🍕Pizza ❤️

Love is not getting what one deserves, it's receiving what one doesn't deserve. 

I”m amazed by today's meaning of Love. We say we love so many things. We say I love my boat, car, house, life, pizza why we say we can even make it. We have so weakened its meaning. We hear others say “I’m getting married to the love of my life.” Only to find out that life must have ended because now we hear they are getting a divorce; and you heard one of them or both say “I hate instead of I love.” Oh what happened to the love? Maybe it was a  pizza love, they could take it or leave. That my friend is not love at all, at least not the Love of God. I can see how it would be hard to understand love if you don’t know what love is. Love keeps its word. Love wants the best. One of, if not the most favorite verses in the Bible is John 3:16 and it reads like this. “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.”

Don’t read so fast, God so loved that he did something. What was that? “he gave.”

God didn’t do like some of us have done. There was a husband that gave his wife a car. Wow now that’s love. You think? Here is the rest of the story. He brought himself a new car and gave his wife his old car. That was love alright but it was love for himself. Not so with God, He loved not just one but everyone of us “the world.” Now if you are from somewhere like Mars or the Moon it may not mean you; but if you are from this world then you are loved by God. We have in writing, this is not hearsay. But something bad happened and it wasn’t your fault. Remember Adam and Eve? I’m sure you do. They disobeyed God and because they disobeyed it affected the whole world. Find that hard to believe? Well it's true. I’ll show you; what you and I do, good or bad it effectives others not just ourselves. What Adam and Eve did affected the whole human race. God's love made a way for each of us. You say why am I punished for what Adam and Eve did? Good question and here is the answer. 

Genesis 1:27 (KJV) So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Then Adam and Eve were told to multiply. 

Genesis 1:28 (KJV) And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin entered and when Adam and Eve had children they were born sinners because that’s what their mother and Dad were. Because of Adam and Eve this world needed a Savior to redeem the human race. Just as John 3:16 reads “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.” God so loved, therefore He gave. God loved and gave for a purpose and the purpose was for what Adam and Eve did could be made right for you and I. You know what? God didn’t just leave us to hope that we have eternal life. Oh no we will know by two ways.

1 John 5:13 (KJV) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. Oh yes we have that in writing too. Webster says the word “Believe” means “To credit upon the authority or testimony of another; to be persuaded of the truth of something upon the declaration of another, or upon evidence furnished by reasons, arguments, and deductions of the mind, or by other circumstances, than personal knowledge.”

When we believe something happens. What’s that? Guess what? We have that in writing too. 

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. When we believe, things change. Just as they did with Adam and Eve. Instead of running away from God we run toward God. We learn what Love is, why? Oh yeah we have that in writing too. 1 John 4:8 (KJV) He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

When we know God we learn what real love is “God is love.”

🦹‍♀️Improve👩‍🏫

Listen to yourself, do you keep hearing the word can’t in your vocabulary? Then learn to say I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me. 

There are those who never improve themselves, they just learn to adjust. It’s a great excuse isn’t it? I don't think so. Why would a person be satisfied when they could improve themselves? In John chapter 5 we read of a man who had a sickness of some type like 38 years. Wow, that is a long time. We read that this man would go to a place that was known for its healing powers. Like everything else in life there were some requirements. It was first come first serve but it had to be at the right time; timing was everything. Now we read that this man had been sick for 38 years; not sure if he had been laying around waiting for the right time for 38 years. Just that he had been sick that long. One day Jesus came by and asked this man who knew without doubt he was sick. Jesus said “would you like to be made whole?” Wasn’t that what he was there for? Read his answer “I have no man to put me in the water when it’s trouble.” Think about this man for a moment. He is a man who knows he is sick. Believes he knows where to get help. He goes there and waits. He needs help, he is at the place where he can get help, but can’t because there is no one there to help. Then Jesus asked him a question 

John 5:6 (KJV) When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? You think that sick man would have said yes, please. Read what he says; 

John 5:7 (KJV) The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

I don’t have any help. Someone always steps in front of me. You have worked hard for a promotion but someone else bigfoot steps right in front of you; almost, maybe next time. Jesus didn’t say “would you like for me to see what I can do?” No Jesus said “would you like to be made whole.” Jesus didn’t want to hear an answer with excuses. He just asked if he really wanted to be healed. Then Jesus told the man to get up and walk. I love what happened next. John 5:9 (KJV) And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

There are those today just like this sick man. They have tried Church and many have been sitting around waiting for a long time. They got involved, they gave and they have heard how others got help; but them, nothing. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, it's not the church just like it wasn’t the pool of Bethesda. Now the healing was found at the pool of Bethesda. It is not a pool or water that heals the sin sick, it’s the Blood of Christ. Has Jesus ever passed by? Have you ever heard that small still voice saying would you like to be made whole? Are you at Church listening for a small still voice. See that sick man that day had no doubt he was sick. He was on a search for help and when help came he had to obey, get up and walk. He did and from that day forward he was healed. I can’t express it enough that the enemy doesn’t want you to hear that small still voice. Oh no, he is happy where you are, confused. What Jesus does is not done over time, it's done immediately. I know that is hard for many to believe but it’s true and happens every time Jesus says come unto me and that person listens and obeys. I’m living proof. 

🤔Forget? I Don't Think So🥰

In Jesus we have forgiveness through his blood, even the forgiveness of our sins:

Luke 15:2 (KJV) And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.(Sinners)

The first thing I see is in the wording “This man (Jesus Christ) receiveth sinners” 

The second thing is that Jesus Christ is not too good to sit down with Sinners.

Jesus overheard the murmuring of the Pharisees and the scribes and gave them a word picture. Jesus looks at them and bringings it down to their level. Which of you having a 100 sheep and one of them went missing would not go looking for the one that was missing? Or would you just say well I still have 99 that’s not too bad.  No you would leave the 99 and go searching for the one that wandered off. You look and look until you find it. When you find it you place it upon your shoulders rejoicing. When you get back home you call your friends and others you know and you tell them the story and now all are rejoicing over one sheep that wandered off. 

Luke 15:4 (KJV) What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

Luke 15:5 (KJV) And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

Luke 15:6 (KJV) And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

Then Jesus gives the meaning of what He just said. Luke 15:7 (KJV) I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Jesus said in a like manner there is joy in heaven over just one sinner that repents. Then Jesus says that there are 99 who need no repentance. Why? Because they look at themselves as being just. Wow! People are not sorry for their actions, they have no remorse, they have become hard hearted. Have we as a people come to this point that we are unwilling to forgive each other? We hear words like you just don’t know what they said to me and how it made me feel at the time. You have no idea or understanding how those words cut through me, I was so embarrassed. We have all been there and I will agree that those are very uncomfortable moments. Does that justify a lifetime of unforgiveness? I think not. Well how can I ever forget what they did? You may not be able to forget but God didn’t ask you to forget He asked us to forgive. I have heard many say that God has forgotten all our wrongs. Sounds good until you ask yourself what else has God forgotten? Read this verse 

Psalms 103:12 (KJV) As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Removed or forgotten? 

Hebrews 8:12 (KJV) For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

Hebrews 10:17 (KJV) And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

God says that I choose to forgive therefore I refuse to bring it up. Once upon a time I sold a table that my wife ask me not to. Boy was she upset with me and forgiveness was nowhere to be found. Then on top of that I was never paid for the table. Oh boy that was no help I couldn’t say “but look sweetheart we made money.” I had to forgive that man because we went to church together. I saw him every week at least 3 times. Did he forget to pay me for that table? Oh no he just chose not to remember. Our Heavenly Father will never say to us “you haven’t forgotten about that little problem you were having have you?” Oh no He hasn’t forgotten our Lord chooses not to remember when we repented. Think about it, God has not forgotten about anything and when we ask for forgiveness God says you are forgiven and we will never discuss this again. 

Hebrews 8:12 (KJV) For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

Well there you go once again we have that in writing.

Well what about my wife? She forgave me. How do I know? She hasn’t said anything about that table in years. She has chosen no to remember. Well has she forgotten? What do you think? My answer would be NO! Oh no I just remembered about that table myself. See how we don’t forget! Forgiveness is not forgetting, it's a choice not to remember. 

Luke 15:7 (KJV) I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

When you and I get to heaven and we are introduced. God will not say “I would like everyone to meet; you can place your name here. Bob, the man that had that awful problem with….. That my friend will never happen. That is God Mercy. 

❓The Question How Can🙋‍♂️

Many saw the apple fall, but Newton was the one who asked why? 

Accepting without ever asking questions could cause one to accept without ever knowing the why.

Life is good and I'm still excited when I get up each morning. I love the morning. It's a great time to spend with the Lord. No one else in the house gets up when I do, like my dad also said “you are burning daylight son.” That means you are wasting the day. Most of the time I’m waiting for daylight. In my life I haven’t traveled a lot except when I was in the military finding myself in the air flying somewhere I didn’t want to go. There are places I wanted to go like the Grand Canyon which I did. Now I was reading my Bible which got me to think about life and places. It was in John chapter 3 and a man named Nicodemus. He asked Jesus using the phrase “how can” two times. In verse 4 Nicodemus said 

John 3:4 (KJV) Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Great question Nic. What if you and I could start over knowing what we know now, a whole new life. I’m interested in what Jesus told him. John 3:5 (KJV) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

John 3:6 (KJV) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

That which is flesh is flesh so that tells me that this flesh will never have its youth back. Tell me about this Spirit, is this something spookie like I might see on some sci fi program? Oh no it's not spookie but it is the real deal. We will have to go all the way back to the beginning, the book of Genesis. Here is the short form. God tells Adam not to eat the fruit of one tree but everything else it’s ok, eat as much as you want. If you do eat from the tree I told you not to, you will die! Die?  What is die? Well you know the story I’m sure if not go read the first 3 chapters in the book of Genesis. Well Adam and his help meet both took and had a bit under the leadership of the devil disguised as a serpent. When they did something happened the Bible reads 

Genesis 3:7 (KJV) And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

What happened? Genesis 2:17 (KJV) But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Did you notice when they would die? “in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Not 70 years later but that day, dead! But wait they didn’t drop dead that day so what died? Great question. You and I are just like Nicodemus. We were born into this world condemned, because that which we need to have fellowship with our Heavenly Father is dead. 

John 4:24 (KJV) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Just like Nicodemus, we need to have our spirit reborn within us so we can truly worship God. 

🤔Do You Remember👍

Sin always fascinates, but then it assassinates.

A novel written by Charles Monroe Shelton published in 1896 and has sold more than 50 thousand copies. The name of the novel was “In His Steps.” So far I can tell by the confused looks on your faces that; ok, how or what has that got to do with me? Nothing! Until you look at the cover of the novel and then the 1990’s come rushing back into your memory. In big letters on the cover of the book we read IN HIS STEPS then under that title we read these words “what would Jesus do?”  You remember those words? I’m sure you do. They were everywhere we saw them every day. Oh but those words are nowhere to be found in the Bible you say. No they are not but the principle is Proverbs 3:6 (KJV) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

In all thy ways acknowledge, what would Jesus do? and He shall direct your paths. In other words, think before you step, speak and spend your time. David said Psalms 26:2 (KJV) Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

Psalms 139:23 (KJV) Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

I wonder why David was asking God those questions? Remember the one sinner that repented? Then there were 99 that didn’t see the need to do any repenting. Do we even know what displeases our Heavenly Father? Do we have the attitude that I don’t really have sin in my life? Do we  say things like God made me this way therefore I do what He made me to do. Well if that’s the case then I can see why there is no repenting. We have become so comfortable with sin that it has become a normal way of life. Television, music and real life; sin has just been accepted. Four letters words we hear everyday of our life. Watch TV and here they go into the bedroom to commit adultery. Then they let us go in so there is no doubt. Then in real life, divorce is happening and we hear the words I just want to be happy. This being happy we miss because we are looking in all the wrong places. The Queen of Sheba heard about the wisdom of Solomon and came to see for herself. What did she see? That the words she heard were sure and this is what she said. 1 Kings 10:7 (KJV) Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.

 1 Kings 10:8 (KJV) Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom.

Maybe we are looking for happiness in the wrong places. The woman that had been married 5 times and was now living in a wrongful relationship with man number 6. That story is recorded for us in John chapter four. She didn’t see her sin, she just wanted to be happy. She wasn’t happy until Jesus showed up at the well and began to speak with her. When the conversation was over she left her water pots and ran back into the city, a very happy woman. Why is that? Here is what Jesus told her John 4:10 (KJV) Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

She learned that day that human relationships will not make you happy. On that day she found out that the gift of God and a relationship with Jesus Christ will trill your heart to the point you have to run to tell others. Her problem was she was drinking from the wrong fountain. Trust in the Lord asks the question, What Would Jesus Do? 

😠Just say No!😦

A place of Joy! But wait there's more. A place where there are pleasures for evermore. 

There is not a person reading this that has not heard those words “Just say No.” I’m not sure why I had that thought, it is a great saying but saying no isn’t always that easy, is it? My wife who I love with all my heart plus has a hard time saying no to our grandchildren. You know what she gets from not saying no? Well who do you think they want to see coming? It’s not me and it’s not me that they call. Do you see why I write it’s not always that easy just to say no. I understand that is not the meaning behind what that little saying is referring too. So I asked myself, is that saying in the Bible? Well no it’s not but in my study I did find something interesting. What is that? Well there is only one verse in the KJV Bible that those three words are found. Luke 15:7 (KJV) I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

There is joy in heaven over just one sinner that repents. Why is that? Because there are over 99 that think they don’t need to repent, or Just Say No. Who doesn’t want to be joyful? I can’t tell you how many times I have heard someone say to me “Is it wrong just to have a little joy in life?” No I guess not but if my having joy hurts others then what would you say? In this verse above it’s not saying anything about you or I having joy. No it reads about joy in heaven and the joy is over one person that repents. In this verse I read of one person and then I read of 99 people who are not willing to repent. Why is that? Because they think they are “just” for whatever reason. I have met those who think they are just. I have met those who think that they are not that bad. I have met those who compare themselves with others. Did you notice that the joy came from the one who repented? What does that word repent mean? 

To feel pain, sorrow or regret for something done or spoken; to repent that we have injured or wounded the feelings of a friend. A person repents only of what he himself has done or said.

I can’t repent for something I haven’t done; did you notice the joy was over what one person repented of? Another thing I noticed we were not told what they repented from. That tells me that the most important thing is the repenting not what they were repenting from. In all the joying there must have been sadness too. Why? Because  we are told of 99 that didn’t repent. There were 99 that didn’t feel remorse for their actions or their hash words. There were 99 who didn’t care how they made others feel. When was the last time you or I apologized, said I’m sorry for how I made you feel. When was the last time someone else came to you and apologized? I don’t know for sure but I think that the one who repented might have felt this way. 

Psalms 16:11 (KJV) Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Just maybe if we were to think of others, serve others that just maybe we would have compassion  one toward another. I don’t know anything that will bring Joy and Pleasures for evermore outside of Jesus Christ. Knowing Jesus, not knowing about Jesus but really knowing Jesus will bring real joy for ever more. My dad had a tie pin he always had on when he went to Church that read “TRY GOD.” Nice saying but my dad didn’t know Jesus Christ personally. One night in a hospital room in Macdonna Georgia I told him what Jesus Christ had done for just him. On that night my dad did much more than try God; he trusted Jesus Christ as his savior. This earthly clock is ticking and not only am I looking forward to seeing Jesus Christ but also my dad because I have sure missed him. I believe we are headed to a joyful place; don't you want to go?

🤔Who is God?🙆🏻‍♂️

First let me say that the God of the Bible isn’t like any other god. He is not only different but He is entirely different. If we think we can understand Him completely we can’t. Why because if we could, how then could He be God?  

Job said it like  this 

Job 11:7 (KJV) Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?

Psalms 147:5 (KJV) Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. (Without limits; unbounded; boundless; not circumscribed; applied to time, space and qualities.) God can not be contained. 

 Where is God? God is everywhere.

1 Kings 8:27 (KJV) But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

Acts 17:24 (KJV) God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Jeremiah 23:23 (KJV) Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?

Jeremiah 23:24 (KJV) Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

 Where is God? How do I find God? God is! There should be no question for He is everywhere at once. Jeremiah said He is the God on hand not far off. When we need to ask God a question we don’t have to go looking for him because He is right here with us. When I needed to ask my earthly dad something he always listened, but he didn’t always answer the way I wanted him too. God is like that too, God is not a Jeanine in a bottle. You know why my daddy listened to me? The same reason God does I was his son and he loved me. Now my next door neighbor cared but he didn’t love me like my Dad. Why do I say he cared? One afternoon I was playing in our backyard in the big wild cherry tree. Now no one was around. I was all by myself. My footing slipped and I fell but didn’t hit the ground. The reason being there was a rope in that tree, great you might think but not so. Somehow that rope got around me and somewhat around my neck. If help didn’t come soon I was going to be hanging dead in that big cherry tree. Oh but God had my next door neighbor who had seen me and was on his way to help and get me down. On that day my next door neighbor cared enough to come and save my life. Greater yet, the God that is everywhere at all times night and day. Loved me enough to have my next door neighbor willing and ready to come to my rescue. 

Where is God? He is everywhere at all times, nothing gets by Him.

Job 35:10 (KJV) But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;

Job 35:11 (KJV) Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?

How does one find God? We don't. He finds us,why? Because He loves us. Mine and your job is to plow and plant. God sends the harvest

1 John 4:10 (KJV) Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

When I was born my mom and my dad both loved me but I didn’t love them. Why? Because I didn’t know what love was. Because of their love for me I learned to love them. Many can’t say they love God because they don’t know that God loves them. John 3:16 For God ↘️SO LOVED↙️the world that He did something wonderful. He Gave His only Son Jesús Christ. What a gift for everyone living in the world 🎁. A gift is wonderful but only if it is received. If a person never receives a gift it never becomes theirs.  Ephesians 2:8 (KJV) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: