The LORD's Best to You in 2020

I pray the LORD's blessings on you in this new year of 2020! Praise Him for all He's done: Philippians 4:19, "My GOD will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus!"

Glory to GOD in the Highest

Luke 2:6-14, "While Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, time came for the Baby to be born. She gave birth to her first son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

"There were shepherds living out in the fields keeping watch over their flocks by 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. This is a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly hosts appeared with the angel, praising GOD and saying, 

        'Glory to GOD in the highest, and on  earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.'  "

Do you know the favor of Almighty GOD for your salvation in Jesus Christ. Humble yourself and believe He forgives you of your sins and He will show His favor upon you in His gift of salvation to you!

Acts 16:31, "Believe in the LORD Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household."

Jesus Heals All Who Touch Him

Matthew 14:34-36, "When they crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country.

"People brought their sick to Him and begged Him to let the sick just touch the edge of His cloak, and all who touched Him were healed."

John 16:33, "I (Jesus) have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart! I (Jesus) have overcome the world!"

As long as we live in this fallen world of sin, we will have troubles. But praise GOD, He knows and we can pray to Him for His will to be done for the plan He has for our life to be accomplished for His glory!

Power Not of This World

Matthew 14:22-33, "Immediately Jesus had the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowd.

"After He dismissed them, He went up on a mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone and the boat was at a considerable distance from land and buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it!

"During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the water!

"When the disciples saw Him walking on the water, they were terrified! 'It's a ghost,' they said, and cried out in fear! But Jesus immediately said to them, 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.' Peter replied, 'Lord, if it's You, tell me to come to you on the water.' Jesus said, 'Come.' Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and began to sink! Crying out, Peter said, 'LORD, save me!'

"Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught Peter. 'You of little faith.' Jesus said, 'why did you doubt?' And when Peter climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, 'Truly You are the Son of GOD.'  "

We start out with good intentions, sometimes our faith falters. This doesn't mean we have failed. When Peter failed, he reached out to Christ, the only One Who could help. When we are apprehended about the troubles around us and doubt, remember Christ's Presence and ability are there to help us if we reach out to Him.

Jesus Feeds Five Thousand From 5 loaves 2 fish

Matthew 14:13-21, "Jesus withdrew by boat to a solitary place. Hearing this, the crowds followed Him on foot from the towns. When Jesus saw the crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.

"As evening approached, the disciples came to Him saying it was getting late and for Him to send the crowds away so they could go eat.

"Jesus replied, 'You give them something to eat.' They answered, 'We only have five loaves of bread and two fish.' Jesus said, 'Bring them here to Me.

"Jesus directed the people to sit in the grass.

"Taking the five loaves and two fish, looking to heaven, Jesus gave thanks and broke the loaves.

"The disciples gave to the people. When they all ate and were satisfied, the disciples picked up twelve baskets full of left overs.

"The number of those who ate (from the five loaves and two fish multiplied by Christ) were five thousand men, besides women and children!"

What blessings have you received from Jesus Christ, beginning with salvation? Have you ever thought that even taking a breath of air is a blessing from Him! Praise our Almighty GOD for His provisions! Persevere! One day we will no longer have the struggles of a fallen world. Our eternity belongs with our Savior GOD where there will be no more sorrow, sickness, tiredness, or death! For, the former things will have passed away. Hallelujah! 

Isaiah 65:17, "Behold, I (GOD) will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things (of this fallen universe) will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind!"

II Peter 3:13, "In keeping with His (GOD's) promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of the righteous."

Revelation 21:1-4, "I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away. (II Peter 3:12, 'The destruction of the heavens by fire and the elements will melt in the heat.') Now the dwelling of GOD is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people and He will be their GOD. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be NO MORE DEATH or mourning, crying or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away!"

Are you a part of GOD's eternity? You can be! Jesus paid your penalty for sin upon the Cross. All you need do is humbly come to Him asking His forgiveness of your sins. When you do, His Holy Spirit will direct your path and you will be His child forever with the joy of heaven's blessings of eternity waiting for you! Praise His Holy Name! Hallelujah to our King!

Jesus Teaches, Herod Plots

Matthew 14:1-5, "Jesus teaching was reported to Herod and he said to his men, 'This is John the Baptist risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.'

"Herod had arrested John and bound him, putting him into prison for John had told him it was not lawful for him to have his brother's wife.

"Herod wanted to kill John the Baptist, but was afraid of the people because they considered John a prophet."

Matthew 14:6-12, Because of Herod's lust, he granted  a request for a woman that pleased him for her dancing before him. Her request was grotesque asking for John the Baptist's head on a platter! (It seems he no longer was concerned with what the people thought!)

Matthew 14:12, "John's disciples came and took John's body and buried it. They then went and told Jesus."

Desires of the flesh destroy not only in this fallen world, but for all eternity! It can be desire for power as well as the lust of the flesh as is seen in these verses. Today's world is sadly involved with the powers and struggles of the flesh from politics to the evil lust of flesh abounding everywhere. It is called SIN! Sin is not only committed in physical involvement, but also in the thoughts and lust of the eyes! But praise our Awesome, Almighty, Creator, Savior, Holy Father GOD, He has made a way out of the lusts of the fallen world! His Name is Jesus Who paid the penalty for all sin while upon the Cross. Do you have His salvation? You can. Simply by faith, humble yourself and ask Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and He will. You may not have committed the sins mentioned in the Scripture above, but GOD's Word has said, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of GOD." (Romans 3:23) Even an unkind thought, deed, or word is sin.

Acts 2:21, "Everyone who calls on the Name of the LORD (Jesus Christ) will be saved!"

Lack of Faith Brings Dishonor

Matthew 13:53-58, " Coming to His hometown, Jesus began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed! 'Where did this man get his wisdom and these miraculous powers!' they asked. 'Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Aren't all his sisters with us?'

"They took offence at Him. But Jesus said to them, 'Only in his hometown and his own house is a prophet without honor.' Jesus did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith."

Where do you place your faith? Do you depend on the things of this fallen world or do you place your faith in the Scripture that teaches us: 

Philippians 4:19, "My GOD will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." Do you realize how rich GOD is!!! Praise His Holy Name He Loves His children of salvation in Christ Jesus! Are you a child of His salvation? If not, realize you are a sinner. Ask GOD's forgiveness and He will save you! What a blessing to know GOD personally!

Our Treasure in Heaven

Matthew 13:47-52, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full the fishermen pulled it up on the shore.

"They collected the good fish in baskets, but threw away the bad fish.

"This is how the end of the age will be. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous, casting the wicked into the fiery flames where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (for all eternity).

" 'Have you understood these things?' Jesus asked them. 'Yes,' they replied. Jesus replied to them, 'Every one who has been instructed about the law has been instructed about the Kingdom of Heaven being like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old."

If you are a born again Christian, Jesus is your treasure now and forever! His free gift to us is everlasting life with Him forevermore in the New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem! For the former things (this fallen universe) will pass away with fervent heat! 

Fervent heat! The Law of Thermodynamics has found that each individual atom has a violently vibrating mesh that the inner particles move on. They have no theory as to why the atom in and of itself doesn't explode! I do. GOD has everything in control. One day He's going to let loose of those atoms powerful explosion!  You know what one atom's explosion does in the atomic bomb. Just think of every atom in the universe being let loose at the same time by Almighty GOD!

II Peter 3:10, "The day of the LORD will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens (universe) will pass away with a great noise and the elements (atoms) will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and its works will be burned up." (along with this fallen universe.)

Praise our Awesome, Almighty, Creator, Savior Holy Father GOD, he has a New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem prepared for all those who belong to His salvation! 

Revelation 21:1-2, "I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and earth (present universe) had passed away. I saw the new Jerusalem coming down our of heaven from GOD..."

Are you in the family of GOD for all eternity? Jesus made it possible for you to be so. He is your sacrifice for you sins. All you need do is repent of your sins to Him and accept Him as your Savior. The joys of heaven await all those who belong to Him! Come join us and the Treasure of heaven is all yours!

Have You Found the Hidden Treasure!

The Greatest treasure is not made by human hands! That being, the free gift of salvation that Christ Jesus offers! The Kingdom of Heaven is more valuable than anything we can ever have!  We must be willing to give up our sinful lives for Christ Jesus' free gift of salvation to us.

Matthew 13:45-46, "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Are you willing to give up the sin of this fallen world for the treasure that awaits you in GOD's eternal heaven?

Are You Seed or Weeds

Matthew 13:36-43, "Jesus' disciples came to Him and said, 'Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.' Jesus answered, 'The One Who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil.

"The  harvest is the end of the age and the harvesters are angels.

"All the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom everything that causes sin and ALL who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace..

"...where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of the Father." 

Born again Christians are the Seed of the kingdom. Those rejecting Christ Jesus as Savior are the Weeds. Of which are you?

Yeast of the Kingdom

Matthew 13:33, "Jesus told them another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.' "

"This positive symbol of growth shows the idea of a minor ingredient effecting the whole. Though the kingdom began small and was nearly invisible, it would grow to have great impact upon this world." (Bible commentary)

Matthew 13:34, "Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; He did not say anything to them without using a parable.  So fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet:

Matthew 13:35, " 'I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.' "

Jesus' ministry revealed many things, mainly that He was the "coming king" the prophets spoke about. His first coming was to be the sacrifice for all mankind's sins. While upon the Cross, He accomplished this great Love GOD Almighty has for mankind. His second coming will be to gather His Children of Salvation from all time. Will you be one He will rapture into His glory for all eternity? You can be. All you need do is realize you are a sinner in a fallen world and ask for His forgiveness of your sins. As it is said, so simple a child can understand it. However, many refuse so great a salvation because they enjoy the sins of this world. Is it worth the blink of an eye of time in sin and an eternity in the Lake of fire paying for your own sin? This world is temporary, the next eternal life will be spent in one of two places, hell or heaven. You have the choice; eternal agony or eternal heavenly bliss with our Awesome, Almighty, Creator, Savior, Holy Father GOD!

Acts 2:21, "Whoever calls on the Name of the LORD shall be saved!"

The Size of the Kingdom

Matthew 13:31-32, "Jesus told them another parable:  'The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in the field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of plants and becomes a tree...

"so big that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches!"

The Kingdom has small beginnings, but will grow and produce great results for all eternity! Are you apart of GOD's eternity? You can be! Jesus paid the penalty for all your sin. All you need do is come to Him in forgiveness and accept His death for your sins, believing and receiving His gift of eternal life! "Even though you die, yet shall you live" in eternity with Him! (John 25:25-26)

Are You of Wheat or Tare?

Matthew 13:24-30, "Jesus shared another parable, 'The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.

"But while he was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.

"When the wheat sprouted the weeds appeared also.  The servants asked, 'Where did the weeds come from?' 'An enemy did this!' He replied. They asked, 'Do you want us to pull them up?' 'No.' He answered, 'Because you may uproot the wheat too. Let them grow until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters to collect the weeds bundling them to be burned and the wheat will be brought to My barn."

Weeds (unbelievers) and Wheat (believers) must live side by side in this world. At GOD's harvest (judgment) the weeds will be judged and cast in the Lake of Fire; the wheat will be received and enter the glory of Almighty GOD.

Of Which Soil Are You?

Matthew 13:1-29, "Jesus sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered, He got into a boat. He told them a parable saying, 'A farmer went out to sow seed. As he did so some fell along the path and birds came and ate it up...

'Some fell on rocky places where there was not much soil...

'It sprang up quickly, but the soil was shallow. When the sun came up it scorched the plants and they withered because they had no root.

'Other seed fell among the thorns which grew up and choked the plants.

'Still other seed fell on good soil where it produced a crop - a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown!

'He who has ears, let him hear.

(Explanation of the sown seed)

Matthew 13:18-23, The parable of the sower means:  When anyone hears the message about the kingdom (salvation) and doesn't understand it, the evil one (Satan) comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart This is the seed sown along the path.

'The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places who hears the Word and at once receives it with joy. But since it has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the Word, he quickly falls away.

DON'T LOSE FAITH

'The one that received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the Word, but worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth chokes it, making it unfruitful.

'The one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the Word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a 100, 60 or 30 times what was sown.' "

Is your life in Christ sowing seed for His eternal Kingdom? Share His Word of salvation and He will do the rest to bring others to His eternal Kingdom! Praise His Holy Name!