THE LIVING GOD – PROMISED

Posted on August 16, 2018 by Barbara Jones

“I promise you,” can be said; however, how good is the word proclaiming the statement? Do you stay true to your word? How many statements are proclaimed through texting, tv, internet, business and politics in a day? The lyrics of a song from ‘My Fair Lady’ which states “Words, Words, Words, I’m so sick of words” are more appropo to our current society than when they were penned. There is a saying which I heard in my childhood from my father – “A man is only as good as his word” What has changed? It seems to me that people are talking out of both sides of their mouths! If you promised another person something, are you going to stand by it? In other words, some say one thing, but act another way. Does the Bible record words of God ever making a promise? Please read James 1:8 “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” 1:12-20 “Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed (trapped) When lust has conceived, it brings about sin,and sin when finished brings about death. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted by evil nor does He tempt any man, Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the LORD HAS PROMISED TO THEM THAT LOVE HIM. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, nor shadow of turning. Of His own will begat He us with the word of truth!” I choose to stand on the Word of GOD and believe HIS PROMISES.

THE LIVING GOD’S HABITATION

Posted on August 9, 2018 by Barbara Jones

https://youtu.be/mRrUL7PUwfE

Where do you #abide? Where do you sleep? Where do you eat? Where do you relax? Where is your shelter? Where is your family gathering? In other words do you have a #habitation? I realize that all too many people are homeless today because of wars, storms, finances, domestic problems, or just bad choices from addictions. Recently, I had a bad storm to cause two huge pecan trees to fall destroying the garage. First, I needed the trees removed, but the ground was so saturated that the large equipment could not be supported to do the work required for demolition. After weeks of more rain, the sun shone and the drainage allowed for tree removal, but then to disassemble all the roof, walls, and content took another week. Getting bids on construction was another taunting endeavor. The builders had to start from the foundation up working between more rainy days! As of today, carpenter work is progressing with rafters almost completed with the roofer on standby. All this turmoil over rebuilding has me turning to God’s Word where He shows me access to His habitation! Ephesians 2:18-22 “through Him we have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now you are no more strangers or foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD: and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the LORD: IN WHOM YOU ALSO ARE BUILT TOGETHER FOR AN HABITATION OF GOD THROUGH THE SPIRIT.” I want to be God’s habitation!

THE LIVING GOD IS LOVINGKINDNESS

Posted on August 2, 2018 by Barbara Jones

Have you given or received #lovingkindness? I observe our society becoming more and more self-centered taking hundreds of #selfies to flash before anyone anytime. Do you think that the constant need to be acknowledged by others is a cry for #love? In my lifetime, I have watched the explosion of people with house pets. Those pets give loving companionship during the ups and downs of our life experiences. Many stories and shows portray animals with more kindness and loyalty than people demonstrate. Now I have always loved my pets and they have enriched my life; however, animals are not the source of lovingkindness. Our creator, the Living God is Lovingkindness. When I see people crying out, ‘Look at Me!’ I want to say, “God Is looking and He loves you – warts and all” May I share His love and kindness from His Word with you today. Ps.36:7 “How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O GOD” Ps.51:1 “Have mercy on me, O God according to thy lovingkindness” Ps.107:43 “Whoso is wise and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.” Eph.2:7 “That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus for by grace are you saved through faith, and that is not of yourselves; it is the gift of GOD.” ♥

THE LIVING GOD’S KINGDOM

Posted on July 26, 2018 by Barbara Jones

“Who died and made you #king?” That is a saying one might overhear when someone in a group takes charge and starts giving others orders. As a child did you ever play ‘king of the #hill’? Today our society is not really aware of the autonomous authority and power that a king has over his #kingdom. I have always lived in a democracy where we all have a vote to determine our leader; however, many in the world do not have a say in their present abode. If you watch the Hallmark channels you will have a romantic picture of the handsome king of a small domaine falling in love with an American girl. Then there is reality…about God’s Kingdom! Just turn the pages of the Bible to read about His coming kingdom where we can abide forever and ever. Ps.145:1 “I will extol thee, my God O king and bless thy name forever. 10-13 the saints shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom and talk of thy power to make known…His mighty acts and glorious majesty of His kingdom. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and thy dominion endures throughout all generations“ John 3:3 “Jesus said, I say unto you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 5, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit; he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”16.”For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” Luke12:31″Seek the kingdom of God Col.1:12-15″Give thanks unto the Father who has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins who is the image of the invisible God.” In Revelation 11:15 we are fore told -“the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever” Mt 6:9-13 Jesus said, “Pray, Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our debts as we also forgive our debtors. and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen”

THE LIVING GOD’S JUDGEMENTS

Posted on July 19, 2018 by Barbara Jones

https://youtu.be/oHde_AqJHtI

WHO GETS THE LAST WORD? Do you? Years ago a #popular #TV show was #’Father knows best’. My how our society mores have changed. As I observe our present day demeanor, I watch all ages thinking ‘they know best’. On TV so many programs are contests with a panel of judges while all of us sit leisurely by watching and then we vote hoping to have the final word. Are your judgments of others always right? You’ve heard it said, “Often in doubt, but never wrong!” We all make choices moment by moment in our lifetime – some good ones and for others we suffer the consequences of bad decisions. In this chaotic time how can you make right decisions? I say, “Stop, Look, and Listen to the words of the Living God in the Bible” Psalm 19 “The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; THE JUDGEMENTS OF THE LORD ARE TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS ALTOGETHER. More to be desired are they than gold, yes than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned; and in keeping of them there is great reward…..Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.” GOD HAS THE FINAL WORD!

LIVING GOD’S MERCY ENDURES FOREVER

Posted on July 12, 2018 by Barbara Jones

https://youtu.be/uaqUYY4XRUo

All over the world people have anxiously watched the young boys and their coach who were trapped in the underground labyrinth of caves and water. I have been amazed by the tenacious dedicated cave specialists, divers, and workers who accomplished the completed rescue of all involved. What a miraculous recovery unfolded before our eyes which enabled all of them to have a life to live because volunteers had mercy on them. I know one omnipotent volunteer who is all seeing yet His mercy goes on and on – just read Psalms 136 “O give thanks to the LORD; for He is good: for HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER. Give thanks to the GOD of gods: for HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER. Who alone does great wonders. To Him that by wisdom made the heavens..and stretched out the earth above the waters…made great lights..the sun to rule by day…the moon and stars to rule by night: for HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER…with a strong hand and with a stretched out arm: for HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER.. led His people through the wilderness..and gives food to all flesh for HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER…give thanks the GOD of heaven” Ps.138:8 “The LORD will accomplish that which concerns me: THY MERCY O LORD ENDURES FOREVER “ Now may we give thanks to the LORD of lords!

THE LIVING GOD – LIFTER

Posted on July 6, 2018 by Barbara Jones

#Storms happen! The news is filled with pictures and accounts of tragic #tornadoes, #hurricanes, #floods, #fires, #landslides and #volcanic eruptions. Recently heavy rains and high winds brought down two huge pecan trees that flattened my garage with the metal roof forming an inverted teepee crushing all contents with the walls leaning off the foundation! After the shock of it all, I had to start one step at a time. Ps.4:1 “Hear me when I call, O GOD of my righteousness: thou hast relieved me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.” First came prayer being thankful no one was injured then asking for wisdom to give me discernment to handle details and that I needed God’s strength through it all. Next step was to call the tree removal service. That took almost two weeks, because the rains continued and their heavy equipment would get bogged down. They did a fabulous job removing and grinding those heavy pecan trees; however, then I could see that inverted roof and leaning walls with all the crushed belongings. Who or what could be a lifter of that heavy roof? What a mess! As I was feeling very overwhelmed, God’s Word just picked me up as I read…Psalm 3:3-5 “O LORD thou are a shield for me; my glory, and THE LIFTER UP OF MY HEAD. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy hill. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; FOR THE LORD SUSTAINED-SUPPORTED ME.” We all have storms that impact our lives and we all need God’s supporting hand to lift us up when we have been crushed.

THE LIVING GOD – RECONCILING

Posted on June 28, 2018 by Barbara Jones

Have you ever done something #stupid? Today wrong appears to be right and right seems wrong. #Satan can be disguised as a helper all the while being a #robber in sheep clothing. God is very aware of our shortcomings and has the power to overcome the evil attacks that Satan slings at us. Where do I go when being confounded by satanic words? 11Corth.6:7 “by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by love unfeigned by the word of truth, by the power of God. 10:4 (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds) God is in control. When I make wrong choices, I asked forgiveness and turn to the Lord. 11Corth.5:18,19 “All things are of GOD, WHO HAS RECONCILED US TO HIMSELF BY JESUS CHRIST, AND HAS GIVEN TO US THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION; that is to say, GOD WAS IN CHRIST, RECONCILING THE WORLD UNTO HIMSELF, not reckoning or imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” Where do you put your shame and quilt? Are you stewing in remorse, distress, or uncertainty? It pleases our Father and Lord when we come to Him. Colossians 1:1921 “It pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him – whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.. You were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has HE RECONCILED” God is reconciling with open arms…”faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. Bow your knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…that He would grant you..to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith so you may be rooted and grounded in love.” Eph.3:14-17