As Christians, Jesus wants to have rule over our lives.

...It's about "Lordship". He's calling us to deny ourselves and surrender to Him.

Mark 8:34   And when He had called the people unto him with his disciples also, He said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 

If we look at this honestly, denying ourselves may mean humiliation, abuse, or possibly death. What are the consequences?

Mark 8:35-36 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?

Jesus is talking about eternity. A lot of folks go through life never understanding what it's all about. For many, life has no meaning and is frustrating.

If you want joy and real meaning in your life, surrender it to Jesus. People who want to be the captian of their destiny will lose their life.

Give Jesus Lordship. Let Him have his way every day. Study God's Word. Pray. Surrender. This is the challenge.

On the road to Demascus Saul marched with purpose,

...thinking he was doing God's will by persecuting the church. If you asked him why, he might say something like this:

"Jesus of Nazareth is dead. Do you expect me to believe that a crucified nobody is the promised Messiah? His followers are preaching that Jesus is both alive and doing miracles through them. Their power comes from Satan, not God."

The bright light from heaven and Jesus' voice changed his attitude. Amazing how God calls people, transforms lives and puts them on the right track. 

The conversion of Saul of Tarsus was the beginning of a great missionary. God changed his name to Paul and sent him to be the apostle to the Gentiles, fulfilling His purpose to bring the Gospel to the whole world.

Here's the GOOD NEWS to sinners from God!

...1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 

God has provided a way for sinners to come to him.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.
The GOOD NEWS for God's people is that they can have an intimate relationship with God. They can be victorious and know they are kept through the power of Jesus.

To the weary, the discouraged, those who faint, those who are ill, and those who need comfort: here's the GOOD NEWS:

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.

There's GOOD NEWS for heaven when sinners repent, when churches are winning souls and remaining true to the faith. There's GOOD NEWS when God's saints leave this flawed body and go to meet the Lord.

Troubled by Mary and Martha's grief, Jesus wept.

...with them and their Jewish friends following Lazareth's death and burial. Afterwards, they witnessed the glory of God as He called him forth from the grave.

Don't you know that Almighty God feels your pain when you cry. Fifteen years ago I awoke from cancer surgery, crying -- not that I might die, but fearing chemo.

I believe Jesus wept with me as He wrapped his arms around me, conquored my fear, and assured me that whatever I went through, He would be there with me. And He was.
God is good!

Here's God's recipe for a Holy Spirit-filled, heaven-sent revival.

...The pastor, evangelist, deacons, and every pew-warmer gets right with God.
2 Chronicles 7:14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

INSTRUCTIONS:
Make sure you are a born again Christian
Humble yourself
Pray for forgiveness of sin in your life
Pray to serve
Seek God's face for fellowship and guidance
Daily read God's Word
Learn and live by God's Word
Honor God's church

Ask God to help your wrong attitude and indifference toward others
Turn away from sin and worldliness

Revival is an awakening of God's people. We need it in our lives, our churches, and our country. God has promised to hear our prayers, to forgive our sins, and heal our land.

Hallelujah, Thine the glory, revive us again.

My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed.

...I will sing and give praise. Psalm 57:7

David sets forth the faith of a fugitive. In view of his plight, one may ask how he can sing My Heart is Fixed. He's in a desperate predicament and he needs the help of God. Thankfully, he had what was needed, a faith securely placed.

His heart was fixed on the God of his salvation and God's word as the plumbline for his life. His heart was fixed upon God's house as the place of acceptable service. 

 Ephesians 3:21  Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

His heart was fixed upon God's people as the only suitable companions. We should witness to the lost and choose our friends wisely.

His heart was fixed upon the Christian life as the only life of peace, joy, and hope. That joy can be lost, and that joy can be restored.

In a world of uncertanty, can you sing, My Heart is Fixed?

This memorial weekend we honor good soldiers

...who gave the ultimate price for their country. 

As Christians, we are in a spiritual war between good and evil. Our armour against Satan's attacks is staying in God's word. A good soldier fights until the victory is won.

2 Timothy 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

A good soldier should be focused on what's ahead. Sometimes fear distracts us. God said He will never put anything on us that we can't handle. Sometimes we are distracted by pride of our accomplishments.

The one we fight against is like a lion stalking his prey. Sometimes Satan makes us feel like we're a failure. Failure is never final for a Christian. God can still use you. He's merciful and gracious. If you harken to Him, He will establish your way.

Fight, focus, and be faithful. Strive to be the soldier God called you to be.