June 4, 2016
by Jerry Cartwright 1 Comment

THE FIRST FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

Fruit-of-the-Spirit-Love-300x225

In Galatians 5:22 the first fruit of the Spirit is love.

The world’s idea of love is sensual and lustful but that is a counterfeit love perpetrated by the devil to lead all mankind into an abyss of destructive sin. Jesus taught a different kind of love; love that is neither selfish nor demanding of demonstrations of the flesh. In the counterfeit love people are always trying to satisfy their own desires. They are only serving themselves. The love that Jesus teaches us is totally the opposite. Jesus says that through love we should serve one another. We should be out-going and giving in every sense of the word.

Jesus also teaches us that the second greatest law is that we should love our neighbors as we would love ourselves.

Getting out of one’s comfort zone and giving of their time and service to someone in need or just to be encouraging brings great rewards and satisfaction you will get no other way. That is genuine love by God’s definition. James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble. That is an act of love that God greatly blesses.

You should begin to understand now that the love that is the first fruit of the Spirit is not the same love that the world lavishes on itself. But Gods love is a love that the world needs to know about and taught about. God’s love is something that lives in you and is manifested through the heart unselfishly.

Those with the greatest love are servants to all.

Godly love comes from the Spirit in you if you first let Jesus into your life and follow Him.

John 14: 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

Jesus is standing at your door right now as you read open the door and let Him in!

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

KNOCK, KNOCK!

April 14, 2016
by Jerry Cartwright 2 Comments

GOD AND POLITICS

GOD AND POLITICS
Politics, politicians, candidates, voting, poles, caucuses, media, and strained emotions are heating up for various elections about to take place. These are beginning to be the uppermost thoughts in people’s minds. People can get so engrossed with politics during election season that they tend to let other very important aspects of their personal lives get shoved aside. Vote! That is not a problem, but the source of wisdom needed to make the best choices should not be ignored.

Mark 12:17 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

Here are some reminders to help people maintain the right perspective during these important events. However, if there are people in the Church that follow different party politics, they should not let that cause division in the Church.
Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

It is God who is in control of all things. Don’t forget that. He wants you to let Him guide you to make all important decisions.
Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Be ready to be under subjection to whomever you elect to dispense laws and enforce them no matter who wins.
Titus 3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey

Be sure to give God the glory for all the election results as He and He alone determines the winners. God always has a reason for everything He does. If we honor Him and obey Him He makes all things work out to the good even in politics.
1 Peter:13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors,

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God

Honor those who you elect! They are there to serve you. Be honorable and they will be honorable.
1 Peter 2:17 Honor all people.

This honors God when we obey Him. After all He is the one who created all things to begin with.
Isaiah 45:12 I have made the earth, And created man on it. I — My hands — stretched out the heavens, And all their host I have commanded.
18 For thus says the LORD, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: ” I am the LORD, and there is no other.

Give thanks to God for those elected, Give God the glory.
God bless you!

September 4, 2015
by Jerry Cartwright Leave a comment

MY HEAVENLY FATHER

God is my physical Father

My heavenly Father is a Father to me in every way. He is the one and only true God who has created the heavens and the earth and all that is therein. He created me; therefore, He is my physical Father. (Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. John 1: 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.)

God is my spiritual Father

God is also my spiritual Father as He has begotten me with His Spirit. (1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1: 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,)

God is my adoptive Father

God is my adoptive Father as He has adopted me into his family by His Spirit! (Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” Ephesians 1:5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,)

WE ARE THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

God is my Father-in-law

The Church is the bride of Christ and I am in the church. When Christ marries the Church God becomes my Father-in-law.

Revelation 19: 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”

8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

9 Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ”

Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.

16 Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

Revelations 21:9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.”

10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

24 And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light,

27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Wouldn’t you like for Him to be your Father too?

June 22, 2015
by Jerry Cartwright Leave a comment

BARF BAGGING THE MORAL CHANGES OF THIS NATION?

A good barf bag is absolutely essential when coming face to face with the new wave of morality that is sweeping over this nation. Jude 1: 4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.

14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.

15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

Don’t let these things become a normal accepted way of life! Reject it! Don’t let a miniscule sect of deluded people cast their ways over you and rule you.

Romans 12: 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Always follow the Lord Jesus Christ and imitate Him. Read the scriptures and do as He teaches. Jesus gives a thorough and complete breakdown of His “Spiritual Laws” in The Sermon On The Mount. (Matthew 5-7).

Resist the Devil and he will flee from you. Set the right example for others by letting your spiritual light shine.

2 Corinthians 4: 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

There is a lot to be done so keep your barf bag handy!

God bless you!

March 18, 2015
by Jerry Cartwright Leave a comment

PROPAGATE?

God created the woman from part of the man. He didn’t create a man
from a man or a woman from a woman. God had created the man and woman to marry and by propagation to create children so that the family of man would increase giving God more children for His kingdom. For this reason God especially gets tremendously upset when men pervert this process.
Be warned!
2 Peter 2:20 For if after they have escaped the polutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
Don’t change to the ways man, change man to the ways of God!
John 1:4 Jesus is the light in men… for believers, all others are in darkness.
Are you in the light of the truth or in darkness?

March 16, 2015
by Jerry Cartwright Leave a comment

WHY DOES SEXUAL ORIENTATION DOMINATE OUR SOCIETY

The morals and foundational beliefs of this country’s family values are under attack! Sexual orientation is being flaunted in the faces of all citizens in every facet of our society personally, civilly, and governmentally to the point that one would think that the greater majority of the US population was gay. Just to set the record straight, here is an article that shows how few gays there are in the US straight from official government sources. So why are they given so much power?

I know that I am preaching to the choir and unbelievers won’t have a clue but the Bible tells us that there are certain spirits in high places that are at war with God’ people.

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Believers must keep Christ as their banner going forward in battle against these evil forces. We must stay the course and not fall as some will!

2 Peter 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

5 For this they willingly are ignorant of…

DO NOT FALL INTO THAT TRAP!

National Health Statistics Reports

Number 77 n July 15, 2014

Sexual Orientation and Health Among U.S. Adults:

National Health Interview Survey, 2013

by Brian W. Ward, Ph.D.; James M. Dahlhamer, Ph.D.; Adena M. Galinsky, Ph.D.; and Sarah S. Joestl, Dr.P.H., Division of Health Interview Statistics

The following is an excerpt from the National Health Statistics Report:

[Results—Based on the 2013 NHIS data, 96.6% of adults identified as straight, 1.6% identified as gay or lesbian, and 0.7% identified as bisexual. The remaining 1.1% of adults identified as ‘‘something else,’’ stated ‘‘I don’t know the answer,’’ or refused to provide an answer. Significant differences were found in health-related behaviors, health status, health care service utilization, and health care access among U.S. adults aged 18–64 who identified as straight, gay or lesbian, or bisexual.]

Such a small percentage of our population and their ways can destroy this nation as we know it. BEWARE!

The evil powers that be are using this issue to confuse and disorient our children to come to believe this is all normal and acceptable. Don’t give up!

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Jude 1:17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

WE HAVE JUST BEGUN TO FIGHT THE BATTLE FOR CHRIST.

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all,TO STAND.

GOD BLESS YOU!

February 24, 2015
by Jerry Cartwright Leave a comment

BE A CHRIST LIKE SERVANT

We should never let anything get between us and the Creator God! There is only one God who has created the heavens and earth and created man to populate it giving him dominion over all things of the earth. God has never failed in anything. The scriptures say that all things are possible with God. (Mark 10:27) God is merciful, slow to anger and loves everyone. He gave His greatest gift to all people by sending His only Son to the earth in the form of a human being to be a servant to us all. (John 3:16)

If we will only serve our Creator full time after He has given us the gift of eternal life, He will bless everything we set our hand to do. His Spirit will give even greater understanding of His Word so we can grow in knowledge and wisdom, something we will never get enough of. Never forget that He is always with you. (Hebrews 13:5) The Lord will surround you like a shield. (Psalms 5:12) He will bless you with peace. (Psalms 29:11) He will increase and bless your business. (Psalms 67:6) Reach up for your higher calling as the LORD requires you to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? (James 4:6)

Jesus Christ came as the greatest servant as He humbled Himself as a man for our benefit and example having given His all for us in death on the cross. Therefore we can do no less than to humble ourselves before our Creator as living sacrifices bearing our cross. (Luke 14:27)

We are spiritually encapsulated in the body of Christ filled with the Holy Spirit as we are His temple, and we are no longer of this worlds system but our citizenship is in heaven. We even have a place prepared for us waiting probably with our name plate already on the door. The Creator is faithful in His promises and if we are faithful to Him then we will do even greater works than Jesus did. (John 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.)

Are you doing greater works than Jesus did? He said we would!

August 1, 2014
by Jerry Cartwright Leave a comment

GOD LOVES ME

I love the way God is expressed to me by praise and worship music. His character is often the focal point of praise songs and is magnified to display His Holiness. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control—- Galations 5:22-23.

Holy God I am glad that You are the kind of God You are, a God of love. Amen!

June 3, 2014
by Jerry Cartwright Leave a comment

Being a Christian is like growing tomatoes.

To grow tomatoes you must first plant a seed and then proceed to nurture the tomato plant by fertilizing and watering it. The plant begins to grow and develop strong roots and stalk so it can hold up the heavy tomato. After the plant is thoroughly nourished and receives a lot of sunlight, it produces beautiful flowers. The flowers begin to change and become little green tomatoes. This is the fruit of the tomato plant and it must grow and grow until it reaches its full growth and then the tomato begins to mature into a beautiful finished creation suitable for the masters table.

A Christian must first have the seed of the Word of God. Luke 8:11 “The seed is the word of God. We received the Word by someone sharing Christ, evangelizing, preaching and many other ways that God may use.

We must be born again and when we are baptized we are raised from a watery grave a new creature. John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. We continue to be taught the word nurtured and discipled in the Church. 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.

We begin to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and He becomes the main root of our lives and we are the branches. Jesus is the light of men and His light is bright as the sun. Our faces shine and become like beautiful flowers to God. As we begin to grow we become full of the maturity of the Spirit and await our Lords coming when we will burst into a new creation suitable for the Masters table. Revelation 19:9 Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’

Hallelujah praise God!