There Are A Lot Of Good People That Do Not Follow Belief Systems Like Christianity, Judaism Or Any Other

There are a lot of good people that do not follow belief systems like Christianity, Judaism or any other religions, but when asked about their faith they’ll say something like 'I’m not Religious, but I am SPIRITUAL,' but what exactly does that mean?

Well of course in the United States people are free to believe, practice or follow any type of spiritual path that they feel is right for them, but what does the Bible say about the nature of our spirit?

In Genesis it says that God made Adam a living soul and Zechariah 12:1 adds that “God Has made the spirit of man that is within him,” so yes — everyone is in essence 'spiritual,' but what type of spirit is that?

When we were born, we all come into this world as Body, Soul, and Spirit, but the Bible says all of our spirits are unregenerate because of the sin of Adam passed down to mortal man and have been corrupted and separated from the likeness of God’s spirit. Now by human nature our hearts are “Desperately Wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9) but from our natural viewpoint “...all of our ways are clean in our own eyes...but the LORD evaluates our spirit.” (Proverbs 16:2) So how can we know of what spirit we really are?

As today’s scripture verse tells us, the last ADAM (Jesus) is the key to regenerating us and giving us a LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT, and the only way to have a holy regenerated spirit is by repenting of your sins. When you do, your old spirit will be joined with the Holy Spirit and your true heaven sent spiritual life will begin. (see Acts 2:38)

Friend, do not fall into the trap of defining your own spirituality but instead, “Believe not every spirit, but Try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1)

God Bless Your Day Jesus Loves You

The Power of Perseverance is Practice

by Dr. Jeanne Sheffield Estrada

Character is not inherited or simply obtained by being around outstanding people.  Instead, it is created by persevering through difficult problems - and overcoming them.

The Bible tells the story of people that despite circumstances, opposition, or persecution, persevered through situations that were seemingly impossible. Great characters of faith like Joseph, Moses, David - and most significantly Jesus - worked through difficulties beyond what most of us could not imagine. However, all of them eventually not only overcame but persevered to victory. Despite the challenges and suffering set before them, they persevered in the face of their severe trials and tribulations by putting into practical practice faith with persistence.

Because we live in a fallen world, problems will arise, and the unpredictably in this year of 2020 is a sobering example. The good news is that Isaiah 9:6 says that we have a great “Counselor” on our side to help us work through every obstacle and His Name is Jesus.

Perseverance takes practice performed with persistence. While we are all inundated by problems in this life, as you persist in overcoming problems that you have resolved, the better you will become at resolving them going forward, and by doing so, by default you will inherit CHARACTER.

God Bless Your Day Jesus Loves You

What Are Those Stupid "Jesus Saves" Signs?

Perhaps you’ve seen signs like this, usually in old run-down neighborhoods hanging from buildings that had seen better days. So this begs the question, 'If this 'Jesus Guy' is so good at SAVING, then why is the neighborhood that this sign is hanging in looks like IT hasn’t been “saved” yet?'?'

All that nonsense (of course) is coming from those naive Christians telling people that their 'imaginary friend' will (somehow?) 'save you' from HELL? Well if you feel that way, it certainly appears to be a really FOOLISH message, and if that is the case the Bible says this is exactly how many people will receive it.

The Bible, a book that has been around over 3,000 years that has been printed and read by more people in history, written about, investigated, and vetted by archaeologists, scientists, and used as a basis of law, government and morality for centuries by politicians and nations, and it has also been found by historians consistently to be TRUE. This is the BOOK that teaches “Jesus Saves” but after all that, somehow that phrase hanging on a funky red neon sign is stupid.

Well the Bible describes people that snicker at these signs when God says in HIS BOOK to the world:

“Professing themselves to be WISE, they became FOOLS.” Romans 1:22

Friend, if you feel this way, we have it on good authority that if anyone is foolish here, it is not the Bible or those that believe in it, but those that do NOT believe in it. If this offends you or rubs you the wrong way - perhaps drastically - that is 100% OK!! You see, we all have the right to feel, think or believe anything we want, so if you disagree, so be it. Don’t shoot the messenger (me) here...just reporting what this book says.

The question after reading this is will you change your mind? An interesting deep definition of the word 'repent' means exactly that! To CHANGE YOUR MIND about God!? Would you at least consider doing that today? Because this is more than just a sign - it means the SAVING of your very LIFE.

God Bless Your Day Jesus Loves You (...and He SAVES too...)

NotesOnLife.org

The memory and topic of 911 is a continuing hurt in the heart of Americans, so speaking anything controversial about this poignant moment in history is sure to cause surprise or anger. We at NOTES ON LIFE are not political, so please read this with an open mind, heart, and soul.

An extremely important, timely and relevant spiritual lesson is directly tied to today’s scripture which was ignorantly quoted out-of-context in Congress on Capitol Hill on 9/12/2001 by Senator Tom Daschle, then four years later in commemoration by Senator John Edwards. Likewise President Bush, like the rest of the nation, echoed this theme in defiance to the attack that “We Will Rebuild.”

In carefully re-reading this verse, it speaks of the condition of the hearts of those whose bricks had been toppled, that being one of PRIDE AND ARROGANCE. The backstory here was that the Israelites had been attacked and beaten down by an enemy that worshipped a false god, yet in previous times, Israel always stood strong and was protected and victorious because they were faithful to God’s Word, and upheld righteousness. The exact same could be said for the United States of America.

In ancient times as at 911, the reason why they were attacked and ’the bricks (towers) fell down’ was that our nation had likewise fallen away from righteousness. You may strongly disagree with the following, but here are the facts about where the U.S. is both socially and spiritually in regards to its Lack of Righteousness.

Likewise our Pride and Arrogance has permitted a nation that has no bounds on sexual behavior or responsibility, pornography is consumed by the majority, speaking openly about God and the Bible is Forbidden, ridiculed or outlawed, there is a Disregard for Law and people in authority and Elders are Disrespected, Injustice is Rampant, people are Unapologetic about bad behavior, government and businesses are Fiscally Irresponsible, the most innocent are routinely Murdered and legalization and intoxication with Drugs are Openly Celebrated. Now the question we have to ask ourselves as a nation is Are these behaviors RIGHTEOUS?

The Bible speaks clearly about what happens when we operate outside of righteousness saying:

“Judge us Lord according to our RIGHTEOUSNESS, and do not let those that triumph over us rejoice when we do not.” Psalm 35:24 (paraphrased)

America - this is exactly what happened on 911. We were judged according to our (lack of) righteousness by a godless hateful, lost peoples and then – just exactly as in ancient times - we defiantly rebuilded, and those that attacked us celebrated and rejoiced. HISTORY DOES INDEED REPEAT ITSELF.

Now the GOOD NEWS: It does not have to continue on this way. America can recover and be free of this 20 YEAR CURSE if and when we bring HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS back to our shores - if not as a nation, we can do so as individuals. We need to REPENT Not REBUILD and not rebuild security, towers, or walls, but REBUILD HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS. Then and only then will another 911 not happen for we will have true protection and again become One Nation “Under God.”

May we always reverently Remember and Honor those that died this day, but not Repeat It.

God Bless Your Day Jesus Loves You

Pastor-Teacher Wayne Estrada

It’s so easy to allow ourselves to look at what 'appears' before our eyes and become discouraged by what we see or perceive in our natural human selves, but God sees things differently! Once you put your focus on Him instead of what you perceive, your perception will change for the better. Here’s why!

You see, as today’s scripture says, everything in this world and your life is temporary, but the things which are eternal are not subject to change because in the spiritual realm of God, He is “The same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) and the “HE” here is Jesus - The Word of God.

God’s Word is eternal, alive, and active but ONLY when you when you Believe it, Speak it and APPLY IT. The Bible has 7,000 promises to overcome any temporary situation you’ll ever face, no matter what happens in this volatile world you now live in. God’s promises never change and they will forever be the same.

If in bad health, PROCLAIM! “By His stripes I am Healed!” (1 Peter 2:24). If in lack, PROCLAIM! “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 4:19). If alone, PROCLAIM! “You are with me and comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

So, my friend, don’t let this world or your circumstances bring you down and discourage you, because while they are looming currently, in actuality they are and will be temporary. Lay your eyes in faith on the promises we have guaranteed in the Bible and not get bound up by the temporary troubles we have in this life, and remember this promise by Jesus that leads to victory over temporary trials:

“I have told you these things, so that In me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” - John 16:33

God Bless Your Day

Jesus Loves You

NotesOnLife.org

We’ve all been guilty of crying out to God at a critical time of urgent need, but there are two things about this that most people do not understand about why prayers of desperation are never answered.

First, prayers of despair are like a 'Hail Mary' pass that hopes that the prayer will be 'caught by God' and receive immediate attention. After all, since God is in the business of “saving” doesn’t it make sense that God will help you in a time of need? However these kind of prayers are never caught in the heavenly end zone!

Second, God DOES NOT Answer — or Even HEAR — prayers that are not spoken in FAITH — and the Word of God tells us why when it says:

“If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, Even their prayers are detestable.” Proverbs 28:9

You see, based on this and many other passages in the Bible, we must listen to and walk consistently with God. If not our prayers are NEVER answered unless there is:

Relationship to God

Obedience to God

Faith in God

The reason why is that our prayers will only be answered when we are in a healthy stature with God, and not only HEARING His instructions for our lives but Doing Them (James 1:23). Then and only then will God answer our prayers, otherwise the faithless are out of bounds and will run afoul of any attempts to connect with him.

But there is ONE prayer of desperation that God ALWAYS ANSWERS and that is when you realize your need for Him to forgive you of your sins and ask Him to save your soul. So if you are in a desperate situation right now and are not a person of faith, start with seeking Him for your salvation, apply FAITH in Him and then you will realize the assurance He promises for those that put their trust in Him.

The LORD is there patiently awaiting your call.

Will you reach out to Him in faith today?

God Bless Your Day Jesus Loves You

NotesOnLife.org