for your good, if you allow Him to. Genesis 50:20.

Notice the blessing passes through your hands not from your hands. Blessings come from God, not you. The Lord can prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies. Psalms 23: 5-6. Are you ready for God's BLESSINGS?

YOU need a WELL. YOU need an ALTER. YOU need an ENCOUNTER.

Jesus is the Living Water where you will never thirst again. John 4: 13-14; Revelation 7:17.

Do you have a thirst for Jesus?

PRAYER

Sweet JESUS, I want to drink from your living waters where I will never thirst again. "Fill my cup, Lord. I lift it up Lord. Come and quench this thirsting of my soul. Bread from Heaven, feed me till I want no more. Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole. "
I'm praying your Cup will be filled with God's BLESSINGS upon YOU, in JESUS MIGHTY NAME.

Evelyn

Bible Study 6/17/20

Hello Women of JOY.

Trust in the Lord.
JESUS CAN!

Proverbs 3: 5-6; Mark 5: 21 - 43

Are you facing a crisis that has driven you to your knees? Maybe you need physical healing. Perhaps you're in financial turmoil. Your marriage may be on the brink. Has your trial continued for so long that your spirit has sunk into despair?

Many Christians face situations beyond their control and now things seem hopeless. They have exhausted all their resources and emotions trying to remedy their crisis to no avail. They have pressed forward believing God will meet their need, but their situation has gone from bad to worse. The more they pray, the further away God seems. Now they no longer think God cares.

If this describes you, please do not give up. Jesus is near to you. Psalms 34:18. He desires not only to meet your need but to give you a break through of faith. No matter how desperate your circumstance, He wants to FILL your spirit with TRUTH. JESUS CAN STILL DO IT.

In Mark's gospel, there's four types of FIRES that can confront our FAITH. These FIRES will try to turn our FAITH into FEAR. The 1st is when Sudden Calamity Falls on us. The 2nd is when our Trial has Lasted a Long Time with no end in sight. The 3rd is when our Circumstances grow Continually Worse. And the 4th is when we Stop Believing All Together.

1.) JESUS CAN DO THIS
Jairus was a devoted God Fearing man in an immediate crisis. "A leader of the synagogue, whose name was Jairus, arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at His feet, pleading fervently with Him. ' My little daughter is dying', he said. ' Please come and lay your hands on her; Heal her so she CAN live'". Mark 5: 22-23.

We can only imagine Jairus' desperation. His young daughter was sick to the point of death. When he learned that Jesus the Healer was nearby, he decided, I will put my faith in Him. He ran to the Messiah, fell on his face and begged for a miracle: Lord, unless you do this, I have no hope. Doctors cannot help me. You have to make my Miracle happen. Note the exact phrase Jairus used in 5:23..."so she CAN live." The word CAN shows Jairus faith in Christ's ability. He believed the Lord for the impossible, declaring, "Jesus, you CAN." He knew that if Christ would just touch his daughter, she would be healed.

2.) JESUS WILL DO THIS.
What happens next reveals another level of faith. "Jesus went with Jairus, and all the people followed. A woman in the crowd had suffered for 12 years with constant bleeding. She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. Mark 5: 24-26. Consider This Woman's desperate situation. Overtime her bleeding condition had gone from bad to worse. Yet when she heard that Jesus was passing by, " She thought to herself, if I can just touch His robe, I will be healed." Mark 5: 28.

Hidden in her heart was a mustard seed of faith – – the kind that grows into a large, fruitful tree. This Woman's Faith was so strong she did not need Jesus to come to her; all she needed was to reach out and touch Him. Note the last phrase in her thinking; ... "I WILL be healed." Mark 5: 28 She did not just think, "Jesus can do this, if He Wills. She was convinced, "This is going to happen because He is God." It was rock solid, concrete Faith – – the kind that believes God for miracles based on His goodness.

This woman's condition mirrors that of many Christians today. For some struggling couples, it is not enough to believe, "This marriage can still work." They need a faith that says, despite everything, God WILL make this work. The same is true for many in Health crisis. It's not enough for them to say, "God can deliver me, but, God WILL deliver me."

Imagine what This Woman's condition had done to her life. Over 12 years she had gone from week too frail to feeble. Maybe that describes your life. Problems have multiplied, bills have piled up and your worries are increasing. You have seen other people's prayers answered, but yours seem to fall on deaf ears. Now your heart's cry is, "How long, Lord? Why should I continue hoping you will hear me?"

I love the bleeding woman's faith. She had no reason to believe for anything because nothing had worked for her. Yet she reached out to Jesus with believing Faith: "I will either die of this, or my healing will come today." Her faith was not simply "JESUS CAN but JESUS WILL."

As she touched Jesus' garment, "Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition. Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so He turned around in the crowd and asked, ' Who touched my robe? '" Mark 5: 29-30.

Notice that Jesus did not initiate this healing. The woman's Faith did. Jesus himself said, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over." Mark 5:34. Her faith was based on God's goodness. She declared, " Lord, even if you have forgotten my need, I have not forgotten your faithfulness. Her story is meant to tell us we can have the same kind of Faith - - the kind that says, "Lord, you WILL."

3.) The Third Kind of Faith addressed In this passage is the most difficult kind to have.

"While He was still speaking to her, Messengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, " Your daughter is dead. Mark 5:35.

This news must have struck Jairus heart Like a Knife. He had just heard Jesus tell the bleeding woman that her suffering was over. Now Jairus was being told that his suffering had only begun. Imagine this Godly man's thinking, " My faith was not strong enough, like that woman's was. It is my lack of faith that allowed my daughter to die."

There is an important message contained in this passage for everyone whose situation has fallen apart completely. There may have been interruptions in your life, like the woman with the bleeding that came to Jesus. She delayed Jesus . These interruptions may make you believe, "God has not heard your prayer or that He does not care as much for you." These are lies from satan trying to discourage you. Maybe your healing did not happen or your marriage has ended. Maybe that lost one never came to Jesus. We simply do not understand why God allows some tragedies to happen. We might react by questioning or even blaming God. I can picture Jairus thinking, "If Jesus had not stopped to talk to that woman, we might have gotten to my house on time. How many times have you wondered in the mist of your trial, "If only...?"

At such times, some Christians are tempted to give up believing God will answer any of their prayers. Think of Jairus: Why should he have had Faith at that point? Someone had just said to him: "Your daughter is dead." There's no use troubling the teacher now. Mark 5: 35.

The kind of faith Jesus calls for in this situation is the most difficult kind to have. Every circumstance tells us it is too late for God to intervene. Therefore, we might as well stop praying.

Yet Jesus is looking for a very particular kind of faith in this circumstance. It's a rock-solid faith that is unshakable, unmovable. It's a faith that says, " Yes, my situation is past all hope. But JESUS CAN STILL DO THIS ." This is the kind of faith that was required of Abraham. Genesis 22:10. His son Isaac was already considered dead when Abraham raised a knife to slay him in obedience to the Lord. Yet just when the promises of God seemed not to be true, the ALMIGHTY intervened. Genesis 22: 11-13

That is exactly the way JESUS intervened for Jairus. He told him, "Do not be afraid. Just have faith." Mark 5: 36. I don't believe Jesus was requiring faith of Jairus here, as much as He was speaking faith into him. Just as the Lord said at the Creation, "Let there be light," so He said to Jairus here, "Let there be faith."

If Jesus were to speak audibly to you today, I believe He would say the same about your situation: " Just have faith." He is breathing His Living Word into your heart, creating Faith in you. He knows you are beyond your wits, beyond all your own strengths and abilities. And now he is prophesying over you, saying, "Just have faith for your marriage, for your children, for your physical Affliction, for your finances, for your work in Ministry – – for every area of life that has gotten worse, not better, and that even now lies on its deathbed."

We know the rest of Jairus ' story. Jesus told the entire household, Jesus told the entire household, "Why all this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead; she's only asleep." Mark 5:39. Your situation may look like it's beyond hope too – – but it isn't to Jesus. He raised Jairus' daughter from the dead, and He is ready to step into your situation with the same resurrection power.

4.) The last kind of faith that Jesus addresses is when we abandon Faith all together.

In the very next chapter, Mark 6, Jesus goes to a certain town where He encounters outright unbelief. " Because of their unbelief, He could not do any Miracles among them except to place His hands on a few sick people and heal them. " Mark 6: 5.

How can a sovereign God have his hands tied by human beings' unbelief? The truth is Jesus was sending a message to that town, saying in essence, "Sorry, guys. Others have such faith that they will cut a hole in their roof to lower a sick man so I can heal him. Mark II:1-12 You do not even believe I can heal." The passage ends with this incredible statement: "He was amazed at their unbelief." Mark 6:6. Let this be a caution. We MUST believe to receive. Doubt DO without. James 1:6-8 "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. But let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double – minded man, unstable in all his ways. "

Of course, there are times in our lives when God may choose to act in a way contrary to our desires. We pray, we plead, We Believe for the Lord to intervene – – and He simply goes in another Direction. But that does not mean God wants us to abandon faith, never asking, never hoping, living without desires.

Do you believe JESUS CAN ? Do you believe HE WILL? No matter what your trial, no matter how far beyond hope it seems, JESUS is ready to intervene. Ask Him to breathe faith into you.

When you try to look into the future and plan for every possibility, you are ignoring your constant companion, JESUS , who sustains you moment by moment. He is holding you by your right hand saying unto you, Fear not I WILL HELP YOU." Isaiah 41:13. Jesus said, He will be with us even to the end of the ages. Matthew 28: 20

Proverbs 3:5-6 " Trust in the LORD with ALL of your heart. Lean NOT on your own understanding. In ALL of your ways acknowledge Him and He Shall direct your path."

Faith brings Victory in Jesus Christ. Faith is the vehicle to fulfill our hopes and all God's promises. Faith finds a way where there is no way, igniting courage.  The Bible says that "Without faith it is impossible to please God." Hebrews 11:6. This does not mean that we can never have doubts, or that we will never experience fears or hopes unfulfilled, but it does mean that we are to draw close to the Lord in the time of our weakness. We are to ask God to give us faith, and we are to ask Him to strengthen the measure of Faith He has already given to us. We are to do everything in our power to feed what He has placed in our heart.

As you seek God and meditate on HIS WORD, He will sustain you with the needed Faith to do His will and to experience breakthrough in your life.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I put all my confidence and trust and you. You are my strength. You tell me that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God; so help me to meditate on your Word, your promises, day and night and cause my Faith to grow.

Increase my faith, Lord and strengthen the measure of Faith you have already given to me. Let your faith Empower my love, Renew my hope, and Banish my despair. It is my desire to please you Lord in every area of My Life by the expression of my faith. By faith I speak to mountains in my life and say, "Be gone in JESUS NAME. "Nothing is impossible with God!" My Hope and TRUST are in YOU JESUS . Amen.

I pray GOD'S BLESSINGS on you and that your FAITH will remain STRONG.

JESUS CAN!
​
Evelyn