Mathew 7:1 amp

Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves.

We all have those days when we battle our tongues; we must remember that our words have power when we speak about others.  The worst part is the effect that our negative words have on our lives.  Before we step out and let our frustration become words, pause and ask ourselves do, we want what we are about to say to be said about us.  

Hebrews 11:3 amp

By faith we understand that the worlds (during the successive ages) were framed (fashioned, put in order and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible.  

The word is a creative force.  The word of God created all that we see and things that we don’t.  We are designed in God’s image, and our words are meant to have the same power to create.  If our lives are not going well, we need to check the confession coming from our mouths.  Plugging into the bible and confessing the word is like plugging into a power station.

Genesis 1:1 amp

In the beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned, and) created the heavens and the earth.

We have a mighty and powerful God!  God planned this world and us in the beginning.  That means we are important to Him as a people and the church here on earth.  We are not forgotten, and we are not helpless. We are a powerful praying church, and we stand in the gap against the darkness.

1 Peter 4:7-8 amp

But the end and culmination of all things has now come near; keep sound minded and self-restrained and alert therefore for (the practice of) prayer.  Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins (forgives and disregards the offense of others.)

Our strength comes from the Lord!  God will keep our minds and hearts when we keep our eyes fixed on Him.  Prayer can move mountains and keep our family safe.  We must be determined to walk in love and not be offended. Don’t give the devil a foothold of unforgiveness in our lives.  The time is short, and we must stay alert.  

Titus 2:1 amp

But (as for) you, teach what is fitting and becoming to sound (wholesome) doctrine (the character and right living that identify true Christians).

As we represent Christ in our daily walk, we should make others want to emulate us for what we have.  We should seek peace and understanding in our relationships.  We should love each other as God loves us and have a humble heart.  The bible should be the basis for our lives and our families.  When we have all of this, then our light has Christians will shine.  

Galatians 4:9 amp

Now, however that you have come to be acquainted with and understand and know (the true) God, or rather to be understood and known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and beggarly and worthless elementary things (of all religions before Christ came), who slaves you once more want to become.  

Our goal as Christians as we come to the end of the age is to stand steadfast on the word of 

God and not drawback.  We need to plant firmly in our minds to keep our hearts pure and forgiving.  Our eyes are clear on the truth of God, and therefore we will know how to discern what is good and what is evil.  The world may be shaken, but we will stand on our foundation.

Romans 16:17 amp

I appeal to you, brethren, to be on your guard concerning those who create dissensions and difficulties and cause divisions, in opposition to the doctrine (teaching) which you have been taught. (I warn you to turn aside from them, to) avoid them. 

Paul warns us to be on guard and avoid people who would cause dissensions.  The devil knows that a house divided does not conquer but is conquered.  If the devil is allowed to impart false doctrine unto the people and divide the church, we cannot be the change for the good.  The church is a force for God and can overcome all evils when working together according to the word.  

1 Corinthians 1:8 amp

And He will establish you to the end (keep you steadfast, give you strength, and guarantee your vindication; He will be your warrant against all accusation or indictment so that you will be) guiltless and irreproachable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

On those days when we are down and discouraged, we need to remind ourselves what Jesus has done for us.  The Lord, for the believer, promises to establish us and build us up in strength.  He promises to intercede on our behalf when we pray for help and keep us out of danger.  Jesus became our sin to keep us guiltless and irreproachable.    

John 6:2 amp

And a great crowd was following Him because they had seen the signs (miracles) which He (continually) performed upon those who were sick.

Jesus is still in the business of miracles and signs as He works on our behalf and the behalf of the unsaved.  The miracles that Jesus performed showed to the followers that God was real.  A great crowd following Jesus were hungry to see the loving hand of God stretched out to heal them.  

John 10:9 amp

I am the Door; anyone who enters through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out (freely), and will find pasture.

Pastor Monte said on Sunday, “That the doors we use will lead us to our greatest opportunity or our greatest failure.  What door we go through matters.” We either choose to use the narrow gate with Jesus or the wide gate that leads to sin and destruction.  The opportunities for each door are not the same; one door leads to destruction while the other to eternal life.