Who Is Jesus?

   Colossians 1:18 says, "And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy." As we read this verse, let us think about who Jesus is as Paul sees him and as how we see him.
   First, He is the head. Basically, He is the one in charge! The head is essential to the life of the body. Who is the body? Well, the church is the body! 1 Corinthians 12:27 says, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." The head contributes alot to the body. It gives us....

• Direction...Ephesians 5:1 says, "Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children."
• Goals and Plans...James 4:14-15 says, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
• Usefulness...Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
• Existence...1 John 5:12 says, "Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life."

   Second, He is our hope. Our hope lies in Jesus Christ! We will not see heaven if we have not been saved through him and believe in him. So, why is he our hope? 

1. He is the beginning. He started it all! Jesus was the beginning of the church. Matthew 16:18 says, "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." He died to purchase the church! John 10:11 says, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
2. He is the firstborn. The word prototype means the original or model on which something is based or formed. Jesus was first to die, be buried, and rise again to never die. Jesus will not be the last! He was like a prototype. What happened to Jesus Christ will, sooner or later, happen to us!

  Third, He is our heart. The word preeminence can describe Jesus. Preeminent means eminent above or before others; superior. He needs to be preeminent in your life. This means you need to put him first! God has a goal to place Jesus on the ultimate throne of the universe. Philippians 2:9-11 says, "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Your job and my job is to set Jesus first on the throne of our hearts. Does he have preeminence in your heart at this moment?

   God bless all who read this and have a wonderful week!

Wisdom From Proverbs

   Good advice. That is exactly what you will find in the book of Proverbs. This book of the bible is full of short sayings that show wisdom for christians or even non-christians. In this post, we will look at six verses out of Proverbs 10 and what you can learn about them and from them.
   1. Proverbs 10 : 4 - "Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." Diligent means constant in effort to accomplish something. Lazy means averse or disinclined to work. This makes this saying more understandable and usually true, (Proverbs may describe what usually happens but it may not happen, according to God's will) but wait! What kind of wealth does this verse describe? Wealth can mean a great quantity or store of money, or it can mean an abundance or profusion of anything. A man born into a rich family may have wealth of money. On the other hand, a righteous man may constantly serve others and work diligently will earn wealth of love, respect, kindness, and others. Lazy hands make a man poor... but diligent hands bring wealth.
   2. Proverbs 10 : 12 - "Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs." Dissension means strong disagreement. There is alot of hatred in our world nowadays. This will surely stir up trouble and disagreement. But love covers over all wrongs. Jesus' love for us covered up all our sins. When he died on the cross for us, our sins were forgotten and "covered up!" Hatred stirs up dissension...but love covers over all wrongs.
   3. Proverbs 10 : 17 - "He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray." I instantly thought of my parents when I read this scripture. Someone once told me that your parents are strict and punish you because they love you. When I do something wrong, I will get in trouble by my parents. It teaches me a lesson and I don't make that mistake again.They are helping to shape me into a godly and responsible young lady. I cannot imagine where I would be today if they had not disciplined me properly over the last few years. He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
   4. Proverbs 10 : 19 - "When words are many, sin is not absent. but he who holds his tongue is wise." Imagine yourself in an arguement with a person who is very different than you and tries to insult you. They may say some very mean things to you. What do you do? Do you insult them back, or do you hold your tongue and simply ignore them? If you lose your temper and say something rude back, people may question your true relationship with God and trouble will come. I have been guilty enough to do one, but in other situations I have been wise enough to do the other. Revenge is the Lord's. Be wise enough to turn the other cheek. When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
   5. Proverbs 10 : 25 - " When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever." In this verse, I imagine the "storm" as our life here on Earth. Children of God will stand firm forever. God has given us definite victory in the end. Heaven! Doesn't this verse just give you sudden hope? Hope that everything will be alright in the end? Matthew 7:24-27 says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone... but the righteous stand firm forever.
   6. Proverbs 10 : 30 - "The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land." Plant your seed in the Lord and you will never be uprooted. The devil will try to pull you away and make you fail to do what the Lord has called you to do. Don't let him! Plant your seed and hang on to God! I know I say that a lot, but I always like to stress the importance of it. The righteous will never be uprooted.... but the wicked will not remain in the land.

A True Man Of God : Stephen

   God gives us many people and examples to study throughout the bible. Even though the humans lived thousands of years ago, we can still relate to them today.

   Stephen is first introduced in Acts 6:8. He is desired as a man full of God's grace and power. He did great wonders and miraculous  signs among the people. Members of the Synagogue of the Freedman - Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia began to argue with Stephen. They accused him of the unforgivable sin. 

Acts 6:11 says... "Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”

Luke 12:10 speaks of the unforgivable sin... "And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

Mark 3:29 also speaks of it..."But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin."

   They then seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. They produced false witnesses and lies flew out of their mouths. The high priest then asked if there charges were true. Then, Stephen begins to tell his speech. I want to encourage you to take a moment right now and read Acts 7. Stephen sure did know his Old Testament history! He told of Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and others. 

Acts 7:51-53 says... "You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! ⁵² Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— ⁵³ you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.”

   He told this whole speech by memorization. He stood strong by God. He was challenged by his enemies and he challenged right back. Do you know enough of your bible history and some verses so if that someone challenged you, you would be prepared?

   When the others heard this, they were furious! Then Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God. "Look," he said, " I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." At this they were infuriated and they drug him out of the city and began to stone him. 

Acts 7:59-60 says... "While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

   So, who had the victory in the end? Well, of course, Stephen did! He is of this Earth and now living and eternity with Jesus Christ in heaven!

   There is so much to be learned throughout the bible. What did you learn from Stephen? Do you need to change something in your life that God wants you to? When you get to heaven will you hear from Jesus, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"? (Matthew 25:21) I challenge you to notice something in your life that perhaps you should stop or change today. God will be there to help you. Talk to him about it. Talk to God about ANYTHING. He will always be there....your father....ready to listen to you.

The Devil Will Mess With You!

    I had another post ready, but I was more inspired about this post and felt the need to blog about this topic. The devil will mess with you while we are on this earth. The devil rules this world. We as christians need to take a step of faith and trust God to help us through and spread the good news!  When you get saved, the devil doesn't just give up and disappear. He is going to mess with you even more and mess with your faith and strength in God!
John 16:33 says..."I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
   The devil can and will work with and through anything. Take technology for example. It seems like every time I have tried to get on my blog in the past week and make a post, my computer just gives up. He doesn't want me telling you all the great news! This is the devil's world. He controls politics and everything else in our world. But here is the good news...He doesn't have to control you! We have hope and redemption in JESUS CHRIST, our Lord and Savior! The devil is powerful but GOD is even more powerful!! We are all sinking on a huge ship in the middle of the ocean, but we as christians know that God is sending that life boat to SAVE us. We have hope in Jesus Christ!

The Importance Of Private Devotions (Part II)

So why should you take part and do private devotions?continued
By doing devotions, you can find peace and stability.
Philippians 4:6-7 says...."Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Psalm 119:105 says...."Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
Psalm 119:165 says...."Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble."
How can I have private devotions? 
Find a time and a place to have them.
Time may vary between every individual. Early birds may start of their day with something to think about. Night owls may end their day as a reflection time. I do my devotions at night, but again, it varies between different people. Try to find a time free of worldly distractions.
Place will also vary between every individual. Some might follow the example of Jesus and go outside for their devotional time.
Mark 1:35 says...."Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed"
Others might follow the teaching of Jesus and stay inside for devotional time. 
Matthew 6:6 says...."But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Whatever your time or place for devotions may be, just make sure it is a quiet and peaceful place so you can focus on God.
Should I engage in prayer and praise during devotion time?
Yes!
First approach God in prayer.
-Thank him for all his many blessing toward you!
Colossians 4:2 says...."Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
-Confess your sins!
1 John 1:9 says...."If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
-Make supplication of needs!
Philippians 4:6 says...."Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
-Intercede on behalf of others!
1 Timothy 2:1-2 says...."I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
Next, simply praise him!


The world we are living in right now is....lets just say...a tough one. We need God more than just once a week at church! Devotion are a very important key to a closer walk with God. Start simple and grow in your devotions. Stick to it and make it a habit. God bless and I hope you will take my advice!

The Importance Of Private Devotions (Part I)

   You may attend public worship faithfully, but do you also take the time to do daily devotions by yourself? Private devotions are the hint to having a better relationship with our Lord and Savior.  Great men of God were noted in the bible doing private devotions. 
Genesis 24:63 speaks of Issac...."And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, and there, the camels were coming." 
Psalm 55:17 speaks of David...."Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice." 
Psalm 63:6 also speaks of David...."On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night." 
Daniel 6:10 speaks of Daniel...."Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."
The Son of God even engaged in private devotions throughout his time here on earth. 
Mark 1:35 speaks of Jesus...."Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."
Luke 6:12 speaks of Jesus...."One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God."
Jesus instructed the disciples to pray to their heavenly father while alone.
Matthew 6:6 speaks of this...."But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
So why should you take part and do private devotions?
By doing private devotions, you can draw nearer to God.
James 4:8 speaks of this...."Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
By doing private devotions, you can also receive spiritual nourishment.
Matthew 4:4 speaks of this...."Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Spiritual nourishment comes from the Word of God.
1 Peter 1:23 speaks of the seed...."For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God."
1 Peter 2:2 speaks of spiritual growth...."Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation."
Private devotions will give you spiritual strength.
Ephesians 6:10-17 speaks of this strength in armor...."¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
Do you want a stronger spiritual life, and a closer walk with God? Then engage in private devotions! ***Check back in at www.jesusstillsaves.blogspot.com tomorrow for Part II!***

A Special Father's Day Post

   My fathers have taught me so much. Yes, my two fathers. They would be my earthly father AND my heavenly father. I believe that God put earthly fathers on earth to...
1. Love their children
2. Discipline their children
3. Teach their children
4. Lead their children
   **Love their children... Psalm 103:13 says, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him."
   **Discipline their children... Hebrews 12:7 says, "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.  For what son is not disciplined by his father?" Proverbs 3:11-12 says, "My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline,  and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."

   **Teach their children... Proverbs 23:22 says, "Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old."

   **Lead their children... Proverbs 4:11-13 says, "¹¹ I instruct you in the way of wisdom 

   and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; 
   when you run, you will not stumble.  Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; 
   guard it well, for it is your life."

   My heavenly father and my earthly father have both shown me most importantly...how to love.

 ⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It does not dishonor others, 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.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8


I hope you all will take time to thank God today for your father, and for Him being a great father too! He sent his one and only Son to die on the cross just so he could call us his children! How great is our God!