Joy Today

Praising the Lord for "...His goodness and His wonderful works to the children of men,"(Psalm 107:8,15,21&31) Yes, my "walking with Jesus" friend Paul continues I Romans 2:17-24: "If you are a Jew, you rely on God's law for your special relationship with Him. You boast that all is well between yourself and God. Yes, you know what He wants; you know right from wrong because you have been taught His law. You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a beacon of light for people who are lost in darkness without God. You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you feel certain that in God's Law you have complete knowledge and truth. Well then, if you teach others, why don't you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you do it? You condemn idol worship, but do you buy food from their temples? You Jews are so proud of knowing the law...

When there are requirements, there are rewards for KEEPING the requirements; but there are also punishment for bad choices. That is how life works, my "walking with Jesus" friend. Paul discusses this in Romans 2:12-16. "Brothers and sisters, I want you to understand the justice of the LORD. God will punish the Gentiles [non-Jewish people] when they sin, even though they never had the written law of God. And He will punish the Jews when they sin, for they DO have God's law. For it is not just KNOWING the law that brings God's approval. Those who OBEY the law of the Lord will be declared right in God's sight. Even when non-Jewish people, who do not have God's written law, instinctively follow what the law says, they show that in their heart they know right from wrong. They demonstrate that God's law is written within them, for their own consciences either accuse them, or tell them they are doing right. The day will surely come when God, by Jesus Christ...

Back in Rome, the Believers continue reading Paul's strongly worded letter of counsel. "In the Day of Judgement, God will give to each one according to what he has done. To those who Believe and walk in Salvation, and, by patience, seek to honor and glorify the Lord in word and deed, He will grant Eternal Life. BUT, for those who are self-seeking, and do not obey the Truth, but follow after UN-righteousness, there will be the wrath and fury of God. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first, and also the Greek. But glory and honor and peace will be to everyone who Believes and does good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. God shows no partiality. "(Romans 2:6-10) What we believe and how we act have lasting consequences, HERE, AND IN THE HEREAFTER. To respond to this text message, reply to this email or visit Google Voice. YOUR ACCOUNT HELP CENTER HELP FORUM This email was sent to you because you indicated that you'd...

Sunday blessings, my "walking with Jesus" friend. "The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice; let everyone be glad...The heavens declare the Righteousness of the Lord. Let all those who serve images be confounded, WE will worship God Almighty, For You, Lord are high above all the earth. You who love the Lord: hate evil! The Lord preserves the souls of His saints, and rescues them out of the hand of the wicked. Light is down for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. REJOICE in the Lord, you righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness."(Psalm 97, selected verses) Let's be upright, and walk/live in the Presence of the Lord, to the glory of God, my friend. To respond to this text message, reply to this email or visit Google Voice. YOUR ACCOUNT HELP CENTER HELP FORUM This email was sent to you because you indicated that you'd like to receive email notifications for text messages. If you don't want to receive such emails in the ...

Good Morning, my "walking with Jesus" friend. In preparation for what Paul has to say in Romans 2:1-5, let's remind ourselves that Paul knew the Old Testament scriptures, including Jeremiah 9:24, which states that God delights in three things: His lovingkindness, JUDGEMENT and righteousness in the earth." Now Paul write to the Believers: " Those who practice things abominable to God and are judgemental toward one another, need to realize that in negatively judging others, that are condemning themselves. And those of us in the Faith, KNOW that the judgement of God appropriately falls on those who habitually ignore the commandments of the Lord. Do such people suppose that they who are judgemental, but do practice the same abominations that they condemn, will escape the judgement of God themselves? Such people do not realize that the kindness of God is intended to lead men to REPENTANCE! The hardened hearts of evil doers are storing up the wrath of God, which wil...

Next, in Romans 1:28-31, Paul really "goes at it," listing the dishonorable attitudes and actions of people who ignore God. It's a mighty warning. "Those who foolishly choose to ignore God fall into all manner of dishonorable conduct. They are filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, & malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, & maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of parents, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Flee far from such manner of men, my friends. For, although they have been told of the righteous decrees of the Lord, they choose to ignore them. Those who practice all these wicked ways deserve to die. They not only do these dispicable things themselves, but they give approval to everyone else who acts like them. My dear brothers and sisters in the Faith, Jesus Christ, our Saviour counsels us:" Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God, and His righteo...

My "walking with Jesus" friend, when an issue arises, let's be wise and look into the Bible to learn and follow what GOD says about the situation. OK, what do we know about FIRE? Basically, we KNOW that under control fire is good, but out of control it is bad. This rule applies to human passion also. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul tells Believers in Rome, how GOD sees certain relationships: "God gave them up to their own dishonorable passions because they ignored Him. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature. And the men, likewise, gave up natural relations with women and were dishonorably consumed with passion for one another. Men committing shameless acts with men, and receiving in their bodies the negative consequences for their error. And since such people failed to acknowledge God, He gave them over to a debased mind as they continued to do what ought not to be done, Paul writes to Believers in Rome." We are cal...

Have you ever been WARNED about anything? Well, my "walking with Jesus" friend, next, in his letter to the Romans, Paul declares a warning. "Because they choose to ignore the Truth about God, His wisdom and His instructions for righteousness, [here's the scary part] God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves. They had exchanged the Truth about God for lies. They chose to worship idols, rather than the great Creator, Who, alone, is worthy to be praised."(Romans 1:24-25) 🎶 EVERY word of worship is to our GOD...🎶 is a dominant phrase in a recent worship song you can find on You Tube. Are WE careful that EVERY worshipful word we say or sing honors the Lord God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth!! To respond to this text message, reply to this email or visit Google Voice. YOUR ACCOUNT HELP CENTER HELP FORUM This email was sent to you because you indicated that you'd like to receive email notifications...

Yes, my "walking with Jesus"friend, Paul tells the Romans that: because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, The RIGHTEOUSNESS of GOD has been revealed/CLEARLY shown to mankind. And THAT means, writes Paul: "The wrath/the angry displeasure of God IS revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who, by their unrighteousness suppress and ignore the Truth. Look, brothers and sisters, what can be known about God actually IS plain to everyone, because God has shown it to them. Yes, the invisible attributes of God, namely His Eternal Power and Divine nature, have been clearly perceived, EVER SINCE the Creation of the world, in the things that we can SEE that God has made. Therefore, the ungodly have no excuse whatsoever for their unbelief. Although they could see the marvels of Creation, they did not honor God, or give thanks to Him, but went on with their selfish, ignorant ways. They mistakenly thought they were wise, when, actually, they were living st...

How do you run your life? An effective person has governing principles and purpose. To be effective, we govern/guide our life by a certain code of conduct, right? my "walking with Jesus" friend. When you are a nurse, you govern your life by a certain code of conduct. And a Highway Patrol person is governed by a certain code of conduct. An effective parent has/follows a clear code of conduct. A good citizen/a good neighbor chooses to be governed by "the Golden Rule:" Jesus said, "Do unto OTHERS, as you would have others do unto you." (Matthew 7:12) How Believers conduct themselves is of great concern to the Apostle Paul, so, next, in his letter to the Romans, he makes a clear, bold statement about the code of conduct that IS produced by FAITH. He declares: "The just shall live by faith."(Romans 1:17) What does this mean? It means that the person who chooses to govern his/her life by the code of Faith, will be just/will be fair/will be enable...

Good Morning, my "Walking with Jesus" friend. I hope in the Lord that you see His blessings up ahead in your day. And WHEN we "see" and experience the blessings of the Lord, may we respond as the Psalm writer describes in Psalm 145:1-5,14,17&21b, "I will praise You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your Name for ever and ever. Every day I will bless You; and I will praise Your Name for ever and ever. Great IS the Lord and greatly to be praised. His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another and declare Your mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honor of Your majesty, and of Your wonderful works...The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all those who are bowed down...The Lord is righteous in all His ways and holy in all His works...Let all people bless His Holy Name for ever and ever." Let's rejoice greatly to praise the Lord, my friend. To respond to this text message, reply to this email or visit Google V...

Have WE sometimes, wisely, taken time to let the mind and heart get firm hold on an idea? Let's pause here, my "walking with Jesus" friend. Let's take time, wisely for our soul, to reflect on Paul's mighty declaration: "For I am NOT ashamed [I am NOT walking around with my head hanging down, and I am "no way" hiding, instead] I am NOT ashamed of the Gospel of Christ [why not?] BECAUSE it is the POWER OF GOD to all who BELIEVE [ oh man, the POWER OF GOD who Created Heaven and earth! His power at work in me when I Believe in Jesus! Wow! That's for me! we gladly say] Yes, the POWER OF GOD to all who BELIEVE, to the person of Jewish heritage AND to every other person, regardless of their cultural heritage," says Paul! And we remember that Jesus Christ declared:" I am the Light of the WORLD [ yes, not just of Jerusalem and Judaea, but of the WHOLE WORLD!] He who follows me [no matter where he/she comes from] WILL NOT walk in darkness, but...

I think we can agree, my "walking with Jesus" friend, that it's a great compliment when someone WANTS to come visit US. Paul now further complements the Believers in Rome: "I am eager to come, to encourage you in your faith, and also to be encouraged myself by your faith. In this way, we will be a blessing to each other. I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that I had planned many times to visit you, but was held back...I have a great sense of responsibility to my own Jewish people, but also to people of other cultures, to preach and teach the Gospel. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of John Christ: for IT IS THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION, to the Jew first, but also to people of all cultures. This Good News tells us how God offers us the opportunity to become RIGHT in His sight. This is accomplished by FAITH. Scripture declares:"The just shall live by faith." "(Habakkuk 2:4) (Romans 1:12-17) Exciting! Encouraging: The Power of God broug...

What is FIRST for YOU, my "walking with Jesus" friend? What does the Apostle Paul say is FIRST, as he continues his letter to the Romans? "FIRST, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all <why is he thankful for them? > because your FAITH is spoken of throughout the whole world. (Romans 1:8) Faith SO strong, vigorous and full of loving service that the Whole World has gotten wind of it!!!wow!!! Is OUR FAITH that strong and vigorous? "God is my witness," he continues, "The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of His Son, that, without ceasing, I make mention of you, always, in my prayers; including asking that the Lord enable me to come to you. For I greatly desire to see you. I want to encourage you in spiritual gifts, so that you may grow even stronger in your Faith in the Gospel and in action, to the Glory of God."(Romans 1:9-11) Are WE taking care to continue growing in our Faith, studying ...

Here's the very positive way, my "walking with Jesus" friend, that Paul addresses the Believers in Rome, as he continues his letter to them: "To all the Brothers and Sisters that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: <wow! What a blessing, to be acknowledged as being "beloved by God." We each ARE, loved by God when we love Jesus Christ (John 16:27) > Grace to you and Peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."(Romans 1:7) Let's pause here. Let's try to get our arms/our thoughts, around the amazing truth and energy from God the Father that is expressed here. WHEN the HOLY Spirit draws us to BELIEVE in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, and to love Christ, THEN the Almighty God Himself sets HIS Everlasting love on you/on me. This is confirmed in Jeremiah 31:3, "Thus says the Lord, I have loved you with an EVERLASTING love." Believing in Jesus Christ, we are forever loved and are never alone. We "walk in...

Here we go, my "walking with Jesus" friend. The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ had reached Rome by 60 AD. But the Apostle Paul had not been there yet. So he was concerned to communicate, in the fullest possible way, the complete message of the Gospel, desiring to make sure that Believers accurately understood not just the message of the Lord, but, most especially that they actively APPLIED that message to their lives. So, he wisely begins his letters by stating his credentials: "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be. And apostle, separated unto the Gospel of God, which He had promised by His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with POWER, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection of the dead. By whom WE have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the Faith among all nations, for his name. Among whom YOU ALS...

Our Risen Lord Jesus Christ told his disciples:"You shall receive POWER after that the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth."(Acts 1:8) Yes, my "walking with Jesus" friend, soon after that they were baptized with the Holy Spirit of God, giving them POWER from God to go everywhere and tell everyone the Good News: Believe in the Son of God, the Risen Lord Jesus Christ. Our Holy God requires that your sins be paid for/be cleansed. You can't clean up your own act, but, through the substitutionary death of Christ, your sins can be forgiven. And the power of God, demonstrated by God raising Christ from the dead will give you new life here, and Eternal Life in the hereafter when you believe. Yes, "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself."( 2 Corinthians 5:19a) The Spirit- empowered disciples took that message everywhere, including ...

Good Morning, my "walking with Jesus" friend. I pray that this day finds you well and seeing many reasons to praise the Lord. We begin a new chapter in our "walk" in the New Testament with Jesus, in John 14:1-6. Jesus said:"Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's House are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there you may be also...I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father except by Me." We read it again and are amazed, comforted, encouraged...Jesus Christ, the only Son of God is preparing a place for YOU, my friend, and for me. He will come and get us at the appointed time. Why? "So that: where I AM, Jesus says, "THERE YOU MAY BE ALSO." How awesome and joy-inspiring is THAT! May that understanding strengthen our hearts and inspire us to l...

Let's say you have been writing a letter to people you really love, my "walking with Jesus" friend, ...like the Apostle Paul was writing to Believers in Corinth. He's concluding his letter. What does he say? How does he "wrap it up?" "Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Rejoice in the Lord, always. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and Peace. THEN the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet each other in Christian love. All the Believers here with me send you their greetings." And then he closes with a powerful Benediction/a declaration of blessing. My friend, I pray that you will let this blessing be upon you too: "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen "(2 Corinthians 13:14) "See" you tomorrow for the beginning of a new adventure in the New Testament of the Holy Bible, the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit...

WE pray for each other in many ways, of course, my "walking with Jesus" friend. And the Apostle Paul is quick to write to the Corinthian brothers and sisters that he is specially praying that they are NOT falling into temptation, but are keeping the commandments and living in brotherly love. I don't want to find you living in sin when I come again, he tells them. I want to find you doing what is right, so that I do not need to scold you. I have always worked to build UP your faith. It's my responsibility to teach you to be strong in the Lord and always to walk pleasing to the Lord. (2Corinthians 13:7-10) Are WE standing faithful in the ways of the Lord? So that those who have taught US will be glad to see that their teaching is shining in us? May you prosper in the Lord, my friend. To respond to this text message, reply to this email or visit Google Voice. YOUR ACCOUNT HELP CENTER HELP FORUM This email was sent to you because you indicated that you'd like to rece...

"The Lord has given us confidence that our work is pleasing in His sight," Paul tells the Corinthians. In all his travels, preaching and teaching, in all the persecutions the Apostle endured, for him to feel confident that God Almighty, whose salvation He proclaimed, was confident in him!!!(2 Corinthians 13:6) Wow! How wonderful must THAT have been? What do YOU think, my "walking with Jesus" friend? When WE tell of the Gospel to others, do WE feel confident that the Lord approves our work? How can we tell? When the HOLY Spirit gives us a sense of Peace and Joy about what we have said or done, THEN we can know that our work has pleased the Lord. Psalm 19:14, gives us a little prayer that sets our hearts in the right direction for serving the Lord: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord my Strength and my Redeemer." To respond to this text message, reply to this email or visit Google Voice. YOUR ACCOUNT ...

We say, again, writes Paul, examine yourselves to see if your Faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. IF you can tell that Jesus Christ IS among you with his love and counsel THEN you have passed the test! And I know that you saw the love of Christ Jesus in us as we ministered among you, so, we also have passed the test and demonstrated our genuine Faith. (2Corinthians 13:5-6) When the Spirit of Christ IS active in us as Believers, THEN the "fruit of the Spirit" will be evident in our lives. "The fruit of the Spirit is Love. Joy. Peace.Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness and Self-Control." Shall we ask ourselves: Is the "fruit of the Spirit" evident in my life? To respond to this text message, reply to this email or visit Google Voice. YOUR ACCOUNT HELP CENTER HELP FORUM This email was sent to you because you indicated that you'd like to receive email notifications for text messages. If you don't want to receive such emails in ...

Good Morning my "walking with Jesus" friend. In 2 Corinthians 13, Paul again makes himself very clear:" This is the third time I will be coming to visit you. As the Scriptures say, 'The facts of every case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'(Deuteronomy 19:15) I have already warned those who had been sinning when I was there on my second visit. Now I again warn them, and all others, just as I did before, that this time I will not spare them, but will be very direct in speaking about their bad behavior. I will make it very clear, again, with proof, that Christ speaks through me. Christ is strong in his dealings with you, he is a mighty power among you. Although he died on the cross in weakness, he now LIVES IN THE MIGHTY POWER OF GOD. We too are weak, but we live in Christ and have power from the Lord God Almighty- the power we exercise in dealing with you. Examine yourselves to see if your Faith is really genuine."(2Corinthians...

Thank you, thank you, Bill. Glad you and Madhvi are doing well ..hope your lovely home has air conditioning...I am grateful for the effective AC in my "castle."🙂 🙃 You are always in my prayers, love, Mom YOUR ACCOUNT HELP CENTER HELP FORUM This email was sent to you because you indicated that you'd like to receive email notifications for text messages. If you don't want to receive such emails in the future, please update your email notification settings . Google LLC 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy Mountain View CA 94043 USA

The Apostle Paul, being very direct with the Believers in Corinth, continues: "Dear Brothers and Sisters, perhaps you think that what we write to you is simply to defend ourselves. That isn't it at all. We have explained ourselves to you as servants of Christ, and we know that God is listening. Please understand: EVERYTHING we do and say is intended for your benefit, and purposed to keep you strong in the Lord...You see, our heart is very concerned, and I am even afraid that when I come to you again, I will not like what I find, and you will not like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfishness, backstabbing, gossip, conceit and other disorderly behavior. Yes, I am afraid that when I come to you again, God will humble me again because of you. And I will grieve because many of you who sinned before have not repented and turned away from your impurity. You are still caught up in lustful pleasure. I am sad that you have fallen a...