3, 2, 1...

It's a countdown people! God is soon to return! Any minute, any second now... Pretty soon we'll see the eastern sky split wide open. I can't help but feel like shoutin right about now!

Sometimes I wish I could've been alive and seen Jesus walk this earth when He came here before. It would've been great to see Him perform miracles and just be around Him. But I think all of us today will get the better end of the deal. We get to see Him come again in all His glory to take His people away.

When Jesus was on this earth before, He had a plan. His sole purpose was to die for you and me. He was born just to die. But because of His death, we can live. Our sins are forgiven, we are healed because of what He came and did for all of mankind. The three nails and a piercing in His side made a way for us to live. We all know how this story goes, He died and rose three days later. But it was definitely not an easy road to travel for a man...

Three nails in His body, two outstretched arms (for you and me), and one crown. I really don't believe that it was the nails that kept Him there on the cross. He could've saved Himself yes, but His everlasting, uncomprehensible love for us is what made Him stay.

Jesus rose from the grave... but He had to go through a whole lot before that happened. Friends, it might be hard at times, but there is hope and there will be a better day for you. Jesus died for our salvation, He was beaten for our healing. Stand on His Word and claim your promise!

Things may get rough at times, but if we just take His hand and trust Him, He will lead us through it. We might have to endure the pain of this life... hey, we're human and things happen. But just like Jesus went to the cross before He rose from the dead, we can endure the hardships of this life. There's a blessing at the end of your hard road, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but there's not a crown without a cross.

Stand strong, push through your problems and situations. Soon, everything in this world will blow and be no more. We will be in heaven with our Saviour! Stand strong child of God. Jesus is soon to return for us! He's gonna split the sky wide open! Watch for it, He will come down undefeated, undisputed, in 3, 2, 1...

J.H.

Man Down

Ever felt like there is no point in getting up in the morning, going to work, or even living? Ever felt like, "What's the point?" or "Why am I here?" I'm sure at some time or another all of us have felt a little like this. Well take courage my friends... God has a plan for you and your life. You are here for a reason. No matter what happened in your past, no matter what mistakes you think have driven you too far away, God can still use you and make something great out of you.

You have a reason to live. God can and will make a way for you. But there's some things you have to do to prepare yourself for God's move in your life... The carnal man has to die. A man cannot serve two masters, so says the Word. You can't live the way you want and serve God at the same time. Surrender your life to the hands of Him. Your flesh will try to tell you otherwise and attempt to convince you that you're nothing and it's just not worth it... But keep that carnal man down. The old man has no reason to exist in your life. God gave you a brand new start. Die to your flesh, and live forever. (I Cor. 15:31 - ... I die daily.)

Your past is gone. It has no place in your life and the only one who will tell you otherwise is Satan himself. You are free from your sin! The carnal man has no reason to exist anymore. Crucify your flesh with a daily walk with God. Leave your burdens at the feet of Jesus like He says to do in His Word. (Ps 55:22) Keep that carnal man down, rise up and live forever! It's worth it all when we get to see Him.

J.H.

Looking For Angels

Everyone out there in this world today is searching for something. You see people in the store, you pass by them on the street, you may even talk to them face to face... whether they know it or not, they are all searching for something.

People turn to drugs, sex, money, alcohol, suicide, and the list goes on. They are all looking for their own form of angel to swoop down and take them away from their problems, their heartache, and their struggle; Looking for a problem solver, miracle worker, get out of jail free card, clean slate, etc. People out there are just dying to find a light at the end of the tunnel. I wonder what some of them think... "Will it ever end?" "I don't know what to do!" "I wish someone would just help me!"

The 'something' that they need is Jesus. They may not know it, but it's God that they need. Passing by people with so much anger on their face, some with tears in their eyes... THEY NEED GOD! They're crying out inside to someone, anyone to help them!

We should be their angels! What we are called to do is to be a light and a witness to this lost and dying world. They need it! They need us! They need more than what they have now! They're looking, they're wondering what the point is... We should show them.

We are called to reach the lost. We are ALL called to show this world Jesus! We need to reach our city, our state, our country, and our world! God is coming soon. People are out there looking for something... why not do what we are supposed to do and show them Jesus!?

What will you do to make a difference, to make a change, to help someone along the way? A handshake, a smile, picking up the check at a restaraunt.... They're looking! They're looking for something! Be their shining light. SHOW THEM JESUS! In a sense, we can be their angels.

J.H.

Star Light, Star Bright

Ever been lost in the woods or seen a tv show where people are lost and trying to find their way? What's the first thing they usually do? Look for the North Star right? They find the one thing that's always there to find there way out of the woods and to find direction to where they need to be.

I discovered something a few days ago about this North Star. One scientist and researcher said that one scientific meaning for the North Star actually means three stars in one. Think about that...

Jesus, the same yesterday, today, and forever! He's God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost! ALL THESE THREE ARE ONE! I John 5:7-8 puts it this way: For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8: And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

So in a sense, Jesus is our North Star. He is our guiding light and He stands out from among the rest. If you're lost you can look to Him for guidance and direction. Look to Him to tell you where you are, where you're going, and how you're going to get there. Trust in Him with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path (Pro. 3:5-6).

No matter how far you've ran from God, no matter the problem you face, no matter if you think you're too far gone, look to God for your help. He is our strength, our provider, and our hope. God can make a way where there seems to be no way. Through Him is love, peace, and life more abundantly. God will be your direction. He will guide you and keep you on the right path. With God, all things are possible. There are no wrong turns when you trust Him.

Look up, find Him, and follow.

J.H.

Can You Hear Me Now?

I would venture to say that all of you out there know the story behind the man in this picture here. Verizon wireless is known very well for this guy and all of his commercials. Just saying six words... "Can you hear me now? Good."

These kinds of commercials are always a bit amusing to me. People all around are in competition to get the public to have their particular brand of clothing, kind of car, and even phone service. No surprise here, but this makes me think of my spiritual life...

There's a story in I Samuel about a man named Goliath. Not your average Joe here by any means. This guy was a giant. The problem I have with Goliath is the same problem David had with him. Goliath defied the army of Israel and cursed the Lord Almighty. We all know the story... David had God on his side, went out and slew Goliath.

Let's jump to present day: Our enemy (or Goliath) is in fact ole slewfoot himself. The devil wants nothing more than for you to be afraid just as the Israelites were. Satan is trying his very best to get you to remain quiet and just do nothing about the problems and torment he tries to bring on you and your life. He's shouting at you, defying your God, telling you that you can't make it, you'll never be good enough, and you'll always be bound to your problems.

Friends, we have to shout back at the enemy! MAKE SOME NOISE!!! David was only a shepherd boy tending to his father's sheep. Had some problems (a lion and a bear) but he trusted in God and was able to conquer those battles. When it came time for Goliath, David knew where to turn... Just like before, God brought him through because he was not afraid to shout back at the enemy!

Young people (and old, middle aged, etc.) MAKE SOME NOISE! Let the enemy know who you are, what you stand for, and that you're still here and not going anywhere! Make sure the devil knows you exist and that you're not going to sit down and take his junk anymore.

David shouted back at Goliath letting him know that God is on his side and that he would prevail. He ran to the battle line, shot his stone and won the victory. Now YOU: Shout at the enemy! Let him know that nothing formed against you shall prosper. Stand on God's Word and His promises. Make yourself loud and clear. Then run full-force to the battle line, pull out your sword, which is the Word of God, and kill your giant!

No more settling for what trouble the enemy hands you! No more dealing with the torment he tries to bring on you! Sing it, "No more chains holding me, from now on I am free. I'M GONNA SHOUT IT OUT LOUD!!!" Make yourself heard! Run to the battle line and take back what's yours! Take it! Take it by force! It's YOUR lost family, it's YOUR relationships, it's YOUR victory! Take it! Take it! Take it!

The enemy has been waiting for you to just give up. Just curse God and die, like he tried on Job. Well, after you've made yourself heard, after you've done so much for God and dove so deep into a relationship with Him that nothing the enemy tries against you can prosper, turn and ask him... "Can you hear me now"?

J.H.

Wanted - Dead or Alive

WANTED: Single Mom who doesn't know what the next move is. WANTED: Dad who doesn't know how the bills will be paid this month. WANTED: Young adult struggling to find their place in this world. WANTED: Teenager thinking of giving up morals just to fit in with the 'in crowd'.

Ever heard the term, "Wanted - Dead or Alive"? Usually something you hear on a t.v. show about the bad guy. The law wants him in their custody... dead or alive, doesn't really matter to them. They just want the assurance that they have the bad guy in their possession.

Well there are two that want YOU! No, you're not a bad guy or a villan... You are a child of God. Whether you serve Him or not, He created you and you are still His child. But there are two that have you on their Most Wanted list. Yes, you are at the top of that list. It's not the FBI, America's most wanted, etc. It is God and Satan... and the reward is far more valuable to both of them than money... their reward will be your soul.

Let's look at both here:

The devil wants you... BAD. He will try to trick you and make you slip and fall. He will make your life a mess. He wants you to give up, he wants you run from your problems. He wants you to face the same problems over and over, continually struggling to find peace and some kind of relief from your burdens, but never succeeding. He wants you to face the same situations... everything the same except the names and faces of people involved. He wants you to give up and waste away to absolutely nothing.

Jesus wants you too... even more than the devil. Jesus died for you... what has Satan done for you? God will take you just as you are (dead or alive). You feel like you can't go on, feel like you can't take another step, feel as if you're already dead... Whatever the situation, whatever the struggle or pain, Jesus will take you and wipe all your tears away. He will take the pain, the struggle and make you brand new. Jesus wants to enter your life and come into your heart and change your life for the better.

In a sense, you are the cowboy riding off into the distance. You're being chased by two things here... one good and one evil. You're a wanted man (or woman). The difference between you and the cowboy in westerns is that you have a choice who catches you.

You can go the way of the world and be caught by the enemy. You can give up and just be shot down off your horse, be beaten down and left for dead... OR, you can hold on tight to the reins, give a shout and ride hard. Through the darkest night, through the struggle and through the situations you face. You can take the hand of Jesus, put your trust in Him and watch Him take care of the enemy.

One thing is for certain, YOU ARE WANTED! Dead or Alive. The choice is yours so which will you be? Will you die in your sin or die to your sin? Will you live for God or away from Him?

Sometimes this life gets hard, but it doesn't have to be the same ways as before. You can have peace, you can have it better. There is one who can change your life for good. Jesus can and will take you under His wing, take your burdens, your pain, and your whole life; turn it around and make you a brand new creature... if you'll only let Him.

The choice is yours. You will be caught eventually, but you have the choice of who catches you. Make the right turns as you ride through your storm. Remember you are a wanted individual... Dead or Alive... which will you be in the end?

J.H.

It's My Life

IT'S MY LIFE!!!! I hear that a lot... I have this habit of trying to figure people out. I find myself eavesdropping on people's conversations. I just can't help myself sometimes. Don't get me wrong, it's not a hobby or anything, what usually happens is without warning I find myself listening into a conversation of people I've never seen or met before. Most of the time they're talking about a problem they have, or some big event coming up that stresses them out, etc.

For some reason, those discussions I listen in on seem to end with the people actually talking to me. I do think God puts people in our path for a reason and I always try to bring Jesus in a conversation when I meet new people.

Something I hear quite often is the phrase, 'It's my life'. Well, technically it is our life to live and to do what we want... but think about it; who gave us life? Who breathed into a man's lungs and created life? God right...? So if He is the lifegiver, is it really truly our lives?

To me, my life belongs to God. He gave me life and then gave me the promise of eternal life, so the least I can do is live this life for Him... to be totally sold out to Jesus is the very least I could do for all that He's done for me.

I'm just a man and I do make mistakes, but I wonder if after Jesus saving us from our sin, does it hurt Him when we sin? Does it break His heart when we turn our backs on Him?

I for one am puposing in my heart to be even more sold out to God than ever before. He died for me, so the least I can do is to live for Him. I will reject all I am and all my earthly desires, because He did the same for me. I'm sure as a man Jesus didn't actually want to die, says so in the Bible, but He put His desires and hopes aside... just for me and you.

It's easy for us... Jesus had to actually die, but all we have to do is to die to our sin. Crucify the flesh and live in Christ. Like the Word says, 'To live is Christ, but to die is gain'

I have a new outlook about life in general... I want God's will, not mine. His ways are far above mine, He knows what's best, and will never lead me wrong.

This is NOT my life.

J.H.