Psalm 51 Poem

 

Have mercy on me God, according to Your unfailing love,
I've committed unthinkable acts, I've never dreamed of.
With Your great compassion, blog out my transgressions,
Wash away all my sins, hear my humble confessions!

 

I've sinned against you God, done evil in your sight,
You can justly judge, to condemn You would be right.
I've always been sinful, even from the beginning,
Fear of God through wisdom, warns me to stop sinning!

 

Cleanse me with hyssop, make me whiter than snow,
Hear my joy and gladness, from Your grace that over flow.
Hide Your face from my sins, blot out my iniquity,
Make my heart pure, oh my, what a Victory!

 

For You restored my salvation, now I'm fully prepared,
To teach the lost Your ways, so many souls to be spared.
I'll open my lips and mouth, declaring Your Praise,
I'm Your obedient servant, for all the rest of my days!

 

by James Apple Jr.
 

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. (Psalm 51 NIV)

 

Please share this poem of hope and forgiveness to others!

 

Puppies and Politics

One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see! - John 9:25

 

President Obama is out running around the White House because he is late for a meeting when he sees one of his staff with a box.
He runs over to the employee and asks, "What's in the box?"
The startled employee says, "Puppies, we found them abandoned on the White House grounds and looking for a good home for them."
Obama says, "Oh! OK, what kind of puppies are they?"
"Democrats," the man says. "Wow, you must be a supporter, great job!", then the president runs off.
The next day, President Obama is with Joe Biden and sees the same man with the box. He tells Joe, "You gotta see this, come with me!"

 

Obama and Biden run over to the man and the president asks, "What kind of puppies are they?"
The man replies, "Republicans." "Woe, woe, woe!" Obama screams, "Just yesterday you said they were Democrats, what's going on here?"
"Well," , the employee says, "Their eyes just opened this morning."
"You're fired!" said the president.

by James Apple Jr.

If you enjoyed this good clean fun, please share with others!

 

The Stress Fountain

And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name. (Acts 22:16)

 

For many people, their jobs, school, etc. is very stressful. Certainly, this is a part of life and something that all of us have to learn to live with in one way or another. While having stress is a normal part of life, taking it home with you can be very damaging to any relationship. I am guilty of this and have too often brought my stress and worries home with me and shared them with my innocent family.

For many years, I have tried to remember to leave my worries at the door when I get home, but I often forget and I continue to bring them home day after day. What I need is something to remind me; I need something symbolic!

Just outside the front door of our house in the garden next to the walkway is a beautiful water fountain. It's very large and makes a loud, but soothing water fall sound. It is something that I cannot miss when walking up to the front door of our house. Then it hit me; I'll make this my "Stress Fountain!"

Now, every day when I come home. I make a habit to stop at the stress fountain and use the water to wash my worries away and leave them outside. The next morning, if I need to pick up those worries again; I will go by the stress fountain and pick them up and take back to work with me. However, the next morning it seems that those worries are much smaller and hard to find. Maybe, those worries sank to the bottom of the stress fountain, never to resurface again.

by James Apple Jr.

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Saint Jean Baptiste Day

I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. (Luke 7:28 NIV)

Saint Jean Baptiste Day

Saint Jean Baptiste Day which is also known as "la Saint-Jean", "St John the Baptist Day", and "Quebec's National Holiday" is a French Canadian holiday that is held annually on June 24. Mostly celebrated in Quebec, this holiday celebrates Saint John the Baptist, a Jewish preacher that baptized Jesus in the River Jordan.

 

On Saint Jean Baptiste Day, celebrations range from large-scale public events such as music concerts, sport tournaments, parades and firework displays to small family events such as barbecues, picnics, yard sales, and bonfires. Church bells can be heard ringing in celebration throughout the day and many people attend public dances.
In 1834, Ludger Duvernay, a very influential journalist of his day celebrated St Patrick's Day in Montreal and was inspired to create a similar event for the French Canadians. He established the Saint Jean Baptiste Society to promote the celebration of Saint Baptiste Day. With the support of the Catholic Church, Saint John the Baptist was designated as the patron Saint of Quebec.

 

by James Apple Jr.

 

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Feast of Pentecost

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. (Acts 2:1 NIV)

The Feast of Pentecost is also known as Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, the Feast of Harvest, and the Latter Firstfruits in the Bible. It is celebrated on the fiftieth day after Passover. The Feast of Pentecost or Shavuot was originally a festival for expressing thankfulness to the Lord for the blessing of the harvest. Normally a time for giving thanks for the grain of the summer wheat harvest in Israel.
The name "Feast of Weeks" was coined because of the commandment from God to the Jews to count seven full weeks (or 49 days) beginning on the second day of passover (total of 50 days), then to present offerings of new grain to the Lord as a lasting ordinance.

From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD. (Leviticus 23:15-16 NIV)

The feast gained the name "Latter Firstfruits" because it occurs at the end of Passover.

This celebration also has a tie to the giving of the Ten Commandments from God to Moses and took on the name of Matin Torah or "giving of the law." Jews believe that this was when God gave the Torah to their people.

 

Below are some biblical references to observances of the Feast of Pentecost:

"Celebrate the Feast of Weeks with the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering at the turn of the year. (Exodus 34:22 NIV)

15 " 'From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. 16 Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD. 17 From wherever you live, bring two loaves made of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour, baked with yeast, as a wave offering of firstfruits to the LORD. 18 Present with this bread seven male lambs, each a year old and without defect, one young bull and two rams. They will be a burnt offering to the LORD, together with their grain offerings and drink offerings--an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. 19 Then sacrifice one male goat for a sin offering and two lambs, each a year old, for a fellowship offering. 20 The priest is to wave the two lambs before the LORD as a wave offering, together with the bread of the firstfruits. They are a sacred offering to the LORD for the priest. 21 On that same day you are to proclaim a sacred assembly and do no regular work. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live 22 " 'When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.' " (Leviticus 23:15-22 NIV)

16 Three times a year all your men must appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles. No man should appear before the LORD empty-handed: (Deuteronomy 16:16 NIV)

13 according to the daily requirement for offerings commanded by Moses for Sabbaths, New Moons and the three annual feasts--the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles (2 Chronicles 8:13 NIV)

8 But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost (1 Corinthians16:8 NIV)

16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. (Acts 20:16 NIV)

18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. (James 1:18 NIV)

by James Apple Jr.

Please share this with others during the Feast of Pentecost.

 

Ascension Day

Ascension Day, or also know as The Solemnity of Ascension commemorates Jesus' return to Heaven 40 days after His resurrection on Easter. Most commonly, Ascenstion day in on the 6th Thursday of Easter. In many cultures, this celebration which is most commonly celebrated with a feast is transferred to the Sunday after the traditional date. Alternative names for this Solemnity holiday is Analepsis and Episozomene.

 

Acts 1:6-11 6 So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

Jesus' ascension into Heaven is the final component to the paschal mystery, which is one of the central concepts of the Christian faith relating to the history of salvation. Its main focus is on the passion, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The ascension of Jesus was the first event where humanity was taken into Heaven and the "final blow" against Satan's power. Thus, the symbol of ascension came from the lion (Jesus) conquering the dragon (Satan).

by James Apple Jr.

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Leaders Vs Followers

Now the overseer must be above reproach,the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable,able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome,not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceitedand fall under the same judgmentas the devil.  He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap. (1 Timothy 3:2-7)

Leaders vs Followers

When leaders make a mistake, they admit they were wrong.
When followers make a mistake, they blame it on someone else.
A leader works their way through problems.
A follower goes around problems.
A leader works hard and always makes time for others.
A follower is always "too busy."
A leader seeks to make themself better.
A follower is "better than most other people" with no need to change.
A leaders makes and keeps their promises.
A follower makes and forgets their promises.
Leaders listen.
Followers talk out of turn.
Leaders respect their superiors and want to learn from them.
Followers resent their superiors and wants to bring them down.
Leaders feel responsible for things outside their job scope.
Follower say, "I only work here."
Leaders look for better ways to do things.
Followers say, "That's the way things have always been done."

by James Apple Jr.

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I See God In Everything

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:13)

I See God In Everything

I don't understand how so many are blind,

Unable to see God in the world He designed,

For me it's as clear as me looking at you,

I see God in everything, from my field of view.

 

Not just in Heaven and the Stars up above,
But everything He made has a signature of His love,
From the smallest microbe to the beasts of the sea,
I see God in everything, to include you and me.

 

Some say God doesn't speak to them ever at all,
But that's only because they hide behind a wall,
Just drop your earthy barrier and you will hear too,
I see God in everything, especially in you.

 

Just as I was looking at your one-of-a-kind face,
A truth came to me about the entire human race,
If you still can't see God and you want Him to be clearer,
I see God in everything, just look in the mirror.

 

by James Apple Jr.

 

 

Mother's Day Bible Verses

Take the time to bless your mother on Mothers Day with one of these Mothers Day Bible Verses:

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." (Exodus 20:12 NIV)
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. (Proverbs 14:1 NIV)
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. (Proverbs 31:10-12 NIV)
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (Proverbs 31:25-31 NIV)
Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. (Proverbs 1:8-9 NIV)
He who robs his father and drives out his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace. Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge. (Proverbs 19:26-27 NIV)
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13 NIV)
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD. (Proverbs 18:22 NIV)
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6 NIV)

Bless a mother by sharing these verses with a special mother you know.

 

Blessed By A Mother

As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you." (Luke 11:27 NIV)

 

I was recently blessed by a mother of a good friend. She's the mother of a retired Army veteran like me that I had the great pleasure of becoming very close friends with while we were in college. He introduced her to this website and she asked if she could meet me. She is one of the sweetest ladies I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Her love for the Lord just flows from her in every way and her love for her children is just as powerful. There were a couple of moments when she became quite emotional when talking about her prayers for her sons and telling me that reading some of the poems on this site blessed and helped her. Truth be told, I believe she blessed me much more than I ever could her. Just to know that God is using this site to bless others was an inspiration and encouragement like I have never felt. It is my prayers that this site will be used for the Glory of God. I have been blessed by many different mothers in my lifetime. I have come to learn that many of these mothers were mothers other than my own mother and grandmothers. To be blessed by a mother of my good friend was very special for me.
As I thought about this blessing from my friend's mother, the Holy Spirit led me to think about what mothers are in the Bible and how they blessed others.

My favorite mothers from the Bible are:

 

Eve — Mother of Everyone
Eve wasn't only the first woman, she was also the very first mother. Yes, she allowed herself to be tempted by Satan and even encouraged Adam to sin and eat the "Forbidden Fruit", but she is the reason why any of us exist. Eve gave every human, except for Adam, the blessing of life.

 

Sarah — Mother of Isaac
Sarah was a mother because of a miracle blessing and promise from God. She was well-past child-bearing age, but God kept his promise to Abraham that He would give him a son. Actually, another son. Abraham had a son with Sarah's handmaiden, Hagar, named Ishmael. These practices were acceptable during these times when the wife could not bear children for her husband. Sarah's son, Isaac, would become the father of the Nation of Israel. She was a blessing for every Israelite.

Rebekah — Mother of Esau and Jacob
Like Sarah, Rebekah was also barren. But, Isaac prayed to God and she was blessed with twins.
"Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger." (Genesis 25:24)
The oldest of the twins was Esau, but Jacob would become the inheritor of Isaac's blessing by tricking his older brother to sell his birthright for a bowl of stew. Both Esau and Jacob would become leaders of great nations. Both these nations were blessed by a great mother.

 

Jochebed - Mother of Moses
Jochebed is one of the most underappreciated mothers in the Bible. In order to avoid certain death of her son, Moses, by a mass slaughter of Hebrew boys; she placed her faith in God and set Moses adrift in the Nile River. Just happens that God did award her faith and made it so Moses would be found by the Pharaoh's daughter. Moses was raised as royalty and Jochebed even was blessed enough to become her own son's nurse. God used Moses to free the Hebrew people from over 400 years of slavery. Jochebed is another mother that blessed all of Israel. Without her, they would have continued to be enslaved by the Egyptians.

Hannah — Mother of Samuel the Prophet
Hannah, like Sarah and Rebekah, was also barren. In those days, having a large family was a blessing from God. To add to her humiliation, she was taunted endlessly by her husband's other wife. Hannah went to the house of the Lord in Shiloh and prayed so intently that her lips moved silently with the words she spoke to God. Eli the priest saw her and accused her of being drunk. She explained that she was pouring her soul out in prayer to the Lord. Touched by her faith and pain, Eli said:
"Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him." (1 Samuel 1:17)
The Lord heard her prayers and blessed her with a son named Samuel. She promised that if God blessed her with a son, she would give him back over to God's service. She handed her young son over to Eli for training as a priest. Samuel grew up to be the last of Israel's judges, its first prophet, and counselor to Israel's first two kings, Saul and David. Hannah was another mother that blessed all of Israel.

 

Bathsheba — Mother of Solomon
When most people think of Bathsheba, they mostly think of King David's lust for her and his sin to have her husband Uriah the Hittite killed in battle. But, many don't know how this mother paid for David's sins because God was so displeased He struck their first baby dead. However, she remained loyal to David and their next son, Solomon, would become the wisest and greatest king of Israel. From Solomon's line would come our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bathsheba blessed all Christians through Jesus.
Elizabeth — Mother of John the Baptist
Like many other biblical mothers, Elizabeth was also barren and in her old age. Another miracle from God which was foretold by an Angel she gave birth to a son named John. Just like Hannah, she also dedicated her son to God and John became a great prophet of God just like Samuel. Elizabeth, a relative of Mary, gave birth to the prophet that would foretold the coming of Jesus Christ our Savior. Elizabeth was another mother that blessed all Christians past, present, and future.

Mary — The Mother of Jesus Christ
Mary is the most honored mother in all the Bible for a very good reason. She is the mother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ whom saves everyone who believes in Him of their sins. She was hand-chosen by God to receive the miraculous blessing of virgin birth by the Holy Spirit. Every time Mary kissed the face of her baby Jesus, she kissed the face of God. Yes, Mary was a person like anyone of us and she sinned. However, she blessed us like no other mother ever could. She gave us the One whom would give us what no other could; Everlasting Life. God Bless Mary, the Blessed Mother whom blessed us like no other.

Please pass this on to anyone you know blessed by a mother.

 

Christian Alternative to ObamaCare

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. (3 John 1:2 NIV)

 

Did you know there is a Christian Alternative to ObamaCare? It's a nationwide network of fellow believers that help share each other's major medical bills through what's known as health care sharing ministries. Some of these ministries are like any other traditional insurance. Members have an insurance card and show it when treated just like anyone else. They have monthly premiums and a deductible, but because members are dedicated Christians that agree on a lifestyle of no drugs, no tobacco, limited alcohol, and no sex outside of marriage; the 242,00 members spanning all 50 states reap the benefits of much lower premiums and deductibles than other traditional plans. An employee of Samaritan Ministries informed me that their ministry does not have deductibles and premiums, members simply send their financial support directly to members that have incurred medical costs. With the money also comes plenty of cards, notes, encouraging letters, and most importantly, lots of prayer. What a wonderful way for the Body of Christ to take care of its own!
Some names of these ministries are:
Medi-Share
Samaritan Ministries
Christian Care Ministries
Christian Healthcare Ministries
Each different health care sharing ministry varies some on what they will or will not cover, but all of them are exempt from the ObamaCare fines for those without health insurance.
Since the launch of HealthCare.gov on October 1st, 2013, membership in these ministries has exploded with over 30,000 new enrollees.
Another reason why many Christians are drawn to using these ministries is because they don't cover controversial procedures covered under ObamaCare such as abortion.

 

by James Apple Jr.

Please share these Christian alternatives to ObamaCare with others!

Is Blood Moon a Sign Jesus Will Return Soon?

The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. (Acts 2:20 NIV)

 

The "Blood Moon" created by last week's lunar eclipse has many Christians debating the possibility this is a sign that Jesus will return soon. It was the first of four "blood moons" to come over the next 18 months. However this phenomenon, which turned the moon into a reddish hue color as the sun's rays were retracted by Earth's atmosphere just happened to appear on Passover. The next "blood moon" will be on October 8 on the Feast of Tabernacles; then the next on April 4 which will be the next Passover in 2015 and finally the fourth will be on September 28 which is the Feast of Tabernacles in 2015.
I believe that no one knows the day or hour Jesus will return because the Bible says:
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Mark 13:32 NIV)
However the timing does suggest that something "historic" is coming. I'm no mathematician, but the odds of these events lining up on these four days has to be astronomical. Afterall, we already know that a "blood moon" was associated with Jesus' death because on April 3, AD 33, a Passover lunar eclipse was visible from Jerusalem. On passover night, when Jesus "broke bread" with his disciples for the last time, there was a "blood moon" over the Holy City.
So, it's also reasonable to believe that a "blood moon" may also be associated with Jesus' return. The bible says this:
"I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord" (Acts 2:19-20)
Also, another incredible fact according to NASA is there are to be a total of 32 "blood moons" or seven more sets of tetrads before the year 2100.
No one may not know the day or hour. And it is possible that Jesus' return may be no time soon. However, for me; I believe that these series of events represent something very big.
God is the designer and the planner of all things. I believe He allowed these events to happen with such timing that they are supposed to be a sign. Maybe a warning to those that do not yet know the Lord Jesus and accepted Him as their savior. God has ways of speaking to us and I believe this is another form of His communication. I believe He is telling us all to be ready!
To be ready for the Return of the King of kings!

by James Apple Jr.

If you agree, please share this message with others.

Easter Bible Verses

These Bible verses are great to use for reflection during the Easter season. All verses are from the NIV.

 

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11: 25-26)
We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!" (Matthew 20:18-19)
Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." (John 2:19)
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. (Matthew 28:1-3)
He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:46-47)
"You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written: " 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." (Mark 14:27-28)
Because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. (Psalm 16:10)
but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness--for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. (Romans 4:24-25)
Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. (Romans 8:34)

The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life--only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." (John 10:17-18)

and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, (Ephesians 1:19-20)
This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. (Acts 2:23-24)
You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. (Acts 3:14-15)
For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15:16-20)
The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words: " 'I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.' So it is stated elsewhere: " 'You will not let your Holy One see decay.' (Acts 13:34-35)
he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: " 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father. (Acts 13:33)
regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David,4and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 1:3-4)
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. (Romans 8:11)
While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " (Luke 24:4-7)
In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. (Luke 24:22-23)
"Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). (John 20:15-16)
Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' " Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her. (John 20:17-18)
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. (Luke 24:1-3)
When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals--one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (Luke 23:33-34)
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. (Isaiah 53:3-7)
They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (Matthew 27:33-35)
and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. (Matthew 27:29-44)

Please share these Bible verses with others during the Easter Season.

 

The Meaning of Easter

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:9-11 NIV)

 

What is the meaning of Easter? For many, it is nothing more than a holiday that has something to do with cute little bunnies and going on an Easter egg hunt. The egg does represent new life because new life hatches from the egg; just as Jesus' resurrection on the third day represent our new life and salvation through our belief in Jesus.
The true meaning of Easter is a celebration of the ultimate sacrifice. Back in Old Testament times, priests would sacrifice spotless animals such as bulls, goats, or lambs that were as close to perfect as they could find to God as a sin offering for the people. The blood of the sacrifice would purify and make atonement for their sins.
When Jesus lived, he was perfect and without sin. He became the ultimate sacrifice that was spotless and without any blemish in the eyes of God. His sacrifice on the cross and the shedding of his blood made atonement available for everyone until the end of time. When God turned away and took his eyes off of Jesus, Jesus took on the sins of the world. I believe Jesus most painful moments of His life was when He felt the emptiness of not having God with him in order to take on our sins.
But, the most important part was Jesus' conquer over death. His sacrifice would have been for nothing if Jesus had stayed in the tomb. Easter celebrates His resurrection and triumph over death. Jesus came back to life on the third day and He appeared to many over a period of 40 days before ascending up to Heaven.
Easter is a time of celebration like no other. Jesus' resurrection made is possible for all of us to have forgiveness of our sins. Because of Jesus, we have direct communication with God and have the comfort of knowing the He is always with us. The best part is this gift is free. We have to do nothing other than believe!
God will never turn away from us like He did with Jesus. Will you turn away from God?

by James Apple

 

10 Fundamental Christian Beliefs

1. I believe there is only One God who created the universe and everything in it.

So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. (1 Corinthians 8:4-6)
2. I believe that God became flesh in Jesus Christ.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' "From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known. (John 1:14-18)
3. I believe Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus Christ.
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:26-38)
4. I believe that Jesus Christ willingly died on the cross for our sins, then overcame death (satan) and came back to life again on the third day.
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " (Luke 24:1-7)
5. I believe that if we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we have eternal life.
Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. This is the one who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. (1 John 5:5-10)
6. I believe in being baptized by full-immersion. I do not believe this saves a person, but done in obedience to show one's new life as a Christian. Salvation is a free gift.
Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:3-4)
7. I believe the Holy Spirit fills all Christians and is the source of our power.
For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel? "He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. (Acts 1:5-9)
8. I believe the Holy Bible is the Word of God and the only authority to live by; the Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit. I reject any other teachings and beliefs, there is only "One Truth!"
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
9. I believe Jesus Christ will come back again with power and glory to reclaim His church and the world.
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
10. I believe that Heaven and Hell are real places and where we spend our eternity depends on what we believe and do while we are alive. There are no second chances after death!
Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:27-28)

by James Apple Jr.

If you agree with these beliefs, please share with others.

 

Satan's Beatitudes

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 NIV)

Satan's Beatitudes

Blessed are those that have plenty of time to watch sports, movies, TV, and hang out with their friends, but not enough time to spend one hour a week with their fellow Christians in Church — they are my best workers.

Blessed are those that have no time to pray — for they become my prey.

Blessed are those that are easily upset and look for excuses to not go to church — they are my missionaries.

Blessed are those that sow gossip and stir up trouble — they are my beloved children.

Blessed are those that wait to be asked to serve and expect to be thanked — I can use them in my business.

Blessed are you that read this and believe you are not guilty of any of these sins — I've have a reserved room for you at my inn.

For all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. Help us Lord to remember that we are all sinners and deserve separation from You in Hell. Thank you Jesus for Your love and sacrifice. I know I am a sinner, please forgive me and help me to do better. Help me stay away from Satan's beatitudes and only follow Yours.

By James Apple Jr.

If you agree, please share this with others.

 

Happy Birthday, Your're 52

This poem is dedicated to my lovely wife on her 52nd birthday.

 

Happy Birthday my love, today you're 52
You're age has grown, but so's my love for you
We've been married now, for almost 23 years
So many happy times, and a few mixed with tears.

 

We've seen it all, since the day we first met
Infatuation grew to love, to days we're upset
Most important by far, is how we stayed together
Vows held steadfast, during good & bad weather.

 

We used our God-given talents, to the best of our ability
Raised four kids together, and tried to teach'em responsibility
Their years growing up, they may not found us so grand
But after our grandchildren, I think they totally understand.

 

We were young and naive, just trying to make ends meet
When I first met you, planning your meals was a feat
Living life on the edge, every payday already spent
Thank God the kids were fed, with money left for rent.

 

Over the years, quality of life slowly improved
A promotion or two, plenty of money for food
A military family, with no predestined journey
Kansas and Georgia, and many years in Germany.

 

Life was good, and we had plenty of enjoyment
But you still had it hard, because of all my deployment
From Bosnia to Iraq, and many months in training
More time away than home, must have been straining.

 

You learned to become strong, and very self-sufficient
Raising children on your own, you had to be efficient
Everyone relied on you, and you did it all
From cleaning and cooking, to driving to play ball.

 

We all love and thank you, have a debt of gratitude
Amazed by your servitude, and positive attitude
The people we've become, is mostly because of you
Because of the love you gave, and everything you do.

 

Life has slowed a lot, decided to retire in Kentucky
To grow old with you, I am so incredibly lucky
Our bodies are changing, and we don't look the same
But you'll always be, my number one dame.

 

It's just you and me now, alone in this big house
And I'm still happy and proud, to call you my spouse
Where the future takes us, I don't have a clue
All I know is, I want it to be with you!

 

Happy Birthday Honey - You're only 52

 

by James Apple Jr.

 

 

 

What is Ash Wednesday?

In Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday is the first day and start of the season of Lent. However, Sundays are not included in the 40 day count. traditionally, Lent is a period of time that many Christians spend preparing for Easter by fasting, repentance, prayer, and meditation on God's word. Not all Christian churches observe Ash Wednesday. It's mostly observed by Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and Anglican denominations. During some Ash Wednesday services, the minister or priest will rub ashes on the forehead of believers in the sign of the cross.

While the Bible does not directly mention the observance of Lent or Ash Wednesday, there are some verses that account the practice of using ashes for mourning and repentance.

Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the ornamented robe she was wearing. She put her hand on her head on her head and went away, weeping aloud as she went. (2 Samuel 13:19)

When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. (Esther 4:1)

Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes. (Job 2:8)

So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. (Daniel 9:3)

"Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. (Matthew 11:21)

Many Christians, including myself, do not observe Ash Wednesday. Maybe this is a mistake. certainly, fasting, prayer, and preparation for the most holy Easter season must be a very good for our spiritual health.

by James Apple Jr.

Who is Jesus?

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6 NIV)

I once read that Abraham Lincoln, one of America's greatest presidents, described as being like everyone else, but a little taller. When I think of who is Jesus, I think He was somewhat the same. He was little taller, but not in the sense that He was taller in height. Jesus was taller in everything else. He had more love, compassion, forgiveness, faith, mercy, strength and courage than anyone else. Compared to everyone else, who is Jesus?

To artists, He is the One altogether lovely.
To architects, He is the Chief Cornerstone.
To physicians, He is the Great Physician.
To preachers, He is the Word of God.
To philosophers, He is the Wisdom of God.
To the dying, He is the Resurrection and the Life.
To geologist, He is the Rock of ages.
To farmers, He is the Lord of the harvest.
To professors, He is the Master Teacher.
To prodigals, he is the forgiving Father.
To the lost sheep, He is the Good Shepard.
To thirsty souls, He is the Water of Life.
To the hungry, He is the Bread of Life.
To philanthropists, He is God's Unspeakable Gift. (Gabhart)

 

The most important question is this; who is Jesus to you? I hope that your answer is something like "my Lord and Savior!" If not, please accept the free gift of eternal life that Jesus gave you today. The biggest mistake you can ever make would be to wait until it is too late.

 

by James Apple Jr.

Please share this message with someone who needs Jesus today!

Photo Credit: http://www.turnbacktogod.com

Our Glorious Creator

 

In a single moment, about 14 billion years ago,
many suppose all was formed, from a big explode.
Commonly known as, “The Big Bang” theory,
what’s the odds, it’s definitely quite eerie.

 

How the Big Bang went Bang, one might wonder,
was it just an incredibly epic, celestial blunder?
How those masses heated up, and rapidly expanded,
who am I to question, it’s really quite candid.

 

After heated expansion, then the Universe cooled,
now I start to wonder, are we this easily fooled?
But it doesn’t stop there, the theory has just started,
hold on to your seats, this is not for the fainthearted.

 

Subatomic particles, that are smaller than atoms,
made hydrogen and helium, and other gases.
Thousands of years passed, then atoms formed,
incredibly, they’re electrically neutral transformed.

 

Traces of helium and lithium, but most were hydrogen,
no mention of all, of the much-needed oxygen.
They ran into gravity, and somehow formed our planet,
following this theory, is becoming very hard to manage.

 

Within the stars, heavier elements became supernova,
how you can believe in this, but not in Jehovah.
But the most incredible thing, the galactic home-run,
was how life came to Earth, third rock from the Sun.

 

How imaginative you are, to blindly accept this stance,
to faithfully believe, that all this happened by chance.
You have the gall to accuse me, of having a “loose screw",
being faithfully blind, with a bigoted of world-view.

 

To believe a story, that is so unbelievable odd,
is totally hypocritical, to turn away God.
I choose to believe a story, one that is so much greater,
the one found in the Bible, of our glorious Creator.

 

by James Apple Jr.

Please share this poem with others!