What Does Matthew 27:54 Mean? ►

Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Matthew 27:54(KJV)

Picture courtesy of Pictures courtesy Free Bible Images

Verse Thoughts

It was the centurion, who cried out, ‘truly this was the Son of God’, when he saw the earthquake, the darkness, and all that took place at Calvary, on that pivotal point in history. Surely the life of the centurion who uttered these earth-shattering words, by divine revelation, was never the same again. Surely, for all who can look to the Lord Jesus in His death and resurrection and declare, truly this is the Son of God – this is the Saviour of the world, life can never, ever be the same again.

No doubt this man was witness to the reviling actions of the Jews and the distress of the women, as Christ was led as a lamb to the slaughter. No doubt he also heard the precious pardon awarded to the dying thief; the words of grace offered to His mother; His anguished cry when He took the full weight of the world’s sin upon His sinless shoulders and surely this same centurion heard Christ’s triumphant proclamation of His forever finished work – IT IS FINISHED – Tetelestai.

What a unique catalogue of events took place in that brief moment of time. Mockers scorned, women wept and the whole heavenly host gazed on in stunned silence and awestruck wonder, as the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of the Father, fulfilled the final letter-of-the-Law to satisfy the holy requirements of a thrice-holy God.

The earth was shaken to its very foundation, the sun was blackened as thick darkness shrouded the bloody scene of ‘life-giving death’. The veil of the temple was torn through, from top to bottom, and the Son of God, Who had drained the bitter cup to its dregs, placed Himself into His Father’s keeping, willingly giving up His life for all.

This centurion had no doubt been an eye-witness to scores of crucifixions, for this was the long, slow and painful death that had been introduced by Rome to ensure that the convicted criminal, under Roman jurisdiction, suffered the most excruciating agony in payment for their wicked deeds.

This man had no doubt been present at the cruel beating of Christ and witnessed the point when the sun was darkened for three hours and a great and mighty earthquake announced heaven’s verdict on the sinful actions of sinful man – as the wrath of God was poured out on the sinless Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world.

Surely the life of that Centurion, who was witness to Christ’s redemptive payment for his sin, and the sins of every member of the fallen human race – including your sin and mine, was never the same after he watched Jesus on the cross, and witnessed the earthquake, the darkness and the many things that were done to our Lord.

And so, an unnamed centurion, who was simply carrying out his soldierly duty, who was an eye-witness to this unique happening on that decisive day in the history of humanity, was caused to announce in tones… that would reverberate down through the corridors of time: truly this was the Son of God.

Surely the life of the centurion who witnessed his Saviour dying on that Tree of crucifixion, and who uttered those earth-shattering words by divine revelation, was never, ever the same again. Truly this IS the Son of God.

My Prayer

Loving Father, as I reflect on the awesome scene that took place when the Lord Jesus suffered and died for me, I bless Your name for revealing to me the gospel of grace and for drawing me into Your family as Your child. May I never become so ‘familiar’ with this scene that I forget its true significance. I worship before Your throne and praise Your holy name, for You truly are my most wonderful Saviour and I love You – in Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.

God Knows All Things About All Of Us!!

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins

        Praise The Lord Saints!!  Praise The Lord Everyone!!  How are all of you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  I want to inform all of you that God knows the things that we need of long before we ask Him.  God knows all things about us.  He knows our thoughts, opinions, and feelings.  I realize that God knows exactly how long we are going to live on earth.

        Next, God knew all of us when we were inside of our mother’s womb.  I know that this is something that God knows about all of us. 

God even knows all of the things that we need in order to sustain all of us; while we are living on earth.  I have come to the realization that I cannot do anything without God.  He also has supplies all of my personal needs.  I really love Him because he has never stopped loving me as a person.

Further, I have a very important question to ask all of you.  Does God knows about all of us?  The answer to this question is yes.  I want to say to everyone that God has been really good to me as a person.  Even though, I am not perfect.  I am only a Work in Progress.  I want to inform all of you that God has blessed me every single day; for the past 54 years of my life.

Moreover, I want to inform all of you that I cannot do anything without God.  I cannot even take care of myself without God.  It is the Holy Spirit that inside of me that is talking to me on a daily basis.  I know that I desperately need the Lord in my life right now. 

In Addition, the above Bible verse is true.  It is God that is doing for us more than we are doing for ourselves.  I really love all of you as members of the human race.  I know that some of you do not know me as a person.  However, I love you anyway.  I know that my life has been filled with ups and downs during the past 10 years now.  I want to inform all of you that I suffer from Schizoid Affective Disorder.  I have been suffering from a mental illness for the past 22 years now.

Also, I am relying on God for all things.  I cannot do anything without Him.  There are some people, who actually think that: they have work so hard for the things that they need.  There are some people, who actually think that they have done the things that they have done without God’s help.  I know for me personally, I am dependent on the Lord for all things.  I am dependent on the Lord Jesus Christ for everything.  I love all of you very much.  The Lord is sustaining me moment by moment.  He has his way in my life. 

Finally, I want you to know that I cannot do anything without the Lord Jesus Christ.  I want to inform all of you that I have been physically sick as of late.  I want to say that I am very excited to have Jesus Christ as my personal Savior.

        In Conclusion, I am sealed by the Lord Jesus Christ right now.  I am sealed by Him the Holy Spirit of Promise.  God always keep His promises.  I know that in Galatians 6:8 means what goes around comes around.  I know that I used to live inside of the world.  I also used to do the things of the world.  Currently, I have learned the truth about God.  My seal with Him is forever.

◄ What Does Ezra 3:10 Mean? ►

Now when the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD according to the directions of King David of Israel.

Ezra 3:10(NASB)

Picture courtesy of Sweet Publishing

Verse Thoughts

After 70 years of exile from their land, the people of Israel returned with Ezra, after the edict to rebuild the Temple was signed by Cyrus the Great. The Babylonian exile occurred because the kings of Judah, the priests and the people became idolatrous. They strayed far from the Lord and had to be punished for breaking their covenant. But God in His grace determined to bring His people back after the 70 years – as we read in Jeremiah and Daniel.

The first thing the priests and people did, was to set up an altar in Jerusalem, restore the daily sacrifice and celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. Israel had a covenant relationship with God and the re-instituting of the sacrifices, feasts, Mosaic Law and Temple worship were necessary, if they were to honour the Lord and obey His word.

Rebuilding the Temple was vital if Israel were to keep God’s covenant and remain in fellowship with Him, and so the foundations of the Temple were laid, amidst much rejoicing. “Now when the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD according to the directions of King David of Israel“.

There was obviously much enthusiasm when this building project began. The people gave willingly of their time, money, food and drink to pay for the artisans and stone-cutters.. and to purchase oil and other necessities from the people of Sidon and Tyre. They rejoiced as they brought the cedar wood from Lebanon and Joppa, as promised by Cyrus.

David had left very specific instructions about Temple worship and how to praise the Lord, with trumpets and cymbals. And so the priests, dressed in their priestly robes and blew their trumpets, while the Levites, who were descended from Asaph, sounded their cymbals, and took their positions to praise the Lord… just as King David of Israel had instructed.

The sacrifice of personal praise and the uniting together for public worship is a vital part of spiritual renewal and growth. David had discovered this to be so in his lifetime and these returning Israelites chose to follow in his footsteps. It must have been a wonderful sight to see the people of God worshipping the Lord and exalting His name in the holy city of Jerusalem, with psalms and spiritual songs – praising Him with outstretched hands.

These people of God sent a wonderful example, as they sang songs of praise and gave thanksgiving to God. ‘The Lord, He is good” they sang together, “His faithful love to Israel endures forever.”  It must have been a wonderful sight when “all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord because the foundation of the Lord’s house had been laid“.

The Temple played an important role during the pre-cross, dispensation of Israel and it will continue to do so in the Millennial kingdom of Christ. Today, the Temple of God is equally important, but not the one constructed of hewn stones and decorated with great pillars and glorious ornaments, as in Solomon’s day. Today… the Church, which is the Body of Christ, is a spiritual Temple that is not made with human hands.

Paul reminds us that today, in this Church dispensation, WE are the Temple of God. Our mortal body is the dwelling place of the Holy Ghost, Who permanently indwells each one, who has been saved by grace through faith… for God said, ‘I will dwell in them, and walk in them. I will be their God, and they shall be my people’.

In his letter to the Ephesians, we are reminded that we are the Temple, both individually and collectively, for we are all part of the same building, and are being fitted together, as we grow into a holy dwelling place, in the Lord. Peter calls us “living stones’ — living stones, who are built up a spiritual temple, and in Christ we have become a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God, through Jesus Christ.

But a day is coming when Christ will return as Israel’s King and He will rebuild His Millennial Temple in the city of God, and together… ALL God’s people will praise the Lord with trumpets, cymbals and great rejoicing, as did these saints in the days of Ezra.

My Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, we praise and thank You that You are a good and faithful God, Who keeps His promises to both Israel and the Church. Thank You for the example of the priests and people in Ezra’s day, who laid the foundation of the Temple of God, and blew their trumpets and sounded their cymbals to praise and honour Your holy name. Thank You that in this dispensation of grace, I am a living stone in Your spiritual Temple. Thank You that I have the indwelling Holy Spirit to lead and guide in all things. I pray that I would never cease to honour Your name in thought, word, and deed and to praise You day and night, for You alone are worthy – in Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.

◄ What Does Romans 2:4 Mean? ►

Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

Romans 2:4(NASB)

Verse Thoughts

It was man who brought sin into the world and the wages of sin is death. But sin in all its guises and disguises must be judged, for a holy God cannot look on sin. Sin must be punished, and the ultimate consequence of sin is eternal separation from God. Sin inflicts a never-ending divorce from all that is good and clean and lovely and pure and honourable and righteous and holy. And in the final analysis, the verdict is that man is without excuse.

Paul in his first chapter of Romans builds up the most magnificent and logical argument that the gentile world is guilty before the Lord. Although they knew God they suppressed the truth in unrighteousness. In spite of the overwhelming evidence of His handiwork in the created world around them, and despite the still, small voice of conscience within, man became willingly ignorant of God. When men indulged in such gross idolatry, self-indulgence and self-deification, God gives them over to their depraved minds and abandons them to their sinful ways.

But it is not only the Gentile nations that are identified with this guilty verdict. The people of Israel similarly stand condemned before their God, for all have sinned and all fall short of the glory of God. There is no one that can attain to the perfection of Christ. Paul lays bare the truth that Israel is equally guilty before the Lord… despite being brought into covenant relation with Him.

Israel were chosen by God and given many spiritual advantages. They were the only nation chosen to be His people and to live in a covenant relationship with Him. They were to be a light to the Gentiles and received many material privileges and promises… including a land flowing with milk and honey. They were promised a future kingdom of peace and prosperity on earth, where they would be the head and not the tail of the nations.

But Israel rebelled against God and followed after the way of the Gentiles. They erroneously thought that because they were given the Law; the Temple; the Priesthood and the Promise, they would escape God’s punishment and be exempt from His wrath. But Paul’s water-tight argument, condemning ALL mankind, could only reach one, possible conclusion – God is the only righteous judge and His judgements upon all mankind, are inescapable and just.

Man’s hypocritical judgements of his fellow man, is according to his own depraved mind. A self-righteous, judgemental attitude is inexcusable… but the judgement that is in accordance with God is rooted in truth. The judgements of the Lord are founded on His righteous character and gracious love… and for that reason, we discover the Lord withholding His inevitable judgement on both the children of Israel and the Gentile nations – giving each one an opportunity to repent of their sin and turn to Him.

The wrath of God, which must eventually be poured out on all sin, if His justice is to be fully satisfied, was delayed,… to give men the time to repent of their sin. God has been delaying His judgement and postponing His punishment, to give sinners every opportunity to repent.. for it is not God’s will that any should perish, but that all should come to faith in Jesus Christ.

It is the riches of His kindness, His tolerance and patience that have been instrumental in withholding judgement on this God-hating, Christ-rejecting sinful world. Every day God’s wrath is delayed, is one more day of grace, when Jew and Gentile alike are being convicted of sin, brought to repentance and receiving salvation through faith in Christ.

It is only God’s compassion and mercy… His long-suffering kindness and grace, that enables sinners to be saved through faith in Christ. It is only by His grace that men are moved out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son. It is only God’s never-failing faithfulness and incomparable kindness that enables born-again believers to grow in grace and in a knowledge of Christ – as they dwell in Him and He in us.

As believers, we are not only saved by grace when we believe on Christ for salvation, but we are also given the sufficient grace to live by faith because of the riches of His kindness. The tolerance and patience of God towards His saved people leads us to confess our faults, turn from sin and be returned into fellowship with our heavenly Father. May we never think lightly of the riches of His kindness, tolerance and patience.

How privileged we are to be God’s children, who are secure in the blessed hope we have in Christ. Never let us be tempted to wish our lives away or resent what we perceive as delays in Christ’s return.

May we always remember that God’s delay is often a demonstration of the riches of His kindness, tolerance and patience, toward carnal Christians, as well as lost sinners – which is leading many to repentance and salvation… for the forgiveness of sin, and security in Christ. Let us rather praise and thank our heavenly Saviour that in Him we have been made citizens of heaven – and will one day receive our heavenly inheritance in Christ.

My Prayer

Father, I often take for granted Your loving-kindness and carelessly wander far from You. Thank You, for Your grace and patient-endurance towards me. I confess my faults to You, and I choose today to turn away from my own carnal desires and return to trusting You in all things. I pray that I would quickly reject the things that have grieved You, and thank You for Your grace, Your love, Your forbearance, and patience. Continue to draw me back once again into Your sweet arms of comfort and enjoy gracious fellowship with You – this I pray In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

This is a James 5:16 Moment!!

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins

        Praise The Lord Saints!!  Praise The Lord Everyone!!  How are you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  This is a James 5:16 Moment.  The reason why I am sharing this information is simply because I feel that my foundation is falling underneath me right now.  I have been physically drained for the past few months right now.  This is simply because my testosterone levels have dropped.  This has happen all of a sudden.  I was not aware of my physical problems since September 17, 2019.  This happened during the time that I had suffered from my Breakthrough Seizure.

        Next, I want to inform all of you that God’s love is inside of me right now.  I realize that my foundation is falling underneath me right now.  Why, this is simply because I have been feeling drained and tired all of the time.  I realize that a lot of people depend on me; inside of my hometown of Dayton, Ohio.  I know that I do not want to become a burden on all of my family members.

 My family members do not know how sick I really am right now.  I realize that my family members have their own lives right now.  It is that everyone in my family are growing up and trying to establish an identity for themselves.  God really loves all of us.  He has given us His grace and mercy so that He can sustain all of us.

        Further, I want to inform all of you that I have not actually done anything for myself in a very long time.  I realize that I am getting older right now.  It is that a person is as old as they really feel from the inside out.  I want to inform all of you that it is God that is doing for me more than I am doing for myself.

        Moreover, I want to inform everyone that my neighbors have been talking about me, but not inside of my face.  That is a complete shame.  You see, I do not drink alcohol, and smoke anything in over 30 years now. 

        In Addition, I am very sick right now.  I am sharing this information with all of you because I really need all of your prayers.  I know that I have Jesus Christ as my Personal Savior right now.  I want to say that I really need all of you to please read all of my essays, and tell me what you think.  If the Lord’s will, I will copyright all of my writings by the end of this calendar year.  I have to go to Miami Valley South in Dayton, Ohio for hormone replacement therapy starting on February 4, 2020 at 3:00PM.  I want to also inform everyone that I cannot have any children because I have cysts on my scrotum.  I have sustained an injury while playing football back in 1979.

        Finally, I want to inform all of you that it is the Lord that provides for us, and not ourselves.  I want to say that I really love all of you very much.  I know that some people are not talking to me right now.  It does not make sense to lose friends and family members because of my intimate relationship that I have in Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ is my Personal Savior and I adore my relationship that I have with Him.  Please keep me in your prayers, and I love all of you very much.  Please take care of yourselves.

◄ What Does 2 Thessalonians 2:6 Mean? ►

And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed.

2 Thessalonians 2:6(NASB)

Verse Thoughts

What reassurance Christians in Thessalonica received in Paul’s first epistle, about Christ’s soon return. They were expecting to hear the trump of God and the voice of the archangel. They were awaiting Christ’s coming in the clouds – He would come like a thief in the night!

These believers were anticipating the resurrection of the ‘Dead-in-Christ’. They were looking forward to being changed from mortal to immortal, in a moment – in the twinkling of an eye. They believed Paul’s teachings on the resurrection of the dead, but their excitement quickly turned to concern, as they began to fear they had missed the rapture of the saints, and entered the great, and terrible Day of the Lord.

Christian persecution was increasing, and these dear saints feared that the Great Tribulation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, had already arrived. Paul, therefore, had to write a second letter, correcting their erroneous notion, explaining their fears were invalid.

He reminded them of his earlier teaching… that the Day of Lord could not arrive until after the wicked antichrist was revealed. He was being held back. “And you know what restrains him now,”  Paul wrote, “so that in his time this wicked one will be revealed. Paul had already taught about Christ’s return, and they believed his teaching, but these Christians had misunderstood certain things.

The Thessalonians had mixed up teachings about the return of the Lord for His saints, at the rapture – when Jesus will meet us in the clouds… and the second coming of Christ – when He returns to earth, with His saints. At His second coming, Christ will stand on the Mount of Olives and set up His millennial reign in Jerusalem. The Thessalonians had confused the rapture of the Church, that takes place BEFORE the Day of the Lord, with the second advent of Christ, at the END of the tribulation period.

While the Day of the Lord would arrive unexpectedly for unbelievers – like a thief in the night, Paul had taught that we, who are looking for His any day return, will not be surprised when He comes. Christ’s return for the Church is our blessed hope, and we have been instructed to watch with joyful anticipation, and wait expectantly for His return in the clouds. We are to be ready for the rapture and the gathering together of His saints. We are to be saved from the wrath to come.

Paul had taught that we are not appointed to wrath, but these saints feared that the 70th week of Daniel had started, and they had missed the rapture. In this second epistle, Paul was required to remind God’s people that evil would be restrained UNTIL Jesus returned for the Church. However, he did not teach that the Church would not suffer, during our waiting period. All who live godly lives WILL suffer persecution, he told them. Jesus, Himself taught – In this world, ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Paul had taught that although ‘the mystery lawlessness’ was already at work in the world, the full force of satanic evil would not be permitted to fall, UNTIL the Church was removed.. AND THEN unrestrained evil would be poured out upon the earth. But during the waiting period, God would use the evil persecution of His children to be used to refine our faith and cause us to mature spiritually.. as we trust in Him and hold fast to His word.

As in the days of Noah and during the times of the judges, evil will be permitted, by God, to increase. But as in the past, evil will continue to be restrained until wickedness reaches saturation point. God restrained evil in the days of Noah, UNTIL judgement fell – but Noah was removed from God’s wrath. God restrained evil in the days of Lot, UNTIL judgement was sent – but Lot was saved from wrath that rained down on the cities.

Paul had already told the Thessalonian’s WHO was holding back the ‘man of lawlessness’. They had already been told WHO restrains evil.. and in the verse he reminds them..“you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed.” Although Paul did not reiterate the identity of the Restrainer, Scripture teaches it is the Holy Spirit Who holds back evil. Just as God restrains evil to forward His perfect plans and purposes, so also He will remove that restraint of evil – for the same reason!

Scripture teaches that the Restrainer of ALL evil is the Holy Spirit. He restricted the evil Satan used against Job, just as he restrains evil in this present day. The Restrainer of evil MAY choose to use unsaved men to limit evil, like Cyrus and Artaxerxes, but most often, God uses the sacrificial prayers, presence, and praises of His saints, who cry out to Him day and night, and plead – THY will be done, THY kingdom come.

Throughout Scripture we see God using the prayers of saints, like Noah and Lot, Elijah and Daniel, to curtail evil. During this Church age, it is the prayers of godly Christians… who have the indwelling Holy Spirit and pray into the will of Father in spirit and in truth, that continues to restrain the floodgates of evil from being fully flung open. But as in the past, God will allow unrestrained evil, to bring about His will on earth. How amazing!

Today, evil continues to be restrained through the prayers of the saints, but at the end of the Church-Age, the restraining hand of the Holy Spirit is removed… THEN the wicked one – the antichrist, who will be empowered by Satan, will be revealed. However, saved men and women, in this Church age, will have been raptured from the world.

There are some teachings that credit someone other than the Holy Spirit with restraining evil. But in this Church-age… God has chosen to carry out His work through the prayers and praises of Christians, in whom dwells the Holy Spirit. The removal of true Christians, at the rapture, will cause God’s hand that restrains evil and that protects His people, to be withdrawn – and the Day of the Lord will be used, by God, to bring Israel to repentance and usher in the millennial kingdom of Christ.

His plans and purposes are beyond our understanding. Praise His holy name.

My Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that evil continues to be restrained. Thank You that Your plans and purposes for the Church will continue to be carried out, by the Holy Spirit… through the prayers and praises of Your saints in this dispensation of grace. We pray that many would come to faith before the Restrainer of evil removes His hand of protecting, and allows unrestrained evil to be unleashed on earth. Use me today, in the forwarding of Your plans, as I offer my life as a living sacrifice of prayer and praise to You – for You alone are worthy. In Jesus’ name, I pray, AMEN.

How Do You Trust and Obey the Lord Jesus Christ?

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins

       Praise The Lord Saints!!  Praise The Lord!!  How are you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  I have a very important question to ask all of you.  How do you trust and obey the Lord Jesus Christ.  First, I would like to inform all of you that this starts in the home.  This means that our parents are supposed to teach us how to conduct ourselves with God, Jesus Christ, other people, and ourselves.

 I want to inform all of you that inside of my household growing up, I really did not have anyone to teach me how to walk a decent life.  I relied on my grandparents, mother, aunts, and uncles to show me how to become a real man.  I remember attending church with my great grandmother when I was young.  She attended Bethel Church of God in Christ in Dayton, Ohio.  My Great-Grandmother told me to always trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.  This is in Proverbs 3:5.  It is a privilege and honor to trust in the Lord.  We all have problems, but we have God in our lives.

Next, I really remember listening to Jimmy Swaggart and Oral Roberts during the time that I was a child.  Like they say in Proverbs 22:6: Train up a child in the way he should go, when he get old, he will not depart from it.  I know that at that time, I was trying to establish an identity for myself by dealing with my friends during the 1970s.  I always attended church on a daily basis with my grandmother.  She obviously took me to church just to keep me from getting into trouble.  I really understand right now about trusting in the Lord. 

        Further, I want to inform all of you that some of my family members have unfriended me on Facebook because I was sharing the Gospel of Peace with them each day of the week.  However, they do not want to hear it.  As long as I can share my experience, strength, and hope with at least one person, I have done my job.

 The greatest thing that I can appreciate is having an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.  I want to inform all of you that God has given me a foundation that I need to join Him in Paradise.  God want us to be happy when things do not go our way.  I really like this Bible verse in Jeremiah 29:11.

        Moreover, the Lord Jesus Christ wants all of us to prosper in our lives.  I know that inside of my family, everyone is living inside of the world.  Even though; some of my family members are successful right now.

  It is that they have not given God any of their personal time.  I do not have a job right now, so therefore, I am supposed to give God plenty of time to work inside of my life.  How do you trust and obey Jesus Christ?  In my case, I have to demonstrate, and imitate Jesus Christ by doing the things that He has done.  I realize that I cannot tell anyone what to do.  I can only give advice and suggestions to others.  I have also another job.  I am supposed to share the Gospel of Peace with everyone. 

        In Addition, I want to say that I want to be happy in my life.  I know that I am supposed to share with everyone the Word of God. 

We have the Holy Spirit inside of us.  1^st Corinthians 3:16 says: Do ye not know that your body is the temple of God and the Holy Spirit dwells inside of you.  This is the truth.  As soon as we confess our sins to God, and become born again by getting baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.  I have been baptized a total of 9 times in different churches.  Currently, I attend Fort McKinley United Methodist Church in Dayton, Ohio. 

        Finally, I want to say that we are supposed to have a merciful attitude.  I know that for me personally, my personality has changed for the better.  I do not use any vulgarity anymore.  I have a desire to exercise and participate in the Great Commission.

 I am supposed to save lost souls on a daily basis.  With God’s help, I know that I can maintain an excellent attitude for the rest of my entire life.  I am very happier right now by sharing God’s Message with everyone.  I know that I am supposed to imitate Jesus Christ’s behavior.  I know that I have to discipline yourself in everything you do in your personal life.  The definition of the word discipline is a branch of knowledge of teaching and training.  God has given all of us self-control.  I want to inform all of you that I have a well-balanced mind. 

In Conclusion, I am going to share God’s Word with everyone.  I am going to always through God’s help, become an imitator of Jesus Christ.  I know that having self- control is very important.  I have to become an example for the world by serving the Lord.  We say a lot more with our actions than our words.  How do we learn how to trust and obey Jesus Christ?  You can do this by making yourself available to Him.  Giving some of your time with God, helps you to learn how to trust and obey Him.  I know that there are a lot of things that we are going to be tempted to do, but if the Lord’s will, we can get out of it by maintaining our faith in Him.  I am able to stay positive; in spite of all of our personal problems.  I love all of you very much.  Please keep me in your prayers because I have a lot of health problems.  We must make an appointment with Jesus Christ!!

 What Does Psalm 136:1 Mean? ►

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Psalm 136:1(NASB)

Verse Thoughts

Gratefulness of heart to the Lord God almighty is like a golden stream that threads its way through this wonderful song of praise. We have a repetitive chorus that rehearses the truth of God’s goodness. It is the recurring reminder, that God’s love and grace touches every facet of our lives: O give thanks to the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endures forever”.

The repeating, melodious heartbeat that caresses every part of the created universe rejoices that His loving-kindness is everlasting; His steadfast mercies endure forever; His faithful love is never-ending, and His unwavering goodness stretches into the furthest extremities of eternity.

“O give thanks to the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endures forever”, is the insistent drumbeat that is designed to grab our attention in every verse of this glorious song of praise, which proclaims the never-ending truth: that God is good, and the mercies of the Lord are everlasting and forever. Amen.

As all the deeds and misdeeds of Israel are pronounced and publicised throughout this hymn of praise, the tender loving-kindness and great compassion of the Lord continues to be shed abroad. Mercy and grace, along with goodness and faithfulness are some of the eternal attributes of our heavenly Father – and the regular rhythm and insistent beat of this joyful chorus, echoes the joyful refrain: “O give thanks to the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endures forever. O give thanks to the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endures forever.”

The wonderful certainty that the loving-kindness of our heavenly Lord is everlasting, and that His truth endures from one generation to another, should permeate every fibre of our being and thrill the heart of every believer with the fullness of His joy and a heart of gratitude.

The Lord rescues the perishing; pardons the guilty; protects the weak and fills the hungry with good things. He comforts the sorrowing; heals the broken-hearted; gives His all-sufficient grace to help the needy and fulfils all His precious promises. He is worthy of all praise and deserving of our grateful thanks. He alone is the God of all gods for His love is eternal, His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever, and he is faithful to fulfil all that He has said.

Should not we, who are His blood-bought children, rejoice to hear such worthy instructions, on praise and thanksgiving? Indeed, worship and reverent homage is often the central ingredient adopted by God’s people in honouring the LORD – as directed by David, Solomon, and other great kings of Israel. Should we not take up the Palmists refrain and give our most grateful thanks to the LORD, for He is good, and His lovingkindness is everlasting.

The wisdom of Paul, the great apostle to the Gentiles, similarly reminds us that rejoicing in the Lord is our worthy calling, for His steadfast mercy truly does endure from generation to generation. His faithful love is never-ending, and His unwavering goodness stretches into the outer limits of the universe and the furthest extremities of eternity.

Let us endeavour to give thanks in the Lord and be glad in Him! Let all who are saved by grace and morally upright shout for joy to the God of our salvation! Let us glory in the name of the LORD, for “praise is pleasant and lovely” and praise is “comely for the upright.” May we rejoice in the Lord and delight, day by day, in His gracious deliverance.

Let us give thanks to the LORD, in remembrance of his holiness. Let us give thank for the LORD as we commemorate the glory in the Holy One of Israel. Let us give praise his name together for sending Jesus to be our kinsman-Redeemer and to die on the cross for our sake, and may we never cease to give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.

My Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father I thank You for all Your loving-kindness towards me and I join with the Psalmist in giving grateful thanks to You, for You are good and tender; gentle and faithful, upright and true. I thank You for Your daily mercies and rejoice for all the kindness You show towards me. I too give thanks with my whole heart and proclaim with my mouth, ‘the Lord is good and His mercies endure forever”. Thank You, heavenly Father, and in Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.

How Can We Become Doers of The Word?

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins

    Praise The Lord Saints!!  Praise The Lord!!  How are you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  I want to ask everyone a very important question.  The question is: How can we become doers of the word?

The answer to this question is simple.  We have to have both a behavioral change as well as a spiritual change within ourselves.  I know for me personally, I have changed a whole lot behaviorally and spiritually right now.  For example, I do not use any vulgarity anymore.  An example of this is in Proverbs 15:1 says: A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up strife.  This is my model Bible verse because it enables me to actually think before I act on all things.

      Next, I want to ask how we can become doers of the word.  First, we need to establish a relationship with Jesus Christ.  I have to accept Jesus Christ as my Personal Savior.  How can we all do this; is by confessing our sins to Jesus Christ.  I know that I am only a Work in Progress.

What is a Work in Progress?  A work in progress is an unfinished project that is still being added to or developed. “The book itself is still a work in progress” (in accounting) the total value of the materials and labor for unfinished projects. “The board had estimated the value of its work in progress”. What does it mean to be a work in progress?

Work in Progress. Being a work in progress is a wonderful thing. It means you are never “finished” which means that you always have the chance to improve yourself and become something and someone better than who you are already.

Further, I want to inform all of you that my life has changed for the better because it enables me to imitate Jesus Christ.  I also have to read His Word and share the Gospel of Peace with everyone.  I also help others as well.  I have always helped others by sharing with them the things that Jesus Christ has done for me.

I also give things away that I do not need.  I humble myself each day of the week by being honest as a person.  I demonstrate how to become a doer of the word by my actions.  I feel at this time that listening to worship music and church sermons have enabled me to be a doer of the word.  I know that it is a whole lot more to it than that in order to become a doer of the word.

Moreover, a doer of the word is a person who lives according to the Word of God.  I have come so far in my life by improving my relationships with other people.  I know that my life has changed because I wanted to make some positive changes in my life. God likes it when we can keep a very good attitude about life, our relationship with Jesus Christ, and connecting with others in a positive manner.

 “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;  for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
–James 1:21-25

1. Prepare your heart and be open.

It’s so easy to get into the daily Bible grind and never, once, truly pounce on what we’re learning or reading: get up, pour a cappuccino (or three), personal devotional of  fifteen minutes, write down some thoughts, put Bible on shelf, carry on with the morning . . . is this really what we limit ourselves and God to? Are we missing out on multiple opportunities because we haven’t prepared our hearts to be open and receptive? Shy away from a daily spiritual grind, seek God for opportunities to become a doer and invest in the lives of those around you.

2. Be willing and available.

Part of extending your hands in compassion and love is actually having a willing heart. Unfortunately, having a heart willing for love and sharing the Gospel isn’t just an “on/off” switch. It has to be transformed and cultivated by the same Gospel. If you are serious about becoming a doer and an action man/woman, pray for a willing heart.

We all know that person, or perhaps we are that person, who has great intentions of ministering to others, but is far too busy with a complex schedule to be available.  There could be any number of reasons for a lack of availability, but I think we’re all thankful that Jesus didn’t turn away the paralyzed or the ill because of a conflicting schedule or a lack of availability.

Such an attitude might have caused trauma to His ministry—so if you’re serious about Christ and your serious about acting upon your faith—make yourself available. Reach out and mean it—don’t just say it. If you offer to meet a struggling peer for coffee to talk, do it. If you see someone in need, address the problem or find the right person to address the problem (i.e. pastor, carpenter, doctor).

3. Prepare to be uncomfortable.

Just know that being a doer can be difficult, confusing, unpleasant, and uncomfortable. It can mean getting messy, seeing the side of people that is unpleasant, experiencing sadness, seeing the dirt  and the sins of humanity, and become all too aware of our personal shortcomings. I’ll never forget the first time I went to Haiti on a missions trip, I was never more aware of my ever growing list of shortcomings. Often, while doing Kingdom work our capacity of comfort, faith, and humility are tested—it’s like a game of Survivor with an eternal focus. We have to become prepared to be uncomfortable in some shape or form, but not allow it to deter us from carrying on in faith. However, there are great joys and luminous revelations while being a doer, but we must be prepared to hold out for those moments while in the midst of being uncomfortable.

4. Don’t wait.

Being doers can mean traveling across the globe to extend compassion and the love of Jesus or it can mean traveling to your backyard to the neighbor who is battling cancer. It’s not about the distance, it’s about the Message. Location isn’t relative, the issue at hand is that we are demonstrating compassion and spreading the Gospel. We’re called to share Christ’s love and we’re called to glorify Him (Matthew 28:19). We’re called to care. We’re called to protect, defend, and care for the defenseless, the poor, and the abandoned. It doesn’t matter where.

Demonstrating love and compassion can be done right now—the opportunities are limitless. We live in a world of darkness, just take a look around and be stunned by the abundant opportunities that await you.

Being a doer starts in the home. It starts in the work place. It starts in the Church. It starts with relationships. It starts with the grumpy neighbor, disgruntled cashier, or the unpleasant individual who just stole my parking spot (while I had my blinker on, I might add!). It starts here. Compassion starts now. If we think that we have to travel overseas to extend compassion or love, I’m afraid that we’re missing out multiple opportunities that are staring us right smack in the face.

People are people. We all need the same thing, we all need Jesus desperately. You can make a difference here, and you can make a difference there. It’s not really relative to where you are geographically, God’s love and compassion needs to be spread just as much in Baltimore City as it does in India. His love needs to be spread in a nursing home just as much as it does in an orphanage. Don’t wait for an opportunity, just because you don’t think it’s the opportunity you would choose. Don’t become discouraged when you feel like your impact isn’t as great as you would hope—it’s not about us. It’s about Him. Don’t waste an opportunity to become a doer out of pride—take a leap of faith.

5. Listen and love.

Be a hearer and a doer. It’s far easier said than done, but it’s a goal worth aiming for. Many of the people I know have come to Christ from visually seeing the works of Christians in action. We can talk all day long using Christianese and spiritual terms, but until there is evidence in our lives that we mean what we say, we might find we have trouble connecting with others in an effective manner. Become amazed at how God can work in your life when you give Him a heart ready for action.

How Can We Become Doers of The Word?

By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins

    Praise The Lord Saints!!  Praise The Lord!!  How are you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  I want to ask everyone a very important question.  The question is: How can we become doers of the word?

The answer to this question is simple.  We have to have both a behavioral change as well as a spiritual change within ourselves.  I know for me personally, I have changed a whole lot behaviorally and spiritually right now.  For example, I do not use any vulgarity anymore.  An example of this is in Proverbs 15:1 says: A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up strife.  This is my model Bible verse because it enables me to actually think before I act on all things.

Next, I want to ask how we can become doers of the word.  First, we need to establish a relationship with Jesus Christ.  I have to accept Jesus Christ as my Personal Savior.  How can we all do this; is by confessing our sins to Jesus Christ.  I know that I am only a Work in Progress.

What is a Work in Progress?  A work in progress is an unfinished project that is still being added to or developed. “The book itself is still a work in progress” (in accounting) the total value of the materials and labor for unfinished projects. “The board had estimated the value of its work in progress”. What does it mean to be a work in progress?

Work in Progress. Being a work in progress is a wonderful thing. It means you are never “finished” which means that you always have the chance to improve yourself and become something and someone better than who you are already.

Further, I want to inform all of you that my life has changed for the better because it enables me to imitate Jesus Christ.  I also have to read His Word and share the Gospel of Peace with everyone.  I also help others as well.  I have always helped others by sharing with them the things that Jesus Christ has done for me.

I also give things away that I do not need.  I humble myself each day of the week by being honest as a person.  I demonstrate how to become a doer of the word by my actions.  I feel at this time that listening to worship music and church sermons have enabled me to be a doer of the word.  I know that it is a whole lot more to it than that in order to become a doer of the word.

Moreover, a doer of the word is a person who lives according to the Word of God.  I have come so far in my life by improving my relationships with other people.  I know that my life has changed because I wanted to make some positive changes in my life. God likes it when we can keep a very good attitude about life, our relationship with Jesus Christ, and connecting with others in a positive manner.

 “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;  for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
–James 1:21-25

1. Prepare your heart and be open.

It’s so easy to get into the daily Bible grind and never, once, truly pounce on what we’re learning or reading: get up, pour a cappuccino (or three), personal devotional of  fifteen minutes, write down some thoughts, put Bible on shelf, carry on with the morning . . . is this really what we limit ourselves and God to? Are we missing out on multiple opportunities because we haven’t prepared our hearts to be open and receptive? Shy away from a daily spiritual grind, seek God for opportunities to become a doer and invest in the lives of those around you.

2. Be willing and available.

Part of extending your hands in compassion and love is actually having a willing heart. Unfortunately, having a heart willing for love and sharing the Gospel isn’t just an “on/off” switch. It has to be transformed and cultivated by the same Gospel. If you are serious about becoming a doer and an action man/woman, pray for a willing heart.

We all know that person, or perhaps we are that person, who has great intentions of ministering to others, but is far too busy with a complex schedule to be available.  There could be any number of reasons for a lack of availability, but I think we’re all thankful that Jesus didn’t turn away the paralyzed or the ill because of a conflicting schedule or a lack of availability.

Such an attitude might have caused trauma to His ministry—so if you’re serious about Christ and your serious about acting upon your faith—make yourself available. Reach out and mean it—don’t just say it. If you offer to meet a struggling peer for coffee to talk, do it. If you see someone in need, address the problem or find the right person to address the problem (i.e. pastor, carpenter, doctor).

3. Prepare to be uncomfortable.

Just know that being a doer can be difficult, confusing, unpleasant, and uncomfortable. It can mean getting messy, seeing the side of people that is unpleasant, experiencing sadness, seeing the dirt  and the sins of humanity, and become all too aware of our personal shortcomings. I’ll never forget the first time I went to Haiti on a missions trip, I was never more aware of my ever growing list of shortcomings. Often, while doing Kingdom work our capacity of comfort, faith, and humility are tested—it’s like a game of Survivor with an eternal focus. We have to become prepared to be uncomfortable in some shape or form, but not allow it to deter us from carrying on in faith. However, there are great joys and luminous revelations while being a doer, but we must be prepared to hold out for those moments while in the midst of being uncomfortable.

4. Don’t wait.

Being doers can mean traveling across the globe to extend compassion and the love of Jesus or it can mean traveling to your backyard to the neighbor who is battling cancer. It’s not about the distance, it’s about the Message. Location isn’t relative, the issue at hand is that we are demonstrating compassion and spreading the Gospel. We’re called to share Christ’s love and we’re called to glorify Him (Matthew 28:19). We’re called to care. We’re called to protect, defend, and care for the defenseless, the poor, and the abandoned. It doesn’t matter where.

Demonstrating love and compassion can be done right now—the opportunities are limitless. We live in a world of darkness, just take a look around and be stunned by the abundant opportunities that await you.

Being a doer starts in the home. It starts in the work place. It starts in the Church. It starts with relationships. It starts with the grumpy neighbor, disgruntled cashier, or the unpleasant individual who just stole my parking spot (while I had my blinker on, I might add!). It starts here. Compassion starts now. If we think that we have to travel overseas to extend compassion or love, I’m afraid that we’re missing out multiple opportunities that are staring us right smack in the face.

People are people. We all need the same thing, we all need Jesus desperately. You can make a difference here, and you can make a difference there. It’s not really relative to where you are geographically, God’s love and compassion needs to be spread just as much in Baltimore City as it does in India. His love needs to be spread in a nursing home just as much as it does in an orphanage. Don’t wait for an opportunity, just because you don’t think it’s the opportunity you would choose. Don’t become discouraged when you feel like your impact isn’t as great as you would hope—it’s not about us. It’s about Him. Don’t waste an opportunity to become a doer out of pride—take a leap of faith.

5. Listen and love.

Be a hearer and a doer. It’s far easier said than done, but it’s a goal worth aiming for. Many of the people I know have come to Christ from visually seeing the works of Christians in action. We can talk all day long using Christianese and spiritual terms, but until there is evidence in our lives that we mean what we say, we might find we have trouble connecting with others in an effective manner. Become amazed at how God can work in your life when you give Him a heart ready for action.