He Reigns!

Advent [noun] – the arrival of a notable person, thing or event.

I do not own the rights to this photo!

Today, November 27, begins the Advent season. It was established (by Martin Luther) to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of the Messiah, (a second time). Although in ancient times, the book of Isaiah foretold the Jews of Jesus' coming to save them from their sinful ways!

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV)

The Jews, God's chosen people, truly longed for a leader; however, they misrepresented themselves through idol worship, and deceit! Their inability to grasp all God's mercy and goodness, caused them to suffer greatly at the hands of their enemies.

Thank God, Jesus was born to deliver us from our sinful ways and give us hope and a future! Although His life was short here on earth, He reigns in Heaven, which is our divine destination!

Many churches do not practice the Advent season; however, there are some who do. Whether you honor Advent or not, everything that Jesus is, we want to become: Hope, Joy, Love, and Peace! This is what is meant to be Christ like! He walked this Earth to show us how to forgive wholeheartedly, love unconditionally, and receive Salvation! Although Jesus was given gifts at His birth, He is our gift at His death! So Honor Him with Thanksgiving and Praise, from whom ALL Blessings flow!

Haircuts for the homeless: New York City hair stylist swaps salon for the streets

• Mark Bustos is a 30-year-old hairstylist in Manhattan
• Every Sunday, Bustos goes around the city offering haircuts to people who can't afford them
• Bustos began cutting hair for impoverished people on a family visit to the Philippines in May 2012
• Bustos provides free haircuts to as many as six people every Sunday

By James Gordon

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2730212/Swapping-salon-streets-New-York-City-hair-stylist-transforms-looks-homeless-gives-free-haircuts-day-off.html

“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem! How will you recognize him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket, lying in a manger!” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven,” they sang, “and peace on earth for all those pleasing him.” When this great army of angels had returned again to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Come on! Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told

us about.” (Luke 2:10-15 TLB)

Salvation came at a cost; but is freely given to all who believe in Jesus!

The Goodness of Giving!

God as I read the book of Amos, modern day world is like this today. The wealthy never consider giving, helping, serving and feeding those who are struggling and in need! However, there are ALWAYS those faithful believers in You who DO serve you and act on your Word. They demonstrate Your love to those in need by serving them, building shelters and homes, feeding them, digging wells, and ministering to them! Drawing all people unto You, so they too, will inherit the Kingdom of God! Amen!

 

Those who serve the Lord, serve others this Thanksgiving (that is fast approaching) so that we are reaching out to those in need out of our wealth God has blessed us with! As you are always blessed, be a blessing!

 

 

Words Start Wars!

Father, Thank You we are lifting up those close to us with our words; instead of tearing them down! Words are powerful; whereas, they can ignite conflict or compliment and value the good in others!

God, you alone, focus on “good” in ALL of us and know our hearts, so that all darkness will be exposed by Your light! Thank You!

Your endless love will transform anyone; so I pray that all of us who are tempted to lash out at a loved one, a friend, a co-worker, in anger, to look up to you in prayer so the right words are spoken to keep peace, unity and sobriety in the environment. In the midst of storms, if we look to the left or to the right (seeking others for advice) we will be consumed by the waves (The conflict will spiral out of control)! It's so import to be prayerful in ALL situations and let “You” God handle them!

“Behold, I have created the blacksmith Who blows the coals in the fire, Who brings forth an instrument for his work; And I have created the spoiler to destroy. No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment, You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord. (Isaiah 54:16-17 NKJV)

Don't Turn Your Back!

Many of us do not wake up and say, “I like myself”, or take it a step further and say, “I love who I am”! The majority of us do not like who we are, who we have become or how to obtain a positive attitude about ourselves!

I do not own the rights to this photo

If you are one of the many who do not like yourself, it starts with a small act; and can end in destruction to those who allow the negative thoughts to magnify! I see it everyday! So many of our youth are trying drugs and become addicted, alcohol and become addicted, pills and become addicted, cigarettes and become addicted, sex (which transpires into a child out of wedlock or a life threatening sexual disease), eating disorders and become dysfunctional and disillusioned! All of these destroying acts lead to detrimental destruction and many deaths!
 

Please bare with me. If you are feeling blue, don't add to the fire and do things to inflame it more! I am appalled at the youth who have become Mothers and Fathers out of a selfish act. It's irresponsible, because the thought and action is self-gratifying! Being a Mother and Father at a young age again, is not what you probably had in mind; therefore, think about what the outcome will be from having sex; when you are not married. It leads to unwanted things that are permanent in life and the very things you are doing are categorized as sin - as well as self-destruction!

We all go through hurt, rejection, and even pain, but we all don't allow it to consume us; and become someone you are not meant to be. I have asked a few young people while teaching, but not many, do they read the bible; or know anything about Jesus? They do believe there is a God, but that's as far as it goes. If you have a listening ear, you can discern a young life in need of help! You will run into a few who do not want to hear what you are saying about Jesus; however, when you tell them how much God loves them just the way they are; they begin to get quiet – and listen! One young man started crying! That's when I knew he was reaching out for help!

Numerous (not all) established churches are not reaching out to those who are in need of a Savior! Churches are established to help the poor, the needy, the downtrodden; but, again many turn the poor, the needy, and downtrodden away! Churches are not established to please man, but to please God. Whereas, how are we going to help others when most members put themselves in the judgment seat! It's easy to succeed when we view those with money, titles  and education as an image we want to portray to man, but, that's not what we are called to do. Anything worth saving and delivering, takes courage, boldness, and faith in God. Once He sees those who are reaching  out, then He will reach down and bless the church and it's members! Here is what Jesus said:

He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:13-17 ESV)

We as saved people cannot turn our backs any longer and watch our future destroyed. Open up the doors of the churches for prayer, activities, opportunities to volunteer in the community; and in turn, get out from behind the closed church doors and minister to others - in need! I pray our church members turn from being Pharisees (Hypocrites), and begin to be disciples (those who serve)! Your rewards will be in Heaven!

Together, with Jesus, we can change one life at a time, one step at a time!

Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:1-4 ESV)

Perpetual Spring!

Idle hands are the devil’s workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece. An evil man sows strife; gossip separates the best of friends. Wickedness loves company—and leads others into sin. (Proverbs 16:27-29 TLB)

I can honestly say, I have never looked forward to retirement or being out of “something to do”! The past two years of being unemployed, has been an eye opener! To view so many (not all) people who have labored hard physically, mentally, and emotionally and then retire do “nothing”!

There are a few who do some things; but for most, their definition of retiring is to do whatever they want! What transpires is an unhealthy lifestyle; which is doing too much of one thing, and not enough of another - out of balance! 

I'm not speaking for all, but again, many live a routine life, some over eat, some have developed chronic illness, causing them to reside in assisted living facilities, and some have the money and time to travel, but do not! It's an unfulfilled life; without anything being said!  

Retirement should not be boring, unfulfilled or routine. It's like any foreseen change; you  prepare, with Gods' help - you do your part, and let Him do the rest!

If you are a Christian, we (I'm including myself) are to seek out the needy, the downtrodden, the poor, the widowed, and the hungry; everyday, whether retired or not! Opportunities arise hourly, daily, and weekly!

Retired Dentist Shows Students the Magic Behind Helping Others ...

Those who have families, parents, and neighbors have plenty to do! I'm not asking you to force yourselves or get involved in their affairs; however, many of us know who needs help, who needs food, and who needs a ride somewhere! You shouldn't have to be asked, but offer yourselves and your time!

Being in ministry, (which we are all called to do in some form or fashion) should not leave you tired, worn out, or fed up! If you come away with any of these emotions, then you are doing it in your own strength (grudgingly, with a hard heart, and judgmentally)!

When you are led by God to do anything, you are at peace, nothing deters you and you understand others pain and suffering without denying yourself of your needs! There will be people who we are not able to help no matter what - never overlook prayer! 

No one sets out to live a selfish life; however, many of us go down that path! All of us work hard at something; but what many do not realize is that when we replace working for God instead of man, then our thoughts and actions change! Never look forward to a selfish life of focusing totally on ourselves – if that is your idea of “a job well done”, then ask God for living water!

The woman was surprised that a Jew would ask a “despised Samaritan” for anything—usually they wouldn’t even speak to them!—and she remarked about this to Jesus. He replied, “If you only knew what a wonderful gift God has for you, and who I am, you would ask me for some living water!” “But you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this is a very deep well! Where would you get this living water? 12 And besides, are you greater than our ancestor Jacob? How can you offer better water than this which he and his sons and cattle enjoyed?” Jesus replied that people soon became thirsty again after drinking this water.  “But the water I give them,” he said, “becomes a perpetual spring within them, watering them forever with eternal life.” (John 4:9-14 TLB)