Category: Bible Study

Every person has three dimensions: (1) as others see you, (2) as you see you and (3) as God sees you. An understanding of these three dimensions is essential to the growth and success of the follower of Jesus.

How do other people see you? They see you as attractive, well-groomed, pleasant, a devoted believer, and pleasant to be around. They see you as one who exhibits the fruit of Galatians 5:22,23 ” But the fruit of the Spirit is love, Joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control …..” Your response is positive; you are pleased with how people see you.

How do you see you? You see a person who quite often does not love others, who has happiness with very little joy, who struggles to find peace of heart, who lacks patience with certain people and who lacks self-control in many areas. I could list more, but you understand where I’m going.

This contradiction is expressed by the apostle Paul in Romans 7:15,18. ” For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. For I have the desire to do what it right but not the ability to carry it out.”

Finally, how does God see you? He sees you as one he loves very much. He loved you so much that he came into this world as a man, to live as a man, and to die as a man. He went into the pawn shop of life and purchased your ticket with his own blood. You now belong to Him. This truth is presented throughout the entire Bible and is summarized In First Corinthians 1:30,31: ” And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Here are your instructions: (1) graciously accept how others see you (2) vigorously reject or correct the old you and (3) faithfully live as Jesus empowers you. And remember we are all in the same boat!

Reader if you are not in the boat described above right now pray this prayer: ” Jesus please come into my life that when you see me you see one forgiven of all sin”

“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul….” Hebrews 6:19

By definition an anchor is that which holds a boat of any size secure in a lake, a river or an ocean from drifting onto the rocks or into other problems. For our purposes today we choose to define the anchor of the soul. The soul In Scripture is the real you. The question then is what is the anchor for your soul\ boat of life? What is it in your life that gives stability in the everyday pressures of living?

For many people the anchor is money. They work 12-14 maybe 20 hours a day to secure money. As the bank account balance Increases, they feel more secure.

For others the anchor is found in property. The average person spends 30% of total income to buy and maintain property. You can add Another eight to 10% for transportation and another 10% to maintain your health.

Perhaps the most common anchor is retirement income. A person should or have a plan that equals 70 to 80% of gross income for retirement. However, unless your money is well placed and protected you could still lose it all.

The issue is not what you have or how much you have, but what you do not have. Every person was created to love God and serve him alone. The Bible is very clear “You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24) By one definition mammon means money.

If you possess all that which is noted above, I am happy for you. But if you have all these things and still do not have peace in your heart, God is waiting to help you. I have friends who are wealthy and others who are poor, but they all have that peace which money cannot buy. Your Heavenly Father wants you to have this peace regardless of income.

He alone can give you that anchor and peace. If you have everything, but you do not have peace, I encourage you to go to your pastor or close Christian friend and share your heart about your lack of peace.

Reader, if you do not have this anchor and peace and have no one to turn to simply pray this prayer: ” God please bring someone into my life that can explain to me how I can know you and I can know the love you have for me.”

One day when heaven was filled with his praises, One day when sin was as black as could be, Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin, Lived among men my Redeemer is he. Living he loved me, Dying he saved me, Buried he carried my sins far away. Rising he justified ________ forever. One day he’s coming. O glorious day.

If you are at peace with your past life and if you are pleased with your life as lived today and if you have no question about what would happen if you were to die right now, then you need read no further.

However, if events in the past trouble you, and if you have present issues in your life that trouble you. and if you are troubled at the future thought of dying, then read very carefully the song quoted above, note the blank space. Then read what the Bible says in Hebrews 9: 27,28.

” And just as it is appointed for man to die once and after that comes judgment, so Christ having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”

You may eagerly await him, if you follow the instructions in Romans 10:9,10.

“…. Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes and is justified and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”

When you believe and confess you may go back to the opening Paragraph and write your name in the blank space provided. Then go to your pastor or close Christian friend and share with them what you have just done. And the Lord will bless you as you walk with Him by faith each day.

Dear reader, if you cannot write your name in the blank space provided, and have no one to turn to, simply pray this prayer: ” God, I know you love me and I want my name in your book. Please help someone to teach me more.“

Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned Emperor of France in 18O4 and went on to create an empire that covered most of western and central Europe. His armies crushed one foe after another and seemed invincible.

What did this military genius have to say about the Bible? He said: “It is no mere book, but a living creature, with a power that conquers all that oppose it.” Napoleon Bonaparte was correct in his assessment of the Bible the Word of God.

The Bible says of itself that it is “…. living and active. sharper than any double-edged sword….” (Hebrews 4:12)

The apostle Peter wrote that we “… have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23)

Jesus said: ” Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away ” (Matthew 24:35)

The Bible was spoken of by the Apostle Paul when he wrote: ” All scripture is God inspired and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness …” (11Timothy 3:16)

The Bible tells us about Jesus, who He was, what He did, and what He wants us to do.

Who was he? “Surely, He was the Son of God” (Matthew 27-54).

What did he do? ” He died for our sins” (1st Corinthians 15:3).

What does he want us to do? ” Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is new creation; the old has gone, the new had come! ” (2nd Corinthians 5:17)

The living, imperishable, God-breathed Word of God will make you into a new person when you by faith receive Jesus into your heart and your life.

The word of God is the necessary food for the one who had made this choice. If you have not made this decision my prayer is that you will make it today.

Reader, if you need help in making this decision right now pray this simple prayer: ‘ Please send someone to explain to me How I can know you in a personal way.”

For further questions you may contact me at rerj56@gmail.com

Easter is a remembrance and celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is recorded in the four Gospels: Matthew 28: 1-16, Mark 16:1-20, Luke 24:1-12 and John 20:1-29. Also, remember again this principle in a study of the Bible, anything that is repeated two or more times, demands attention.

The facts of the resurrection are very clear as recorded in 1st Corinthians 15:3,4:

” For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance (1) that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, (2) that He was buried, (3) that He was raised on the 3rd day according to the scriptures.”

The significance of the resurrection is also very clear: 1st Corinthians 15:17 ,20:

1. ” And if Christ has not been raised (1) your faith is futile; (2) you are still in your sins.”

2 ” But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead,

3. the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

Easter is also a remembrance and celebration of the believer’s resurrection.

1. The believer is made alive in Christ (Ephesians 2: 4-5)

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions………”

2. The believer is made a new person in Christ. (2nd Corinthians 5:17)

” Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

Nature itself has, since the beginning of time, prepared people for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. God has put within the heart of every person a desire for a new life-— a resurrection to a new and better life. Unlike nature which experiences a new birth each year you and I must choose to participate in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and this is necessary only one time.

John 1:12,13 “But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.“

Once you are born again you cannot be unborn!

If this makes sense to you, I encourage you to seek out a Christian friend or go to your pastor and make this simple request: I want to be born again.

With further questions you may contact the author at rerj56@gmail.com

It is so easy to plan activities. present and future and then ask God to bless them.

There are many ways we do this: we read a book and are challenged; we hear a speaker tell of God’s call; we listen to a counselor who assures us that we are gifted; we have an older brother or sister whose success inspires us. Each has value. However, God may have a different path for you.

One thing we know for certain: God wants to direct our steps. In the midst of all these good goals, the Lord may have a better one for you. If you will prayerfully ask Him to direct you, He will. But you must be sensitive to God’s voice and willing to follow His directions.

The following verses in Psalm 123:2,3 give a very clear picture of how we should discern the plan the Father has for us:

” Behold as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the eyes of her mistress; so, our eyes wait upon the Lord our God until that he has mercy upon us.“

Now notice the setting for this. You are a servant in a large, crowded and noisy dining room. The guests are laughing and visiting with one another. The meal is half over, and you are now standing at a short distance from your employer. You have been trained to be alert and to watch him. If he needs something from you, he will simply raise a hand, which is seen only by you. You immediately go to him, and he whispers to you what he wants you to do.

One application of this is found in First Kings 19: 9-15. In this passage Elijah Is it running for his life and ready to give up and die. But God speaks to the prophet: first, in a great and strong wind, then in an earthquake, next in a fire and finally the sound of a low whisper. If God wants your attention and to give you instructions, but you must listen for his voice.

God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. But you must lay it all on the line before Him, and when you hear his voice, you must listen and follow Him. How do we hear his voice? by having a personal quiet time with the Lord, by hearing the Bible preached by a faithful servant and especially by a personal study of the word of God!

Jesus said:” My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)

If you are facing a decision or are in a difficult situation don’t wait for the wind, the earthquake or the fire, but take the initiative and listen for that whisper: the voice of the Lord Jesus. As you follow the personal steps noted above, and should you need confirmation seek council from your pastor or a brother or sister in the Lord.

I love that old song which says trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

How sensitive are you to God’s plan for your life?

Dear reader, if you have no plan for your life and what one, but have no one to turn to, simply bow your head and pray this prayer: ” God I do not have a plan for my life but I know you can help me. Pease send somewhat into my to guide me.”

If you have further questions please contact me at rerj56@gmail.com

A young man came to Jesus and asked a question. It was a good question, very clear, precise and thought through, and he wanted an answer.

He asked, “….. what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16)

Now, this is a question that has been asked all through the centuries by those who realize that though having and doing everything, something is missing.

The answer Jesus gave was very clear: keep the commandments of God and then he quoted six of the ten: do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not lie, honor your parents and love your neighbor. Notice also that these six are easily observable.

The answer the man gave to Jesus was also very clear. Apparently, he had kept all six since childhood. He then rephrased his question from what I must do to what I am lacking. He was very sincere in his question. He was a good man, but to have eternal life one must be more than a good man. One must be a perfect man, a new man in Christ.

Jesus then told him, “If You want to be perfect, go now and sell your possessions and give the money to the poor— You will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me! When the young man heard that he sadly turned away for he was very wealthy (Matthew 19: 21, 22)

Jesus spoke to this also in Luke 9: 23- 25. ” And he said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever will save his life shall lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake, the same will save it, for what is a man advantaged if he gained the whole world and lose himself, or be cast away?”

The man lacked that one thing, and he knew immediately what it was, and he went away from Jesus, very sad.

My question for the reader: what is one thing you lack, that prevents you from living a fruitful life for Jesus? (By fruitful life I am referring to John chapter 15)

Let me encourage you to first make sure that you belong to Jesus. Then (1) do your own assessment of your life, (2) deal with what needs to be changed and (3) rejoice and be fruitful.

Reader, if you have no one to help you pray this very simple prayer : ” God I want to belong to Jesus and do that which will please you. Please send someone to help me.”

Reader if I can be of any help please contact me rerj6@gmail.com

Are you ever afraid? In today’s world there are so many things that can cause fear: war terrorism, earthquakes, illness, uncertainty over the future and the unknown.

In Matthew 14 Jesus’ disciples were in a boat on a lake. A strong wind had come up and they were having trouble rowing the boat. Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When they saw Him, they were terribly frightened.

In verse 27 Jesus said to them: ” It’s all right. I am here! Don’t be afraid.”

And when He got into the boat with them, the wind stopped, and all was calm.

As believers we can know that Jesus is with us, and we do not have to be afraid. He gives peace and calm in the midst of any storm.

In Isaiah 41 10 God tells us: ” Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will hold you with my victorious right hand.”

Also, we read in Joshua 1:9 ” Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

And in Hebrews 13: 5,6: We read: For God has said,” I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.” (That is why we can say with confidence), ” The Lord is my helper so I will not be afraid. What can mere men do to me?”

In whatever storm you’re in, you can look to God for help. When you invite Him Into your life you can know He will take care of you.

In times of fear, you need to remember “It’s all right. I am with you! Don’t be afraid.”

Dear reader, If you are afraid and have no one to help you, pray this very simple prayer: ” God I am afraid. Please send someone into my life to help me.”

If you have any questions about this message please contact me at rerj56@gmail.com

We go to work in the morning and work all day to earn money to pay for clothes, food, and a place to live. Some people work six days a week and some seven— all day long, every day.

We work long hours, often to neglect of family, and our reward comes in the form of a paycheck, which often is not enough to do all we want or need it to do.

And, all of this is necessary, if we are to live a responsible life. In fact, the Bible teaches that ” if a man does not take care of his family, he is worse than an infidel.” (1 Timothy 1:5)

But is this all there is to life? Isn’t there something more? Jesus asked the question:

” What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36)

Yes, we are to work to provide for our families, but not to the neglect of our relationship with God.

Jesus said: ” Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25)

And again, Hè said: ” Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…….” (Matthew 6 :19,20)

He also instructed us to: “…… seek “first“ “His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these “things” will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6 :33)

The responsible person will work and provide for family. However, for life to have meaning, we must first establish a meaningful relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. So, where, what or who is your priority? Take time today from your busy schedule and seek God as He is revealed in the Bible. If you need help, make an appointment with your Pastor or a Christian friend.

Seek Him and He will bless you and your family.

And remember:” Is” is, only as “Is” does. (James 2:20)

Dear reader, if you see this as a need in your life and have no one to turn to just pray this very simple prayer: ” God, please send someone into my life that can teach me how to do that which I need to do.” If you have any questions please contact me at rerj56@gmail.com

1954 A popular singer, Kitty Fallen, recorded a song that was instantly loved. It was entitled Little Things Mean a Lot. It was a touching song of love and the need for love. While this is a secular song, I realized a very significant spiritual parallel.

The song speaks of a love that transcends the” big” and focuses completely on the “small.” Little things do mean a lot! However, our heavenly Father blesses us daily with the big and the small.

Here are a few stanzas of the song that may be interpreted in a spiritual sense as a prayer for love and an assurance:

Give me your hand when I have lost the way. Give me your”shoulder”to cry on. Whether the day is bright or gray, give me your “heart” to rest on. Send me the warmth of a “Secret smile”, to show me you haven’t forgot. Forever and ever, now and forever, “little things” mean a lot.

As believers we are too prone to focus our attention on the big-ticket items and to overlook the small…. the last car payment-— the mortgage — the cost of last year’s vacation — junior’s braces— mother’s surgery. All provided for by our Heavenly Father.

But what about the small things that you take for granted?…… the motorists that stopped to help you when you had a flat tire— the note your daughter left for you that said, “I love you”—- when you were hurting the boss said,” take the day off”— the phone call from a friend that encouraged you. Be thankful for the big-ticket items, but it is the small things, the unexpected, that brighten the day.

The Bible is very clear on this issue: ” In” everything” give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (First Thessalonians 5-18)

Did you know that it takes a minimum of 10 muscles to produce a smile, but it takes only 6 muscles to produce a frown. This is one instance where greater is better than lessor.

Take a moment now and think about the little things that mean a lot to you, thank your Heavenly Father for them and then share them with someone who needs encouragement.

Kitty Fallon was correct, little things do mean a lot.

Reader, If you are missing the little things in life that are so essential to happiness but have no one to turn to pray is very simple prayer : ” God I have so much, but I enjoy it so little please bring someone into my life that can help me to recognize and enjoy the little things in life.” If you have any questions that I can help you with please contact me at rerj56@gmail.com