This is a collection of thoughts on the life and power of God’s Word for Christians. When we read and take the Bible into our hearts, it is transformational.
Faith comes from “hearing” the Word of God. The Lord has said that if anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. When we “hear” what the Lord has to say and His Word works in us, we are given more comprehension and as we hear more and apply it, we continue to grow in faith and understanding. This is not just hearing with the outer ear but hearing inside our hearts. (Mark 4:23-24, Romans 10:17) Finding out the true character of God. Most of us come to be Christians with preconceptions about who God is. Only when we grow in our relationship with Him, and read and study His Word, do we find out who the Lord really is. His character, His heart, His ways, His will, etc. If He is to be our Lord, then we must know whom we serve. (2 Peter 3:9, 1 John 1:9, 1 John 4:8, Matthew 4:4) We are to be Christ-like. How can we be like Jesus without knowing who He really is? By reading and studying about Jesus in the Gospels and additional Scripture, we can do our best to please the Father, honor Him and be true ambassadors of Jesus Christ to those around us. (Ephesians 5:1-2) By learning what sin is, we can keep from error. How can we “not sin” if we do not know what “sin” is? Society’s definition of sin is often quite different from the Lord’s. Perhaps we were raised with parents who taught us wrong and unless we realize it, we might continue in something sinful. Learning “what sin is” from God’s Word, is the only definition that can be trusted! (Psalms 119b-11, Hebrews 4:12) God’s Word not only shows us “what not to do,” but “what to do!” We need guidance on the road of life. The Bible not only shows us stop signs but which way to turn and how to proceed. (Psalms 119:130, Ephesians 5:8b-10) Without the renewing of our minds, we would never make it. As Christians, we all have an “old man” that has a “sinful nature.” And being spiritually born-again, we all have new hearts that want to please God and live wisely. By the renewing of our minds, we can overcome that “sinful nature.” The old man has evil thought patterns which were developed in the process of time and are not God-centered thoughts. When we read and apply what we learn from God’s Word, we learn and develop new patterns of thinking with Christ as our center. (Romans 12:2, John 17:17-19) In learning and knowing the truth, we can recognize deception. With the Bible as absolute truth, we can know truth from error. The world teaches tolerance of sin and often wants us to embrace it. By knowing the truth of God’s word, we can recognize the lies. We can love people without condoning or embracing the sin. The truth always exposes what is counterfeit. (2 Timothy 3:13-17, John 8:30-32, 2 Corinthians 10:3-6) In knowing the Lord and His Word, we can have the courage to stand up for what is right, even in the face of an enemy. There are many situations in life that can make one fearful. But in knowing the Lord and the Bible, we ascertain the confidence to stand strong, even if the price may be expensive. (Ephesians 6:10-11, Psalms 27:1, Deuteronomy 31:6) Through God’s Word, we learn that we have authority over Satan and his demonic forces. By knowing who we are in Christ and the power He has given us, we can stand against all darkness. (Ephesians 6:12-13, James 4:7, Mark 16:17-18) By knowing God’s plan for us, as found in His Word, we can abide in Him and He can abide in us. And in so doing, we can be pleasing to the Lord and even have our prayers answered. (John 15:7, Psalms 91:14-16) Abundant and eternal life are gifts for those who forsake sin and believe upon the Name of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The Lord provides an abundant life now and eternal life forever. Father God and the truth of His Word, set us free from the bondage of sin and provide the direction to have a blessed life. By knowing and applying the truth of the Gospel, we find true life, now and forever! (John 11:25-26a, John 10:10b) Great benefits of reading and studying the Bible have been presented here, but there are many more. Thank the Lord for so masterfully creating the Bible through so many people and over so many years. As it has been said, many books can inform you but only the Bible can transform you. For those who do not learn and apply God’s Word, they fail to mature in the Lord. Without the truth of the Bible working in their lives, they easily fall prey to the tricks and lies of the devil. By not abiding in Christ or allowing Him to be their true Lord, they miss out on the covenant relationship with God. Therefore, He is not obligated to hear or answer their prayers. Repenting and believing upon the Lord for salvation is just the beginning. Becoming a Christian is not a small thing or to be taken lightly. The word disciple and discipline come from the same base word in Greek. We are to put the Lord first above everyone and everything, including ourselves. It is an honor and a privilege to be a child of God and have His Word to help us. When we realize and learn of the Lord’s love and grace for us, we cannot help but love and seek to honor Him. We find that the Bible is the best instruction manual for life and the standard of measurement for our lives. We are thankful for it and want to grow in it more and more.
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In America, Thanksgiving Day is always the fourth Thursday in November. Many want to deny or taint the history that Pilgrims of Christian faith, came to America and that the Indians helped them. In fact, many Pilgrims died arriving in harsh cold weather and the ones that survived, did so by the help of a Native American Indian name Squanto, who had been taken into slavery where he learned English but by the grace of God, made it back home. Squanto was not only able to help the Pilgrims, but he also helped them communicate with other Indians of the area. Estimates vary, but it is believed to be about 10 million of the people in America today, descended from this little colony. On a global scale, they are believed to have about 35 million descendants worldwide. Only 53 of the Mayflower’s 102 passengers and about 30 crew, survived the first winter in America.
In the autumn of 1621, the colonists celebrated their survival and harvest by sharing a feast with some of the local Native American Indians that they had established relations with.This was the first "Thanksgiving," and over time has become one of our biggest national holidays. And while many people all over the world have given thanks at harvest time, the celebration of Thanksgiving in America has been seen more and more by many because of modern travel and communications, and even personally experienced. And in so doing, many others also have started to have their own special days of Thanksgiving and special dinners. As Christians, we must always maintain hearts of humility and thanksgiving. And what a blessing it is, to have a special day like Thanksgiving when we all take the time to count our blessings and work together for a special meal with traditional favorites. No matter how easy it is to get caught up in all the work or festivities, let’s not forget to take time and count our blessings and give thanks to the One from whom all blessings flow. Without the Lord, we would not even exist and without His blessings upon us, life would be unimaginable. From salvation through Jesus Christ, to our skills, talents, opportunities, health, families and loved ones, food and shelter, to waking up to another day, education, churches, jobs, freedoms, transportation, pets, and all the many blessings that surround each of us, we all have much to thank the Lord for. Eli Cockrell Here are some of the things that we are thankful for in our family: Salvation and being able to pray to a God who cares, hears, and answers in His wisdom A great Bible in a language we can understand A great church with a wise pastor and our church family A cup of coffee in the morning Sweet tea in the day Great neighbors Birth family, married family and adopted family Chocolate and other wonderful sweets Not only food in the pantry, but food we like and also being able to eat out Clothes, not only do we have clothes and shoes, but more than enough. There was a time when some of our grandparents had only two sets of clothes. One for every day and one for church or town. And went barefooted much of the year and then had to put newspaper or cardboard in their shoes until they could do better. A good toothbrush and toothpaste Good water, hot and cold water as needed A loving spouse that loves the Lord too Wonderful children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews Great friends Blessed to be in the body of Christ and the ministries the Lord has me in Sunrises and sunsets Seasons including spring and the wildflowers, fall and the leaves turning Living in a free country Health High speed internet Education, reading, writing, arithmetic and all the extras Being able to see Medicines, vitamins Our pets Living in the country Vehicles that not only run and are paid for, but were answers to prayer Work with income Instruments and music Having a Lord so worthy of worship and being able to worship Him alone and with others too Living in a climatized home Parents that taught me right from wrong and good work ethics A sense of humor Cell phones and computers And YOU if you are reading this! |
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OUR WORDS MATTER 10/24/2024 LIGHT AND DARKNESS DO NOT MIX 9/24/24 WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS 8/22/2024 JOY IN HARD TIMES 7/23/2024 LET US LIVE IN THE LIGHT OF JESUS 6/25/2024 THE DISCOURAGEMENT TRAP 5/24/2024 KNOWING AND COUNTERING THE UNSEEN ENEMY 4/27/2024 JESUS, THE ONLY ONE WHO COULD SAVE US 03/23/2024 WHO ARE WE LIKE IN TIMES OF TESTING? 02/27/2024 THE TRUE SOURCE OF PEACE 1/22/2024 REFLECTION AND ANTICIPATION 01/01/2024 THE PEACE THAT HAS COME THROUGH JESUS CHRIST 12/15/2023 THE ESSENCE OF BEING CHRISTLIKE 11/22/2023 HEIRS OF GOD 10/24/2023 RETURNING TO OUR FIRST LOVE 9/28/2023 HOW MUCH OF THE BIBLE IS ENOUGH? 8/28/2023 THE HEART OF GOD 7/24/23 THE IMPORTANCE OF FORGIVENESS 6/22/2023 THE LAMP OF THE BODY IS THE EYE 5/19/2023 IT IS TIME TO REIGN IN LIFE 4/25/2023 CAN WE REST PEACEFULLY? 3/25/2023 GOD'S BEST FOR US 2/28/2023 BLESSINGS AND PROSPERITY 1/21/2023 THE BEST CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE 12/30/2022 DO YOU HEAR THE BELLS? 12/15/2022 IMPORTANT BENEFITS OF THE BIBLE 11/28/2022 THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS 11/22/2022 THE ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART 10/22/2022 THE ABUNDANT LIFE 9/18/2022 I WOULD HAVE PULLED JOSEPH OUT 08/12/2022 THE LORD IS MY REFUGE 06/27/22 PRAISE THE LORD AT ALL TIMES 5/16/2022 WINNER OR LOSER? 2/18/22 IN CHANGING TIMES 2/22/22 SELAH 1/1/22 THE BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOR, CHRIST THE LORD 12/14/21 VICTORY IN HARD TIMES 11/10/2021 HOW MUCH DO WE UNDERSTAND OTHERS? 10/8/2021 "LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND ALL THY SOUL, AND ALL THY MIND" 9/10/21 CONSTANTS AND VARIABLES 8/19/21 CAN WE HAVE GOD'S BEST? 7/23/2021 HOW DO WE HANDLE SUFFERING? 6/17/2021 WHEN THE ANSWER TO PRAYER DOES NOT COME AS REQUESTED 05/06/21 IT IS EASY NOT TO SIN WHEN THINGS ARE GOING OUR WAY! 4/8/21 THE BLAME GAME 3/19/21 GOD HELPS US TO SUCCEED 2/15/2021 THE PEACE OF GOD WITH US 1/26/2021 REJOICING IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES 01/05/2021 COME UNTO ME 12/8/2020 THANKFULNESS 11/22/2020 WHAT IS LIFE? 10/30/2020 DRAW NEAR TO GOD AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU 9/18/2020 WE FIND "THE REST" WE NEED IN THE LORD! 8/13/2020 WITH GOD, WE CAN FILTER WHAT WE RECEIVE? 7/24/2020 THE ANCHOR HOLDS 7/9/2020 TODAY "I CHOOSE" JOY 6/23/2020 OUR EMOTIONS IN TROUBLED TIMES 5/26/2020 BIRTH PAINS OF A ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT 5/12/2020 TEST ALL THINGS 4/22/2020 PERFECT PEACE 3/31/2020 IS THE COVID-19 VIRUS A SIGN OF THE END TIMES 3/22/2020 KEEPING OUR PEACE AND JOY 3/15/2020 GOD SENDS HIS ANGELS TO HELP US! 2/28/2020 GOD KNOWS! 1/14/2020 WHEN JESUS CAME! 12/23/2019 CHAINS OF SMOKE 11/11/19 FALL IS IN THE AIR 9/29/19 WHY IS IT SO CHALLENGING TO REMAIN CONSTANTLY VICTORIOUS IN OUR CHRISTIAN WALK? 7/18/2019 LITTLE THINGS 7/1/2019 IT MIGHT BE THE RIGHT TIME FOR SOMETHING TO CHANGE 5/16/2019 FULLNESS OF JOY 3/6/2019 HAVE YOU EVER BEEN UNEQUALLY YOKED? 2/1/2019 LIFE AND LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY 1/14/2018 FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT 12/4/2018 THE PRODIGAL SON 10/11/2018 WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE 9/19/2018 JESUS DID NOT FALL INTO TEMPTATION 7/16/2018 GOD'S LOVE IS IMMEASURABLE! 6/6/2018 THE DEVIL HAS NO POWER OVER CHRISTIANS 5/18/2018 THEN THEIR EYES WERE OPENED 3/26/2018 ENDURANCE! 02/15/18 HEALING IS GOD'S WILL 1/27/2018 THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 12/19/2017 OUR REJOICING IN THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH 12/6/2017 THE SEAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 9/18/2017 IS BAPTISM BY WATER A COMMAND OR NOT? 8/26/2017 HEALTHY FEAR - UNHEALTHY FEAR 6/25/2017 WHAT DO WE TRUST IN? 6/13/2017 BE WATCHFUL, AND STRENGTHEN THE THINGS WHICH REMAIN 4/19/2017 GOD IS ON OUR SIDE! 4/11/2017 AWESOME GRACE 2/26/2017 WHO PAID MORE? 2/6/2017 "IT IS HARD FOR YOU TO KICK AGAINST THE GOADS" 1/29/2017 JESUS SET ME FREE... AGAIN! 1/10/2017 NO ONE IS ABLE STEAL US FROM GOD'S HAND 12/15/2016 LIVING TO PLEASE GOD! 12/7/2016 WHY DO WE HIDE GOD'S WORD IN OUR HEARTS? 11/9/2016 TRULY BELIEVING - ELIMINATING DOUBT 10/14/2016 HOW DO WE KNOW THAT THE OLD TESTAMENT PROMISES ARE VALID FOR THE GENTILES TOO? 10/14/2016 CHOOSING FAITH INSTEAD OF DOUBT 10/12/2016 THE WAR BETWEEN GOD AND SATAN WITH MAN IN THE MIDDLE 10/7/2016 LORD GOD IS MY REFUGE! 10/6/2016 GOD'S PROVISION FOR THE AGED 9/17/2016 DOES IT MATTER HOW WE LIVE? 9/7/2016 THE THORN IN PAUL'S SIDE 8/26/2016 WALKING ON THE WATER 8/25/2016 WHATEVER IS TRUE... 8/6/2016 LIFE WITH JESUS IS WONDERFUL! 7/29/2016 WHY PRAY? 7/14/2016 PRAYER IS COMMUNICATION WITH GOD 7/13/2016 FLESH OR SPIRIT? 6/7/2016 THE POWER OF GOD'S WORD 5/23/2016 GOD'S WILL FOR MANKIND 3/30/2016 THE TRUE MEANING OF FOLLOWING CHRIST 2/13/2016 WE NEED THE PRESENCE OF GOD 1/29/2016 THE PRICE OF SEPARATING FROM GOD 1/21/2016 THE IMPORTANCE OF TRULY "KNOWING" GOD 12/5/2015 HAPPY OR SAD 11/23/2015 JESUS IS THE TRUTH 9/3/2015 FREE IN JESUS 8/22/2015 GROWING IN THE LORD 8/11/2015 ASK AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN TO YOU 8/11/2015 CHRIST IN US THE HOPE OF GLORY 8/7/2015 BLOG BY TOPIC
BIBLE - THE WORD OF GOD ASK AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN TO YOU 8/11/2015 GOD'S PROVISION FOR THE AGED 9/17/2016 HOW DO WE KNOW THAT THE OLD TESTAMENT PROMISES ARE VALID FOR THE GENTILES TOO? 10/14/2016 HOW MUCH OF THE BIBLE IS ENOUGH? 8/28/2023 IMPORTANT BENEFITS OF THE BIBLE 11/28/2022 THE POWER OF GOD'S WORD 5/23/2016 THEN THEIR EYES WERE OPENED 3/26/2018 WHY DO WE HIDE GOD'S WORD IN OUR HEARTS? 11/9/2016 CHRISTIAN LIVING BE WATCHFUL, AND STRENGTHEN THE THINGS WHICH REMAIN 4/19/2017 BLESSINGS AND PROSPERITY 1/21/2023 CAN WE CHOOSE WHAT WE RECEIVE? 7/24/2020 CAN WE HAVE GOD'S BEST? 7/23/2021 CHAINS OF SMOKE 11/11/19 DOES IT MATTER HOW WE LIVE? 9/7/2016 DRAW NEAR TO GOD AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU 9/18/2020 ENDURANCE! 2/15/2018 THE ESSENCE OF BEING CHRISTLIKE 11/22/2023 FLESH OR SPIRIT? 6/7/2016 FREE IN JESUS 8/22/2015 GOD'S WILL FOR MANKIND 3/30/2016 GROWING IN THE LORD 8/11/2015 HAPPY OR SAD 11/23/2015 HEALING IS GOD'S WILL 1/27/2018 HEALTHY FEAR - UNHEALTHY FEAR 6/25/2017 IS BAPTISM BY WATER A COMMAND OR NOT:? 26/82017 "IT IS HARD FOR YOU TO KICK AGAINST THE GOADS" 1/29/2017 IT MIGHT BE THE RIGHT TIME FOR SOMETHING TO CHANGE 5/16/2019 IT IS TIME TO REIGN IN LIFE 4/25/2023 THE LAMP OF THE BODY IS THE EYE 5/19/2023 LIFE WITH JESUS IS WONDERFUL! 7/29/2016 LIVING TO PLEASE GOD! 12/7/2019 LITTLE THINGS 7/1/2019 LORD GOD IS MY REFUGE! 10/6/2016 "LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND ALL THY SOUL, AND ALL THY MIND" 9/10/21 NO ONE IS ABLE STEAL US FROM GOD'S HAND 12/15/2016 OUR WORDS MATTER 10/24/2024 REJOICING IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES 01/05/21 RETURNING TO OUR FIRST LOVE 9/28/2023 TEST ALL THINGS 22/04/2020 THANKFULNESS 11/22/2020 THE ABUNDANT LIFE 9/18/2022 THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 12/19/2017 THE DEVIL HAS NO POWER OVER CHRISTIANS 5/18/2018 THE PRICE OF SEPARATING FROM GOD 1/21/2016 THE PRODIGAL SON 10/11/2018 THE THORN IN PAUL'S SIDE 8/26/2016 THE TRUE MEANING OF FOLLOWING CHRIST 2/13/2016 THE WAR BETWEEN GOD AND SATAN WITH MAN IN THE MIDDLE 10/7/2016 THEN THEIR EYES WERE OPENED 3/26/2018 WHATEVER IS TRUE... 8/6/2016 CHRISTMAS DO YOU HEAR THE BELLS? 12/15/2022 THE BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOR, CHRIST THE LORD 12/14/21 THE PEACE THAT HAS COME THROUGH JESUS CHRIST 12/15/2023 FAITH & TRUST SELAH 1/1/22 CHOOSING FAITH INSTEAD OF DOUBT 10/12/2016 THE DEVIL HAS NO POWER OVER CHRISTIANS 5/18/2018 THE LORD IS MY REFUGE 06/27/22 TRULY BELIEVING - ELIMINATING DOUBT 10/14/2016 WALKING ON THE WATER 8/25/2016 WHAT DO WE TRUST IN? 6/13/2017 FORGIVENESS JESUS, THE ONLY ONE WHO COULD SAVE US 03/23/2024 THE IMPORTANCE OF FORGIVENESS 6/22/2023 GOD: THE FATHER, SON & HOLY SPIRIT CHRIST IN US THE HOPE OF GLORY 8/7/2015 COME UNTO ME 12/8/2020 GOD IS ON OUR SIDE! 4/11/2017 GOD'S LOVE IS IMMEASURABLE! 6/6/2018 GOD'S WILL FOR MANKIND 3/30/2016 HEALING IS GOD'S WILL 1/27/2018 JESUS DID NOT FALL INTO TEMPTATION 7/16/2018 JESUS IS THE TRUTH 9/3/2015 THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 12/19/2017 THE HEART OF GOD 7/24/23 THE IMPORTANCE OF TRULY "KNOWING" GOD 12/5/2015 THE SEAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 9/18/2017 WE NEED THE PRESENCE OF GOD 1/29/2016 GRACE AWESOME GRACE 2/26/2017 JESUS SET ME FREE... AGAIN! 1/10/2017 WHO PAID MORE? 2/6/2017 WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE 9/19/2018 HEALING GOD'S BEST FOR US 2/28/2023 HEALING IS GOD'S WILL! 01/27/2018 JOY, HAPPINESS FULLNESS OF JOY 3/6/2019 JOY IN HARD TIMES 7/23/2024 TODAY "I CHOOSE" JOY 6/23/2020 LOVE OF GOD FULLNESS OF JOY 3/6/2019 GOD'S LOVE IS IMMEASURABLE! 6/6/2018 MISCELLANEOUS FALL IS IN THE AIR 9/29/19 HAVE YOU EVER BEEN UNEQUALLY YOKED? 2/1/2019 HEIRS OF GOD 10/24/2023 HOW MUCH DO WE UNDERSTAND OTHERS? 10/8/2021 IMPORTANT BENEFITS OF THE BIBLE 11/28/2022 IS COVID-19 A SIGN OF THE END TIMES 3/22/2020 LIGHT AND DARKNESS DO NOT MIX 9/24/24 THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS 11/22/2022 THE ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART 10/22/2022 THE ANCHOR HOLDS 7/9/2020 THE BLAME GAME 3/19/21 WHAT IS LIFE? 10/30/2020 WHEN JESUS CAME! 12/23/2019 PEACE CAN WE REST PEACEFULLY? 3/25/2023 KEEPING OUR PEACE AND JOY 3/15/2020 PERFECT PEACE 3/31/2020 PRAISE THE LORD AT ALL TIMES 5/16/2022 THE PEACE OF GOD WITH US 1/26/21 THE TRUE SOURCE OF PEACE 1/22/2024 PRAISE AND WORSHIP PRAISE THE LORD AT ALL TIMES 5/16/2022 REJOICING IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES 01/05/21 PRAYER PRAYER IS COMMUNICATION WITH GOD 7/13/2016 WHEN THE ANSWER TO PRAYER DOES NOT COME AS REQUESTED 05/06/21 WHY PRAY? 7/14/2016 RAPTURE WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS 8/22/2024 SALVATION THE IMPORTANCE OF FORGIVENESS 6/22/2023 SELF-EXAMINATION WHO ARE WE LIKE IN TIMES OF TESTING? 02/27/2024 STRENGTH AND PERSEVERANCE BE WATCHFUL AND STRENGTHEN THE THINGS WHICH REMAIN 04/19/2017 CHAINS OF SMOKE 11/11/19 CONSTANTS AND VARIABLES 8/19/21 DO YOU HEAR THE BELLS? 12/15/2022 ENDURANCE! 02/15/2018 GOD HELPS US TO SUCCEED 2/15/2021 I WOULD HAVE PULLED JOSEPH OUT 08/12/2022 IN CHANGING TIMES 2/22/22 JESUS DID NOT FALL INTO TEMPTATION 7/16/2018 KNOWING AND COUNTERING THE UNSEEN ENEMY 4/27/2024 LET US LIVE IN THE LIGHT OF JESUS 6/25/2024 THE BEST CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE 12/30/2022 THE DEVIL HAS NO POWER OVER CHRISTIANS 5/18/2018 THE DISCOURAGEMENT TRAP 5/24/2024 TODAY "I CHOOSE" JOY 6/23/2020 WE FIND "THE REST" WE NEED IN THE LORD! 8/13/2020 VICTORY IN HARD TIMES 11/10/2021 WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS 8/22/2024 WINNER OR LOSER? 2/18/22 TESTIMONY, DREAMS, ETC. 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