The Lord can work EVERYTHING out, if we turn it over to Him. Usually the hardest part is not the giving it to God, but rather that after giving it to Him we then take it back to carry our burden once again.

One of the commandments the Jews have is they are not allowed to carry any burdens on the Sabbath.

When we receive the Holy Ghost, we "enter into His rest," - a spiritual Sabbath rest that is 24/7.

Sometimes we have to be patient for the Lord to take care of the burdens and situations we have given to Him to work out for us...

The Lord has His perfect time. Our will is not always what is best, but rather His will is always good for us and for a purpose (Romans 8:28).

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." - 1 Peter 5:7 KJV "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." - 1 Peter 5:7 NLT

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." - Psalm 27:14 KJV

"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." - Psalm 37:5 KJV

"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." - Psalm 55:22 KJV "Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." - Psalm 55:22 NLT

"Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him [to act]: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass [Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes]." - Psalm 37:7 KJV

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

It’s not how we started this race that counts in the end, but how we finish.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith…" - 2 Timothy 4:7 KJV

We must remind ourselves as the Day of the Lord draws closer, it is not time to slack or compromise. It is time to stay prayed up, be the prayer warrior, minister, soul winner that we are called to be.

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." - Galatians 6:9 KJV

If we’ve let down a little, we must take heed:

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh [live only to satisfy their own sinful nature] shall of the flesh reap corruption [will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature]; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." - Galatians 6:7-9 KJV

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;" - Ephesians 5:15-19 KJV

Another translation: "So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

“Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts." - Ephesians 5:15-19 NLT

We must remember to be soul winners while there is still time. We must not “sleep,” being content with our blessings and putting the work of God on a “back burner.”

"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance [a door for the word], to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds [chains]: that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak [Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should].

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without [those who are not believers], redeeming the time [making the most of every opportunity]. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt [with wisdom and grace], that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." - Colossians 4:2-6 KJV

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." - 2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV

There is one God. His name is Jesus.

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:12

"For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;" - Colossians 1:19

"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." - Colossians 2:9

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." - 1 Timothy 3:16

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." - 2 Corinthians 5:19

"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." - 2 Corinthians 5:20

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;" - Acts 3:19

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." - Galatians 3:27 KJV

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17

"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." - 1 Corinthians 6:20

Paul the Apostle wrote to the church – those that had repented of their sins, were water baptized in JESUS name for the remission of sins, and were filled with the Holy Ghost (speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance), walking in the Spirit of Jesus. (Romans 6, Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4, Romans 8:1)

We must awake out of sleep (spiritually).

"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." - Romans 13:11-14 KJV

Another translation:

"This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires." - Romans 13:11-14 NLT

"But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him." - 1 Thessalonians 5:4-10 KJV

Another translation:

"But you aren't in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won't be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don't belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever." - 1 Thessalonians 5:4-10 NLT

"In EVERY THING GIVE THANKS: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

Why?

Because…

"And we know that ALL things work together FOR GOOD to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED according to HIS PURPOSE." - Romans 8:28 KJV (my emphasis)

God is Spirit, our Father. If you want to see His image, look at the man, Jesus Christ.

The invisible God needed a body in order to pay the price of death for our sins (Justice says, "The price of sin is death" Romans 6:23, Hebrews 9:22). Therefore, the Father made Himself a temple of flesh with His name of salvation which is above every name in heaven and earth – “JESUS” - and paid the price of death, so that anyone could return to Him in peace.

We return by repentance and baptism in Jesus name. He promises us His Holy Spirit so that we have power to overcome all sin in our life and become like our heavenly Father - holy.

"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath 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, the firstborn of every creature:

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" - Colossians 1:12-23 KJV

We were delivered from the power of darkness – judgment of our sins which would bring us death – to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light – we can now partake of an inheritance of God’s mercy – because we have entered the kingdom of God by our new birth of water and of the Spirit, washed by His blood by baptism in Jesus name for forgiveness of our sins.

"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 3:5 KJV

This new birth by water and Spirit is the gospel, as preached by Peter on the Day of Pentecost.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

When we leave Egypt, the place where we were in bondage to sin, we need to be careful to not rebuild our gods from our past.

Nehemiah described the children of Israel when they left Egypt:

"But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, and refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

“Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations; yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go." - Nehemiah 9:16-19 KJV

God is merciful. His love comes to us, not by righteous deeds we have done, but by His amazing grace and undeserved love for us, that while we were deep in sin, He died for us.

"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." - Romans 5:6-9 KJV

"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour" - Titus 3:4-6 KJV

When we turn to Jesus, our sins can be washed away by His blood in water baptism in Jesus name. When He has cleansed us of our sins, He can fill us with His Holy Ghost. Even though we have stumbled in our walk with Him, when we reach out to Him, determined to live for Him, He forgives us, and refills us with His Spirit. Jesus loves us.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation." - Acts 2:40 KJV

"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 KJV

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." - Ephesians 6:12 KJV

"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." - Acts 26:18 KJV

When we hear the preaching of the Word of God and recognize we have sinned, we feel sorrow. But God is a merciful God, and hears our prayers of repentance. When we decide to follow Jesus and turn our back on sin, our sorrow begins to turn to joy. Jesus offers to wash our sins away by baptism in His name, and promises to fill us with His Spirit. Our sorrow turns to joy and peace. The Lord is good. His mercy is everlasting and His Truth endures to all generations. (Psalm 100:5)

Back in Nehemiah’s day, when the people heard God’s word for the first time in a long time, and it was explained to them, they wept. But Nehemiah, and Ezra the priest, and the Levites told them it was Rosh Hashanah, a day holy to the Lord. They said, “Do not be sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." The people turned to God when they heard His word. As they began to follow His commandments (it was the time of the Feast of Tabernacles, which they began to observe), the Bible says there was exceedingly great joy! (Nehemiah 8)

When we turn to God, are filled with His Spirit and live for Him, joy comes into our life. (Acts 13:52, Romans 14:17, Romans 15:13, 1 Peter 1:8)

Isaiah prophesied of the salvation of Christ. (Isaiah 12:1-3)

"Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation." - Isaiah 12:3 KJV

Jesus told the woman at the well,

"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." - John 4:14 KJV

It was on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles that Jesus spoke of living water being poured out, speaking of the Holy Ghost. And what joy the Holy Ghost brings!

"In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" - John 7:37-39 KJV

On the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Jesus was poured out, the Word of God was preached and the people felt sorrow, just like in the day of Nehemiah.

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:36-42 KJV

Just like in Nehemiah’s day, the people received the Word of God and became obedient to it. They gladly received the word, and responded by obeying the Word. With the washing away of our sins, and the infilling of God’s promised Spirit, there is joy! And the joy of the Lord is our strength!

So many situations in our daily life are opportunities for us to call on Jesus to enter a situation with His power.

It takes a sharpening of the senses to respond immediately spiritually and to pray.

A simple example would be when we hear a siren, to pray for the situation.

What can we pray?

We can pray that Jesus help those that are responding to the call for help. We can pray for peace in the situation, protection for all those involved, healing, and miracles. We can pray for souls to look to God in their moment of crises. We can pray for conviction, repentance, mercy, righteousness, comfort, deliverance, and salvation, according to whatever the situation might be.

What are other examples of situations where we can pray?

If someone tells us they are hurting or sick, we can respond by praying right then for them and with them.

If someone tells us of a problem, we can pray about it spontaneously, with them or by our self as they are telling us.

If we see a problem unfolding before us, we can call on Jesus and pray.

The power of Jesus changes things. He hears our prayers.

What are you waiting for?

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)" - 2 Corinthians 6:1-2, 2 Corinthians 5:19-21 KJV

Another translation:

"For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!" For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness and then ignore it. For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you. "Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation." - 2 Corinthians 5:19-21, 6:1-2 NLT

You know what you need to do…

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:37-42 KJV

Time to go to church…

The Face of God

There is a chorus, Oh, I want to see Him, look upon His face…

We look forward to heaven and looking upon the face of our Savior Jesus. Within this song and within the Bible, we find there is a deeper meaning "to look upon His face."

Jacob spoke of the face of God when his brother Esau was on his way to meet him, coming against him. God gave Jacob favor and mercy after Jacob “wrestled a man” through the night until the man blessed him.

"And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel (“the face of God”): for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." - Genesis 32:30

The Bible says of Moses:

"And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend." - Exodus 33:11a

The priestly blessing includes these words:

"The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:" - Numbers 6:25

The Bible speaks of God’s favor towards Israel:

"And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou LORD art among this people, that thou LORD art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou goest before them, by day time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night." - Numbers 14:14

When God hides His face, it is in anger and forsaking.

David pleaded with God to not hide His face from him. Above all, David wanted God’s love, favor, and mercy:

"Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation." - Psalm 27:9

God spoke of His response to Israel when they would forsake Him and break their covenant with Him:

"Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them…And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods." - Deuteronomy 31:17-18

"I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity." - Jeremiah 18:17

When God came in the form of man in the name of Jesus, He brought mercy. We find glory in His face:

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." - 2 Corinthians 4:6

Those that look upon the face of Jesus in heaven are in God’s Mercy.

"And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads." - Revelation 22:3-4

We will look upon his face - there to sing forever of His saving grace. On the streets of glory let me lift my voice - cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice!

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV

If we want to escape the temptation, we need to look for the way out. Or...not walk into the temptation.

"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

There is hope for everyone through Jesus -

"Know ye not that the unrighteous [“those who do wrong”] shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived [“Don’t fool yourselves”]: neither fornicators [sexually immoral] , nor idolaters [“worship idols”], nor adulterers [“commit adultery”], nor effeminate [“male prostitutes”], nor abusers of themselves with mankind [“homosexual/sodomite”], nor thieves, nor covetous [“eager to have more, especially what belongs to others”], nor drunkards, nor revilers [“abusive”], nor extortioners [“robber, extortioner”] , shall inherit the kingdom of God.

“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV

We are washed, sanctified, and justified when we are water baptized in Jesus name and filled with His Spirit.

When we believe that our Heavenly Father took on flesh in the name of Jesus to die for our sins because He loves us, when we turn away from a lifestyle with sin by repentance and love for Jesus, we can get water baptized in Jesus name for the forgiveness of all of our sins. God then gives us the promise of the gift of His holy Spirit, if we will receive it, bringing us peace, joy, and power to live a new life in Christ. (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Hebrews 13:12, Romans 15:16, Romans 5:9)

Jesus spoke to Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, explaining to him that a person must be born again of the water and of the Spirit in order to enter the Kingdom of God.

"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 3:5 KJV

Jesus compared the wind to everyone that is born of the Spirit.

"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." - John 3:8

On the Day of Pentecost, when the Spirit was first poured out, the sound was like the wind!

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. ... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:1-2, 4 KJV

The word for wind also has the meaning of “breath”. The word for wind comes from the root word which means, “to breathe, to blow”. (Vine’s)

When a baby is born and takes his first breath, it is the beginning of regular, repeated breaths. What would happen if he stopped with his first breath?

When we are born of the Spirit, the Holy Ghost, it is like our first breath of life from Jesus. Like breathing, we need our Holy Ghost baptism to be the beginning of regular, repeated fillings of God’s Spirit. When we are full of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, we have the power of God in our life.

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8

It is in times of worship and prayer that we can get full of the Holy Ghost. Being full of the Holy Ghost fills us with God’s love, joy, and peace.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23 KJV

When we are filled with God’s Spirit, we are filled with boldness and confidence to be His witnesses.

"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." - Acts 4:31

When we are full of His Spirit we walk in His Spirit and can live a victorious life.

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." - Galatians 5:16 KJV

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8

Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He took on the form of flesh to suffer and die in our place for our sins.

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." - 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV

What shall separate us from the love of Jesus?

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38-39

We know that Jesus loves us and nothing can separate us from His love.

How do we show Jesus that we love Him?

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." - John 14:15

The Bible says we are to examine ourselves to see if we be in the faith – to make sure our faith is genuine.

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves…" - 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV

Is there anything that we have allowed into our life that is interfering with us fully loving Jesus?

We can cleanse ourselves by repentance, applying the blood of Jesus from our baptism in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and overcome any sin by the power of His Holy Ghost.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8 KJV

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4 KJV

We must be ready as His Bride, without sin and living a holy life!

"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:42 KJV

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" - Titus 2:13

When we have repented of our sins, been baptized in Jesus name, and filled with His Spirit, we have put on Christ.

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." - Galatians 3:27

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38

What shall we DO to be saved?

We must repent (turn to Jesus and away from sin) AND be water baptized in the name of JESUS so that our sins are washed away by His blood.

If we do these two things JESUS promises He will fill us with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. This promise is to us if we will allow JESUS to fill us with His Spirit.

Through praise and worship, we are completely filled with His Spirit when we have allowed JESUS to control our tongue, speaking through us in other “tongues” (languages) that we have not learned.

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4

When the people heard the preaching of Peter, how that Jesus died in our place for our sins on the cross, was buried, but on the third day rose from the dead, alive forevermore, they were “pricked in their hearts”. The gospel message brought sharp pain to their heart and great sorrow.

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

"For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:37-39

One God

Our Heavenly Father put on a human body and dwelt among His creation. He came in His name Jesus, which is above every name.

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;" - Philippians 2:10

"Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?" - John 14:9

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." - 1 Timothy 3:16

The Holy Ghost that was poured out on the Day of Pentecost, is the Spirit that is in Christ.

"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" - John 7:38-39

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4

The Father is Spirit. The Father is revealed in flesh (humanity). The Father’s human body is called by His name, Jesus. The Father is in us when we are filled with His Spirit.

"For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." - Matthew 10:20

"Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." - John 14:17

Jesus was speaking to His disciples. They knew Him. He dwelt with them. When He said He would be in them, Jesus was talking about His Spirit being in them.

"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:" - John 15:26

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." - John 14:21

Jesus is the Father. Jesus is Spirit. Jesus has a body (the son of God/the flesh of God).

There is only one Spirit, referred to as the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Christ, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Spirit of your Father, the Spirit.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." - John 14:23

"I and my Father are one." - John 10:30

The Father, the Spirit of God, is in Christ.

"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." - Ephesians 4:4-6

It is by the act of baptism that a person enters into a blood covenant with God. Water baptism in Jesus name is compared to circumcision. Circumcision is a blood covenant. (Circumcision, in order to be  Halakhic, requires the shedding of a drop of blood).

"In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." - Colossians 2:11-12 KJV

("When you came to Christ, you were "circumcised," but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision--the cutting away of your sinful nature. [Greek: the cutting away of the body of the flesh.] For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead." - Colossians 2:11-12 NLT)

In the Old Testament, if a man did not enter the covenant of circumcision, he was cut off from the people of God, for he had broken God’s covenant.

"And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant." - Genesis 17:14 KJV

("Any male who fails to be circumcised will be cut off from the covenant family for breaking the covenant."" - Genesis 17:14 NLT)

In the New Covenant of Jesus Christ, physical circumcision is no longer required. In the New Covenant, we must repent and be water baptized in Jesus name to be saved. When we are baptized in Jesus name we enter into a blood covenant with Jesus. Just as the flesh had to be cut off in Old Covenant circumcision for them to be saved, our sinful nature must be cut off in the New Covenant by repentance and baptism in Jesus name to be saved. Our sins are cut off/washed away/remitted/forgiven when we are baptized in Jesus name.

Peter preached the gospel on the day of Pentecost – Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection – to the multitude that gathered.

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:37-39 KJV

It is by God’s mercy that He took on the form of man to shed His own sinless blood to pay the price of our sins. He came in His name Jesus, His name which is above every name. By our faith in what Jesus has done for us, we turn from sin, and are baptized in His saving name Jesus. It is not because of any righteous things we had done, but by the gift of His mercy that we are saved. (Acts 20:28, Philippians 2:9-10, Acts 4:12)

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9

"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;" - Titus 3:4-6

By the gospel, we have a new birth and a new life. Our sins are washed away. We are born of water and of the Spirit.

How do we have a new birth by the gospel? How do we have a new life? How are our sins washed away? How are we born of water and of the Spirit?

This is how:

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39

We are born a new creature in Christ when we repent of our sins and are water baptized by immersion by the name of Jesus called upon us, washing away all of our sins. This is being born of water. When we receive the gift of God’s Spirit, speaking in other tongues as His Spirit gives us utterance, we receive a new life in Christ. This is being born of the Spirit.  This is how we obey the gospel. (2Corinthians 5:17, Acts 22:16, Acts 2:4)

Many things that Jesus spoke and did were in fulfillment of the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning Him.

"And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures," - Luke 24:44-45 KJV

"Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." - John 1:45 KJV

Moses foretold that God would raise up a prophet like himself.

"For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you." - Acts 3:22 KJV

"Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world." - John 6:14 KJV

Moses inaugurated Aaron and his sons into the priesthood first by washing them. The law describes the washing of the priests at the golden laver.

"When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD: so they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations." - Exodus 30:20-21 KJV

When Moses inaugurated Aaron and his sons into the priesthood, God commanded him to wash them.

"And Moses did as the LORD commanded him; and the assembly was gathered together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And Moses said unto the congregation, This is the thing which the LORD commanded to be done. And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water." - Leviticus 8:4-6 KJV

He then clothed them with their priest’s clothing, anointed them, and then made offerings for them. Finally, Moses applied blood from the altar on Aaron and his sons and on their garments, then instructed them boil the remaining meat offerings at the Tabernacle entrance, and eat it there, along with the bread that is in the basket of offerings for their consecration.

Just as Moses inaugurated Aaron and his sons into the priesthood of the Old Covenant of the Law, Jesus inaugurated His disciples into His new priesthood of the New Covenant of mercy, grace, and servanthood.

"To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. ... But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." - 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9-10 KJV

During the ministry of Jesus, He revealed His Mercy. He opened blind eyes and deaf ears, raised the dead, fed the hungry, made the lame to walk, cleansed lepers, cast out demons, AND FORGAVE SINS.

This time period appears to be a separate dispensation from that of the Law and of Grace. Rather, it is a transition from the Law to Grace, from God’s Divine Attribute of Justice/Judgment to God's Divine Attribute of Mercy – revealing mercy through His Name Jesus.

A notable verse is Matthew 9:2-8. Jesus as the Son of man, a human (but without sin), with all the fulness of God in Him, forgave a paralytic man’s sins.

"And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee." - Matthew 9:2 KJV

Some of the scribes thought Jesus was blaspheming, because only God can forgive sins, not recognizing that Jesus is God robed in flesh.

"And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth." - Matthew 9:3 KJV

Because Jesus is God, He knew what they were thinking.

"And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?" - Matthew 9:4-5 KJV

Jesus revealed next that He had given MAN authority to forgive sins.

"But that ye may know that the SON OF MAN HATH POWER ON EARTH TO FORGIVE SINS, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house." - Matthew 9:6-7 KJV [my emphasis]

"BUT WHEN THE MULTITUDES SAW IT, THEY MARVELLED, AND GLORIFIED GOD, WHICH HAD GIVEN SUCH POWER UNTO MEN." - Matthew 9:8 KJV [my emphasis]

Jesus declared this power and authority to forgive sins to His disciples in the great commission as recorded by John. “Remit” is another word for “forgive.” “Remission” is another word for “forgiveness.”

In the following verses, Jesus is sending out His disciples (As in Mark, “go ye.”) He speaks of receiving the Holy Ghost, and of remission of sins, which we see to be by water baptism in Jesus name in Luke (Luke 24:46-49) and in Acts (Acts 2:38).

"Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: WHOSE SOEVER SINS YE REMIT, THEY ARE REMITTED UNTO THEM; AND WHOSE SOEVER SINS YE RETAIN, THEY ARE RETAINED." - John 20:21-23 KJV [my emphasis]

Although Jesus’ disciples were already baptizing in Jesus name during His ministry, the remission of sins fully took effect after Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

On the Day of Pentecost, when the church began, Peter preached how a person may have their sins remitted/forgiven.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be BAPTIZED every one of you IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV [my emphasis]

The Son of man – the church – has two responsibilities in the gospel: to preach the gospel, and to water baptize in Jesus name for the remission of sins.

God fulfilled His part of the gospel when He died (His flesh died), was buried, and rose on the third day, and when He baptizes people with His Spirit.

God has given the CHURCH power to forgive/remit sins. (And the church is given the choice whether they baptize a person or not - whether they forgive their sins or not. “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”) The church is to reveal mercy, as Jesus did.

The new birth: Water and Spirit, mother and Father. The mother (the church) water baptizes, the Father (Jesus) Spirit baptizes, and a soul is born again.

"And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.

“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." - Luke 24:46-49 KJV

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. ...

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. ...

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:4, 38, 41-42 KJV

Our heavenly Father put on a human body and dwelt among His creation. He came in His name Jesus, which us above every name.

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;" - Philippians 2:10

"Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?" - John 14:9

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." - 1 Timothy 3:16

The Holy Ghost that was poured out on the Day of Pentecost, is the Spirit that is in Christ.

"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" - John 7:38-39

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4

The Father is Spirit. The Father is revealed in flesh (humanity). The Father’s human body is called by His name, Jesus. The Father is in us when we are filled with His Spirit.

"For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." - Matthew 10:20

"Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." - John 14:17

Jesus was speaking to His disciples. They knew Him. He dwelt with them. When He said He would be in them, Jesus was talking about His Spirit being in them.

"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:" - John 15:26

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." - John 14:21

Jesus is the Father. Jesus is Spirit. Jesus has a body (the son of God/the flesh of God).

There is only one Spirit, referred to as the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Christ, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Spirit of your Father, the Spirit.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." - John 14:23

"I and my Father are one." - John 10:30

The Father, the Spirit of God, is in Christ.

"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." - Ephesians 4:4-6

Church!

A good way to begin the new year! As you start the new year with goals and renewed consecrations, remember, the Lord will help you. Just call on His name JESUS.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13 KJV

Here are the verses:

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." - Acts 22:16 KJV

"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;" - Colossians 2:12-13 KJV

"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:" - 1 Peter 3:21 KJV

" Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." - Romans 6:3-6 KJV

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." - Galatians 3:26-27 KJV

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." - 1 Corinthians 12:13 KJV

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 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? 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 3:3-5 KJV

One year ago today...

Yesterday evening, I had the thought for this post – love. I voice recorded a rough draft into my phone to complete later. Last night, I did not post this, but rather posted another thought. Later that night, a post came up on a group site requiring admin approval. It was a post on love. I was surprised because that was what my thought had been on 7 hours earlier. I went to my email to compare the thoughts I had with the post I had just read for the group.

When I opened the email, it jumped to another email, as it often does. The email it jumped to was from the Chabad website. The title of the email was, “Daily Dose: To Love.”

I was very surprised to see this, and concluded it was another confirmation to write this post.

This evening, I went to transfer my notes from my email to a word document. This has never happened to me before…

I copied the words of the email, and when I pasted them, the entire copy is in red letters.

My first thought was, the blood of Christ…

I began reading my notes, which appeared in the middle of the post and which are now beginning the post below…

The Love of God

Love came first to us from God when we were not worthy of His love. Love is so indescribable. It is so difficult to comprehend, that God could give us His love when we’ve done nothing to deserve it, and rather done much to turn God away from us.

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8 KJV

How do we respond to such love? Do we love God in return? Does His compassion on us and love for us move us to respond, or do we shun Him, and turn to fulfill sinful lusts and unrighteous living.

What do we count as important in our life? To respond to the olive branch of our Creator, our God, and choose righteousness? Or are the pleasures of sin that our carnal nature desires more important to us. Do pleasures come before pleasing God? Do we really care about God, the one who loves us so much that He left His throne of glory, humbled Himself by taking on the form of the flesh and blood of mankind, suffered, and finally died the death of shame on a cross for us?

"But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." - Philippians 2:7-8 KJV

God loves us, but He hates sin. There will be no sin in heaven. This is why our heavenly Father robed Himself in flesh (which is the Son of God, His body) and died for us. He paid the price of death for us so that we could be set free from sin and its curse.

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:14-15 KJV

Moses chose God and to face the consequences of his choice, turning from the pleasures of sin that his position in Egypt offered him.

"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible." - Hebrews 11:24-27 KJV

God is calling us to turn from our sins, bury them by baptism in Jesus name, and receive the gift of God’s Spirit within us.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4 KJV

He desires to truly be our God, to walk with us, and for us to be His sons and daughters.

"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." - 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 KJV

God’s love for us is truly beyond understanding.