Heart to Heart to Heart

The Heavenly Man

2007-04-09T21:42:00.000-04:00

This week-end we celebrated Resurrection Sunday world wide. I am grateful for Jesus Christ to say, not my will but Your will be done. It was the Father's will for His Son to die for us. When I look at the spelling of JesUS I see us in it.

As I thought about our Lord, I also thought of our Brothers and Sisters who are being beaten, imprison and persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ.

Today, I read about Brother Yun from China. I was encouraged reading his story. I thanked the Lord for the liberty we have to pray, worship and praise Him.

Believers, in your prayer, please pray for our Brothers and Sisters world wide who are being persecuted.

Out of the womb

2007-02-11T21:58:00.000-05:00

This past week was exciting and concerning. My friend gave birth to her first baby. She did not want to know the sex of the child. Before Chloe was born many thought including me it would be a boy. To our surprise it is a beautiful girl.

Before Chloe was born my friend did not have much sleep for two days. I was concerned for her. Praise be to God daddy, mommy and Chloe are doing well.

Wicked

2007-01-15T22:40:00.000-05:00

There is something air borne that has gone around our office. When you get it, it begins with a sore throat and it can also give you an ear infection. You get a dry cough and much more. When you feel as if you are getting well, not so. The second round hits you harder than the first time. It is lasting several weeks in your system. Since I have not heard what it is called I call it Wicked. I do not remember, ever having anything like it. I am looking forward to having it totally out of my system.

Not Finished

2007-01-03T22:09:00.000-05:00

As I am wondering about what to write, I realized there is more things to do. I decided to write about not finished. As I start on one task another task comes to mind.

Besides completing this task I need to get ready for bed. I need about an hour just to prep for bed. As I think about not being finished I am reminded of Jesus who said on the cross it is finished. He completed the task.

Sometimes I wonder will I be finished, to only realize there is still one more task.

You be the Writer

2007-01-02T22:27:00.000-05:00

I hope this picture inspires you to write.

A Word

2007-01-01T19:07:00.000-05:00

In the last few days I had several conversations with my sisters in Christ Jesus. We have received a word from the Lord for this coming year. We each received a different word and I could see the excitement and joy in their eyes as we shared.

Has the Lord spoken a word to you? If so, did you search for the scripture(s) associated with the word you received.

You have come across this posting and may not understand what I am saying. I can direct you on how you can receive a word from God.

First, you must be born again according to Romans 10:9-10 NIV
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

Second, begin to study the word of God in the New Testament, if you do not have a bible visit the following website http://www.crosswalk.com

Third, seek for a church to help you grow spiritually. If there is someone who has been sharing the gospel with you ask them about a church.

When you truly begin to seek the Lord with all of your heart, you will receive a word from Him.

New Year's Eve

2006-12-31T20:58:00.000-05:00

I called my friend in England before mid night her time. I celebrated the New Year with her over the telephone. She had her TV on and I could hear the excitement of those celebrating at mid night.

Soon I will go to church and celebrate mid night at my church. We have a time of praise and worship, a message from the Pastor and about five minutes before mid night we get on our knees. The time on my knees is the most important to me. It gives me much joy to bring in the New Year in commune with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are sober and enjoy a time of fellowship with each other.

Jesus Christ is coming again. Is He the Lord of your life? If He is not, I encourage you to read the New Testament. Seek for yourself what is written in His word. I pray that you accept Him as your Lord and Savior. My prayer for the Born Again Belivers is that you be a witness to the lost and hurting. My brothers and Sister continue to grow in your spiritual walk with Him.

Younger Brother

2006-12-16T22:41:00.000-05:00

I was watching my young cousin Michael following around his sister's boyfriend. I was reminded of my younger brother. He became very close to my boyfriend when I was a teenager. While I was watching Michael I had mixed emotions, I felt joy and sadness. I felt sad because I remembered after 40 years, my brother was hurt when I was no longer with the boyfriend. Those many years ago, his hurt left an impression upon me. As Micheal disappeared from my sight, I wondered, if his sister was no longer with the boyfriend, would he feel hurt, like my brother.

Forgive

2006-12-12T22:59:00.000-05:00

I have decided to forgive and leave behind a wrong against me. How liberating it is to forgive and go on with life in Christ Jesus.

A Time of Need

2006-12-11T22:13:00.000-05:00

There were two couples that went to a church. The first couple have HIV and were in need of food and money. The second couple were removed from their apartment by the Marshall. They stated they had no prior notice before the Marshall appeared. The first couple were referred to another facility that could further assist them. The second couple had to travel to another borough in search of shelter.

As I think of these couples, I can remember when I did not have food to eat. Things were so tough I only had $120.00 per month to pay for rent. During that season in my life, I know it was the Lord, Jesus Christ who saw me through. I pray the above couples will believe in the Lord to see them through.

Seasons

2006-12-10T22:00:00.000-05:00

It was so nice to have a warmer day today. The last two days were cold for us. Officially, we are still in the Fall season but some days we have winter weather. The weather person forecast is we are going to have a mild winter, I hope so. When it is cold outside we must wear layer of clothes. Our skin begins to itch from all the layers and we feel several pounds heavier.

As I was thinking about the seasons I thought about our Creator, Abba Father. He is the one that created the seasons. It is written:
It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter. (Psalms 74:17 NIV)

So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today--to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul--then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil. (Deut. 11:13-14 NIV)

Mom Thought about Her Sons

2006-12-09T23:29:00.000-05:00

Growing up Mom always put her children first. She made sure that we had before she did. When I visited her at the nursing home, I was reminded of that. Mom for the last two years has not been able to clearly verbalize her thoughts.

Today was different, she was very alert and spoke more than usual. I was able to understand her. I was preparing to assist feeding her dinner. I got her some extra drinks and began to feed her. She likes to look at everything on her tray and move the items around. I saw she was putting some things to the side. She told me this is for her sons and she called them by name. I did all I could to hold back the tears of joy. I did not want her to see me crying and think that something was wrong. What she said and did showed me we are still in thoughts.

In God I Trust

2006-12-08T21:29:00.000-05:00

I heard a story about a rich man. The rich man took a couple out to eat. Before they got to the restaurant he saw a penny on the ground and picked it up. The wife got an opportunity during dinner to ask him a question. She asked why did you pick up the penny, since you are rich. He replied because "In God we trust" is imprinted on the coin. From this story I adopted saying In God I trust when I see a coin. Whether I pick up the coin or not, I make my confession.

On my way to work I was thanking my Lord and saying how much I trust Him. I entered the building with continued praise. As I started up the stair case, I see a penny on the step. I pick it up and said, In God I trust. While Going up the stairs I rejoiced, believing, God was saying, I hear you.

Surprise

2006-12-07T23:43:00.000-05:00

I received a gift and flowers today. The roses have a nice scent and they are beautiful. When Angelina approached me, I thought someone had given her flowers. To my surprise the flowers were for me. Angelina said that her mother wanted to bless me. She sees how hard I work with the students. At the end of class She asked if I had opened my gift. I opened it and they are a beautiful pair of slippers.

I said to Angelina, let me tell you how good God is. Recently I throw away a pair of slippers the same style as the new pair. I had the slippers for many years and they kept my feet very warm. I recall thinking while throwing them away, I would like to find another pair like them. The Lord heard my thought and answered my request.

I am Thankful

2006-12-06T23:40:00.000-05:00

I had up to three hours ago a shopping cart, that lasted for over ten years. Several years ago some of the bars on the cart started to get loose and fall out. I would put them back in. More recently they started to break off but I was still able to use the cart. Due to the bars breaking off I decided to put a big black bag in the cart. The black bag helped to keep my things in the cart.

This evening, I used the shopping cart to go to the laundry mat. As I walked toward the gate several bars broke off. I picked them up, throw them out and kept going. When I returned I was half way to my door and another bar broke off. When the bar broke off the black bag was falling out from the back of the cart. I managed to hold the bag in the cart until I got into my apartment.

I was so grateful that every thing was contained in the black bag. I was thanking my Lord, Jesus Christ that the bar did not brake while I was walking in the street.

Is there something you are thankful for?

Today

2006-12-05T22:16:00.000-05:00

Today

Today, I wanted to walk off the job

Today, I felt I had enough

Today, I said I do not know why

Today, I shed tears even though I try to be strong

Today, I was sad

Today, I asked Lord what should I do

I do not know how to handle the situation

Today, I said Lord help and guide me

Today, I need You, please give me wisdom and understanding

Today, I thank you for hearing me

Today, I say, I love You Lord with all my heart

Dancing

2006-12-04T22:22:00.000-05:00

I was watching a commercial and they had a lady who is 100 years old. She is active and I enjoyed seeing her dancing. I was reminded of the articles, I have read stating dancing is good for your health.

Consider dancing even if you believe you have two left feet.

Love One Another

2006-12-03T22:09:00.000-05:00

As I was on my way to church today I was looking at the people. You begin to identify different religions by the way they dress. If you are carrying a Bible you may be considered a Christian. I say may be, because some cults also carry Bibles. I thought to myself if I did not have my Bible what would someone looking at me think. At first glance would they guess, she is a Born Again Believer. Then, I though of Jesus and what He said about our identity.
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35 NIV)

Are we being identified as His disciples by the love we have one for another?

I saw today an excellent message by Dr. Charles Stanley on the Love that Jesus has for us. I highly recommend viewing his message. The title is A God of Love Dec. 3, 2006, the message can be found in InTouchTV. http://ww2.intouch.org/site/c.7nKFISNvEqG/b.1013839/k.BF44/Home.htm

I started my day with thoughts of identity and ended my evening with the love God has for us. Jesus loves us unconditionally and He is commanding us to love each other as He loves us. WOW! that is all I can say for now.

True Love Waits

2006-11-17T23:54:00.000-05:00

Today 35 teenagers made a commitment to be faithful to God and wait until marriage to have intimate sexual relationship. It was so beautiful to see our young ones making that commitment.

It will not be easy for them and I believe through our support and prayer they will make it. If you are lead, please say a prayer for them and their families.

Do you give thanks to God?

2006-11-15T22:52:00.000-05:00

We are in a season of giving thanks to God.

Do you give thanks to God, everyday, only on special Holidays or not at all?

Would you respond to this survey, indicating which category you are in. Please include your reason(s) why.

Sleepy

2006-11-14T22:31:00.000-05:00

I am sleepy so I will say nite, nite.

Forgiveness

2006-11-13T19:20:00.000-05:00

Is there something that is stopping you from going forward in life. Something like sin or do you believe in sin.

Sin not confessed to the Lord, will cause you to fall. Do not feel your sin can not be forgiven? The Lord says in the following verse:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9

You're still not sure, give it a try, just you and Jesus. He will hears you. I have not read in the Bible were He ever turned anyone away, who came with a repented heart. You have eternal life awaiting you.

Mother's Love

2006-11-11T23:55:00.000-05:00

I really enjoy looking at this picture. Did you know the baby panda was so small?

Mother Panda, must be very gentle. Baby Panda is sleeping so securely in mother's arm.

When I look at this picture I think about my Almighty God. I am reminded how secure I am in Him.

Decades

2006-11-10T23:41:00.000-05:00

I was speaking with my friend about my experiences in the different decades of my life.
I said in my teen years I was depressed a lot due to the circumstances in my life.
My twenties, I call them the wasted years.
In my thirties, I was finding myself and making career changes.
In my forties, I had a new attitude and the best thing happen to me. I gave my heart to Jesus Christ and my life has not been the same.
In my fifties, I am more active than ever in my life. I have a totally different career. I am involved in ministry work at church. I am learning Salsa Dance, taking Karate classes to keep me physically fit, and taking a writing workshop.

If you are in your sixties or older, please share you wisdom and insight with me.

Tired

2006-11-09T22:33:00.000-05:00

I am very tired this evening so this writing is very brief. Have a wonderful night.

A Day of Rest

2006-11-06T22:27:00.000-05:00

Have you had a day of rest? I did today. It does not happen to often with a very busy schedule. It was nice just to rest and take a nap.

Tomorrow, I am back on schedule and it will be a while before my next day of rest.

When you have a day of rest savor it. Enjoy your rest.

2006-11-05T19:44:00.001-05:00

I have so much writing to do for my writing workshop. Would you believe that I can not think of what to write here. Well, at least I am writing what I am thinking right now.

Part of my writing workshop is to write something daily in my blog. Some days I do not get to write in my blog. Why, because I am busy with my writing assignment.

I am enjoying doing the work and it is a challenge for me. A challenge that will help to propel me to the next level. Even if I have to read and re-read and re-read my assignment.

Good Night for now. May you have a very peaceful sleep.

Going Through

2006-11-03T22:49:00.000-05:00

When you surround yourself

With Believers in Jesus Christ

When you are going through

They can pray you through

Surround Yourself

2006-11-02T23:55:00.001-05:00

I was doing my writing assignment and a quote came to me. This quote has to do with being a Born Again Believer and the importance of being with other believers. So I wrote: "When you surround yourself with Believers in Jesus Christ and you go through trials and tribulations, they can pray you through." Amen!

Looking Through the Window

2006-11-01T23:24:00.000-05:00

Today while at service I remembered something I use to do.

Before I attended my current church I had lived two houses away from the church. On Wednesdays I would look out my window at a certain time and watch people going to church. Then I would look out the window again to see when they were leaving. I would wonder how was their service. I did this for about nine months.

During that time, I was a new believer in Jesus Christ and I attended a church in Brooklyn. I was not able to attend the week day service in Brooklyn because of travel time. I had a church two door away and I would not visit it.

I have attended my current church for twelve years. I remember when I began to attend the week day service I wondered why did I wait so long.

Are you looking out the window, watching other enter and leave a church building? Take that step and visit the church. Do not do as I did for nine months.

Thank You Lord

2006-10-31T14:23:00.000-05:00

Thank You Lord for all that You do in my life.

Thank You for seeing me through another day.

Thank You for the beautiful day You gave us today.

Thank You for every breath I take.

Thank You for being there when I shed tears.

Thank you for the joyous days.

Matthew 6:33-34 (NKJV)

2006-10-30T23:10:00.000-05:00

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Abba Father, may we seek you with all of our heart. May we trust You and believe Your every word. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

One Polished Hand

2006-10-29T23:57:00.000-05:00

I have a very loving and caring Mother who currently she lives in a Nursing Home.

A year ago Mom was not doing well and I transferred her closer to me. As a matter of fact I was preparing for her home going. I was preparing for her funeral.

It has been a slow healing process. She is not always able to verbalize her thought. I know that she is doing her best to express herself. Sometimes it is understandable and other times not so.

Upon one of my visits I had polished her nails. She like her nails to look nice. I had to go to the Nursing station to make a request and I left her for a few minutes. When I returned, she had taken the nail polish and was polishing her nails. I just smiled and told her that she was doing good.

I let her finish and I cleaned up after her with such joy. Then I gave her my hand and allowed her to polish me nails. It was very messy but I was so thankful for her efforts.

I went home with one hand which had polish on my skin and nails. It did not matter to me what it looked like. My hand represented a testimony and I was willing to share it.

As I looked at my hand it was a reminder, that last year I shed many tears due to her deteriorating condition. This year I am rejoicing for answered prayers.

A Journey through the Red Letters Matthew 4:5-7

2006-10-28T23:00:00.000-04:00

Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,' and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' "

When we are going through temptations it is important that we quote the word of God. Just as Jesus did.

How do we get to quote His word, we must study the word of God. We can hear the word of God via the computer, cassette tapes or Cd's. Reading the Bible and listening to teaching tapes. Bible study groups helps to reinforce the Word of God. Reading devotionals and being involved with the body of believers.

Each day take some time to take in the word of God. When the times comes you will be able to say It is written.

Our Breath

2006-10-27T22:52:00.000-04:00

I was reading the 5th chapter in the book of Daniel. The following verse caught my attention.

Daniel 5:23 (NKJV)

And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.

In the book of Genesis God breathed into man when He created him. In this verse God holds the breath of man in His hand. I often thank the Lord for every breath I take. I never thought of God holding my breath in His hand. Nor that He owns all my ways. That was a mind blowing revelation for me.

Motto

2006-10-26T22:25:00.000-04:00

"I rather have the soreness of exercise, than the pain of inactivity" I can go about two weeks without exercise. If I wait any longer the body starts to have pain and the muscles get tight.

Are you experiencing something in life you can use to create a motto. Think about it.

Question about the Sabbath Day

2006-10-25T22:55:00.000-04:00

Colossians 2:15-17 (NIV)
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

Today in mid-week service Pastor was asked a question about the Sabbath Day. He referred to the above scriptures to answer the question.

As Christians we are not to let anyone judge us in what we eat, drink, religious festival, New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. Those things were a shadow of things to come.

Don't stop praying

2006-10-24T23:47:00.000-04:00

Do not stop Praying

For the salvation of other

For healing

For the children

Your spouse

Your family

Employment

Co-Workers

Relationships

The Body of Christ

Our government

Businesses

Education System and employees

Our neighbors

Always praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy

Prayer

2006-10-23T22:36:00.000-04:00

I pray you have a peaceful night.

Someone Prayed for You

2006-10-18T21:35:00.000-04:00

Do you know, you are being prayed for? You may wonder, why is she saying that, when she does not know me. True, I may not know you but God does. He has His children praying for you.

Growing up, my mother would pray for her children. As an adult l learned my cousin and her friends were also praying for me.

I am very thankful they prayed. Why, you may ask. Prayer made the way for me to receive the word of God. In turn I accepted Jesus Christ into my heart and it is the best decision I have made.

Do you know that Jesus Christ prayed for us over 2000 years ago. Read it in the Bible, John chapter 17 or go to http://crosswalk.com to read the chapter online.

What Jesus prayed over 2000 years ago is still valid today. (WOW)

Jesus prayed for you first and we are following His example.

Are you questioning, what are they praying? I will continue in my next posting.

The Aaronic Blessing

2006-10-16T22:42:00.000-04:00

A special blessing for you and your family. I was giving this blessing and asked to pass it on to others. Numbers 6:24-26

"The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you;

the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace."

Real Estate

2006-10-15T21:27:00.000-04:00

I read a quote in Our Daily Bread devotional which stated "Our heavenly home is our real estate."

I thought how awesome. The Born Again Believers in Jesus Christ has a heavenly home.

You may wonder do I really believe in a heavenly home! Yes, I do and the following scriptures will support my belief.

2 Corinthians 5:1
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.

John 14:2,3
In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Not only do I have a heavenly home but Jesus is coming back for me. Not only me but all those who have accepted Him.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ into your life you can ask Him right now.
Pray - Jesus, I ask you to forgive my sins. Please come into my heart, lead and guide me in Your ways.

If you made that confession from your heart mark this day. It is the first day of your spiritual walk. It is important that you begin to read the New Testament in the Bible. I would like to receive an email of your decision for Christ. If you have question please do not hesitated to ask.

Angels and Heaven

2006-10-14T17:42:00.000-04:00

Some people believe in Angels and Heaven and some don't. I like to resort to the Bible on these matters. I have chosen the book of Revelation chapter 14 and additional Scriptures. In chapter 14 Angels, Heaven and 144,000 are mentioned.
Please Read Revelation 14:1-20 (NIV)

Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless. Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth--to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water." A second angel followed and said, "Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great, which made all the nations drink the maddening wine of her adulteries." A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: "If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name." This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them." I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one "like a son of man" with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Then another angel came out of the temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, "Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." So he who was seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested. Another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. Still another angel, who had charge of the fire, came from the altar and called in a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, "Take your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the earth's vine, because its grapes are ripe." The angel swung his sickle on the earth, gathered its grapes and threw them into the great winepress of God's wrath. They were trampled in the winepress outside the city, and blood flowed out of the press, rising as high as the horses' bridles for a distance of 1,600 stadia.

Angels have many functions through out the Bible.
For example:
they guarded the tree of Life in the Garden of Eden,
Genesis 3:24 (NIV)
After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.

announced the birth of Jesus
Luke 2:8-11
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

warned Joseph to escape to Egypt
Matthew 2:13
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."

Heaven is a real place God lives there.
Matthew 6:9 (NIV)
"This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven.
John 14:2 (NIV)
In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.

The 144,000 are from the tribe of Isreal
Revelation 7:4 (NIV)
Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.

Revelation Chapter 14
..144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. (V1)
They will sing a new song. They are the only ones to learn the song. (V3)
These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. (v4)
No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless. (V5)

I was told by a member of an organization that Cornelius was counted among the 144,000.
According to my reading of the scriptures that is not possible. As you read the scripture Cornelius was a gentile. He does not fit the description above.
Acts 10:28 (NIV)
He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.

It is very important that we read and study the Bible. I encourage you to read it from cover to cover. If you are new to reading the Bible begin in the new Testament.

A Journey through the Red Letters Matthew 4:1-4

2006-10-11T21:34:00.000-04:00

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." But He answered and said, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'" (Matthew 4:1-4 NASB)

When I read what Jesus said to the tempter I thought about Esau. Esau had a twin brother named Jacob. One day Esau came home hungry after hunting. Jacob was cooking a stew and Esau wanted Jacob to feed him.

When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, but Jacob was a peaceful man, living in tents. Now Isaac loved Esau, because he had a taste for game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. When Jacob had cooked stew, Esau came in from the field and he was famished; and Esau said to Jacob, "Please let me have a swallow of that red stuff there, for I am famished." Therefore his name was called Edom. But Jacob said, "First sell me your birthright." Esau said, "Behold, I am about to die; so of what use then is the birthright to me?" And Jacob said, "First swear to me"; so he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob.
Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank, and rose and went on his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. (Genesis 25:27-34 NASB

Esau gave up his rightful place as first born son for food. He did not have self control. The word of God was not important to him.

Jesus shows us He had self control. He did not give in to eating. The word of God was the most important to Him. Jesus did not give up His birthright and He is the firstborn of many brethren. He is the firstborn from the dead.

For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; (Romans 8:29 NASB)

He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, (Colossians 1:18-19 NASB)

I am a born again believer because Jesus made the way for me. One day I will also rise from the dead because He did.

If you can not say that you are a born again believer I have good news for you. Jesus made the way. Ask Him to come into your heart repent of your sins.

This is just the beginning of your Christian walk. I encourage you to begin your Bible study in the New Testament. Pray and ask Jesus to direct you to a Bible Study group or a church.

Please send me an email if you made that decision or if you have questions.

Reflecting on Matthew 3:13-17 (NASB)

2006-10-09T21:14:00.000-04:00

Today, I was reflecting on the scriptures I wrote about yesterday Matthew 3:13-17. I pondered on the words the Spirit of God. I remembered that the Spirit of God was upon others in the Bible.

I am noting a few scriptures and I encourage you to search for others.

The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. (Genesis 1:2 NASB)

"See, I have called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.
"I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, to make artistic designs for work in gold, in silver, and in bronze, (Exodus 31:2-4 NASB)

After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, (Matthew 3:16 NASB)

From the beginning the Spirit of God is in motion. The Spirit of God is associated with wisdom, understanding and knowledge. The Spirit of God descends upon Jesus. Jesus Ministry is set into motion and He is filled with wisdom, understanding and knowledge.

As we study of the words of Jesus, the power of the Spirit of God will unfold.

A Journey Through the Red Letters

2006-10-08T13:30:00.000-04:00

This past summer we had a guest speaker. He shared when he became a Born Again Believer he had never read the Bible. When he opened the Bible He began reading the red letters. The letters in red are Jesus words. Since he was going to be a follower of Jesus Christ he wanted to do what Jesus did.

I thought Wow, that is a good place to begin your spiritual walk.

As I thought about the above testimony, I decided to write about the words of Jesus. Of course I will not do it all in one posting, it shall be an on going process.

My prayer is that you and I will grow in our spiritual walk as we take this journey together.

Scripture Matthew 3:13-17 New American Standard Bible
Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

The Gospel According to Matthew is the first book in the New Testament. In the first chapter we are given the genealogy of Jesus Christ. The second chapter speaks about His birth. In chapter three Jesus Christ is an Adult and gets water baptized.

John announced that he baptized with water unto repentance, but Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.

We learned from the scriptures Jesus got water baptized and He is going to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Towel Set

2006-09-30T22:29:00.000-04:00

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. (I Corinthians 4:5 NIV)

A friend visited my home and apparently noticed I had mix-matched towels in the bathroom. Rather than come right out and say it, she admired my curtains instead and remarked how nicely a set of green towels would match them.

I thought about her suggestion and decided to buy matching towel sets. Off I went to the store. As I looked through the assortment of towels, I found a nice set of dark towels. As I contemplated buying them, I noticed one had lint on it. I remembered how easily lint shows up on dark towels and decided to buy something lighter.

As I placed the dark towels back on the shelf, I thought about how darkness exposes our sin. When we stay in darkness, we attract others in similar situations. We reinforce our sin.

I picked up a piece of lint from the dark towel and placed it against a lighter-colored towel. I couldn't see the lint on the light background. I started to laugh and rejoice, as I thought about Jesus. He is the Light of the world and forgives us of our sins. We have a choice to stay in the darkness or go to the light.

Heavenly Father, I thank You that You gave us the way out of darkness through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Father, I choose today to come out of the darkness and into Your light. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins. I ask Jesus to come into my heart. Teach me to follow Your ways. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

© 2006 by Gloria Joanne Roldan