Too lazy to fight for your rights?
We live in an age where we can communicate instantly with anyone, anywhere at any time.
We can write or make videos of what we want and post it and have it shared with many people all around the world.
These means have allowed us to spread truths about what governments are doing to the population of the planet as well as bring to light the lies our governments are spreading to us as well.
But with all this technology, which is good, there is a bad side as well. This technology has basically killed the protests of the 1960’s in the western world.
In the ‘60’s people would gather in the thousands or more to stand up for what they believed in, to fight for their rights, to simply be heard and force the government to listen.
Now however, we write blogs, make videos and make online radio and video shows and post our complaints on the internet. These are great things to do, but it has made us lazy. We know that people read and watch us, they share what we post, but it ends there; and the government loves that we merely keep it online, rather than bring it to their door.
The time has come to get out of our homes, to leave our comfort zones and protest. (Peacefully).
It is time to hold our governments accountable. We have to realise and recognize that little by little the roles of government and citizens have been reversed. The Government is to listen and work for us. They are to do as we say. But over time, we have become lazy and allowed the government to take over and control us; we have let them run our lives. That has to change. We the people, we elect them and we are to tell them what we want and they are to do it. Not the other way around, what is happening now is that they pass bills, legislation etc. and are now forcing us to abide by it and do as they tell us too…or else.
The people we elect by vote are hired by us, therefore they can be fired by us…this is the way it is, and somewhere down the line, and through the years we have become lazy and forgotten this. And those who are in power now, they love having it this way. They make a lot of money, living like kings and queens, becoming richer every day on the blood, sweat and tears of those who voted for them…and they are laughing at us, mocking us the whole while they see their riches grow.
Encouragement
Just a quick post about encouragement
Encouragement, we all need it at times, just as we need to give it to others.
In this day and age, encouragement is very rare. Most people are self centred and solely focused on themselves, on their lives and problems. Most people also live only for themselves, no one and nothing else matters. But when problems arise, they are the first to complain and expect help and a compassionate ear.
However, as Christians our encouragement comes from one place and that place is Jesus. That does not mean that we cannot receive encouragement from people and that does not mean that others should not encourage us. We are to help one another and lift each other up when we are down.
The poem by Mary Stevenson titled Footprints in the Sand (http://www.footprints-inthe-sand.com/index.php?page=Poem/Poem.php) tells us beautifully that the Lord is walking with us always, and when we can not walk anymore then He carries us.
This is true. He does this because He cares for us deeply.
The word of God tells us:
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Isaiah 41:10
fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
The Lord is with you always, and He is also there with you, not only to help but to comfort.
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
So remember, He is with you always. We have trials, we grow weary because we are human so we are weak, but in Him we are strong. Surrender to Him, leave your burdens with Him.
Colossians 3:15
One last web site I encourage you to visit is The Father’s Love Letter. http://www.fathersloveletter.com You can read the letter, listen to it or watch it. It is truly amazing!
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
God Bless You
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An amazing creation, right in front of your eyes
We use telescopes to see what is far away, to see in the vastness of space. We hope to discover something new.
We also use microscopes to see the tiniest things on earth, with the hope to see or discover something that has not been seen before.
Yet here we are, in search for something new and amazing, but we fail to see the beauty that is before our very eyes–that which is here and now. We, for whatever reason are unable to see Gods amazing creation right in front of us. Everything that is here on this planet was created for our enjoyment, but we fail to recognize it.
Instead we abuse and destroy this very planet and everything on it; usually out of greed or hatred.
God gave us this planet to look after and to enjoy. Not to abuse and destroy.
Genesis 1: 20-31
20 Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” 21 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
24 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. 25 And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
29 And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. 31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
This planet, and everything on it is amazing, everything from plants to animals; from deserts to lush green forests and the arctic and Antarctic, as well as the lakes, rivers and oceans.
We also have a tremendous amount of people and cultures that we can learn from. But instead we look at the differences in a negative way and bring harm to them. We look at what is beneath the soil and strip it bare due to greed.
It is time that we respect and cherish this planet and those that inhabit it. After all, it is God’s; yes He gave it to us to use, but He did not give it to us to abuse.
Let’s wake up to the damage that we have done and learn how we are supposed to live.
Respect of Gods creations can heal this planet and us.
This will come to pass
Alright folks, here is my thought for this day. Let’s put aside the corrupt governments, churches and people in general. Let’s put aside the economic turmoil and the stupid wars. Let us put aside all the negative stuff that is going on in the world today—and let’s focus on what really matters—humans and their salvation.
We all know about the negative that is in the world today, and we focus on it daily, sometimes we even dream it when we sleep.
What can we, or better yet, should we do about it? We should be focusing on Jesus, for He is the only one that can do anything about…well, anything.
When troubles come and your heart is burdened, then cast your burdens unto Him and He will help.
Deuteronomy 4:30-31
New King James Version (NKJV)
30 When you are in distress, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to the Lord your God and obey His voice 31 (for the Lord your God is a merciful God), He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them.
The Lord is your Sheppard; He will protect you and provide for you.
Psalm 23:1
New King James Version (NKJV)
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
Our focus ought to always be on Jesus, not on the things of this earth. He needs to be number one on our minds. Nothing else matters other than Jesus.
Colossians 3:2
New International Version (NIV)
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
So focus on Jesus and not on the things that are on earth, they do not matter, all this will pass away but the Lord and His words will not. Some day we will be called home and everything that we endured here on earth will be gone.
So let us not worry about them, let us instead praise the Lord for all He has don, is doing and will do.
However, while we are still here on earth, it is still our duty to spread the word of God and to stand up for His word and fight for what is right.
There is much work still to be done. Go out into this world, preach His word.
Mark 16:15
New King James Version (NKJV)
15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
Matthew 28:19
New King James Version (NKJV)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
The End; it is near
Everywhere I look and with the many people I speak, the same theme comes across, and that is that many believe that the end is near—that we are in the end times.
If I simply look at what is going on in the world today, the weather disasters (floods in some areas and drought in others), the increase and severity of earthquakes, the man-made disasters and also the moral decline of humanity as well as the wars and the rumors of wars, then I would have no choice but agree that we indeed are in the end times.
However, that does not mean that it is this week or even this month, maybe it isn’t even this year.
But I do know this, it is in our time, we will see prophecy fulfilled.
Rev 1:1-3 (NIV)
1 The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
1 Peter 4:7 (NIV)
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
He (God) does say that the end is near. But He said it so long ago, what are we to do? Worry? Every day we are to pray, worship and read and learn His word. We needn’t worry as long as we keep close to Him and keep our mind free from the ungodly and worldly things and thoughts.
1 Tim 4:13 (NIV)
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
So devout yourself to being in Gods word and in His will.
The signs will come and we, (all those who believe) will know what is happening when it happens.
People will have their hearts hardened to God and His word, there will be deceivers among us, those who will call themselves prophets but are wolves in sheep’s clothing. They will twist the word of God to take people into their web of lies and deceit.
Luke 21:20 (NIV) “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that it’s desolation is near.”
Isa 34:4 (NIV) All the stars of the heavens will be dissolved and the sky rolled up like a scroll; all the starry host will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like shriveled figs from the fig tree.
Mat 24:32-35 (NIV) “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
Mat 24:10-14 (NIV) “At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase in wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
Matthew 24:3-6 (NIV)
3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
When all these things happen, we will know that the time is short. Everything that will happen will be worse than it has ever been.
Mat 24:21-25 (NIV) “For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now–and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive the elect–if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time.”
During this time the Lord will increase His gifting to us and pour out His spirit onto all those who believe and keep His faith.
Joel 2:28-32 (NIV) “…I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved… “
You know the truth, guard your heart, mind and spirit and keep strong in faith and know God’s word. Do not be deceived by anyone. The word of God is the word of God and it does not change. Also keep watch and know the signs.
Mark 13:23 (NIV) “So be on your guard, I have told you everything ahead of time.”
Mat 24:26-27 (NIV) “So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the desert,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
After all this has happened, then we will see the Lord, our Lord and savior come and take us to Glory. And all those who knew the truth but chose to live in sin and all those who mocked and scoffed at those who stood firm on their faith in Christ will feel the terror and know that we spoke the truth and that Christ Jesus is the true Son of God and our Savior.
Mat 24:29-31 (NIV) “Immediately after the distress of those days, ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather the elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”
Luke 21:25-28 (NIV) “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
We do not and will not know the exact time when all of this is to happen, but we do know that it is near, that there is not much time left. Some people live a life of sin, having worldly fun thinking that they have time. They live in sin, and with people in sin, doing whatever they want believing that they have lots of time left. But they are deceived, they are on a path of destruction without hope if they do not turn from their wicked ways now and repent. If only they knew that the end was near, they would have watched and changed their ways.
Mat 24:36-42 (NIV) “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
Mat 24:43-44 (NIV) “But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
It is our duty as Christians to teach others the word of God, to preach His gospel to the world in hopes that they all will be saved and come to the full knowledge and understanding of the Lord and His word. He wants no one to perish but all to be saved. If we do not do this, then we are as guilty as those who sin.
Mat 24:45-51 (NIV) “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away for a long time,’ and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.”
So be careful, stay in God’s word, keep your faith and pray for continual wisdom. The time will come when the Lord returns, so be ready always, keeping a clear mind and stay away from sin. Do not let anyone drag you down and away from the knowledge and salvation of Jesus. In the meantime, read His word and preach it to the world.
Here are other scriptures to read.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (NIV)
5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.
Luke 21:34-36 (NIV)
34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
New International Version (NIV)
16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Thomas H Czech, 2012
Fear
Fear, it seems as natural as breathing. I’ve heard it said that everyone is afraid of something, sometime in his or her life. But I wonder why that is, why do we have fear? And how do we overcome it?One of my college professors once said that it has to do with survival– that we evolved that way. But I don’t buy that; I don’t believe in the theory of evolution, therefore I do not believe that we evolved that way for the purpose of survival. She stated that it was a fight or flight thing. If we were in danger, the fear would have us engage in fighting or fleeing.
But to me there has to be more to it, after all, we are told that we should not fear.
Deuteronomy 31:6
New International Version (NIV)
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
God is with us and does not want us to be afraid, but He wants us to trust Him, to place our entire life into His hand always.
David tells his son not to fear, and by reading that in 1 Chronicles 28:20 we also know that we are to encourage others that they need not be afraid if they place their trust in God.
1 Chronicles 28:20
New International Version (NIV)
20 David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.
We know that God is with us. He Himself tells us, the words come from Him directly.
Isaiah 41:10
New International Version (NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:13
New International Version (NIV)
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
How comforting are His words? They ought to bring peace to us, if we truly believe in His power and truly trust in Him.
An enemy may destroy our flesh, but if we are indeed saved by Christ, then no enemy can destroy our spirit or soul.
Matthew 10:28
New International Version (NIV)
28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Some may say, “But we are told to be afraid”. Well we should be if we are not saved by Christ, if we have not given ourselves to Him.
But for all who are saved by Christ, those who follow Him fully, there is nothing to be afraid of. For God is with us.
Romas 8:31
New International Version (NIV)
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
When we feel fear creeping in toour hearts, we can recite this Psalm:
Psalm 27:1
(NKJV)
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Where does fear come from then? If fear does not come from God and is not of God then we know that fear must come from the enemy. That is satan. He is the one who wants us to be afraid, to fear everything but him. Because fear is a bondage that prevents us from moving ahead and growing in Christ.
2 Timothy 1:7
New King James Version (NKJV)
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
1 Peter 3:13-14
New International Version (NIV)
13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.
1 John 4:18
New International Version (NIV)
18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
So we know that fear is not of God but is from the enemy. How can we overcome or combat fear? We can do this by trusting in God and using the power and the authority that Jesus has given us.
Luke 10:19
New International Version (NIV)
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
The great thing about reading that scripture is knowing that we can overcome fear and also anything else that is not of God.
God Bless you all!
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
Thomas H Czech, 2012
Patience my friend
We live in a world filled with the attitude of “I want it now” and with an “I deserve it now” attitude and sometimes also with the “How dare you make me wait” attitude.
When did we become so impatient?
Wasn’t life supposed to have become easier and were we not supposed to have more time for ourselves since the 1950’s?
It seems that in the past 60 or so years that we have become busier, and have less time, and have become a lot more impatient with each other.
Our fast Internet is still not fast enough, fast food is taking too long and the cashier at you store is too slow.
What about your spouse or your children? Are you patient with them? When they take too long or when they just aren’t getting it? (Understanding what you expect from them). Do you have patience?
What is patience?
Merriam Webster online explains it this way:
1pa·tient adj \ˈpā-shənt\
1: bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint
2: manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain
3: not hasty or impetuous
4: steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity
This brings it somewhat into perspective, but can it be explained even better?
When we look at what God says about it, we get another way of understanding what patience is.
In 1 Corinthians 13:4–8 it says that:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (NIV)
So we now understand that Love is Patient. So if love is patient, then can we also say that patience is love? Do the two go hand in hand and are they interchangeable with one another? Yes they are. Love is patient, therefore patience is love.
Why is patience such an important part of being a loving and compassionate human and why is this something that God requires of us?
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
God is patient with us, so it is important that we are patient with others. Why would He require different from us? We are made in His image, and so we are to do as He does.
A lack of patience can lead to self-destruction and/or bring harm to those we care about.
In Proverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. (NIV)
As we can see, patience is a cure for problems and strife. To be patient can bring to light solutions and it can also be healthy.
If one continues to be impatient, then that person will have increased stress in his/her life. Stress can cause many health problems. This is another reason why God wants us to be patient always.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (NIV
Being patient in affliction does not mean to accept the affliction, but to be patient during that time and praying for Gods will to be done. The affliction may be present; there is nothing you can do about it other than pray for healing and for wisdom for you and the doctors.
We must clothe ourselves with patience, this means to have it with us at all times.
Colossians 3:12-13
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Isn’t it amazing? Truly awesome that God chose us to be holy people, people He loves! So how can we behave in any other manner than in the way He wants us to?
1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (NIV)
James 1:19-20
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (NIV)
Let us continually be in Gods will by showing patience to all those around us and with those we come in contact with.
By doing so, we not only live the life God wants us to live, we not only obey His will, but we also can live a healthier, less stress filled life.
Patience does not come easy; it comes through prayer and practice. We must be self-aware (being aware of our thoughts and actions) at all times and allow God and people to correct us when we slip up.
If we live in this manner, we will see a good change within ourselves, in our spiritual and physical life as well as with the people we are in contact with.
Success to you and God bless you all.
Thomas H Czech, 2012
Remember Love
Remember love
In this day and age; the age of violence, needless wars, self-gratification, greed, godlessness. This, the age of sin, there is no love. Not real love, but instead the only love that truly manifests in everyday life, the love that tops the list is the unGodly, unholy love of money. That is the love that seems to be the driving force behind politicians and the acts and bills that they sign into existence. It is the love that drives most people.
There is a love that we must remember, a love that is true love and holy love. This love is from the Father, the one true God. He created all things, including you. So if God commands us to love and to show love to others as He shows us, then that is a good love, pure and holy.
1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 (NIV)
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
These verses teach us what real love is.
We are told to take this love and behave toward everyone in such a manner.
Mark 12:31 (NIV)
… ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
and also
Luke 6:35 (NIV)
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
Can you imagine a world that followed these commandments? We would not be living in a world that invades countries out of greed or hatred. We would live in a world where we all get along, share our resources and care for one another. We would be helping the drought stricken nation of Africa where famine and pestilence is killing people. We would give freely of our medications instead of charging ridiculously high prices. I could go on.
Do we not expect help if or when we need it? So then why do we not help others when they need it?
Remember:
Luke 6:31 (NIV)
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Love is everything, without it we have nothing…nothing but a life of sin and misery. We have a world where people only see themselves and within their own needs and desires, nothing else.
Romans 12:9
(NIV)
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
…and:
Romans 13:10 (NIV)
Love does no harm to its neighbour. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Here are some more scriptures on Love:
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 John 4:7 (NIV)
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
We must always remember to love others as God loves us.
The following is a great piece of writing put together from scriptures.
It is called “The Father’s Love Letter”. Please read it and you can also watch the beautiful by clicking the link bellow. The letter and video are taken from: http://www.fathersloveletter.com/index.html
AN INTIMATE MESSAGE FROM GOD TO YOU.
My Child…
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1 you rise up. Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3 numbered. Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27 your being. Acts 17:28 For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28 I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5 I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26 You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6 I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. John 8:41-44 I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1 Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33 My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40 For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5 I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41 And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3 If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4 And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4 I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23 For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3 He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10 I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39 Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7 I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15 My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13 I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad
Almighty God
Words paraphrased from the Holy Bible ©1999-2008 FathersLoveLetter.com
VIDEO:
http://www.fathersloveletter.com/video1.html
Thomas H Czech, 2012
The End Times; Prophecy becomes Reality
Be ready and prepare yourselves for we are in the end days
What more do we need to see before we realize that we are in the end days.
I am not talking about December 12, 2012. I am talking about the end days as written in the Bible.
We can see by the events that are occurring on a daily basis that we indeed have been given many signs that we definitely do not have much time left.
God has been gracious and very patient with us, but a time will come when He will no longer allow mankind to go about his own business. The evil ways of man will be his destruction.
We do not know the exact hour when this will happen, but we are given signs. We need to open our eyes and accept that fact.
Matthew 24:36
New International Version
36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Mark 24:42
New International Version
42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
Many of the things; maybe all the things that are written are happening now. The bible is the undeniable word of God.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
New International Version
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The verses that continually come up are these, from Matthew 24: 37-39 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.There were many parties, merry-making, people were doing whatever they wanted, not giving God even a second of thought. They were facing death, and none were aware, all because self-gratification, pleasure of the flesh was all they were focused on.
We can see that everything written in the Bible is happening. Nothing is left out, everything that we were warned about is indeed happening now. Yet there are those who can not see it, refuse to accept it or making excuses as to why it is happening and some are merely brushing it off as being hype. There are many also who believe that humans are Gods, and they make their own destiny.
Read the next verses and you can see that the Bible is the word of God and has shown us what today is like, and we were warned over two-thousand years ago.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
New International Version
1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
We are indeed equipped for a day such as this, God has given His weapon which is His word. He has given us His Son, who will go before us and with us into battle. We need to trust Him and place our life in His hand.
Romans 8:31
New International Version
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Remember that through Jesus, we can overcome all things. For He has given us the authority.
Luke 10:19
New International Version
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
If you have not done so, give your life to Jesus. Allow Him to take charge of your life and bring you to full salvation. Heaven and hell are real, Jesus wants you to live with Him in eternity. He can and He will heal you, comfort you and save you, if you let Him.
John 3:16
New International Version
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 8:36
New International Version
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Prepare yourself, be ever watchful, trust in the Lord, Jesus is real and is coming back—soon.
I will end with this: Matthew 25 New International Version
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ 7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ 9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ 12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ 13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Here is a great site to check out:
http://endtimepilgrim.org/tenvirg.htm
Please share this blog with everyone you know and please add me to your friends list on your wordpress, twitter and Facebook.
Thomas H Czech, 2012
One Planet In Review 