The Blood of Jesus: There is POWER in the BLOOD.

We are frail, we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  Forged in the fires of human passion, choking on the fumes of selfish rage.   And with these our hells and our heavens so few inches apart: We must be awfully small, and not as strong as we think we are...  ~Rich Mullins

These lyrics resonate with me.  They say so much, and so simply.   Oh there are times when I think I am strong, but the TRUTH is I am NOTHING without my SAVIOR.

Pastor Dwight Edwards really put things into perspective for me with his sermon this morning.   He said that we don't need more personal development, we need a 'personal substitute'.  We need Jesus Christ, period.

Pastor Edwards went on to present this scenario:  Suppose when we die God says to us:  Explain to me why I should let you in to heaven. How will you or I answer that question...?

Our mindset should NOT be that we are saved because WE asked and accepted Jesus Christ into our hearts.  We are NOT saved because of anything WE personally did.  WE are saved because HE DIED for us.

We are Justified through Jesus' Blood Alone, not our own works.  Jesus' Blood was substituted for my own death, and yours.   

To be continued....

Dividing the Light from the Darkness: We Are Called Out..!

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"And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness."—Genesis 1:4.

Our Churches should by discipline divide the light from the darkness, and we should by our distinct separation from the world do the same. In judgment, in action, in hearing, in teaching, in association, we must discern between the precious and the vile, and maintain the great distinction which the Lord made upon the world's first day. ~Charles Spurgeon

This description by Spurgeon does NOT describe an abundance of the churches in the world today.    Sadly, the church today, by association with the world,  looks EXACTLY like the world.  Most churches have become  'businesses' of busyness, not holy places. In its efforts to reach the lost and not 'offend' the world, the church has compromised and corrupted itself.

Friends, we were born in the world, but we must not become OF it...! Seek the old paths...


Jeremiah 6:16-21...

 16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see , and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said , We will not walk therein. 17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said , We will not hearken . 18 Therefore hear , ye nations, and know , O congregation, what is among them. 19 Hear , O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it. 20 To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me. 21 Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will lay stumbling blocks before this people, and the fathers and the sons together shall fall upon them; the neighbor and his friend shall perish .

Heavenly Father,

Thank YOU for your Holy, Inspired WORD.    Father God, today I am praying for discernment and wisdom.   Breathe on me, Lord.  Help me to find the ancient paths and walk uprightly in them.  Help me to hearken to the sound of Your trumpet.  Lay not stumbling blocks in my path, oh Lord.  Help me to lead my family and those within my sphere of influence toward You.  

Lord, grant me grace when interacting in the world.  Help me to be salt and light in this dark place during this dark season.   Lord Jesus, I pray blessings on this day.  I pray blessings on my sweet precious family. Thank You for another opportunity to serve You.  I love You.

In Jesus' Name I Pray,

Amen