A sin is defined as an offense against religious or moral law; a transgression of the law of God. 

Sad, but true, no matter how perfect we think we are, we are all sinners.

Several things come to mind regarding sinning...
1. Am I a sinner?
2. I'm not really a sinner, am I? I've only done little things like told a white lie.
3. I'm too big a sinner. God can never forgive me for all the things I have done.

Let's take these issues one at a time:
1. Answer: Yes, we are all sinners.
Romans 3:23 tells us, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"

2 & 3. We'll combine 2 & 3 together because the answer is basically the same for each of them.
Answer: A sin is a sin and no matter how large or small the sin is, it cuts us off from our connection with God. 

First we have the person who only thinks they do teeny sins...Your wife buys a new hat that she loves but you think looks absolutely ridiculous on her. She proudly shows it to you and asks how you like it. Thinking how much you love her and you don't want to hurt her feelings, you tell her it looks great. That's only a "little white lie". Does it really count as a sin? Truthfully, it's a lie. The Bible tells us not to lie and even goes as far as to say all liars go to hell (Revelation 21:8).

Next we have the person who has sinned so much in their life, surly God could never forgive them for all they've done. NOT TRUE!!

Think of it this way...
If you take an electrical cord and you slice it once, it is as separated from the power as much as if you have sliced it several times. In order to be joined back to that power, the slice(s) must be repaired.

On the same token, if you sin against God once, you are seperated from His power as much as if you sin against Him several times. In order to be joined back to that power, you must be forgiven of your sin(s).

God promises in Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool." 

He will forgive us, no matter what we have done in our lives, if we sincerely ask Him.

Take that step in your life and you will be on your way to a life filled with God's peace.

In Christ's Service,
~ Darcel ~

Romans Road of Salvation

If you believe Romans Road leads to the path of truth, you can respond by receiving God's free gift of salvation today. Here's how to take a personal journey down Romans Road:
Admit you are a sinner.
Understand that as a sinner, you deserve death.
Believe Jesus Christ died on the cross to save you from sin and death.
Repent by turning from your old life of sin to a new life in Christ.
Receive, through faith in Jesus Christ, his free gift of salvation.

Walk along the Romans Road to Salvation ...

1.  Everyone needs salvation because we have all sinned. 

Romans 3:10-12, and 23 
As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” ... For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. (NLT)

2.  The price (or consequence) of sin is death. 

Romans 6:23 
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (NLT)

3.  Jesus Christ died for our sins. He paid the price for our death. 

Romans 5:8 
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (NLT)

4.  We receive salvation and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. 

Romans 10:9-10, and 13 
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved ... For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (NLT)

5.  Salvation through Jesus Christ brings us into a relationship of peace with God. 

Romans 5:1 
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. (NLT) 

Romans 8:1 
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. (NLT) 

Romans 8:38-39 
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NLT)


Responding to Romans Road

Dear Lord, 
I admit that I am a sinner. I have done many things that don’t please you. I have lived my life for myself. I am sorry and I repent. I ask you to forgive me. I believe that you died on the cross for me, to save me. You did what I could not do for myself. I come to you now and ask you to take control of my life, I give it to you. Help me to live every day in a way that pleases you. I love you, Lord, and I thank you that I will spend all eternity with you.

Amen.

Welcome to the Family of God!

In Christ's Service,
~ Darcel ~

You are armed against the devil!

In Ephesians 6:10-17 Paul teaches us...
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

We have already discussed that God is Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient...All Powerful, Everywhere at All Times and Knows All. Paul is teaching us in verse 10 that we need to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Get a grasp on this!

This is the same God who created heaven and earth and all you see. This is the same God that performs miracle after miracle. This is the same God that makes the sun to rise each morning and the moon and stars to rise each night. This is the same God that knows exactly how many hairs there are on your head. This is the same God who raises people from the dead. And this is the same God that allows us to be strong in His mighty power...All I can say is WOW!!

When Satan attacks you, remember Paul's teaching here in Ephesians. Put on the whole armor of God and stand in His strength and power. Satan does not have power against God. Remember, God kicked Satan out of heaven. Trust God and rest in His peace knowing that His power is for you.

In Christ's Service
~ Darcel ~

Did you know God is Omniscient = God has complete and unlimited knowledge? And Satan doesn't!

Psalm 44:21 tells us...
Would not God discover this? For He knows the secrets of the heart.

And Hebrews 4:13 tells us...
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.

Imagine with me the power of God and all His Magnificence. "And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you." Exodus 3:14.

With God being All Powerful, Everywhere at all times, and Possessing complete and unlimited knowledge, there is none greater! Being a believer and accepting Christ into your heart, He promises through His Word, the Bible, that He uses all this power to take care of YOU. Keep that in mind when the enemy attacks you. God is on your side. All His power is on YOUR side! Get all excited! God will take care of you with all His power and might until He takes you home. All you have to do is trust Him.

In Christ's Service
~ Darcel ~

Did you know God is Omnipresent = God is everywhere at all times?  And Satan isn't!

Psalm 139:7-12 points out that there is nowhere that God is not...
7 Where could I go from Your Spirit? Or where could I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol (the place of the dead), behold, You are there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning or dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 Even there shall Your hand lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me and the night shall be [the only] light about me,
12 Even the darkness hides nothing from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You.

Job 1:7 shows us Satan, on the other hand, is not everywhere at all times...
7 And the Lord said to Satan, From where did you come? Then Satan answered the Lord, From going to and fro on the earth and from walking up and down on it.

And 1 Peter 5:8 describes Satan's presence this way...
8 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [[f]in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.

This is more good news! We can be secure in the fact that not only is God All Powerful, but He is Everywhere at all times. Satan is limited in his power and does not have the advantage of being everywhere at once.

Trust in God and know that He is the Ultimate in anything you can imagine in Power. When you call upon the Lord, He is there to hear your prayer and address your issues.

In Christ's Service
~ Darcel ~

Did you know God is Omnipotent = God is All Powerful?  And Satan isn't!

After that I heard what sounded like the shout of a vast throng, like the boom of many pounding waves, and like the roar of terrific and mighty peals of thunder, exclaiming, Hallelujah (praise the Lord)! For now the Lord our God the Omnipotent (the All-Ruler) reigns!

Revelation 19:6

Jesus assures us in Luke 10:17-19

17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!

18 And He said to them, I saw Satan falling like a lightning [flash] from heaven.

19 Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.

God cast Satan and his angel followers from heaven. This in itself proves God is more powerful than Satan.

Through Christ, we also have power and authority over Satan. Stand up and take that authority. Christ gives it to you, freely. Claim it in His name. There is nothing Satan can do about it except do as you say. Don't let Satan deceive you as he loves to do. He's a liar and doesn't want you to know you have power over him. Take charge of your life using the power that is rightfully yours and stand up against Satan in your life. A wonderful stepping stone to a peaceful life.

In Christ's Service
~ Darcel ~

Today will not be a specific teaching on Godly principles and promises, but I am feeling led to remind many of you of the most important principle of all. Someone reading this blog today has not quite made a stand. Is it you? 

"I have time. Nothing's going to happen to me for a long time."

Tell that to the 6 adults killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT on 12/14/2012. They never saw it coming.

"That's not going to happen to me," you say. I'll bet they thought that way, too.

Meaning no disrespect to these 6 people, and many more like them whose lives have been taken away from them, unexpectedly. The point is, you never know when your time will come to leave this life.

Hebrews 9:27 tells us: And just as it is appointed for [all] men once to die, and after that the [certain] judgment,

Dear friend, take warning. If you are not certain where your soul is destined once you die, it's time to get right with God. Once you die, there are no second chances. If you have not accepted Christ as your Savior, you will still be dealt with, whether you believe it, or not. As God gives us the choice while we live to accept Him, or not, the rules of eternity must still follow through, whether we accept it, or not.

God is a most loving and merciful God. He gives you plenty of opportunity to accept His Son, Jesus Christ, as your personal Savior. You must believe in Him, admit you are a sinner and sincerely ask forgiveness of your sins, accept God's forgiveness and accept His Holy Spirit into your heart. This MUST be done BEFORE you die. Once you die, the opportunity is gone and it's time to face the final judgement of heaven or hell. Your family and friends cannot "pray" you into heaven. As it was your choice, alone, to accept Christ as your Savior, the judgement is yours, alone.

Will Christ stand beside you on your judgement day and say to God, this one is innocent? Are you washed in Jesus's blood? Will God's hammer of justice bang as He sentences you to life in heaven? Or were you stubborn too long and God's final judgement for you must be eternal life in the fiery pit of hell?

God gives you a free choice. Please take a moment to truly consider your life. Take your final step now and accept Christ into your heart before it's too late.

In Christ's Service,
~ Darcel ~

It's time to get serious. The Bible is the full book of truth from God. He has provided it for our instruction. Why do we say the Bible is the true word of God? Because of what it's done in my life and countless others lives since I started following it's teachings. His promises, blessings, encouragement, teachings and guidance in this life leading to our eternal life is all spelled out plainly. It's time to accept it, believe it cover to cover and apply it to your life.

Quit wondering. Satan loves to keep you doubtful and confused. He is the father of lies and will do anything to keep you from Christ. It's time to quit letting Satan run your life!

Make a decision. It's time to get serious. Your life will never be the same. You want to live in peace? God's word will teach you how.

For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action),
2 Timothy 3:16

In Christ's Service,
~ Darcel ~

God is AMAZING!

OK ... I confess ... My past 2 days have been filled with fear and doubt.

I can sit here and teach and preach to you all day long about God's promises. I can tell you how they apply to you and how you need to stand firm on God's Word. I can teach you how the enemy, Satan, may come against you but how he is powerless in God's presence.

When my husband went home to be with our Lord this past June, God stepped right in and gave my son and I the love and comfort we needed. He wrapped us in His arms and directed us with his divine grace. He led us to move to Indiana where we could be with some of our family. He had me approved for an apartment that I wanted but never dreamed of being approved for. He lined up my pastor to do the actual 300 mile move for us. He arranged the assistance of my fabulous cousins to take off from their jobs to come help empty the trailer and get us moved in.

My son and I have been living in amazing peace ever since the move. We are provided with enough funds to meet our necessary needs each month. This peace is like none I have ever experienced before and can only come from God. It's the peace He promises we can live in if we put our lives in His hands.

Because of this wonderful peace I have been blessed with, I have been motivated to start this blog. I want all of you to move into this same perfect peace that God has promised each of us. I started this blog in order to teach, encourage and strengthen your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I want you to learn to walk in the Holy Spirit and live each day of your life in victory and peace!

Well, Satan had me going for a while. For especially these past 2 days, I have been tormented with fear and doubt that my peace will come to an end soon. He reminded me of how he has rule over this earth and attacks peoples lives. (note: God gives Satan that right only for the time being.) He reminded me how he could walk right in and rip my finances right out from under me. (He attacks my finances because he knows that is my weak point in my life.) He had me so scared I was actually beginning to panic over what COULD happen.

God saw me in my turmoil, stepped in and reminded me Satan is a liar!! 

He reminded me of 1 Peter 5:8-11 where He tells us:
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

And He reminded me of John 10:10 where He tells us: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

As for being afraid that if I continue my blog, Satan will attack me, God asked me "Who is stronger, Me or Satan?" Of course I said, "You, Lord". Then he proceeded to remind me that I am inspired by Him to write on this blog each day. It is my "job". He brought me into this place in my life so I could do this "job" for Him and reach others. He is in control and has me working in His peace and safety.

Glory to God in the Highest and on earth Peace, Good Will to all Men!

Yours in Christ's Service,
~Darcel~

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29

Life is full of challenges. Some good and some bad. God promises he will help us through these challenges, no matter what they are, if we put our faith in Him.

Hebrews chapter 11 is one of the great "Faith Chapters" in the Bible. It tells us now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. It demonstrates several examples of faith in an effort to teach us how to grow and apply faith to our own lives.

Build on your own faith. Learn to trust God for every need you have. He is faithful and will take care of you, but you have to learn to trust Him.

The same God that created heaven and earth, parted the Red Sea for Moses and raised Lazarus from the dead is the same God that has promised He will meet all your needs if you have faith in Him. There is nothing that God cannot deal with. 

Do you think God doesn't hear your prayers or is not watching out for you? If you do, that is a pretty arrogant line of thinking. God promises He will take care of us and answer our prayers. If you say He is not answering your prayers, then you seem to think you are special enough to be set apart from those whose God's promises are for.

God promises He will never leave us and He tells us to cast all our cares on Him. Trust in God. He knows what He's doing. If He doesn't do things the way you think they should be done, or in the time frame you think they should be done, it doesn't matter. It's not up to you. 

Trust God to do as He promises and you will be on your way to a peaceful life.

Yours in Christ's Service,
~Darcel~

BEWARE!   BEWARE!!

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
1 John 4:1

As you look for a church to attend and receive spiritual teachings, be aware of false teachings. Make sure they are a "Bible Believing" church. There are many churches out there that do not believe in the Bible, but take it as a "nice" book with some good ideas. They do not believe it as a book of life's instructions for the Believer. They pick certain passages that fit for them or their beliefs and throw the rest away.

If the church's belief's do not agree that God came to earth in human form as the man, Jesus; if they don't believe Jesus died on the cross for your sins and rose from the dead; if they don't believe in the Trinity: God the Father / God the Son / God the Holy Spirit; Heaven and Hell; Jesus and Satan; Good and Evil; Right and Wrong ... then you are in a church of false teachings. A good Bible believing church believes all of it.

The Bible teaches how we are to live and not live. It teaches us we are sinners in need of a Savior. Through this Savior, we can have a personal relationship with God. It's not meant to put you in fear or bondage, but to show you a way out. It all works together perfectly.

Accepting Christ as your personal Saviour gives you the certainty that when your life here on earth is over, you will live eternally with you Father in Heaven. When you follow the Bible and let the Holy Spirit work in your life, you can live your life in victory, freedom and peace while you are here.

Yours in Christ's Service,
~Darcel~

The Bible isn't just a storybook.

Now that you're reading your Bible, God's Word, get all excited! You're on the right track. As you read, it will build your faith in Christ. This is your instruction book of how to live.

Want to learn about the Holy Spirit and how He can work in your life? Read your Bible.

You want to learn the promises of God? Read your Bible. God's promises are for you. He is not a liar. He stands true on every promise he makes.

The Bible is your game plan for battle against the enemy, Satan.

Study your Bible and grow in it's teachings. It will be your source for your life.

Feel secure in your life in Christ and following His Word.  Here are a few verses that tell you what the Bible says about itself:
Hebrews 4:12
Psalm 119:105
2 Timothy 3:16
Romans 10:17
1 Peter 2:2
James 1:21-25
Joshua 1:8
1 Peter 1:23
Acts 20:32

Yours in Christ's Service,
~Darcel~

What now?

You've accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Now what?

Read and study your Bible. It is God's word and will teach you how to live for Him until He comes to take you home to heaven to live with Him...whether by death or the Rapture. It is God's guide to teach you about Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit and their place in your life.

Many people try to argue that the Bible was written by men. That's true. It was written by various men BUT it is the inspired word of God. 

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 3:14-17


Personal Suggestion:

For an electronic Bible website, see BibleGateway.com.  This site offers many different translations, a Search option, Audio Bible and more.


Yours in Christ's Service,
~Darcel~

Easy, Peasy ... The Path To Salvation ...

Why
Why am I here? Who am I? What will happen when I die? These questions have intrigued people throughout the ages. The answers can be discovered by understanding God's plan of salvation and by getting to know Jesus Christ.
Who Is Jesus? What Did He Do?
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came into the world as a human being, lived a sinless life, died on the cross and rose from the dead to save humanity from dying in their sins.
Christ died to pay for our sins, your sins can be forgiven. And because He conquered death, you can have eternal life — you can know for sure what will happen to you after you die.
But this gift of forgiveness and eternal life cannot be yours unless you...

Ask forgiveness.
Believe in the gift of salvation.
Pray to confess your sin.
Receive Christ into your life.

Ask
In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."
What does this mean? Jesus Christ wants to have a personal relationship with you. He is waiting for you to receive Him into your heart and life. All you have to do is invite Him in.
But your first step is to ask for forgiveness:
Repent...that your sins may be wiped out and times of refreshing may come from the Lord. — Acts 3:19

Believe
Once you’ve asked for forgiveness, your next step is to believe and trust in the gift God is giving you.
Understand that this gift of forgiveness and eternal life is free. It’s something you can’t earn.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. — Ephesians 2:8,9
Grace is God's power working through you. It means God is offering you something you could never provide for yourself. You don't have to work for this gift. All you have to do is believe with all your heart that Jesus Christ died for you. Do you believe?

Pray
The Bible promises that when you sincerely ask God for forgiveness and trust in Jesus, you will experience new life in Christ.
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. — Romans 10:9
Today, with all your heart, surrender your life to Jesus Christ. Confess your sins. Ask God to forgive you. Say that you'll trust in Jesus. And thank Him for the gift of everlasting life. Pray now:
"Father, I know that I have sinned against You. Please forgive me. Wash me clean. I promise to trust in Jesus, Your Son. I believe that He died for me — He took my sin upon Himself when He died on the cross. I believe that He was raised from the dead. I surrender my life to Jesus today.
"Thank You, Father, for Your gift of forgiveness and eternal life. Please help me to live for you. In Jesus' name, Amen."
There is nothing magical about the words you use. It is the attitude of your heart that God cares about.

Receive
Your final step in becoming a Christian is to receive this free gift of forgiveness and eternal life. The Bible teaches:
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. — John 1:12
When you receive Christ into your heart, you become a child of God. You have the privilege of talking to Him in prayer. At any time. About anything.
The Christian life is a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. And best of all, it is a relationship that will last for all eternity. Joyfully receive it!


Yours in Christ's Service,
~Darcel~