Be Reshaped in 2014

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: "Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message." So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. (Jer 18:1-4 NIV)

No new thing!

What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is something new"? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time. (Eccl 1:9-10 NIV)

New year, new compassion

• Not everyone looks forward to a new year. For some, it can feel like a very large, remote, and lonely place.
  But regardless of what it looks or feels like to us, Jesus is already there. He already knows what we will need there. He is well capable of providing it. And He cares.
  The operative question is: Can we and do we really believe that?

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During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance." His disciples answered, "But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?" "How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked. "Seven," they replied. (Mark 8:1-5 NIV)

The reason for the season

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:12-14 NIV)

Watch!

• Jesus was speaking about prophecy being fulfilled. I do not believe that we hear enough about that today. The result is that many people are unaware of the times. That is (prophetically) dangerous!
  
  We should all increase our "state of readiness" as we go into the new year, ready for whatever comes. What He said to them, He said to "everyone" (and that includes us!): "Watch!"

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Be on guard! Be alert ! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. "Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back--whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'" (Mark 13:33-37 NIV)

It's your season

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. (Eccl 3:1-8 NIV)

Trust is easy when the sun is shining!

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When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Now go out where it is deeper and let down your nets, and you will catch many fish." "Master," Simon replied, "we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, we'll try again." And this time their nets were so full they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. (Luke 5:4-7 NLT)

Can you truly say.

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The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (Psa 23:1-3 NIV)

Jesus is always there

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. (John 6:16-21 NIV)

Jesus does it best

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. (Luke 5:4-6 NIV)

Take care of it, you only get one!

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Cor 6:19-20 NIV)

Know it alls

• Ever known one of those people who know everything about everything? If you have any doubts that they really do, just ask them: they'll tell you.
  
  From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." (Mat 16:21-23 NIV

Vengeance is not yours

Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Rom12:19-21 NIV)

The hook up

Don't worry, I'll do what you have asked. You are respected by everyone in town. It's true that I am one of the relatives who is supposed to take care of you, but there is someone who is an even closer relative. Stay here until morning, then I will find out if he is willing to look after you. If he isn't, I promise by the living God to do it myself. Now go back to sleep until morning. When Ruth got back to town, Naomi asked her what had happened, and Ruth told her everything. She also said, "Boaz gave me this grain, because he didn't want me to come back without something for you." Naomi replied, "Just be patient and don't worry about what will happen. He won't rest until everything is settled today!" (Rth 3:11-13, 16-18 CEV)

Working as a unit

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. (1 Cor 12:12-14,17-20 NIV)

Hold on!

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Heb4:14-16 NIV)

"You may hate gravity, but gravity doesn't care." - Clayton Christensen

• 
  Spiritual laws work like physical ones. They do not like or dislike us. They just work. Period. Like gravity. God made them that way.

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Offer praise to God our Savior because of our Lord Jesus Christ! Only God can keep you from falling and make you pure and joyful in his glorious presence. Before time began and now and forevermore, God is worthy of glory, honor, power, and authority. Amen. (Jud 1:24 CEV)

Don't shoot the wounded

Don't shoot the wound, one day you may be one. 

Help those who have doubts. (Jud 1:22 

What do you think

But remember, my friends, what you were told in the past by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, "When the last days come, people will appear who will make fun of you, people who follow their own godless desires." These are the people who cause divisions, who are controlled by their natural desires, who do not have the Spirit. But you, my friends, keep on building yourselves up on your most sacred faith. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and keep yourselves in the love of God, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy to give you eternal life. (Jud 1:17-21 GNB)

What do you think

But remember, my friends, what you were told in the past by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, "When the last days come, people will appear who will make fun of you, people who follow their own godless desires." These are the people who cause divisions, who are controlled by their natural desires, who do not have the Spirit. But you, my friends, keep on building yourselves up on your most sacred faith. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and keep yourselves in the love of God, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy to give you eternal life. (Jud 1:17-21 GNB)

Freight Train

• The spiritual law God set in motion is like a train. It is not waiting for us to agree with it. Like a train, it cannot be stopped. It is only a matter of time. "...a day of reckoning is coming."

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Don't forget what happened to those people that the Lord rescued from Egypt. Some of them did not have faith, and he later destroyed them. You also know about the angels who didn't do their work and left their proper places. God chained them with everlasting chains and is now keeping them in dark pits until the great day of judgment. We should also be warned by what happened to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and the nearby towns. Their people became immoral and did all sorts of sexual sins. Then God made an example of them and punished them with eternal fire. The people I am talking about are behaving just like those dreamers who destroyed their own bodies. They reject all authority and insult angels. Now they are in for real trouble. They have followed Cain's example and have made the same mistake that Balaam did by caring only for money. They have also rebelled against God, just as Korah did. Because of all this, they will be destroyed. (Jud 1:5-8,11 CEV)

Prayer: L ORD, these verses depict terrible consequences that happened: death, destruction, and everlasting punishment! Today people do the same things those were judged for then: rebellion, rejection of Godly authority, immorality, and more. Help me be mindful that sin still has the same consequence today as it always has and always will. Your grace and patience with us now does not negate punishment; it only gives us more time to repent of sin and get our lives in order. But never let me forget: a day of reckoning is coming. I want to be ready and in right standing with You when it arrives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving

• Enjoy your relationships with family and friends. But most of all, enjoy your relationship with God. Take time today to communicate with Him. Don't just talkTO Him; have a conversation WITH Him.

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Tell the LORD how thankful you are, because he is kind and always merciful. (Psa 118:1 CEV)

How do you feel about this?

• Some people read Scripture and see history that is not relevant to today. I read it and see the same feelings, frustrations, and challenges we face today. But then, I am an "application" teacher.
  
  Times are different. Technology is different. But the human nature is as it has always been. Today's Scripture sounds as current as the evening news... to me.
  
  How do you feel about that?

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Even Michael, the chief angel, didn't dare to insult the devil, when the two of them were arguing about the body of Moses. All Michael said was, "The Lord will punish you!" But these people insult powers they don't know anything about. They are like senseless animals that end up getting destroyed, because they live only by their feelings. These people grumble and complain and live by their own selfish desires. They brag about themselves and flatter others to get what they want. (Jud 1:9-10,16 CEV)

Lord help me when I get Angry.

• We cannot make decisions for others. It can hurt to see people make destructive choices--especially when their choices affect innocent people we love. You know the feeling: we want to "do" something.
  
  Especially then, we must pray, trust God, and keep on doing what is right. Seldom is it easy. But it is always right.

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For some godless people have slipped in unnoticed among us, persons who distort the message about the grace of our God in order to excuse their immoral ways, and who reject Jesus Christ, our only Master and Lord. Long ago the Scriptures predicted the condemnation they have received. (Jud 1:4 GNB)

Contend for the Faith

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Dear friends, although I was eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I found it necessary to write to you and urge you to continue your vigorous defense of the faith that was passed down to the saints once and for all. (Jud 1:3 ISV)

Prayer: LORD, sometimes I cannot do what I want for having to do what is necessary or what circumstances demand. When I find myself in this conflict, help me trust that regardless of what I feel or think, to the degree I give You authority in my life, You can order my steps and have me where I need to be, when I need to be there, doing what I need to do. Wisdom is to surrender what I want to Your purpose and trust You to work it out. Help me make it so. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The World Hates You

Don't love the world's ways. Don't love the world's goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world--wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important--has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out--but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity. (1 John 2:15-17 MSG)

Prayer: LORD, I choose to love You and Your way of life, rather than the world's way of living. That way and its systems will come to an end, but the life You give me is forever. Thank You for making it possible for me to have hope of eternal life with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Excuses, Excuses!

Some times we expect God to believe our excuses.

After that, he turned to Aaron. "What did the people do to you?" he demanded. "How did they ever make you bring such terrible sin upon them?" "Don't get upset, sir," Aaron replied. "You yourself know these people and what a wicked bunch they are. They said to me, 'Make us some gods to lead us, for something has happened to this man Moses, who led us out of Egypt.' So I told them, 'Bring me your gold earrings.' When they brought them to me, I threw them into the fire--and out came this calf!" (Exo 32:21-24 NLT)

Prayer: LORD, when I make mistakes or intentionally go against what You have said, help me have the integrity and courage to admit it without making excuses; You already know the truth anyway. Thank You for the confidence that I can be truthful with You because of Your promise that You will not reject me or condemn me when I confess sin to You. I am grateful for the assurance that You are always ready to forgive me and receive me back in fellowship with You. Then , help me forgive myself and move on to grow deeper in our relationship. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Rebellion

If anyone refuses to obey our clear command written in this letter, don't let him get by with it. Point out such a person and refuse to subsidize his freeloading. Maybe then he'll think twice. But don't treat him as an enemy. Sit him down and talk about the problem as someone who cares. (2 Th3:14-15 MSG)

Prayer: LORD, when someone fails, others are quick to judge and treat them as a traitor or an enemy. I want to be patient and understanding with them just as You have been with me when I failed You. They need to be taught the truth as well as to know that they will be accepted when they repent. I know I cannot condone their sin, but I want to be available to help them. Show me what I can do to help, teach, and encourage them in whatever way is best in Your sight. In Jesus' name, Amen.

IT IS WRITTEN

• You can find people who want to talk about what they think. And that, doesn't amount to a hill of beans". What does matter is what Jesus said in Matthew 4:
• You have taught wrong things, and it makes the LORD very sad. People were doing evil things, but you said that this pleased the LORD and that he accepted those things. And you taught that God does not punish people for the evil they do. (Mal 2:17 ERV)

Prayer: LORD, many people today think as Malachi wrote centuries ago: they think they can do whatever they want and it is all right because You are loving and would not punish anyone. They are as wrong today as then. Yes, You love us and want us to be in right standing with You; however, there are consequences if we choose not to. Your love is expressed in giving us a choice. Help me make wise choices and be aware that sin has the same penalty today as it did then--and there are no exceptions. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Actions speaks Loud

• Know anyone who claims to love God, but they treat others badly?
  
  Hmmm. What are their actions saying?

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We all have the same father. The same God made every one of us. So why do people cheat one another? They show that they don't respect the agreement. They don't respect the agreement that our ancestors made with God. (Mal 2:10ERV)

Prayer: LORD, I tend to think of my relationship with You as separate from relationships with other people. You, however, do not recognize that distinction: You have made it clear that the way I treat other people reflects my relationship with You. Help me be mindful that I am accountable to You in all my interactions with others--no exceptions. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Pray Often

Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. (1 Th 3:10-13 NIV)

Prayer: LORD, bring across my path those who will help complete that which is lacking in my faith, and help my love for You and others increase more and more to overflowing. Strengthen me more each day as I eagerly look toward Your soon coming. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Distinction

• Distinction" defined:
  
  1. a difference or contrast between similar things or people;
  
  2. excellence that sets someone or something apart from others.

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And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. (Mal 3:18 NIV)

Prayer: LORD, in most cases today it is difficult to tell the difference between those who really love You and those who do not. This should not be so! Give me strength and courage to stand up and out for You and be willing to be different if need be to exemplify Your love, character, and ways to a world that needs to see real-life examples. It will be uncomfortable at times and may result in being rejected by some. But it will be acceptable to You, and that is most important. Do whatever You need to do in my life to cause me to be what I need to be in You. In Jesus' name, Amen

Stay true the the call

• Throughout history, some people in ministry have perverted their responsibility to God and taught for their own purposes: sometimes by intent, sometimes because they were misled.
  
  If you have been hurt by one of them, do not be angry with God or shut out genuine teachers and preachers. God can restore a broken heart and He can use the real ones to help.

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It is the duty of priests to teach the true knowledge of God. People should go to them to learn my will, because they are the messengers of the LORD Almighty. "But now you priests have turned away from the right path. Your teaching has led many to do wrong. You have broken the covenant I made with you. (Mal 2:7-8 GNB)

Prayer: LORD, not everyone who teaches in Your name teaches what is right and true. I do not want to be misled; give me greater discernment to recognize when someone is teaching truth and when they are speaking error. Help me stand strong and reject anything that is not in agreement with Your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

GOD'S MERCY

• Keeping rules brings a sense of accomplishment because it is something we do. Breaking rules brings a sense of failure for the same reason. Judging someone for breaking rules--especially the ones we have not (yet) broken--makes us feel superior.
  
  In contrast, God's mercy has nothing to do with us and everything to do with Him. We cannot earn it; it is an unmerited gift. All we can do is be grateful.

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For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! (James2:10-13 NIV)

Prayer: LORD, "rules are rules", but help me not become so focused on the harsh judgment of rules and regulations that I forget that You desire for me to walk in love and mercy above all else. Your mercy has triumphed over the judgment I deserved in my life. Help me extend it to others in my relationships and interactions. Thank You for Your mercy, grace, love, and forgiveness and for not giving me the harsh judgment my actions would have incurred by the law. In Jesus' name, Amen.

How to be save

"HOW TO BE SAVED" 

Step 1.) Ask GOD to save you
Step 2.) BELIEVE he did (belief is NOT a feeling)

1Peter 1:18-21 -"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:" (1 Peter 1:18-22 KJV).
These "corruptible things" can't save you (silver and gold)
The precious blood of Christ was perfect love shed for us so that we could live for GOD
We must believe GOD through Jesus Christ
We were all born in sin and shaped in iniquity...we must all be born again
1Peter 1:23-25 "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you." (1 Peter 1:23-25 KJV)
The word "being" shows that being saved is a continual process
GOD is trying "raise" us or mature us into what we should be similar to how we try to raise our children
GOD is trying to prepare us on earth for heaven
The word of GOD helps you to realize that you're lost. After confessing that you're lost then you can ask GOD to save you
All your earthly glory (flower) will fade away BUT the word ofGOD endure forever!
John 3:5-8 "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. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 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 3:5-8 KJV)
This water is referring to a spiritual "washing by the word of GOD" see Ephesians 5:26
"Verily, verily" means Truly, Truly
We must be born again spiritually
Just lime you can't see the wind you can't see the Holy Ghost but you can see the evidence and results of both!
John 3:18 "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." (John 3:18-21 KJV)
There is no hell for the believers but if you don't believe you are already condemned

KEY NOTES AND POINTS

Jesus came from GOD on a mission to bring us back to GOD
GOD, JESUS and THE HOLY GHOST are all one!
When you get RIGHT GOD can call us home
When the world ends we will be with Jesus in heaven above the earth. Israel (Jews) will inherit the earth and we will be their guardian angels
**IF YOU HAVE PEOPLE PICKING ON YOU AT WORK SCHOOL OR PLAY PRAY PSALMS 56 EVERY MORNING!**