Jesucristo

Jesus es mi Salvador!

Pero él les dijo: «Es preciso que anuncie también a los demás pueblos las buenas *nuevas del reino de Dios, porque para esto fui enviado.» Lucas 4:43 “A la verdad, no me avergüenzo del evangelio, pues es poder de Dios para la salvación de todos los que creen: de los judíos primeramente, pero también de …

View full post
10 Commandments

10 Commandments (ReVisited) #6

“THOU SHALT NOT KILL.” Exodus 20:13 “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.“ 1 John 3:15 Some may assume we all know how wrong it is to murder. But think about how many murders take place in our songs, video games, movies, and …

View full post
6a00e552737cff88330162feca7ad1970d-450wi

Charity Never Fails

“…and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”  1 Corinthians 13:2-3 Shalom! In February, we hear …

View full post
71800_536542173615_59401373_31529446_6551457_n

Finding Freedom from Fear

The other day I was asked this question: “what role does fear play in your life?”  As I sat there thinking, it hit me that there is a root of fear in my soul that so often strangles my thoughts and my actions.  And the funny thing is that I’ve never seen myself as a …

View full post
Heaven...

Are You Going to Heaven?

Will you be there with Jesus? When you die, what will happen to you? There are two choices: heaven or hell. In spite of the famous notion, you will not be a ghost. You will not get to stick around earth for a while longer. And contrary to some philosophies, you will not get another …

View full post
Jesus es mi Salvador!10 Commandments (ReVisited) #6Charity Never FailsFinding Freedom from FearAre You Going to Heaven?

May 19

Open Doors

May 19, 2012

Guest Writer Maria Castaldo Grove, Oklahoma

A lot of people think when nothing in their life seems to be going right it means they are doing something wrong or that they are in sin. I don’t believe that to be true. At least not all of the time.

Most of the time in my life when everything seems to be going wrong and nothing is letting up and I just feel like, “Why am I at this job?”, or “Why do I feel this way?”, it is God’s way of telling me that things are about to change. I have a word God gave me a few days ago that I would like to share. It went something like this:

“You adjust to changes in your life without even realizing it. Things go wrong and you feel lost because I am about to take you to a new place. I am about to open a door. You just have to look for it.”

And when I think about it that is so true. God won’t just drop a random door in front of you one day as you’re driving down the rode and say, “Go on through that.” You have to bee seeking Him and on your knees. The scripture from Matthew 7:7 reads, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened to you.” You don’t need to know ahead of time where God is going to take you, or what He has in store for you. The whole idea is for you to put your trust in Him and have faith that everything will turn out how it is suppose to. But if you are knocking, asking, and seeking He will come through for you!

Whether it be your job, friends you are or are not suppose to have, finances, or the “right” one (spouse) that some of us are still waiting on… Sometimes God causes you to get uncomfortable in the place that you are at so that you will more easily except the change and the opportunities He is bringing your way.

Where He wants to take you is always His perfect will for your life.

– Maria

Permanent link to this article: http://cryofworship.com/open-doors/

May 16

10 Commandments ReVisited (#10)

May 16, 2012

“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.” Exodus 20:17 (KJV)

Coveting. It’s probably one of the most overlooked of the 10 Commandments. In most of our modern societies worldwide how often might we excuse covetousness by calling it consumerism or materialism? I think we are all engaging in this sin more than we really think. But if Jesus is our Lord, thank God we are washed clean!!!

My contemporary translation of this scripture may be something like this… Do not want the house across the street but be content with your own. Don’t desire someone else’s wife or husband but be faithful to your own. Do not want the wealth of that family who can afford to have someone else mow their yard or clean their house. Do not want his PlayStation 3, her HD 50″ TV, or their 2012 Red Prius whose gas tank only costs half as much to fill as it does your 1999 SUV, if you’re lucky. Don’t want any of their blessings for yourself- even if they have that brand new furniture set you really liked from Ikea! But God wrote this commandment with His own hand so I’m not going to pretend like it needs updated! God knew exactly what He was saying, and He’s still saying it.

As I’ve said several times throughout my devotions on the 10 Commandments, though we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ it is still as important as ever to be obedient to the commands of God. We don’t sin more just because grace abounds more. We want to be obedient because we’re thankful for the salvation of our souls and He is working in us the process of sanctification and holiness. If we love Jesus, we will obey.

But I think this commandment is telling us more than not to covet. I think it is telling us to be content with our own lives. This doesn’t mean that we should not work to be more financially stable or to provide better food or clothing for our families or to accumulate wealth so we can give more to the poor. To be content means to live satisfied and happy in your present circumstances, to work for needs and for giving not for simple wants, and to prefer others be blessed before you desire your own blessing. That is HARD! But Christ dwells in us and is able to do more than we could ever imagine in us and through us if we are submitted.

SO… as we rest in grace and build our faith let’s also remember that coveting is very real. It’s a sin. It comes in many disguises. And it often brings friends: envy, greed, lust, fear.

God is a good God and He will provide for all our needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19) I want to be obedient.

“Lord forgive me for coveting my neighbor’s good fortune, including their wealth, their new stuff, their big houses and shiny cars, their job, their outward beauty and appearances, their comforts and their popularity. Forgive me for wanting a life like their life instead of seeking your will for mine and pursuing that alone. Forgive me for not being content and always wanting more. Thank you for taking care of my wife and I. You are our Lord. In Jesus’ name. I praise you! Amen.”

Permanent link to this article: http://cryofworship.com/10-commandments-revisited-10/

May 14

GODISNOWHERE

May 14, 2012

Life has a lot to do with our perspective. If you are optimistic and believe in God you probably see God Is Now Here in the title of this devotion and the picture, but if you’re not and you don’t believe in God or you think of Him as unreliable then you probably see God Is Nowhere.

“Think the same way that Christ Jesus thought.” Phil. 2:4 (CEV)

“Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 2:5 (KJV)

When we are born again and become Jesus-followers we gain a new perspective in life and often have to work to maintain and build upon that perspective. Now that we belong to Him, everything we have need of is provided. Now that we belong to Him, we have hope, faith, and optimism instead of doubt, fear, and despair. Now that we belong to Him, we humble ourselves with love and service instead of promoting ourselves. Now that we belong to Jesus, we have confidence, grace, eternal life, and salvation. We have healing and deliverance. We are translated from darkness into the Kingdom of light and our sins have been washed away forever. We have life and that more abundantly… don’t we?

I hope you agree that all that comes with Jesus. But you may be thinking to yourself, I don’t feel like all of that is a reality in my life right now. You’re not alone. We all go through times when our perspective gets lost. We get distracted. We focus on the temporal and the needs instead of the Provision and the eternal. But I want to take time to remind us all of something that always makes life better…

JESUS is all we need.

God is now here with you when you put your faith and confession into Jesus as the Son of God, the only way of salvation, and the Lord of your life. When you get sick, remember to keep your perspective… Jesus is your healing. When you get sad… Jesus is your joy. When you get angry… Jesus is your justice. When you need help… Jesus is your Savior. Don’t let the enemy steal your perspective by getting you to focus on what seems like reality (i.e. sickness, poverty, loneliness) when the truth that sets you free is JESUS and He gives life abundantly.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2 (KJV)

We will all go through tough times. Sometimes we don’t know why we get sick or hurt. Or why loved ones die so early it seems. But know that it is not God’s will and if we stand believing in faith, confessing the truth, and keeping our perspective that Jesus meets all our needs- then we will be strong and faithful even in the times we don’t understand.

Give your burdens to Jesus. Trust Him. Live by faith. And confess the Word of God. Life has a lot to do with our perspective.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV), “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Stay focused,

– Richie

Permanent link to this article: http://cryofworship.com/godisnowhere/

May 13

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 13, 2012

Happy Mother’s Day!!!!

Here is an amazing treat we had this morning at our fellowship. Pastor Judah was in London speaking on behalf of the international Christian community on the changes in our culture, with other guest speakers including Bono of U2 and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. So Chelsea Smith shared a short WONDERFUL teaching.

We also heard some testimonies. One woman runs a food ministry here in Seattle that feeds over 2500 people a month. She was a victim of incest, repeated sexual abuse, alcoholism, drug abuse, and prostitution but Jesus saved her and turned her life around! Another lady was adopted and became a missionary in spite of the odds and her entire family are serving Jesus to this day! And a third lady whose mother had considered abortion was a rebellious teenager. At the age of 15 she was about to choose the wrong path for her life but God told her to make a decision and now God is using her beautifully. You will enjoy the video, please watch it and share this post with your friends and family. You can email this, share it on Facebook, tweet it, and more!

Also, Kathy has been writing on her blog which you can find in the tabs above. You should read her beautiful Mother’s Day entry and her tribute to the women in her life.

Psalm 92:12-15
The righteous flourish like the palm tree
    and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 They are planted in the house of the Lord;
    they flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They still bear fruit in old age;
    they are ever full of sap and green,
15  to declare that the Lord is upright;
    he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Be a blessing and we hope you have a blessed week!

Richie & Kathy Castaldo

Permanent link to this article: http://cryofworship.com/happy-mothers-day/

May 12

How Close to the Lord Do You Really Want to be?

May 12, 2012

A pastor that I deeply love and respect, once gave me this small piece of advice as a young Christian. He said, “Matt, no matter what you do always remember – Be honest with yourself, and be honest with God.” I have cherished those words ever since I first heard them. They sank deep into my heart and every so often the Holy Spirit will bring them back to my remembrance as though the Lord Himself spoke them to me.

I often have many Christians that I minister to say to me, “I wish I knew God like you know Him.” Or “I wish I knew the Word the way you know it.” The fact of the matter is people aren’t where they are spiritually by accident. Believers are where they are at because that is where they determined to be spiritually. This is a hard truth to swallow and many might say, “THAT’S NOT TRUE! I WANT TO BE CLOSER THAN I AM TO THE LORD!” Christians don’t like to admit that they are personally responsible for their spiritual progress or the lack thereof, but this is a fact of spiritual life!

Ask yourself: “Where is it that I want to be spiritually?” Do you even KNOW where you want to be spiritually? Do you have a vision or goal of where you desire to be with the Lord? Someone might say, “I want to be like Smith Wigglesworth or John G. Lake or even Maria Woodworth-Etter!” Those are worthy people to esteem to be like, but let me ask you then: “what are you doing today to ensure that you are there tomorrow?” The reality is that Smith Wigglesworth didn’t become a famous anointed minister of the gospel because he sat at home and watched TV. John G. Lake didn’t become the famous healing evangelist that he became by hanging out with his friends playing Wii or Xbox all day. Maria Woodworth-Etter didn’t become the mother of the Pentecostal Movement by kicking her feet up in her recliner and reading romance novels. No, this isn’t how things work in the spirit.

“Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and [h]that only is what he will reap. For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Gal. 6:7-8 AMP)

Guest writer Matthew J. Stephenson. He resides in Kansas with his wife Sarah and three children.

At some point in your walk with God, He is going to bring you face to face with yourself and you will be faced with the harsh reality that I am where I am today spiritually because I chose to be here. This is part of God’s growing process in our lives. God will confront you with truth in order to grow you into a place spiritually that you are not currently in. Jesus did this with His own disciples.

When Jesus explained that he was leaving the disciples and going to go to be with the Father, Peter proclaims that he would lay down his life for Jesus believing that he loved Jesus more than he loved himself, but Jesus exposed Peter to his true self when he said: 38 “…Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.” (See John 13:33,36-38) Peter wanted to believe that he was more devoted, more committed, and more in love with Jesus than he really was, but in order for Peter to see who he really was, Jesus had to bring him face to face with the truth that Peter wasn’t everything that he thought he was. Nobody wants to believe that they aren’t as spiritual as they think that they are, but it is only in the light of this truth that we can see ourselves the way we truly are in the light of God’s sight and then truly start to grow as God would have us grow. When we are finally ready to be honest with ourselves and honest with God about where we are spiritually, we will be ready to move into His plans and purposes for us.

Speaking during a men’s group recently while discussing spiritual growth, I stated: “you are today spiritually where you purposed to be yesterday and you will be tomorrow, spiritually, where you have determined to be today.” I then followed it up with asking the group: “What are you doing today to be closer to the Lord tomorrow? You won’t get there by accident! You won’t simply “fall into it.” You have to determine in your heart how close you wish to be with the Lord today and then start taking steps towards that every moment of today in order to end up there tomorrow.” See, God by His grace has made the way. He is calling and drawing us to Himself and has even promised that if we would draw near to Him that He would draw near to us (James 4:8) God is actively pursuing us, but ask yourself…are you actively pursuing Him? Remember, Jesus’ call to His disciples then and now is “Come and follow Me”, not get saved and I’ll drag you all the way. This is a joint partnership with God. God has a part to play and we have a part to play. It is all by grace through faith and if we are truly trusting in Christ then our faith should be displaying a pursuit of the one we are trusting in.

Consider Paul’s comments in Philippians 3:7 ”But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.” (Phil. 3:7-15)

We have to determine where we wish to be with the Lord. How intimate do we wish to be with Him. There will be some thirty, some sixty, and some hundred-fold, but God leaves that for us to decide while extending the same invitation to us all. It blesses me to know that out of everyone in the New Testament, it seems that Paul knew Jesus better than any of the other disciples…and what’s more amazing is that as far as we know, Paul never knew the Lord during His earthly ministry!!! How is it that a man who never saw or knew Jesus in His earthly form could know Him better than those who walked with Him for three and a half years?

Paul explains it this way: “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (I Corinthians 15:9-10)

Paul says that he didn’t receive the grace of God in vain, but he labored more abundantly than they all. WOW, what a statement to make!!! Listen to how Peter even recognizes that Paul has excelled beyond his understanding of the Lord:

“And account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and
unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:15-16)

Brothers and Sisters, I encourage you in the Lord, receive not the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in vain, but labor more abundantly than everyone else! Be honest with God and allow Him to be honest with you. Let him show you where you really are with Him and then pursue Him like a thirsty man running for
a glass of water in the desert!!! Ask yourself “where do I want to be with God tomorrow?” and then ask yourself, “what am I doing today to make that happen?” When you do that…you are getting ready to step into the most amazing walk with God you have ever had!

– Matthew J. Stephenson

internationalgrace@gmail.com

Permanent link to this article: http://cryofworship.com/how-close-to-the-lord/

May 10

10 Commandments (ReVisited) #9

May 10, 2012

16  “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Exodus 20

Proclaiming the truth in love is a special characteristic, and a consistent behavioral pattern, of a follower of Christ.

The ten commandments given to Moses, written by the finger of God onto stone tablets, destroyed by Moses when he lost his temper due to the outrageous rebellion of the Israelites, and then reforged by Moses and kept in the Ark of the Covenant, carried down through history in both Jewish and Christian faiths as a tenant of God’s laws and a reminder as to why we need the Savior, Jesus… these 10 demands of holiness and righteousness and justice are vitally important to every household in America and around the world whether we believe in God or not, whether we follow His Son or not.

Why are they so important? Because they are the basis for humanity to act more like how we were created to act and less like wild beasts. Our consciences from birth have been vexed by two conflicting instincts because of the fall in Eden- one is to go our own way and follow the fleshly desires and thoughts of our humanity without any regard for others (“I come first.”), and the other is the part created in God’s image that wants to honor Him, give to others, and live for a higher purpose than one’s self (“I come last.”) Without the 10 commandments humanity’s conscience might have been entirely lost, and now in 2012, we are in danger of losing them again if societies don’t turn back and take self off the pedestal.

For those of us who follow Jesus, we have hope because His Holy Spirit dwells in us and leads us in the way that is right so we can starve the fleshly instincts and follow the Spirit. One of the worst and most prevailing fleshly instincts in human nature is to lie. And as I said before, telling the truth in love is one of the greatest traits of a ‘Christian.’ Yet how many people, both believing and unbelieving, lie several times a day?

Look at these verses from Scripture in Proverbs 11… 1-2 “The Lord hates anyone who cheats, but he likes everyone who is honest. Too much pride can put you to shame. It’s wiser to be humble.” 3 “If you do the right thing, honesty will be your guide. But if you are crooked, you will be trapped by your own dishonesty.” 6 “Honesty can keep you safe, but if you can’t be trusted, you trap yourself.” 9-13 “Dishonest people use gossip to destroy their neighbors; good people are protected by their own good sense. When honest people prosper and the wicked disappear, the whole city celebrates. When God blesses his people, their city prospers, but deceitful liars can destroy a city. It’s stupid to say bad things about your neighbors. If you are sensible, you will keep quiet.A gossip tells everything, but a true friend will keep a secret.” 20 “The Lord hates sneaky people, but he likes everyone who lives right.” CEV

Usually we lie most when we feel our consciences being convicted or at least prodded by someone who may be in judgement. And another time we often lie is when we are simply wanting our own way, or selfish gain, or wanting to exalt ourselves. If we lie and say we took out the trash even though we did not, it is because we know we should have and we are in fear of judgement. If we lie and pad the resume to make it look more appealing than the truth, we do it because we want to get ahead, we are selfish, and we are in fear of rejection. Basically, we are both untrusting and untrustworthy when we lie.

Wait just a second. Did you notice that? Fear. Fear seems to be around somehow in every lie. So if you want to obey God by speaking truth, I recommend being a faith-filled Believer instead of allowing fear to dictate your decisions. Walk by faith and not by sight as the Bible says. Trust God’s love for you and confess to Him your sins because Jesus already paid the price for them. Tell the truth to your neighbor and ask for mercy if you’re in need of it and made a mistake. Tell the truth when it is difficult to do and do it with grace. Don’t be a gossip or a strife-mongerer, but let’s be humble and serving. When it comes to being asked a question, let’s be honest about ourselves! Transparency is policy for those who love Jesus and respond with obedience. When we make mistakes, we can be honest with confidence because He loves us.

When we replace our love for truth with a love for self, we replace freedom with slavery because the truth sets us free.

God bless you always as you aim to be blistering honest and lovers of truth in a world consumed by fear & lack of conscience.

- a fellow faith-walker,

Richie

“There is a beautiful transparency to honest disciples who never wear a false face and do not pretend to be anything but who they are.”
― Brennan Manning

Permanent link to this article: http://cryofworship.com/10-commandments-revisited-9/

May 08

No Boundaries Phil. 4:13

May 8, 2012

This afternoon as I was reading through the book of Philippians I was struck again by the familiar. I found myself glossing over the well-known passages as if I had learned everything already possible about them.  Chapter 4 verse 13 states “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Yes…I know that, I’ve heard it a thousand times. But do I really believe it?  And if I truly did…what kind of implication would that have for my life?  It would mean, my friends…that we are limitless in what we can do. Notice Paul doesn’t say you can do some things or most things, but ALL things through Christ. How? Because it is through His strength and His power that you have the purpose and the meaning to do the things He has called you to do.

There is always something bigger going on than what you can see. The ways of God include a wide variety of people and tools that ultimately bring about His loving plan for you. His divine plan and purpose for you includes some breakthroughs and some battles; some trials and some triumphs; some victories and some defeats; and a few things that seem unbearable or unexplainable. But His ultimate purpose is this… that we love Him, that we serve Him, that we do as He called us – to love others as ourselves, to heal the sick, raise the dead, forgive the unforgivable, turn the other cheek, do unto others as we want to be done to ourselves, to give all we have to the poor, to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, laugh with those who laugh, cry with those who cry. And to do ALL things through Him who gives us the strength to each day get out of bed and go about our daily routines with the knowledge of His grace and peace.

There are no boundaries and no limits to His power! Let us go out today with renewed purpose that He has given us His limitless strength and that His grace is not only sufficient but ENOUGH for all our needs. We need nothing else but Jesus. He is ENOUGH.

Be blessed today, dear friends and may you never forget how much He loves you!!

In His limitless love,

Kathy

Permanent link to this article: http://cryofworship.com/no-boundaries-phil-413/

May 06

“Go home,” says Jesus.

May 6, 2012

Pastor Judah Smith ministers on the calling to worship Jesus by going home. He’ll mention a little about sex… cheer on single moms and dads and stay at home moms and dads… and teach on the story of Jesus cleansing the man filled with demons that went into the pigs. He’ll even mention a little of his theology on bacon! But the man who was delivered asked Jesus if he could follow Him and Jesus told him to go home and share the good news. Enjoy this wonderful, special teaching from our pastor here in Seattle. – Richie & Kathy

“The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,“Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:38-39

To learn more about City Church or to hear more teaching by Pastor Judah visit here and choose between video and audio formats.

Permanent link to this article: http://cryofworship.com/go-home/

May 05

Jesus es mi Salvador!

May 5, 2012

Pero él les dijo: «Es preciso que anuncie también a los demás pueblos las buenas *nuevas del reino de Dios, porque para esto fui enviado.» Lucas 4:43

“A la verdad, no me avergüenzo del evangelio, pues es poder de Dios para la salvación de todos los que creen: de los judíos primeramente, pero también de los *gentiles.” Romanos 1:16

———–

But Jesus said, “People in other towns must hear the good news about God’s kingdom. That’s why I was sent.” Luke 4:43

How many people today have we told there is a way for them to have a right-standing relationship with God, their Maker? Jesus could not keep quiet about it Himself- and He is the way of salvation! Yet how often do you and I completely avoid, forget, or omit to continuing the wildfire of His good news wherever we go?

So often, especially in western culture, we are entirely consumed by our temporary surroundings, our needs and wants, our hopes and fears, people’s views and tolerance, entertainment and comfort. But I am challenged by this verse in Luke. Jesus was sent to bring salvation. He is good news, He is the bridge to the Kingdom. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus is my Savior! I need a renewed fire inside me to give that good news to everyone I meet so they too may have the opportunity to have eternal life and experience the love of God!

“So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” 2 Timothy 1:8

Let Jesus be real in your life and not just a religion. Let us radically surrender our plans and comforts to further the goods news of Jesus. Let Jesus shine in everything we do and say, and may the compassion He has capture us in a trance of total abandon to being His forever- gladly, sincerely, and actively!

Proclaim your Savior! And if you have not experienced salvation, Jesus is the only way- come join the good news and accept Him. He is the Messiah!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16

Permanent link to this article: http://cryofworship.com/jesus-es-mi-salvador/

May 02

10 Commandments (ReVisited) #8

May 2, 2012

From childhood I hope we have all been taught that stealing is wrong; it’s a crime, and a sin, in other words it is an offense to God. But I’m 30 this year, 2012, and I’m realizing more than ever why I don’t want to offend God. Because He will smite me? No, He won’t. Because He will send me to hell? No, He won’t- my faith is in Christ. Because He might stop loving me? No, He will never stop loving me. Then why do I mind offending God? Because He loves me! Because He has washed my sins away. Because my 30 years of sin were nailed to the cross and the blood of Jesus washes me clean. I want to honor and obey God because my heart is glad of His grace.

So as with all the 10 Commandments and everything else God teaches us through the Bible and the Holy Spirit, I want to obey the 8th commandment because He loves me, not because I’m told to. Now, doing something because you are told to do is VERY honorable and right, but that doesn’t always change the condition of the doer’s heart. I want to obey God out of more than obedience to demands. I obey because I love Him.

“Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If you love me you will do what I command.” John 14:15 This verse is one of many where I have learned that my heart should do what is right because I love Him. Obedience as a response of love, a cry of worship, is more valuable than obedience as a duty- and both are more valuable than rebellion.

God tells us not to steal in Exodus 20:15. It is fairly easy to take what you want whenever you want it from whoever has it. But it is loving your neighbor when you resist the temptation, and it is loving God as well. Whether from a person, a classroom, a business, or a website… stealing is wrong, immoral, and disobedient to God. Our prisons are filled with thieves. Some people get away with it. Some lives are ruined because of it. But love God by being obedient to His commandments and your life will be protected from the consequences of rebellion.

Don’t take that extra change from the cashier who made a mistake. Don’t steal that little perfume bottle from the bottom shelf of that store. Don’t swipe $10 from your father’s wallet. Don’t steal your friend’s DVD. Don’t use that person’s social security number. Don’t ‘borrow’ your grandmother’s credit card without asking. Don’t steal from your company by cheating on those taxes or misusing designated funds. Don’t steal time from your employer by lying on your time sheet. Don’t steal from your congregation by promising them health and prosperity if they give abundantly to your building fund.

You are not a pirate. Work hard for your money, be creative, pray for it, and save most of it. Be a lover of God by being a good steward. Don’t steal from God by hoarding money for yourself, or by being in debt, but give to others, take care of the poor, and give back to God faithfully.

Thou shalt not steal… ever… period. Just don’t do it. It’s better to love. It’s better to give. It’s better to obey.

– Richie

Permanent link to this article: http://cryofworship.com/10-commandments-revisited-8/

Older posts «