Time Is Short

Scripture: (King James Version)
Revelation 12:12
"........Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and the sea...for the devil is come down unto you having great wrath...because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."
Notice these words......"He" (the devil) "knoweth that he hath but a short time."

Jesus is soon coming again!  The Holy Spirit through His body of believers, the church, feels this and with anticipation are saying "Come Lord Jesus."  This is a time of invitation - a time of warning and a time of challenge from the Holy Spirit.
                                                                   Time is short! 
 Time is limited for people to get right with God. Time is limited for unbelievers to repent of their sins.  
                                                         Jesus is soon coming again!

Not only does the Holy Spirit and the church feel the nearness of the coming of the Lord and know the urgency of stepping up operations to win the lost - but, the devil knows that time is short.  If time is short, then the time for everyone following him is short.
The devil knows that Jesus is coming again.  He is on a rampage in these last days.  We see and witness the increased evil and wickedness all around.  The devil is stepping up his evil operations because he knows that time is running out for him and those that are on his side.

St. Matthew 8:28-34 gives us the account of Jesus entering into the country of Gergesenes.  He was met there by two men who were demon possessed.  The demons cried out, "what have we to do with thee Jesus thou Son of God?  Art thou come hither to torment us before our time?"
                                                          Before what time?
* Before the time of Christs reign.
* Before the time of Christs return for His people.
* Before the time when Jesus and His people will rule the earth.
* Before the time when he (Satan) will be bound and later cast into hell.
The devil knows that his time is coming.  He knows that Jesus is coming again!  He knows what the consequences will be .....although he doesn't know the day nor the hour.  He does know that his time is short and therefore he is doing all he can to hinder God's message and destroy precious souls.  He knows his time is near and his opportunities are limited.
The Word of God declares the coming of the Lord.  Jesus promised to come again...the prophets and the angels foretold it...the Holy Spirit affirms it...the resurrection of our Lord from the dead assures it.  Despite the fact that the devil is a deceiver, a cheat, a liar and father of liars - he must confess that Jesus is coming again and that his (the devils) time is short.

The Holy Spirit is stirred over the shortness of time.  He is also stepping up His operations in these last days.  He is pouring out of His Spirit upon all flesh.  The prophet Joel delivered this in Joel 2:28 when he said, "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh;...." Again in Acts 2:16-17, "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:..."

BUT - the shortness of time has also stirred the devil, the enemy.  His evil nature is on fire.  He is pouring out his wrath as never before.  However, it is nothing compared to what it is going to be.  The devil is getting mad.
                                           The devils time is just about over!   

The Book of Revelation 12:12 confirms -   "Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them.  Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea, for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."

                                                                             
                                                                               

The shortness of time should stir the hearts of the Christian, the followers of Christ - but it should also be stirring the unbeliever and those who have not yet given their hearts to God.  Just as the devil is on fire with his wrath and evil nature, the church and God's people should be on fire with passion and the power of the Holy Spirit.  We should be full and overflowing with the love of God.  This love should be causing others to come to an altar of prayer.  The devil does not know how to love.  Anger and wrath are the only emotion he is capable of.  The very nature of the Holy Spirit is love.  He does not wish that anyone die and spend eternity in hell.
  John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Those of you reading these sermon notes today - are you ready should Jesus come today?

                                          Does the shortness of time have you stirred up?
                                               If not, what is it going to take to stir you?

                               Please don't wait too long!  
                     Come to Jesus NOW - before it is too late!

                                                                     

The Prayer Of The Thief On The Cross

Scripture: Luke 23: 32-33 and then 39-43
"And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.  And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
"And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.  But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?  And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.   And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise."

                                                                   
Contained in this portion of scripture is one of the greatest prayers in the Bible.  The prayer of the thief on the cross.  It is found in verse 42.  It says "...Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom."  This prayers reveals something about this dying thief.

#1 - First of all this prayer shows us that he believed in life after death.  This thief believed that Jesus had a kingdom and that he could be a part of that kingdom.
#2 - The prayer of the thief also reveals that he recognized and acknowledged Jesus Christ as Lord.  He said, "Lord, remember me...."  No man can expect to enter the Kingdom of God unless they confess Jesus as Savior and Lord.   The Bible tells us in Acts 16:31, "...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved..."
#3 - Also, this prayer revealed that this man, the thief, believed that Jesus had the power to save him...and he asked Him to do it.  "Lord, remember me."

That's all it took - because he wanted to be saved.  He was sorry for his sin.  He wanted to repent of the things he had done wrong in his life.  He wanted a clean heart.  The theft believed that Jesus could and would cleanse his heart and deliver him from his old life.
It only takes a moment to have Jesus cleanse your heart and help you become a new person.  You must be earnest with God and commit to letting Him be in control of your life, to guide your daily walk with Him.

Now, let's notice Jesus answer to the prayer of the thief.  Jesus said 3 definite things to the thief on the cross.
#1 - First, Jesus gave this man absolute assurance that he would be in paradise.  Verse 43 says, "...Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise."  Jesus answered his prayer.  He forgave the man of his sins and assured him that Heaven would be his new home.  Aren't you thankful that there is such a thing as know that we are ready for Heaven?
#2 - Jesus assured this man that he would be with "Him" in paradise.  Think Of That......This thief, robber, by the GRACE of God would spend eternity with the Redeemer.
                                        Oh, how amazing is the GRACE of God!
How wonderful it is to be saved from our sins, to have a clean heart and to spend eternity with Jesus.

                                                                 

To those of us who have given our hearts to Jesus, He says in St. John 14:1-3, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."  Farther down, in verse 27 -  He continues and says, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."   What an assurance!
                             
#3 - Finally... Jesus assured this man that he would be in paradise or Heaven - TODAY.  That day.
The thief on the cross received immediate salvation.  IMMEDIATE.
Did you know that you can be saved and delivered from your sins, TODAY?  
     You can ask Jesus to come into your heart, RIGHT NOW?  
It can happen this very moment....right there, wherever you may be.
                                       Wherever. 
 Jesus, who died on the cross; who gave His life on the center cross, He is alive.  He lives - and He is only a prayer away. 
                   Won't you call upon Him right now?





For more inspirational words go to: www.wordsarefootprints.blogspot.com

A Certain Journey

                                                                         



Scripture:  (King James Version)
Matthew:7:13-14
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

The Bible constantly uses such words as "way" "path" "road" "walk" "run" "go".
All of these words allure to the fact that in life - we are on a journey.

                                                         Life Is A Journey

                                     

                                    A Certain Journey.

Our destination - Eternity.  There are only 2 places to spend eternity.  Heaven or Hell.  To arrive at either destination, there is only one way.

                                                        jour·ney

 [ júrnee ]   

1. trip somewhere: a trip or expedition from one place to another
2. process of development: a gradual passing from one state to another regarded as more advanced, e.g. from innocence to mature awareness
3. travel somewhere: to travel to a place or over a particular distance

                We are traveling on a journey from where we are to a place where we want to go.
One of most unhappy feelings to experience while traveling is to be uncertain.  Uncertainty about whether or not going we are headed in the right direction - uncertainty of arriving at the destination safely - frustrated and anxious. Many people are uncertain about what they want to be in life, where they want to live, etc.

                                   *No need to be uncertain in the journey of life. 

However, it is imperative that you make sure your journey is certain.
In order to reach your destination successfully - there are some basic decisions you must make.
1 - Decide where you want to go.  To constantly change your mind or put off decisions makes the journey become more dangerous.  You will never accidentally drift to a worthwhile goal.  Heaven should be your ultimate destination and goal - but it won't happen on it's own.  You must decide!   Many people get lost on their journey in the valley of decision.  They wait too long to decide.  Don't let this be you.  One great truth that everyone must face - YOU have to live somewhere forever! 
 2 - Decide today where you won't go.
Once you have made a decision on where you want to go and where you don't want to go -  secure the best map or guide book available.  A wise man studies his charted course that he has decided to follow.  He wants a reliable guidebook (The Bible is reliable!)  In order to reach your destination on your journey to Heaven, The Bible keeps you on the straight and narrow road; the right path; the correct way.   It will keep you from uncertainty and from the frustration of "zig-zagging."

The story goes about an old farmer and his dog.  They had just pulled into town with their horses and wagon.  The dog was exhausted, laid down in the grass and was panting.  The farmer said to those nearby, "It's the road that tires him, it's the zia-zagging.  Me and the team only traveled 10 miles but this poor dog traveled 50.  He had to enter every gate he saw open.  He gave chase to every cat he saw and barked at every dog.  While the horses and I kept to the road, this dog ran all over the countryside."
Don't these farmers words describe a lot of people.?  They borrow needless trouble.  They waste valuable energy and get side tracked on their journey of life.  They become distracted by working hard to make a living, by the pleasures and thrills that bring temporary satisfaction.  The distractions are countless.  Regarding spiritual matters they become easily swayed by doctrines, man's views and denominational differences.
But as a preacher friend of mine used to say,  "I'm making a bee-line for Heaven.  I don't have time for side tracks."
                       "Dear God - help us from zip-zagging on our journey to eternity.
                                Help us to stay with  The Bible - your Word, your roadmap,
                                        so that we can stay on the straight and narrow and see Heaven our home."

Decide where you want to go...Decide where you won't go...Secure the best map for the journey and ...

3 - then - Begin the journey.    Venture forth.    Enjoy!     Invite others to join you.
Planning the trip can be pleasant.  To just talk about and plan about becoming a Christian won't change your heart and make you a born-again believer.  You must decide! 
                                           You must change the uncertainty into certain.
                          Make life's journey a certain one!
 You will never get there if you don't start.  "The road to hell is paved with good intentions."

4 - Turn right and go straight..........these are the final directions to your destination.
5 - Continue on your course - keep traveling -until the end!

                         



 For further reading about Moses and a journey - The book of Numbers  - chapter 10
                                           

                                                                 

Be Like A Tree

Recently I spoke about Palm Tree Christians. 
(Did you know that in the Bible there are 42 different kinds of trees that are used as a symbol of Christian life?)  

Can you imagine living in a community where there weren't any trees?  In storms there would be little protection and there certainly wouldn't be much beauty.  Trees are a blessing!  They provide protection and thankfully they provide beauty.
Can you also imagine what a community would be like if there weren't any Christian men and women or  Christian young people (young saplings)?

                                                                       

Scripture:  (King James Version) 
Psalm 1:1-3
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

How can you be like a tree?

The Roots
The roots of a tree must be firmly planted and deeply rooted.
Once planted and rooted, the roots need nourishment (the Word of God), stability and they must be unseen. (unseen power of the Holy Spirit.)

The Trunk
The trunk of the tree is the avenue or channel through which the sap, water and minerals are carried to the branches.  The Holy Spirit works through channels.  Our lives are to be channels.

The trunk has to grow in diameter to support spreading branches.
We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.  Palm trees for example, grow from the inside-out.  Our hearts have to be devoted to God before we can manifest the Glory of God.

The trunk of the tree is also useful after it is cut down.  Not only is our life supposed to influence others while we are alive but our life is also to be an influence after we are gone.  What kind of testimony will you leave behind?

The Branches
Branches of a tree provide shade - protection and comfort.
These three elements of the branches on a tree speak about our influence and a life that is reaching out to others.
Branches on a tree also give out oxygen.

Oxygen speaks of life.                                                                    
A productive life produces fruit.  Galatians 5: 22-23
*Love  *Longsuffering  *Faith  *Joy  **Gentleness  *Meekness  *Peace  *Goodness  *Temperance



A powerful story goes......

 

                                                                       
"The boy flung himself down under a tree.  A bitter, angry scowl was on his face and dark despair in his heart.  He'd give up!  No use trying!  Never did have a good chance, and now.......  Almost unconsciously he reached for the blossom which had brushed his cheek.  He saw the lovely symmetry of the petals, fashioned in green and gold.  Gradually the scowl gave way to a smile.  He breathed deeply and the fragrance of the flower dispelled his black despair.  He realized the beauty of the spring day and the big tree seemed to give him companionship.  His eyes traveled up the sturdy trunk and then he saw a scar left by a broken limb.
"If you can take it, old storm-broken tree, I guess I can too," he said.  He arose to his feet and stood with hand on the tree and eyes turned up to where leaves and blossoms grew in spite of its loss.  His faith returned, and he whispered, "Like a tree!  Lord, help me to be like a tree."  The boy went on his way like a man who faces life, rejoicing in the strength to bear disappointments and to overcome obstacles."

But God

Scripture:  Acts 13:29-31
"And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him they took him down from the tree and laid him in a sepulchre.  But God raised him from the dead:  And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people."

Introduction -
 God has always looked out for His own and delivered His people who put their trust in Him!

1 - They crucified our Lord.....But God.   (He was raised up)

Because he rose we shall also rise.....Hallelujah!

2 - Daniel was put into the lions den.....But God.
3 - Joseph was sold into slavery.....But God.
4 - Elijah was hungry.....But God.  (sent ravens)
5 - The Jericho walls seemed impregnable to man.....But God.
6 - Goliath made his boast against God's people.....But God.
7 - The children of Israel trapped between the sea and Pharaoh.....But God.
8 - False prophets tried to pray down fire.....But God.
9 - The three Hebrew children were cast into the fiery furnace.....But God.
10-Moses waited 40 years on the backside of the desert.....But God.  (burning bush)
11-Hezekiah was sick unto death.....But God.  (God heard his prayer)
12-Abraham and Sarah were old.....But God.  (God gave a son as He promised)
13-King Herod was going to kill the Christ child.....But God.
14-The disciples were told to stop praising the Lord.....But God.
15-Peter was put in prison.....But God.
16-The winds, the waves and the storm threatened the disciples.....But God.
17-Paul was out in a ship in the storm.....But God.
18-A viper latched onto Paul's hand.....But God.
19-Paul and Silas were in jail.....But God.  (they had a song in the night)
20-A woman was taken in adultery.....But God.
21-Paul persecuted the church and watched while saints were murdered.....But God.
22-Many now preaching are gamblers, thieves, adulteress, liars, drunkard's.....But God.

I was lost and bound for hell.....But God.
I have been sick many times.....But God.
I got hungry for more of God, though had no talent.....But God.

Since then I have learned

it is not by might nor by power BUT by my spirit saith the Lord.

You may be lost.....But God.


You may be sick.....But God.


You may lack power.....But God.


You may be in need.....But God.


Your troubles - your circumstances - your sickness - your sins
may seem big.....But God. 

 God knows how to deliver and set you free.

Spiritual Winds

Scripture:  (King James Version)
Proverbs 30:4
"Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath establish all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?"
God gathereth the winds in His fists.
Psalm 135:7
"He causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries."
God bringeth the wind out of His treasuries.

                                                                 

There is no doubt in my mind as to who is in charge of the weather.

No man can foretell the wind or what direction it will come out of.  The wind is a mysterious force! Jesus said in St. John 3:8, "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."
But, let me tell you - the wind doesn't blow at random.  As our scriptures above indicate, there is One who controls the winds.

The Bible has much to say about the wind.  #1- the stormy, devastating, east winds (Psalm 48:7
 Isaiah 27:8)   #2 - the cold, bitter, north winds (Job 37:9-10)   #3 - the warm, gentle, south winds
(Job 37:17/ Psalm 78:26) and  #4 - the refreshing, restoring, west wind.(Exodus 10:19)

Today I will be talking to you about Spiritual Winds.

We all love those soft, warm, pleasant winds - especially in life; when things are running smooth, everyone compliments you, blesses you.  Those are the times you feel like leaping over a wall, taking a run - because you know you've got the devil on the run.... your "Glory Train" is going down the mountain.  Don't you just love those pleasant winds when everyone is in unity, in one accord and loving one another?

But, wait a minute.  Regardless of which wind blows, it comforts us to know that God holds the winds in His fists and He bringeth them out of His treasuries.  He is in full control of the winds.  They accomplish His purpose and He know what is best for us.  Romans 8:28 says "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Many times when winds are contrary we feel and think that the devil is going to destroy us for sure.  Be reminded of our scriptures previously mentioned and know with confidence that the devil does not control Heaven's Weather Bureau.  Child of God, if you are experiencing a nor'easter situation in your life - Hold On!   Trust the One who holds the winds in His fists.  He will send a south wind before long.  He is just working something out in your life for your good and His glory.  Winds of trial, trouble and tests will surely come to us.  Thank God for His winds of deliverance!

                                                                       
We are told that cold winds make trees more hardy and that during the winter winds the roots of the trees go down deeper to rich soil and water.  Come Spring this makes the trees foliage more beautiful and fruitful.  This is true in our spiritual journey.  When we are deeply rooted we are made stronger, and our lives are more fruitful.
Song of Solomon 4:16 - "Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out.  Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits."

God is in control of the wind.  He is in control of your life.

Carry A Little Honey

Genesis 43:11  (King James Version)
"And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almond:"

                                               

There was a famine in Canaan.  Hunger was gripping the land.  It became necessary to make another trip to Egypt, where there was corn.  If you are familiar with this story you will know that Joseph was in Egypt and had Benjamin to come on the next trip.  Old man Jacob was very hesitant in allowing Benjamin to go.  But, when he saw there was no other way out, he surrendered and spoke the words of our text above.  Jacob in submitting to Benjamin was going went back to his old tricks; trying to win favor by giving gifts as he did with Esau years ago.  Some of the old schemer personality was left in Jacob.


But, here I would like to depart from the context and have you note 4 words in the scripture text...
"Carry a little honey."   Honey speaks of sweetness.  You have all heard the saying, "A little honey goes a long way."  Friends, much damage is done to our personal testimony , the church of God and the message of the Gospel, by our ugly spirit and our sharp words.  How wise it would be if we would carry a little honey!

                                                 


When tension is high in your life and you are going through a valley it is easy to be tempted with impatience.  We often lose our temper, our sense of humor or we are tempted to become bitter, sour and sharp .  We need to carry a little honey!


When others wrong you, persecute you, treat you wrongly and  misunderstand you...  carry a little honey!


When the responsibilities of life are heavy, it's duties weigh you down;  don't be tempted to brush folks aside and not give them your time.  Be a friend.  Carry a little honey!


If you hold an important position at your place of employment, or if you have a lot of authority - don't let the temptation to be haughty and proud take over.  Carry a little honey!


When other people don't quite meet your standards, your desires or your wishes...carry a little honey!  Don't forget that other people fail and have short comings just like you do.

"A little honey goes a long way!"

It is our responsibility as born again believers to introduce the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others .  We are to bring others into the Kingdom of God.  In doing so, we need to encourage one another. Our world already has enough sourness and bitterness. 

 Let's give of the sweetness of God. 

 Let's show and demonstrate love -  having a sweet spirit.  

Let's carry a little honey!