Grow Stronger Roots

What is keeping people from Salvation

Sorry this is so long, but Worth the read! I started with what is keeping people from church, but then I realized that church is not necessarily the problem but what is keeping people from salvation? Lets look at some possible explanations:

(1) Misunderstanding teaching or Biblical interpretation

People have interpreted and sometimes misunderstood Jesus’ teachings in various ways, often due to cultural, historical, or personal perspectives. Here are a few common areas where misunderstandings can arise:

Literal vs. Symbolic Meaning: Some teachings, such as parables, are symbolic and meant to convey deeper spiritual truths. For example, the Parable of the Good Samaritan teaches about compassion and love for all, but its depth can be lost if interpreted too literally or narrowly.
Love and Forgiveness: Jesus emphasized unconditional love and forgiveness, yet some people may focus on justice or retribution, overshadowing these central tenets. For instance, “turn the other cheek” is often misunderstood as passivity, rather than a radical call to break cycles of violence.
Material Wealth and Prosperity: Teachings like “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3) highlight humility and reliance on God. Yet, some interpret faith as a guarantee of material prosperity, contrasting with Jesus’ emphasis on spiritual over material wealth.
Judgment and Acceptance: Jesus taught against harsh judgment of others (e.g., “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone”) and embraced societal outcasts. However, his followers sometimes struggle to embody this inclusivity, leading to exclusion or judgment in his name.
Faith and Works: The balance between faith and actions can also be misunderstood. While Jesus stressed faith as essential, he also emphasized living out faith through love and deeds.

Misunderstandings often arise when teachings are taken out of their broader context or when personal agendas shape interpretation.

(2) Focus on Material possessions or Current lifestyle

Matthew 19:24, Jesus says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” This doesn’t necessarily mean wealth itself is evil, but rather that an excessive focus on accumulating possessions can distract from what truly matters—faith, love, and serving others. Similarly, in the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21), Jesus warns against storing up earthly treasures while neglecting one’s spiritual relationship with God.

Modern lifestyles, with their focus on consumerism, comfort, and self-reliance, can sometimes create a false sense of security or fulfillment, leading people to prioritize temporary pleasures over eternal values. Yet, Jesus invites people to seek what truly satisfies the soul: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

It’s a reminder to live intentionally, focusing less on possessions and more on cultivating virtues like love, humility, and generosity.

3) Negative Church Experiences

Negative experiences within a church setting—such as hypocrisy, judgment, exclusion, or even abuse—can deeply affect someone’s willingness to engage with faith or profess it openly. For many, the church is meant to be a place of love, community, and spiritual growth, but when it falls short of those ideals, it can create barriers to belief or participation.

For example:

Hypocrisy: When actions within a church contradict the teachings of Jesus, it can lead to feelings of disillusionment. Jesus himself warned against this in Matthew 23, calling out religious leaders for their outward displays of righteousness while neglecting justice and mercy.
Judgment and Exclusion: If individuals feel judged or ostracized, they may associate these negative experiences with the faith itself, rather than seeing them as failings of individuals or institutions.
Abuse of Power: Instances of misuse of authority or unethical behavior by church leaders can lead to deep wounds that make it difficult to trust the church again.

These experiences can lead people to feel distant from the faith, but they don’t have to define their spiritual journey. Sometimes, individuals find healing and growth by separating their relationship with God from their experiences with imperfect human institutions. Communities that prioritize genuine love, inclusion, and accountability can also play a role in restoring trust.

(4) Fear of Being Judged

Fear of being judged can be a significant obstacle, especially when it comes to professing one’s beliefs or faith. This fear often stems from societal pressures, past experiences, or the desire to avoid rejection or misunderstanding. Here are some ways this fear manifests and can be addressed:

Social Stigma: People might worry about being labeled or stereotyped for their faith or beliefs. This can lead to hesitation in sharing their convictions, even if they hold them deeply.
Past Experiences: Negative interactions, such as being criticized or ridiculed for one’s faith, can create lasting apprehension about future judgment.
Fear of Rejection: Some might worry about losing relationships or connections if their beliefs are not accepted by others.

To overcome these fears:

Focus on Authenticity: Embracing vulnerability and authenticity can help build confidence. Remember that sharing beliefs is about expressing oneself, not convincing others.
Seek Supportive Communities: Finding like-minded people or groups that foster mutual respect and understanding can create a safe space for sharing.
Shift Perspective: Recognizing that judgment reflects more about the other person’s perspective than one’s own worth can help ease concerns.
Lean on Faith: For those who believe, relying on the strength and guidance that faith offers can be empowering.

In the end, it can be liberating to prioritize personal integrity over the fear of external judgment.

(5) Trauma and Pain

Trauma and pain can indeed create a sense of distance from God for many individuals. When someone experiences deep suffering, it can challenge their faith, leading them to feel abandoned, angry, or disconnected from the divine. This division can stem from several factors:

Questions of Justice and Love: People might struggle to reconcile their pain with the idea of a loving and just God, asking, “Why would God allow this to happen to me?”
Emotional Distance: Intense grief or anguish can make it difficult to feel the comfort or presence of God, even when intellectually, someone may still believe.
Loss of Trust: Trauma can shake a person’s trust not only in God but also in religious institutions or communities if they perceive a lack of support or empathy.

However, many find that healing and restoration are possible:

Honest Prayer and Reflection: Expressing pain and doubt openly to God can be cathartic, as shown in the Psalms, where cries of despair coexist with hope and faith.
Supportive Communities: Surrounding oneself with compassionate and understanding people can foster a sense of connection and remind individuals of God’s love.
Looking to Jesus’ Suffering: For Christians, Jesus’ own experience of pain and abandonment on the cross can provide comfort, as it shows that God is not distant from human suffering but deeply empathetic to it.

While trauma and pain can divide, they can also lead people to seek deeper spiritual meaning and ultimately find healing.

(6) Cultural trends dismissing faith

Cultural trends dismissing faith have become more prevalent in many societies, often influenced by shifts in values, priorities, and worldviews. Here are a few factors contributing to this dynamic:

Rise of Secularism: As societies become more focused on science, technology, and rationalism, there is often a move away from traditional religious structures or faith-based explanations of the world.
Individualism: Modern culture frequently prioritizes personal freedom, autonomy, and self-expression, which can sometimes conflict with the communal and moral teachings of faith traditions.
Misrepresentation of Faith: Negative portrayals of religion in media or scandals involving religious institutions can lead to skepticism or alienation from faith.
Focus on Materialism: An emphasis on consumerism and material success can overshadow spiritual pursuits, as people seek fulfillment in possessions or achievements rather than in deeper existential or spiritual matters.
Pluralism and Relativism: With diverse cultural and spiritual perspectives, some people may view all beliefs as equally valid or reject the idea of absolute truth, which can make faith feel less relevant or authoritative.
Distrust in Authority: Broader societal distrust in institutions, including religious ones, has led some to distance themselves from organized faith.

Despite these trends, many individuals and communities continue to hold strong to their faith, finding ways to adapt and thrive within a changing cultural landscape. Faith can provide meaning, community, and hope that transcend societal shifts.

(6) Conflicts with Science

Conflicts between faith and science are an age-old tension, but they often stem from misunderstandings about the roles and limitations of each. Here are some key areas where these conflicts can arise, along with perspectives on how they might be addressed:

Creation and Evolution: The biblical account of creation in Genesis is sometimes seen as conflicting with the scientific theory of evolution. However, many theologians and scientists view the creation story as a poetic or symbolic explanation of divine origins rather than a literal, scientific account. This allows faith and science to coexist by addressing different kinds of truths—spiritual and empirical.
Age of the Universe: Some faith traditions hold that the Earth is young (e.g., a few thousand years old), whereas science estimates the universe to be about 13.8 billion years old. This can create challenges, but others interpret scripture in a non-literal way, reconciling it with scientific evidence.
Miracles and Natural Laws: Faith often includes belief in miracles—events that seem to defy natural laws—while science relies on observable and repeatable phenomena. For people of faith, miracles are seen as divine interventions, which may not conflict with science, but instead operate beyond its scope.
Human Origins and Consciousness: Questions about the soul, consciousness, and purpose are deeply spiritual and philosophical, whereas science typically focuses on the biological and material aspects of life. Many find these approaches complementary rather than contradictory.
Interpretation and Context: Some perceived conflicts arise when religious texts are interpreted rigidly, without considering historical, cultural, or metaphorical contexts. More flexible interpretations often allow faith and science to inform and enrich each other.

Ultimately, faith often addresses why we exist, while science explores how we exist. When approached with mutual respect, they can coexist and even complement one another, leading to a richer understanding of life and the universe.

(7) Lack of Role Models

The absence of personal role models can deeply impact someone’s spiritual journey, as role models often provide guidance, inspiration, and tangible examples of living out faith. Without them, individuals may struggle to connect with their beliefs or see how they translate into daily life. Here are some effects of lacking role models and ways to address this:

Uncertainty in Practice: People may find it difficult to understand how to embody their faith in everyday decisions without someone to show them by example.
Weak Sense of Belonging: Role models often provide a sense of community and shared values, so their absence can lead to feelings of isolation or disconnection from one’s faith.
Challenges in Growth: Observing the struggles and triumphs of others can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth, and missing that influence can slow progress.

To address this:

Seek Community: Joining faith-based groups or organizations can provide access to mentors and peers who share similar values and experiences.
Look to Historical Role Models: Stories of saints, spiritual leaders, or even individuals in one’s family history can offer inspiration.
Be Your Own Role Model: Sometimes, the lack of external role models can encourage individuals to take ownership of their own faith journey, striving to set an example for others.
Connect Virtually: Online sermons, podcasts, or social media platforms can help people connect with leaders or influencers who inspire them.

(8) Reconciling Faith with the Reality of Evil

Reconciling faith with the existence of evil is one of the most challenging and profound questions in theology, often referred to as “the problem of evil.” It involves grappling with how a loving, omnipotent God can coexist with the suffering and injustices in the world. Here are some perspectives that seek to address this tension:

Free Will: Many theological traditions suggest that God gave humans free will, allowing them to choose between good and evil. While this freedom enables love and moral growth, it also opens the door to wrongdoing and suffering as a consequence of human choices.
The Broken World: Some interpret suffering and evil as a result of living in a fallen or imperfect world, one that reflects humanity’s separation from God (as seen in the story of the Fall in Genesis). This view holds that evil exists not because God causes it, but because creation is not yet fully restored.
A Greater Plan: From a faith perspective, some believe that God can bring good out of evil, even when we don’t immediately see it. The story of Job in the Bible explores this idea, emphasizing trust in God’s wisdom despite suffering.
Shared Suffering: Christianity, in particular, offers the image of Jesus’ suffering on the cross as a way to identify with human pain. It portrays a God who is not distant but fully empathetic to suffering, sharing in humanity’s experience of evil and offering redemption.
Evil as a Test or Growth Opportunity: Some see trials and tribulations as opportunities for spiritual growth, refining character, and deepening reliance on God. While this perspective doesn’t excuse evil, it frames suffering as part of a transformative journey.
Mystery and Faith: Ultimately, many people of faith accept that the existence of evil may never be fully understood in this life. Trust in God’s goodness and justice, even amidst uncertainty, becomes an act of faith.

The tension between faith and the reality of evil often deepens believers’ understanding of their spirituality and leads to profound conversations about human responsibility, divine justice, and hope.

SUMMARY

Many factors can keep people from experiencing salvation or embracing faith, often rooted in spiritual, emotional, or societal barriers. Here are some key obstacles:

Attachment to Materialism: Prioritizing possessions, wealth, or worldly success over spiritual growth can distract people from seeking salvation. Jesus warned about this in Matthew 6:24, saying, “You cannot serve both God and money.”
Pride and Self-Reliance: A belief in one’s ability to navigate life independently without the need for God or divine grace can hinder humility and openness to salvation.
Fear of Judgment or Rejection: Concerns about how others perceive their faith can cause hesitation to fully commit or profess their beliefs openly.
Cultural Influence: Societal trends dismissing faith, promoting secularism, or questioning traditional values can lead to doubt or indifference.
Past Hurt or Trauma: Negative experiences with religious institutions or individuals can create distrust or resentment toward faith as a whole.
Moral Conflict: Some may struggle with the idea of giving up lifestyles or choices that conflict with spiritual teachings.
Misunderstanding Salvation: Misinterpreting salvation as something that must be earned, rather than received by grace through faith, can lead to frustration or confusion.
Indifference or Spiritual Apathy: For some, a lack of interest or awareness of spiritual matters can prevent them from seeking salvation.

Each of these barriers represents an opportunity for faith communities to demonstrate love, grace, and understanding, helping people to navigate and overcome these challenges.

Don’t fall for the issues listed here or any others “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Prov 3:5-6)

Come to Jesus, Repent and be renewed in Him!

For more information on salvation, I invite you to check out our books on Amazon!

All dogs go to Heaven?

This is a question I have been asked many times, so I decided to take a deeper dive into the subject: Do our animals go to Heaven? Will we get to see them again? This is just a hypothesis, so don’t kill the messenger, It is just theory and what I think.

In many traditional interpretations, salvation is uniquely associated with human beings. Scriptures like Romans 8:19–22 suggest that all creation is eagerly awaiting the liberation found in the redemption of humanity. Many theologians have argued that while animals are part of God’s good creation and will certainly experience the renewal of a new heaven and new earth—as described in Revelation 21—this renewal doesn’t necessarily imply that animals receive salvation in the same way humans do. Essentially, the human soul is viewed as uniquely capable of an eternal relationship with God because of our capacity for moral choice and spiritual awareness.

Many early church fathers, including Augustine and, later, medieval thinkers like Thomas Aquinas, maintained that animals do not possess souls that are immortal in the same way humans do. Their focus was on human redemption and salvation. However, there was also a strong current of thought—exemplified by the spirituality of figures like St. Francis of Assisi—where the inherent goodness of all life was celebrated. This perspective allowed for a view that, while animals might not have an eternal destiny in the conventional salvific sense, they would be fully integrated into the renewed creation. This renewed creation would reflect the original harmony God intended in Genesis, where every creature finds its rightful place.

Modern theologians have revisited and sometimes reinterpreted these classic positions. Some argue that the prophetic visions found in Isaiah 11:6–9 and Isaiah 65:25, where predators and prey coexist peacefully, hint at a cosmic restoration that includes all of creation—animals being an essential part of that renewal. The idea of a cosmic Christ, where the redemption won by Jesus extends to every corner of the universe, encourages the belief that animals, as part of creation, share in the joy of that redeemed state. Instead of viewing animal existence as requiring salvation, many see it as being naturally restored to the state of harmony originally intended for the earth.

Philosophically, the discussion touches on what it means for creation to be “redeemed.” Is redemption purely a human experience, or is it the ultimate reordering of all things back to a state of balance and beauty? For many who have experienced a deep bond with their animal companions, the idea that these relationships might persist in some form in God’s renewed creation is both comforting and inspiring. Rather than focusing solely on individual salvation, this interpretation emphasizes the interconnectivity of all life in the cosmic plan. The notion is less about animals “going to heaven” on their own and more about a comprehensive renewal of every part of creation—a return to the original goodness declared in Genesis 1:31.

I personally think during the thousand year reign (Rev 20:1-6) on earth, YES there will still be animals, but to think they will rise to heaven after the reign is in debate and I personally believe that they will not be ascended to Heaven with the rest of creation. This is just my opinion but I would be happy to discuss.

Each perspective offers a rich tapestry of ideas that have evolved over the centuries. Whether one leans toward a strictly human-focused salvation or a more holistic, redeemed cosmos, the discussion invites us to reflect on the beautiful mystery of a world in which every creature—and every human—is woven into God’s grand design.

Through the Bible…..as it Happened This is a paid link, but worth the read!

Christian Insights on the Law of Attraction

Manifesting Miracles: A Christian Perspective on the law of attraction and faith

Many of you that follow me have been waiting for my next book in the series (Discovering the Path of Salvation Series) but I ran across an old outline of a book I started in 2009. I had a renewed interest in finishing it, so the other 2 books in the series got put on hold for the time being.

But….. I have now finished the book and posted it for sale on Amazon.com.

Manifesting Miracles surpasses the scope and depth of any conventional book on manifesting. It delves into the spiritual and metaphysical aspects of manifestation, providing readers with a comprehensive guide to harnessing their inner power to create extraordinary outcomes. Unlike secular books that often focus solely on practical techniques, ‘Manifesting Miracles’ integrates wisdom from the Bible, modern psychology, and cutting-edge science. This holistic approach empowers individuals to transform not only their lives but others lives, in ways they never imagined possible.

In the first few days it has become my #1 seller on Kindle (sorry that is the only option available right now, but the paperback is coming soon!)

Hope you will check it out!

Check out this link to manifesting wealth or health!

Navigating Your Spiritual Journey to Salvation

If you have been with us a while, you may remember our first post, “In the beginning, The A, B, C’s” discussing the path a newer Christian should travel on their journey through Faith in Jesus Christ.

Building upon this point, I have authored several comprehensive books that delve into the detailed steps toward achieving Salvation. Within these works, I meticulously outline the essential processes and provide clear, actionable guidance on how individuals can successfully navigate these steps on their spiritual journey. Each book serves as a valuable resource, offering deep insights and practical advice to help readers attain the ultimate goal of Salvation.

Discovering the Path of Salvation: Faith Unlocked
Discovering the Path of Salvation: A New Christians Guide to the Romans Road
Discovering the Path of Salvation: A New Christians Guide to the Book of John
Discovering the Path of Salvation: A Devotional Journey

Coming Soon:
Discipleship Unlocked: A Guide for New Christians
From Prayer to Purpose: Evangelism

For those who are new to the Christian faith or currently experiencing challenges in their spiritual journey, I highly recommend exploring these books. Each one is designed to provide invaluable guidance, helping you navigate through any obstacles you may encounter. These books offer profound understanding and insightful perspectives that can illuminate your path and aid you in cultivating a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God. Whether you seek clarity, encouragement, or spiritual growth, these resources will serve as your trusted companions on your journey toward a closer connection with the Divine.

A Transformative Journey: Discovering Faith Unlocked

Unveiling the Essence of Salvation: A Journey Through “Discovering Path of Salvation: Faith Unlocked”

I believe this is the best of the four books written so far in the series! In a world where the quest for purpose and meaning often feels overwhelming, “Discovering the Path of Salvation: Faith Unlocked” emerges as a beacon of hope and enlightenment. This transformative book, penned with profound insight, guides readers on a spiritual journey to unlock the true essence of salvation.

Embark on a Spiritual Odyssey

“Discovering Path of Salvation: Faith Unlocked” takes readers on an enlightening expedition through the realms of faith, offering profound reflections and practical guidance. The book delves into the core of human existence, exploring the significance of faith in navigating life’s challenges and uncertainties. The added personal stories from my life will aid in the journey through this book.

The Power of Faith

At its heart, this book underscores the transformative power of faith. It illuminates how unwavering belief and trust in a higher power can serve as a cornerstone for personal growth, inner peace, and salvation. Through captivating anecdotes and thought-provoking narratives, the author masterfully weaves a tapestry of faith that resonates deeply with readers.

Unlocking the Path

The journey to salvation is unique for each individual, and “Discovering Path of Salvation: Faith Unlocked” acknowledges this diversity. The book offers practical steps and timeless wisdom to help readers unlock their own path to salvation. Whether you are seeking solace in times of hardship or striving for a deeper connection with your spirituality, this book provides invaluable insights to guide you on your quest.

A Must-Read for Seekers of Truth

If you are on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening, “Discovering Path of Salvation: Faith Unlocked” is a must-read. It not only inspires but also empowers readers to embrace their faith and unlock the boundless potential within. This book is a testament to the transformative power of faith and a guiding light for those seeking to navigate the complexities of life with grace and purpose.

Join the Conversation

Have you read “Discovering Path of Salvation: Faith Unlocked“? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below or feel free to add your thoughts on Amazon.com. Let’s embark on this spiritual journey together and unlock the path to salvation.

How to Ensure God Hears Your Prayers Effectively

I have heard many times from others and even asked a few times why God does not seem to answer my prayers. Our belief is that God answers ALL prayers, we just may not be getting the answer we want or in the way we want. God will answer all prayers submitted properly with a humble heart. This I truly believe, but I did learn today that there are six barriers which could prevent God from hearing, or at least answering our prayers.

Selfishness: Are we asking for things purely for self interest? James 4:3 (NASB) ³You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.

Ignoring the Law of God: Are we asking for something that is contradictory to the law of God? Are you truly trying to live your life within God’s law forsaking earthly desires? Proverbs 28:9 (NASB) ⁹He who turns away his ear from listening to the law,
Even his prayer is an abomination.

Unforgiving Heart: Is there something or someone in our heart that we have not truly forgiven? Mark 11:25 (NASB)²⁵Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.

Discord with family: Are we treating our wife/husband (family) with the kindness and honor they deserve? Have we done or said something that may still be weighing heavy on our or their mind? 1 Peter 3:7-9 (NASB) ⁷You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.⁸To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; ⁹not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.

Giving credit to personal sin: Are we living in sin yet making excuses for it creating a ideology that the sin is ok, or it is not that bad. Sin is sin in God’s eyes. Psalm 66:18 (NASB) ¹⁸If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear;

Doubting or lack of Faith: Be confident in our petition that God is God and has all ability to grant that which we seek. James 1:6-7 (NASB)⁶But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord,

Many times when you are having a conversation with a brother or sister in Christ, specifically about prayer, Mark 11:24 will inevitably be cited.

Mark 11:24 (NASB) ²⁴Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.

I, of course, would never disagree with it, but as with any biblical instruction, one must look for the corroborating scripture and ensure that all instruction is followed, not just a verse out of context. Mark 11:24 seems to allow for any prayer to be answered as we want it, but does not take into account the petitioners motive, law of God, unforgiving heart, discord, personal sin, or doubt. Without taking care of these 6 barriers before prayer, how can one be sure that God will even hear?

Eliminating these 6 barriers and petitioning with pure humility before God will better insure that ones prayers will be heard. God’s answer to prayer is another entire post, as yes I believe He answers EVERY prayer, maybe just not to our earthly satisfaction, but at least with better prayer we can insure that our prayers will be heard.

Patience in Faith: Lessons from Jesus’ Timely Messages

When I was studying and referencing for my second book, “The New Christians Guide to the book of John” I ran across a phrase from Jesus 3 different times: “My time has not yet come”

I never thought much about it at the time, but I noticed that over the weeks it kept returning to my mind. I cannot remember ever hearing a sermon or Bible teaching about this phrase, but it seems to be critically important, especially extrapolating it for todays Christian.

Specifically three times:

John 2:4 (KJV) “Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.”

Set at the wedding in Canaan when Mary asked Jesus to turn water to wine.

John 7:6 (KJV) ” Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.”

Jesus Brethren trying to convince Him to enter into Judea for the Festival of Tabernacles.

John 7:8 ” Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come.”

Mentioned again in the same conversation with the Brethren. But this time telling them to go ahead to the festival for He could not yet go.

In both cases, Mary and the Brethren thought that it was time to show the people who He truly was

Jesus uses this phrase these three times to indicate that it was not time for his unveiling to the populace as the Messiah. It was still too soon to reveal His ultimate purpose and mission—His crucifixion and resurrection. For example, in John 2:4, during the wedding at Cana, Jesus says to his mother, “My hour has not yet come,” when she informs him that the wine has run out. In the John 7 verses, He knew when He returned to Judea that the time would be nigh for His execution, and it was too soon for events to play out exactly as they should.

In a broader sense, this phrase can be interpreted as a reminder of divine timing and patience. It suggests that there is a right time for everything, and sometimes we need to wait for the appropriate moment for certain events or actions to unfold. This can be applied to our lives today by encouraging us to trust in the timing of His will on our journey and to have faith that things will happen exactly as they are meant to, according to His will.

In a world that often demands instant results and immediate gratification, this message can be a powerful reminder to practice patience, trust in the process, and believe that our own “time” will come when the circumstances are right.

Full armor of Battle-Bible Study

Armour of God

2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2Ti 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

2Ti 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Paul writes this to encourage Timothy while sitting in a jail cell in Rome. Paul states that God’s Holy Spirit provides power, love, and sound judgement. Vs 7 He also directs Timothy to not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ and invites him to join in the suffering for the Gospel, something one can do only through the power of Christ. Vs 8. God has saved us by Grace according to His Will vs 9

We attain salvation through Grace, We have the Word to guide, We have the Truth to grow our Faith, We are righteous in God’s eye through Jesus Christ, and we should be prepared with the Gospel, willing to stand and suffer for the cause of Christ.

We may forget at times, but one thing is true – this world is a battlefield. Day by day, hour by hour, we face a spiritual war and an enemy who’s real. He wants nothing more than to bring defeat, for his main aim is to steal, kill, and destroy.

God has a plan for our lives. The enemy has a plan for us too. We must decide which voice we’re going to listen to, and who we’re going to choose to follow each day. And chances are, if we don’t make a determined choice to follow God, we may eventually fall into the evil one’s trap.

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

We have Salvation through Grace, We have the Word, We have the Truth, and our Faith, We are righteous in God’s eyes, and we are prepared with the Gospel, Now lets prepare for battle:

Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Please Pray with me:

Dear God, today we put on your full armor to guard our lives against attack.

We put on the belt of truth to protect against lies and deception.

We put on the breastplate of righteousness to protect our hearts from the temptations we battle.

We put the gospel of peace on our feet, so we’re ready to take your light wherever you send us this day.

We choose to walk in the peace and freedom of your Spirit and not be overcome with fear and anxious thoughts.

We take up your shield of faith that will extinguish all the darts and threats hurled our way by the enemy. We believe in your power to protect us and choose to trust in you.

We put on the helmet of salvation, which covers our minds and thoughts, reminding us we are children of the day, forgiven, set free, saved by the grace of Christ Jesus.

We take up the sword of the Spirit, your very Word, the one offensive weapon given to us for battle, which has the power to demolish strongholds, alive, active, and sharper than any double-edged sword.

We ask for your help in remembering to put on your full armor every day, for you give us all that we need to stand firm in this world. Forgive us God for the times we’ve been unprepared, too busy to care, or trying to fight and wrestle in our own strength.

Thank you that we never fight alone, for you are constantly at work on our behalf, shielding, protecting, strengthening, exposing deeds of darkness, bringing to light what needs to be known, covering us from the cruel attacks we face even when we’re unaware. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

Four Promises of Ascension-Bible Study

The Cross was the end of the beginning and the beginning of the end. Christ fulfilled the Old Testament law, He fulfilled as many as 350 O.T. Prophecies. (Luke 24:44) He had to end His earthly life in this manner to fulfill the Will of the Father for the coming age. The Church Age Dispensation. (6^th of 7)

On the Cross Jesus stated, “It Is Finished” John 19:30 (Greek tetelestai-to discharge a debt) This statement did not mean that His earthly ministry was complete but that this act had completed the payment of the debt of sin by man. Jesus earthly ministry would not be complete for another 40 days, until the Ascension to the right hand of the Father.

Would it have been easier and better for Jesus to remain on earth, since He is an eternal God and could have remained for all time converting all those whom He and His disciples came into contact with?

With continuation of His works and miracles, would not more have been converted to the Kingdom?

If Jesus would have continued on earth, there would be no reason for Faith or Hope. It would simply be to see and hear about the Works and Miracles to believe, which would take away any reason we have to pursue life on earth.

The forty days after crucifixion, Acts 1:3-4, allowed Him to show many “Proofs” and continue the training of His chosen to reach their full potential in the turbulent times that were to come. The ascension also allows Jesus to take His proper place at the right hand of the Father (Acts 7:55, Luke 22:69, Mark 12:36, Luke 20:42 ) and as intercessor and Mediator for man. (1 Tim 2:5, Heb 8:6, 1John 2:1)

Read Acts 1:1-11

Promise 1: The Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5-“Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost”. His promise to have a Holy Spirit indwell every believer; to guide, direct, and lead as necessary to walk firmly in the Will of God.

Eph 1:13, “Ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise”

John 14:16, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;“

John 14:26, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

A promise also made in the Old Testament

Eze 36:26, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you:”

Joel 2:28, “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh;”

Promise 2: Power. Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive Power” through the Holy Ghost. They were given all power to complete the works which Jesus is directing them to do, NOT what they expected since they question Him in vs. 6 “Will thou at this time restore again the Kingdom to Israel”. But He lets them now that now is not “for you to know the times, and seasons which the Father has put in His own Power.”

This power given through the Holy Spirit is that of the confidence, intelligence, and ability to go out and do that which He is commanding them to do. (Acts 1:8)

Promise 3: A Purpose Acts 1:8, “Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. “

Luke 24:47, “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

Matt 28:18-19,” And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”

Mark 16:15, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Their purpose now was to grow the church, wherever they went. Acts 2:42-47 shows us 4 things that were done daily at the command of Christ.

They taught divine truth from the word of God Acts 2:42 “believers held steadfastly to the teaching”
They devoted themselves to the importance of fellowship Acts 2:42. We are called to live a life of favor together:
1. John 15:12 Love one another
1. Gal 6:2 Carry one another’s burdens
1. Eph 4:32 Forgive one another
1. 1 Thess 5:11 Encourage One another
1. 1 Corr 12:12-26 We are of One Body
1. Heb 10:23-25 Not forsaking our assemblies
They prioritized worship and the Lord’s Supper Acts 2:42
They were regularly involved in outreach as Acts 2:47 state, “everyday the Lord added to the number of those who were being saved”.

Acts 2:43 And fear(Great respect) came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

These 4 items are still as applicable today. As leaders of the church, we are responsible to uphold God’s standards in the church and work with the Pastor to convert, lead and grow His church.

Promise 4: His Return Acts1:11 “this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

The angels attending Jesus ascension assured the apostles that He would be seen again. He was going to return for His people. The Apostles had never realized before this the magnitude of the Kingdom that He had been telling them about. But they were the new leaders of the earthly ministry. Luke 24:45, “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,”

The Ascension is rarely taught or preached about, in my opinion, but I believe it is one of the most important days in the earthly life of Christ-Maybe #4 behind, birth, death and resurrection.

As believers we are promised the Holy Spirit as a comforter and helper.

We are promised the Power of the Holy Spirit to overcome sin in our own lives and to help others with theirs

We are promised a purpose as His commands have not changed in 2000 years!

We are promised His return in many places in the old and new testament.

Interruptions of a Godly Life

Walking down the hall of your office building, with purpose in your gate, thinking strongly of the meeting you are heading to. You are covering your notes so your presentation can be as precise as possible. This is an important time for both you and your company. If you nail this presentation, it could mean a large commission or potentially a promotion to a much-desired position within the organization.

Ten feet from the conference room you are interrupted by a co-worker, who explains a seemingly trivial matter with another account. With your focus on the meeting at hand, you just blurt out the first potential solution that comes to mind. The co-worker acknowledged the answer and turns away to deal with the situation. Regaining focus, you proceed into the conference room and begin a glowing presentation, which you feel will blow the client away, knowing they can not deny the validity of all the facts and figures you have put together in a flawless progression.

The presentation goes perfectly, with every key point you feel just one step closer to the goal of landing this new client. As you close, your excitement abounds as you wonder how quickly they will accept and sign on the dotted line. Within seconds of your last word, they thank you for your time and work, giving a great presentation, but they have decided to go in a different direction. You are devastated but there was no changing their mind at this point. You have lost.

How would you feel at this moment? Would you wonder if your bosses would no longer even consider you for a management position or that you will even keep your job?
Do you think if you put a few minutes into prayer before even leaving your office down the hallway that it would have made a difference in the outcome?

The next day, your boss comes to your office to talk. You feel an overwhelming loss coming and he just wants to deliver the bad news in person, face-to-face. To your amazement when he walks in, he is exceedingly happy and showing tremendous gratitude for the work you do and how your ingenious idea not only saved a large account but caused this account to more than triple their work/orders with your company-far exceeding what was expected from the first company turning down your diligent presentation.

What is your boss talking about, you are at a loss? Remember the interruption? That seemingly trivial question? God’s will had something far greater in the plans for you, while using the first presentation to keep you humble.

How do you feel now as compared to the day before when you were turned down by the new client?
Do you think prayer before the presentation would have made a difference now?

To call something an interruption we must accept the premise that:

You assume a goal. You are definitely headed somewhere. There is no interruption if you are not “on your way” to do something or go somewhere.
You assume that your goal is more important than the interruption. There is no interruption if you are on your way but are diverted by something you think is more important.

So then, an interruption is something less important that “gets in the way” of going somewhere or doing something more important.

God is always in the interruptions! When you least expect, when you don’t think it matters, God has you. Your idea of an expected outcome is not always what God’s Will is for you.

Jesus seemed to invite the interruptions, never considering them interruptions, in His Mission Journey, but to complete the Will of God. John 4:34-Nothing was more important than God’s Will-not rest nor food.

. Jesus always seemed to be on His way to somewhere or leaving to head to somewhere when interruptions occurred. Coming down from just delivering the Sermon on the Mount and enroute to Capernaum, Jesus was interrupted by many

Matthew 8:1-4 Request of the Leper
Matthew 8:5-13 Faith of the Centurion
Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12 Healing the paralytic

Leaving Capernaum
Matthew 8:14-15 Healing Peters Mother-in-law

Upon arriving on the other side of the sea of Galilee
Matthew 8:28-34 Healing the two demon-possessed men

Jesus will even accept an interruption to an interruption, like in Matthew 9:18-26 (Also uke 8:43-47, Mark 5:25-43)

Jesus is teaching His disciples when a ruler named Jarius came (Interruption 1) and worshipped asking Jesus to restore his daughter who had just died. (vs 18) Then Jesus arose to follow him to his house to see his daughter. (vs 19)

Along the way to the rulers home a diseased woman touched His hem (interruption 2). (vs 21) Stopping and looking at the woman Jesus said to her “thy faith hath made thee whole” (vs 22) before setting back to His original journey (interruption)

Upon leaving Jarius house Jesus was followed by 2 Blind men Matt 9:27-31

On the road to Jericho, He was interrupted by a blind beggar, Bartimaeus. Mark 10:46-52

It seems Jesus almost invited interruptions to occur during His travels. He always stopped and took the time to deal with the needs of those who were interrupting and in every case, through the miracles performed, word of Him spread.

What if you were more open to “interruptions”? Do you think you could be missing some of God’s blessing by not paying attention to people and circumstances around you? Prov 16:9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

How do you react to interruptions now? Frustrated, annoyed, irritated, or thankful?

How about a teenage girl who is excitedly thinking about her upcoming wedding? She gets interrupted by a visitor giving her news that will forever change her life. Mary is the teen, the visitor is Gabriel. Luke 1:28-36

Matt 1:18-25 Joseph dream interrupted by Angel Gabriel.

Moses was tending his animals when God interrupted Exo 3:1-3

What about when God interrupted Noahs life in Gen 6?

Acts 9:10-15 Ananias interrupted by God

Of course how could we ever talk about life interruptions without mentioning the road to Damascus? Saul of Tarsus’ life was more than interrupted? It was completely transformed on his way to Damascus!

Is God trying to interrupt your life, your plans, your goals and you are not listening? I feel that many here are about to go through some dramatic changes. Our lives are about to be interrupted by some lofty plans and visions-interrupted for God to transform us, our church, our community, and beyond.

I pray that you are ready, willing and able to step up when called.

Check out my books on Amazon.com for great insight!