JOHN 3:16

John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

John 3:16 is one of the most recognized, most memorized and most spoken verse in all of Scripture. It can be seen printed on T-Shirts, Banners and even on signs at sports events. This one verse sums up all of Scripture: God loved humanity, but humanity sinned and thus, is condemned to Eternity in Hell, but because of God’s great love for us, He sent His only unique Son, Jesus Christ, God in human form into the world that thru Him. His death and His resurrection, whoever comes to Him in faith and repentance will not die, but have Everlasting Life!

Without salvation from our sins, the whole world is condemned to Hell. No matter what kind of life we would have lived; even if we were to become the richest person who ever lived; to die and spend eternity in Hell would not be worth it. Beyond death, there is no second chance; no repentance, no forgiveness.

Hebrews 9:27-28

It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Jesus Christ is God’s FREE GIFT of Salvation! We cannot earn it nor do we deserve it. It is unmerited (not earned) grace (undeserved favor).

Ephesians 2:4-9

But God, who is rich in MERCY, because of His great LOVE with which He LOVED US, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come that He might show the exceeding riches of His GRACE in His KINDNESS toward us in Christ Jesus. For by GRACE you “HAVE BEEN SAVED” through FAITH, and that NOT OF YOURSELVES; it is the GIFT of God,  NOT OF WORKS (not good deeds), lest anyone should boast.

Examine the words I capitalized; meditate on these. Think and see how very much God loves a world gone wrong; how much God loves you! God has made a way for us to escape the judgment to come. He has provided a sacrifice for our sins. It all started that night in Bethlehem, Israel, where Jesus lay in a lowly manger. This is the event that would change the world forever!

So many of us get depressed because we get caught up in what we have not obtained or cannot achieve. I urge you to focus on what HAS BEEN DONE for you! Heavens gates are wide open, accepting anyone who would turn from their sins and towards Jesus Christ. Salvation is for ANYONE who would put their faith in Christ. No matter what you have done, where you have gone, where you are now, there is Forgiveness for you! Come just as you, where you are and grab hold of God’s Free Gift of Salvation!

For all those who trust in Christ, the day is coming when everything will made new, corrected, made clear. This is the greatest news for the poor, the lame, the diseased, the hopeless and all those who ruined their lives and desire another chance. This world is temporary, it is fading; Eternity is forever and Heaven is perfect! Don’t let the troubles of this life bring you down. What God has for you in Heaven makes ANYTHING you can possibly go through down here to get there…worth it! Look at the amazing verse:

 1 Corinthians 2:9

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

WOW!!

God says you can’t even imagine the awesome things He has prepared for those who follow Jesus. Nothing can explain it, nor can you compare it with ANYTHING great you can think of. Think about it! Think about ALL the things you could possibly wish for if God granted you EVERY and ANY wish you desire…ANY…are you seeing this is your mind? Money, Fame, Health, Peace, Rest, Food, Amazing Travel, ...ANYTHING!

With all you can dream up…your Every wish…God says “IT DOESN’T EVEN COME CLOSE” to all the things He has prepared for you! WoW! Makes you want to stop focusing so much on all the things you Don’t Have, and focus on all the things you have to look forward to!

God has given the world a PRICELESS GIFT: JESUS CHRIST!

Every day, think on these things. Focus your mind and heart on God’s Gift…to YOU! Think about what all this means. I know life can be hard, but God has made a way. Let Christ remind you of why you were created, saved and whose child you are and where you are going.  When Jesus’ disciples were amazed at the power given to them to cast out demons, Jesus replied:

Luke 10:20

Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

If You Are A Christian; REJOICE! Because YOUR NAME  is WRITTEN IN HEAVEN!

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CHICKEN LITTLE THINKING

CHicken LIttle THinking

Do you know the story of Chicken Little? He was a little chick on a farm that had the unfortunate experience of being hit on the head by an acorn. He didn't know it was an acorn, so he immediately thought the sky was falling. What was a chick to do? He did what any other chick would do; he went to sound the alarm to the rest of the farm animals.

As you can imagine, the whole farm was in a panic and ran to seek shelter. Mr. Fox was only too happy to help his fellow creatures with finding shelter from the impending doom: his den. Needless to say, Mr. Fox ate well that evening!

The moral of this children's classic is; stay away from acorns and foxes.

More seriously, stop being so panicky and gullible. How many acorns have landed on your head that you imagined it to be the falling sky? How many rumors and "concerned" friends have you listened to that told you of falling skys, but turned out to be acorns? How may foxes have you encountered? People posing as helpful agents, only to take advantage of your vulnerability?

You have to remain cautious of every bit of news you receive and every circumstance. Evaluate the situation carefully and rationally before reacting. It is so easy to act first and think later and so hard to fix any damage as a result. Being rash and impulsive wars against you being a better you. Now sometimes the sky will actually be falling, but even then, don't run around like a chicken with her head cut off; make it your priority to maintain a leveled head.

I know for some, training the mind not to act on emotion can be a huge challenge, but the benefits of such as just as huge. Being a strong and successful woman, in her personal and public life takes work. Pause before reacting. Take a deep breath. Give yourself space to think rationally, “then” proceed.

With everything and anything, the more you practice, the more successful you will be at it.

"That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do; not that the nature of the thing is changed, but that our power to do is increased.  - Emerson

Don't think like a chicken, be shrewd as a fox.

God Bless

http://waitonboaz.com

FATHER FORGIVE THEM

Father Forgive Them

As our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ hang dying on the cross, one of His last statements was, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

This declaration comes on the heels of Him being falsely accused, mocked and made fun of, publically humiliated, spit on, a crown of thorns crushed into His skull, physically beaten, flogged with whips containing jagged bone fragments which ripped his skin with every blow until He was beyond human recognition, 3 3-4 inch nails driven through his flesh and bones and hung on a cross, left to die slowly with his organs failing and rupturing one by one.

These people were evil! they plotted and planned and forced His brutal execution. So how could Jesus say that they didn’t know what they were doing? They knew EXACTLY what they were doing and loved every minute of it! How could He turn and forgive them?! It was UNFORGIVABLE what they did!

That’s Jesus for you!!

I love Jesus! He not only talked the talk, but walked the walk! Earlier, He had commanded the people to love their enemies and forgive those who despitefully use them. To forgive even if it meant 70 x 70 times a day!

Jesus knew what we fail to see and understand. Sin, such as hate, bitterness and unforgiveness is from Satan, not God. It is foreign to the humanity that God created; a disease, an alien invasion. Acting like the devil is basically being demon possessed or at the least under the influence of the evil one.

Like the drunk, drug addict or psychotic person, the actions they carry out are done in a “right” state of mind. From Jesus’ perspective, that “right” state is God’s state of mind. So in effect, He could forgive ANYONE by reason of “INSANITY”.

This holds true for us also. When people do you wrong; hurt you, use you, treat you evil, forgive them; “By reason of insanity!”

These evil people are doing things which are foreign to God’s will for them. They are under the influence of another; Satan. They are not acting rational or “sane” as God created them and therefore are “Insane”.

When you view people from this “God perspective”, you’d be surprised at how much easier it is to forgive people and let go of past hurts. Someone hurts me and I say to myself, “I forgive them, because if they were under God’s influence, they would not have done that.”

This is not “letting people off the hook”. It is thinking scripturally and obeying God. It is also good for your own soul. We have enough to deal with in our everyday lives, carrying around the baggage of hurt just weighs us down even more. Set yourself FREE! By forgiveness and right perspective, leave the evil and hurt to God to deal with and only allow your mind to focus of good things.

It’s a new year; a better year. Start it off right and finish it right by acting right. You could “choose” to discount everything I have said and ignore everything that Jesus commanded, but then; would that make you “Sane” or “Insane”?

They know “not” what they do; you “do”! Think About It!

God Bless

http://waitonboaz.com 

YOU ARE WOMAN!

YOu ARe WOman

So fragile and beautiful, I look into your eyes;

I hold you as you grab my fingers.

My sweet baby girl, everything I've wished for.

Daddy's little girl.

All my hopes and dreams for you, I can see.

You Are Woman.

Growing and learning, exploring your world,

So much reaching, so much to teach;

Reach my darling, reach for the moon and beyond.

Reach for the moon and land amongst the stars.

Even if you fall a short, you're better than you know.

You Are Woman

Watching now as your world expands.

From tea parties to iTunes,

You are becoming you're own.

Taking risk and gaining confidence.

Ups and Downs are your new best friends.

You Are Woman

The girl I knew has grown new wings.

Wings to fly in her own direction.

Independent and Bold, all things her way.

First steps, first dates, big mistakes.

Some lessons are hard, but you are stronger.

You Are Woman

It's time.

Your path is set.

Time to make those dreams come true.

 It's your journey, your direction.

Now I am a passerby, looking in.

You Are Woman

Career or climbing; confident or confused,

Wife or mom; single or dating,

You are beautiful and unique.

You are your own and that makes you special.

You are not a mistake, not unwanted,

You Are Woman.

The years have passed and grey is settling in.

The journey long with twist and turns.

Your strength has brought you here.

I salute you. I respect you. I admire you.

You come in many shapes and sizes;

different walks of life, but all as special.

You Are Woman!

THE GIFT

THe GiFt

Everyone loves to receive gifts; and with Christmas fast approaching there will be many gifts to get and many to give. Gifts say "I care". To give a gift to someone is to acknowledge them in some way; to say thank you, to share and make smile or simply to convey a special sentiment. A simple gift can often speak what mere words cannot.

"YOU" are a gift more precious than any diamond mined in the earth. God made you special and you are here on earth to be a gift to every life you touch! You are a gift to your mom or dad, maybe you are a mom or a sister or aunt or friend. There is no gift more unique and special than you. You are a one of a kind, priceless gift.

Around this time I love to watch "It's A Wonderful Life". (Which comes on in the US this weekend. Yaaay!) If you've never watched it, I urge you to catch it on TV, youtube or rent it. It's about a man named George Bailey who is about to commit suicide, thinking he’d be better off dead,  until an angel sent to him shows him just how wonderful his life really was.

One of my favorite lines from the movie was this: "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?" 

Maybe you have had thoughts like George. Thinking the world or others would be better off without you. Maybe you just wish you were never born. I'm here to tell you that you are wrong! Your life has touched an innumerable amount of lives; many, you’ve never even known about or considered. Without your link in the chain of their lives, disaster could potentially of had rippled through countless lives.

Take stock of your special-ness and unique-ness. You are loved, wanted and needed by God. You are a Gift from Heaven given to residents of the world to add to their lives. God has set you as light in the world. A light that is most needed! Keep shining in the lives around you!

This holiday as you give gifts and get gifts and see others do the same, take a moment to reflect on how much you, yourself are loved. If you still grapple to come up with anything: God loves you, extremely much! Keep touching lives as your live is touched by God’s goodness and mercy.

2000 years ago, God sent the most priceless gift imaginable; Jesus Christ. He has touched more lives than any other person of thing in existence. Jesus is what Christmas is all about. God set the precedent for giving unselfishly and sacrificially to those He loved, even when we didn’t love Him back. Jesus was and still is the most Awesome gift one could ever give or receive!

You too are a gift and I think you're pretty awesome too :)

God Bless.

http://waitonboaz.com

A Son Is Given

A Son Is Given

Isaiah 9:6-7

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of His government and peace

There will be no end,

Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,

To order it and establish it with judgment and justice

From that time forward, even forever.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Many of you may have read this verse or heard it spoken; especially at Christmastime.

The “Child”, is none other than Jesus Christ. What you may not have realized is that this passage of scripture was written approximately 739-690 B.C.; that is about 700 years “BEFORE” Jesus was even born! God foretold of a child to come that would change the world. Not only would this child be a “world-changer, but look at the titles He is given:  Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace! These are divine titles, belonging only to God alone!

This was no ordinary child to be born, but God come to earth and to mankind in human flesh. Could this have been someone other than Jesus? What else was prophesied about the Messiah to come?

1. GOD WOULD COME TO EARTH

John 1:1-3, 14 [1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was with God in the beginning. [3] Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  [14] The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

2. BORN OF A VIRGIN

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.  700 B.C.

Mattthew 1:20-23 [20] But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.   [21] She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."  [22] All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: [23] "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" --which means, "God with us."

3. FROM THE HOUSE OF JUDAH

Isaiah 37:31 Once more a remnant of the house of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above.  700 B.C.

Matthew 1:1-2, 16 [1] A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son [descendant] of David, the son of Abraham: [2] Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, [16] and [a later] Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

4. FROM THE HOUSE OF DAVID

Isaiah 16:5 In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it--one from the house of David--one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness.  700 B.C.

Matthew 1:1-2A, 6, 16 [1] A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: [2] Abraham was the father of Isaac, ... [6] and Jesse the father of King David. [16] and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

5. BORN IN BETHLEHEM EPHRATHAH

Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.  700 B.C.

Matthew 2:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem

Over the years there have been a number of "Bethlehems" in Israel.  At the time of Jesus' birth, Bethlehem Ephrathah, referred to in Matthew as "Bethlehem in Judea", was a village about five miles south of Jerusalem, and there also was a town named Bethlehem about seven miles northwest of Nazareth.  (Per footnote Matthew 2:1 of the Zondervan NIV Study Bible, 10th Anniversary Edition, (c) 1995)

6. BE FROM NAZARETH OF GALILEE

Isaiah 9:1-2 [1] Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan -- [2] The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.  700 B.C.

Matthew 4:13-16 [13] Leaving Nazareth, he [Jesus] went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali-- [14] to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:  [15] "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles -- [16] the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."

7. HIS BIRTH WOULD TRIGGER A MASSACRE OF INFANT BOYS

Jeremiah 31:15 This is what the LORD says: "A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more."  625 B.C.

Matthew 2:16-18 [16] When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. [17] Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: [18] "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."

8. COME OUT OF EGYPT

Hosea 11:1  When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.  725 B.C.

Matthew 2:14-15  [14] So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, [15] where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."

9. MISSION WOULD INCLUDE THE GENTILES

Isaiah 49:6 he [the Lord] says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." 700 B.C.

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6 [1] "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. [2] He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.  [3] A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.  In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; [4] he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope." [6] "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand.  I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,  700 B.C.

Matthew 12:14-21 [14] But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. [15] Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, [16] warning them not to tell who he was. [17] This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: [18] "Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. [19] He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. [20] A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. [21] In his name the nations will put their hope."

Note that in Biblical usage the Gentiles are often referred to as "the nations."

10. MINISTRY WOULD INCLUDE MIRACULOUS HEALINGS

Isaiah 29:18 In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.  700 B.C.

Isaiah 35:5-6a [5] Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.  [6a] Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.  700 B.C.

Luke 7:20-22 [20] When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, `Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?' " [21] At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. [22] So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor."

11. MINISTRY WOULD DELIVER SPIRITUAL CAPTIVES

Isaiah 61:1-2 [1] The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, [2] to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,  700 B.C.

Luke 4:16-21 [16] He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. [17] The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: [18] "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, [19] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."  [20] Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, [21] and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Not too shabby, considering it was His first sermon!

12. DESPISED AND REJECTED BY MEN

Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  700 B.C.

The Crucifixion narratives in all four Gospels show this prophecy fulfilled.

13. HATED WITHOUT CAUSE

Psalm 69:4 Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal.  1000 B.C.

Isaiah 49:7 This is what the LORD says-- the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel-- to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: "Kings will see you and rise up, princes will see and bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."  700 B.C.

John 7:48-49 "Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? [49] No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law--there is a curse on them."

John 15:24-25 [24] If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father.  [25] But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: `They hated me without reason.'

14. REJECTED BY RULERS

Psalm 118:22 The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone [cornerstone of a building]; [23] the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.  before 400 B.C.

Matthew 21:42 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures:" `The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes' ?

John 7:48-49 Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? [49] No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law--there is a curse on them.

15. REJECTED BY HIS OWN BROTHERS

Psalms 69:8 I am a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my own mother's sons  1000 B.C.

(Side note: this pretty much kills the Catholic Church's claim that when the Gospels name Jesus' brothers they are talking about His cousins.)

Mark 3:20-21 [20] Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. [21] When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."

John 7:1-5 [1] After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life. [2] But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, [3] Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. [4] No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." [5] For even his own brothers did not believe in him.

16. BETRAYED FOR 30 PIECES OF SILVER

Zechariah 11:12 I told them, "If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it." So they paid me thirty pieces of silver.  500 B.C.

Matthew 26:14-15 [14] Then one of the Twelve--the one called Judas Iscariot--went to the chief priests [15] and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.

17. SILVER RETURNED

SILVER USED TO BUY POTTER'S FIELD

Zechariah 11:12-13 [12] I told them, "If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it." So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. [13] And the LORD said to me, "Throw it to the potter"--the handsome price at which they priced me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD to the potter.  500 B.C.

Matthew 27:3-10 [3] When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. [4] "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility." [5] So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. [6] The chief priests picked up the coins and said, "It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money." [7] So they decided to use the money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners. [8] That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. [9] Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel, [10] and they used them to buy the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me."

 18. DISCIPLES WOULD SCATTER

Zechariah 13:7 "Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!" declares the LORD Almighty. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones."  500 B.C.

Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: " `I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'"

ONLY Jesus accomplished this and it was foretold 700-1000 years before His birth and death. These are just a mere “sample” of prophecies written about the Messiah and fulfilled by Jesus!

So what’s the point? Jesus was more than a man, but God AND Man! God’s Word is true and accurate from 1000 years out to your prayer you uttered last night! He is real and YOU are His child! He will do what He says and has the Power to accomplish it! TRUST HIM!

This holiday season, remember WHO Jesus is, WHY He came to live and die, WHAT He accomplished for you and can do for you, WHERE you are ultimately going, HOW your life can be changed!

Have a blessed Christmas, because you ARE Blessed! No matter what you may be facing, if you are God’s Child, Saved by Jesus’ Blood, everything will be alright. This life is temporary and there will come a day when ALL your wrongs will be righted!

And if you are Not…YOU CAN BE! Just turn away from your past sins and accept the Savior born to save you!

God Bless You

http: //waitonboaz.com 

CHASING TRAINS

Chasing Trains

I had a dream last night. My daughter was the conductor of a train. It was one of the more modern one, like a subway. She had pulled the train in to pick up a wedding party. I was standing on the opposite platform as she left the train and ran over to greet me. As she gave me big hug, we watched in shock as the train rolled out of the station, leaving the wedding party behind...and my daughter. Apparently, she had failed to secure the brakes before exiting the train.

Next was the inevitable movie-like mad dash to catch up to the runaway train and regain command. We ran to the platform as another train pulled in and barely managed to jump on that one. Once safely on board, It finally gave me the opportunity to question her with my fatherly tone; "How could you let the train get away?. She replied embarrassed and apologetic: "I don't know. I thought I set the brakes". We rode the train and brainstormed as how to catch up with the one that got away.

That was the extent of the dream, but it so captured my daughter’s nature. She is the apple of my eye and more like me, more impulsive than any of my other children, which to her credit, may not always be the best thing. She is outgoing, a prankster, takes risk and impulsive. It's the impulsiveness that always gets her into trouble and leaves me and her mother thinking of way to fix the situation.

But this dream made me think; 'How many of you are not chasing your trains?' You sit on the platform and watch in horror as it rumbles down the track and away from the platform. On board are your dreams, goals, opportunities and passions; your precious cargo, but not you. Does that sound familiar?

So often in life, we get caught up with the everyday humdrums of life. The things we wanted to pursue and things we held dear, sometimes slip away while we unwittingly leave them unattended or neglect as we momentarily turn aside to something else, oftentimes, less pressing distractions. I think back and remember all the plans I once had. As I was busy creating a family, having fun, pursuing other interest, many of those treasured dreams pulled out of my station.

Only difference between my dream and my life was that I never took off to chase the train. I often wonder, “what it?” What if I had gave a great chase and actually caught that train? How would things be different? Good? Bad? I don’t know, but now I’ll never know.

How about you? How many hopes and dreams have or ‘are’ pulling out of your station? It's not too late to give chase. You are alive! The sun has come up again today and it's a brand new day. Don't fret over yesterday’s missed trains; make today your dream’s reality! I know you can do it!

Put your running shoes on and catch that train!

God Bless.

http://waitonboaz.com

HAPPINESS AND JOY

HAppiness ANd Joy

As the Christmas season approaches, the words "happiness and joy" are more frequently being inserted into commercials, advertising and the songs of the holiday. That warm and cozy feeling washes over us as we dream of being happy and joyful; but is there a difference between the two?

Happiness: a state of well-being and contentment, a pleasurable or satisfying experience.

Joy: the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires, a source or cause of delight.

The  definitions at first glance seem so similar, but in reality, the meanings are huge! There are many things that can bring both happiness and joy, but one is fleeting and the other lasting. The late pastor and president of the Southern Baptist Convention, Adrian Rogers once said:

"Happiness is temporary, but joy is eternal. Happiness depends upon outward experiences, but joy comes from within." - Adrian Rogers

Happiness is an emotion caused by outside influences or things that 'happen to' you, such as winning the lottery or getting a raise. Joy is an emotion caused by something that 'happens in' you, like a profound spiritual transformation or the birth of a child. Joy, unlike happiness is internal and eternal. Joy does not depend on outward experiences, so no outside source can take it away; it is a state of being.

Which do you want? Although I wish happy things for you, I pray that you will be filled with endless joy! You deserve joy; a feeling that transcends anything that is personally going on in  your current life. Find and focus on what brings you joy and pursue it vigorously.

Accept things that make you happy, but pursue joy. God believes in you and so do I. Joy is your inherent right. Don't spend your life chasing things and people that will make you happy for but a moment. Make joy a priority and your life will be full. Start by seeking the spiritual, emotional, mental and not merely the physical.

Be strong, be blessed :)

God Bless,

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IT'S GOOD TO BE ALIVE

ITs GOod To BE Alive

I really love God and appreciate all that He has done for me. He has granted me salvation, so I know where I’m going and in the end, that’s what matters the most in this life. But oftentimes, I still get anxious concerning the things of this life. Call it being ‘real’, call it not being spiritually mature enough, call it whatever, but it is true.

I wonder what the immediate future holds for me. I wonder how long God will grant me life in the here and now. If I go too soon, what will become of my wife and kids? Will my bills be paid in the future? The list can be endless at times!

But man it's good to be alive!

It wasn't too long ago I almost didn't make it with my heart condition. I'm still here and it's harder for me to take too many things for granted. I have in the past. Please don't make that mistake. Don’t make the mistake of clinging to less than fruitful pursuits in the present either. Life is too short for you waste time chasing things that, in the scheme of things, don't really matter. How many great opportunities have you missed? What about the relationships you wished were better? How about the dream you hoped for but let fear hold you back? I know I'm sick of being afraid!

Life is like cool spring water being poured into your hand. All its freshness has the nutrients to pour life into your soul, quench your thirst, cool your body and clean what's been dirtied. It also flows, just like life, and if you are not careful it will run through your fingers, carrying with it everything you desired from it.

Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Abundant life or living life to the fullest is what God wants for you! Again, not pursuing unprofitable lust and destructive desires, for that is not living, even if it temporarily fills you. God is talking about appreciating and enjoying every aspect of your life! Even through pain and hardship, you can have peace and fulfillment.

There is a term in Latin: "carpe diem"; meaning, 'seize the day'. Don't let life pass you by! There are many things you can do today; don't put them off until tomorrow. Give hugs and kisses when those whom you love are still around to receive it. Reach for your dreams and goals while you are still able to do so. You have nothing to lose but your fear. Let's lose our fears together.

It is good to be alive....but it's better to "LIVE" life!

God Bless,

http://waitonboaz.com

AS A WOMAN THINKS

AS A WOman THinks

Proverbs 23:7

For as she thinks in her heart, so is she.

What do ‘you’ think? What do you think about yourself? What do you think about deep inside your heart? Do you know that you help create your destiny by your thoughts? What a woman holds in her heart, or thinks, has a great effect upon her spiritually, mentally, and physically and will affect all areas of her life…YOUR LIFE!

This proverb has unbelievably huge spiritual and universal implications. This wisdom of truth from God acts as a universal law. No matter what race, gender, social status, origin of birth or education level, it hits the mark every time!

Some call it the law of attraction. In 1937 Napoleon Hill wrote a book based on this principle called, “Think And Grow Rich”. It sold millions globally and is still selling today. Why? Because it works!

YOU ARE WHAT YOU THINK YOU ARE.

That’s it in a nutshell. In its simplest form: You are what you ‘think’ you are. It doesn’t matter if what you think you are is correct or incorrect, self-labeled or something you believed from another. If you accept something as true in your thinking, you begin to act upon it, and soon, you will become what you think about yourself.

These are not random thoughts that the Bible is talking about, but deep rooted thoughts that have set up a home for inside your heart. These are the thoughts that you guard with your very life. These are the thoughts you fight for and sometimes even die for. These thoughts are what makes you…YOU!

The most astounding thing is that it works for your good or bad, it has not prejudice. What is more amazing is; “YOU can control what you think deep in your heart!”

STOP! Letting your negative and wrong thinking continue to rule in your life and bring hardship upon you. We ALL could use change; if only to make things better. Every time you think it may be possible and you let your negative thoughts creep back in and steal your hope, you lose! When you believe that what you have now is all you can ever hope to obtain, you lose! When you tell yourself every excuse not to try or to stop hoping, you lose! You have to change your thinking to win!

Think about positive changes you want to see in your life. Do this daily and meditate on it and live it out. See this being lived out in your life and practice it daily. When you have the first change deep-rooted, self-fulfilling and noticeable, go back and pick another positive thing to change or add to your life.

Truth is, you can shape and re-shape your whole life! Whatever you desire can be at your fingertips! You will inevitably move towards that which you think about on a consistent and persistent basis.

Try something simple for starters and see how it works. When you see this working, try the next great thought and then go bigger. Give it a month or more to test this theory. What do you have to lose? But negative thoughts!

Try It and tell me what happens!

God Bless,

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NEW YOU

A New You

Each of you at one point or another has desired change. Change for the better. I know the process of change may seem scary and a bit slow, but rest assured, it can come and for some, it has already begun. Allow the 'you' that you were previously, to fade as the "new' you filters into your life.

You have infinite worth and potential! No matter what you have done, where you have been or where you are now, a new day can come. You are not the same woman (or man) you used to be. Not the same as yesterday or the day before. Each day brings a new you and new opportunities to re-create a better you. Don't listen to voices telling you that you will always be what you have always been.

 

The road ahead is a journey and journeys take time. Roads are meant to be traveled, so you must start walking. Put one foot in front of the other and walk this path each day, making further inroads towards the new you. Keep in mind how valuable you are. You alone know the many mistakes you have made in the past, yet there is hope! Instead of guilt and shame, learn! Take note of your mistakes, readjust, and move forward anew! You know the hurts and wrongs that have been done to you, but these wounds will heal also. You know how far you must go, but with God's help, you will go farther. You are NOT alone!

Let your mind and heart be renewed. This life is fading like the dew that falls in the morning and is gone by noon. Focus on what truly matters. Your life is priceless, yet fleeting. You must bear in mind that although there are many things more important than material or monetary things in this world that you should be focused on. You are at the top of this important list. You cannot take care of what is important and others if you, yourself, are falling apart.

Again, the challenge is for you to walk this new path. Think of the possibilities: strong and confident; knowing where you are headed with vision to get there. Imagine being intact emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually and economically. How much of difference would your life look like and your effect on the lives of others around you? Re-think, re-plan, re-position and re-route, re-do and re-make YOU!

I believe in you. God believes in you. Believe too in yourself. Let the new you emerge!

God Bless,

http://waitonboaz.com