One Thing

I have heard it said, “One of the greatest danger’s in life is to permit the urgent things to crowd out the important things. You see, the rabbit trails in life can cause us to lose sight of the one thing in life that matters: Jesus Christ.”

It is interesting to follow the phrase “one thing” through the pages of Scripture. Each time a biblical author uses this phrase we find insights to the importance of making time for the Lord. For example, remember when Martha became agitated at her sister, Mary, for sitting at Jesus’ feet while she did all the work? How did Jesus reply? He said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41–42, emphasis mine). Jesus was essentially saying, “Listen, Martha, I appreciate your desire to work. But there is a time to work and there is a time to sit at My feet. Mary has figured out that one thing is needful.”

Are Martha’s actions a good description of your life right now? Are you so busy with work and life’s nonessentials that you have forgotten the one thing? You see, unless we have a sense of priority, we can find ourselves distracted and quickly forget our purpose to dwell with the Lord.

Make the time to sit at the Lord’s feet. If we don’t make time for God’s Word, prayer, and church in our daily lives, we will fall apart spiritually. One thing is needful; pray for the strength and diligence to make time for it.

Rev Ran 🙂

The Missing Piece

Have you ever tried to put a puzzle together, and when you were almost done, you realized that someone had lost the final piece? It can be incredibly frustrating.

Maybe you have tried to put your life together, thinking, If I put this here and that there, it will work. . . But where is that other piece?

God holds the missing piece. You won’t find it in your pursuits. The missing piece is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Have you found that missing piece? Or, do you still have a hole in your heart that you’ve tried to fill with everyone and everything, but nothing satisfies?

There is a old song that says;
“The world may try and satisfy, the longing in your soul – you may search the whole world over – but you’ll be just like before – you’ll never find true satisfaction – until you’ve found The Lord cause only Jesus can satisfy your soul. Only He can take your heart and he’ll make you whole . You’ll find peace you never knew – sweet love and joy and he’ll give you heaven too – only Jesus can satisfy your soul.”

He is only a prayer away.

Rev Ran 🙂

Why Stand With Israel

Last night sitting in the airport watching CNN they were asking the question;

Why stand with Israel today?
Let’s look at it from a Biblical world view – and just scratch the surface;

Scripture makes it clear that we are to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6), and pray that our nation will govern in the light of Genesis 12:1-3 …”I will bless those who bless you…

I believe, we are living in a critical moment in history that calls us, as believers in Jesus Christ, as well as Americans to take a stand with Israel. I also believe, we could be people living in the last hour. Knowing this we are not to be passive in the face of prophecy; and at the same time we can not get over zealous, we are called to pray with passion, to intercede, and to minister according to the words of Jesus who said it is not our task to speculate when the end will be. It is our responsibility to do Kingdom business until He comes (Luke 19:13).

Please understand, this is not about politics; this is about the Word of God, but the political ramifications are extremely dramatic. Scripture declares there will come a time when all the nations of the world will turn against Israel. It is so highly conceivable this could happen in our lifetime that it is critical that we understand the Lord has called us to be people with moral and biblical conviction, walking wisely and knowing His Word. He will honor those who make an abiding commitment to stand with the land He’s called uniquely His (Psalm 122:6).

Rev Ran 🙂

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

The Bible says that as we move toward the consummation of history, things will grow darker. Tonight, we are seeing that happening before our eyes.

1. Israel is at war with Hamas, and anti Israeli sentiments are sweeping Europe.

2. Isis (Muslim Brotherhood) radical Islamic terrorist are killing Christians, sighting religious cleansing and destroying Christian symbols and holy shrines (grave sight of the prophet Jonah) in the ancient city on Niniva now called Mosul in the nation of Iraq. All over the Middle East, Christians are being persecuted. And for the most part, the Christian church and the Vatican in the free world has remained silent !

3. Russia (the great bear) is engaged in war and showing NO sign of slowing down.

4. We have a massive humanitarian crisis on our borders.

5. Our leadership in Washington is locked in political futility.

6. And worst of all the Christians in America seem to be losing their ability to see and recognize the end times we are living in.

Friends, In the natural world, as we get older, most people lose elasticity in the lenses of their eyes, diminishing their ability to focus. Likewise, if we are not carefully tending to our spiritual eyes as we age in Christ, we also can lose the flexibility of staying focused on what the Lord is wanting to do with us today.

For those of us who have walked with the Lord a long time, this loss of spiritual flexibility and focus can make us vulnerable into thinking that we discern more than we really do.

In the midst of a darkening world, we must not lose fresh focus on what the Lord has for us today. As I prepare to speak tomorrow at Central Assembly in Great Falls, Montana. I am reminded of the song that says; “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face – and the things of earth will grow strangely dim – in the light of his glory and grace.”

Focus on Jesus he is the author and perfecter of our faith. And know in your heart He IS COMING VERY SOON!

Rev Ran

Heaven

Tonight I sat and watched the lightning put on a show. As I watched, I began to wonder about heaven. Have you ever wondered what we will know in heaven?People sometimes ask, “Will we recognize each other?”

That question always amazes me. As if we’re going to forget everything—or be walking around in a fuzzy cloud. We still will love, but our love will be perfected. We still will think and remember, but our thoughts will be perfected too. We certainly will know each other in heaven—and infinitely better than we knew each other on earth.

How do I know that? In Matthew 17 we read the account of Jesus on the mountaintop with Peter, James, and John. In those moments when He was transfigured before them, His face was shining like the sun and His clothes were white as the light, He was seen talking to both Moses and Elijah.

From the account, it’s obvious that the disciples knew it was Moses and Elijah, though they were never told that fact or introduced to them. I doubt these two visitors from heaven had little name tags on: “Hi. My name is Moses.” Do you think Moses was standing with two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments under his arm, just to give them a little hint? No, but there was something about these two that made them instantly recognizable.

The disciples knew Moses and Elijah.

Think of the purest, highest, most ecstatic joy on earth, multiply it a thousand times, and you’ll get a fleeting glimpse of heaven’s euphoria. That is why David wrote, “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).

We will be aware in heaven—more aware than we’ve ever been before.

Rev Ran 🙂

The Deepest Void In Your Life

Tonight the St. Louis Cardinals (my team ) had a two out bottom of the ninth win vs the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The announcer on Fox Midwest said, “Games like tonight makes everything worth while – Well until the next game …”

I thought, now that’s a true statement. If you are seeking fulfillment, purpose, or meaning from this world and from human accomplishments, I have some bad news: you will never find it.

There is nothing in the world that will fill the deepest void in your life — not the ultimate car, not the greatest job, not the most beautiful girl or the most handsome guy, not the greatest education, not winning it all on American Idol. Not even a game winning hit in the bottom of the ninth with two strikes and two outs. There is nothing that can even come close to a relationship with Jesus.

Jesus said it like this: “Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:32-33, NLT).
Rev Ran

Radically Changed

I have been amazed at the testimonies of some people when they tell me the way they used to be. I’ve looked at them and thought, There is no way they used to be that way. Jesus has so radically changed them.

Isaiah 61:3-4 promises that God “will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair (NLT).

For the person who has made a mess of his or her life, feeling like every opportunity and relationship is all burned up and now there is no hope. In fact some people might say, “Your just a pile of old ashes.” God says, “I will bring beauty.” For those who mourn because of the wrongs they have done and the sins they have committed, God says, “I will bring joy out of it.” Isaiah 61:4

Only God can take a tangled mess of a life, turn it around, and transform it in such a way that you wouldn’t even know that individual used to be a very different person. Not only that, but such a change gives hope to friends and family who may still be in depression over the condition of their own lives.

If you come to Christ and say, “Lord, here I am. Forgive me of my sin,” He can transform you and change you. He can take your mistakes and your sins, turn them around, and even use them for His glory. When you commit your life to Christ, he turns ashes to gold.

If you know someone who needs a “New Beginning” please share this message.

Rev Ran 🙂

The One Who Matters Chose You

Have you ever been told by a coach, “Your just too small and to slow we can’t use you.” Or maybe when you were six a kid said, ” Did you know your ears stick out?”

Maybe a misguided teacher said, “Your not teachable, you will never amount to anything.” Possibly you were passed over for the promotion and it was given to a less qualified person because they were friends with the boss. That’s when the Devil begins to play those insecurities over and over in your mind.

Have you noticed how the negative voices will always play the loudest? Friends, If you don’t take control of your thought life, through God’s written Word (Bible) then every hurt, every criticism, every derogatory comment will play again and again in your mind.
Instead of believing the lies of the Devil look what Gods word says;
1 Peter 2:9, “You are a chosen people. You are a royal priest, a holy generation, God’s very own possession.”

People may leave you out. People may overlook you. But always remember, the One who matters most chooses you. That means you weren’t randomly chosen. God, on purpose, looked at you and said, “I choose him. I choose her. They’re My son. They’re My daughter.

He has a way of working everything out for our good! And it’s always better than we could have ever imagined!

Rev Ran 🙂

Speak To Me Lord

Today, at the gym a friend said, “I don’t even have time to think. It is so hard to concentrate when you’re being bombarded from all sides with so many voices and demands pulling at you.”
That really got me thinking. I have found, It’s even harder to focus on God when I don’t take time to renew my mind and refresh my spirit by spending time quietly with the Lord. So many loud things seem to shut out the voice of God.

Friends, God doesn’t often shout to get our attention. Instead, He usually speaks to us in “a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12, NKJV).

So, what can we do to put ourselves in a position to hear God’s voice? We must be proactive and make time in our daily lives to get quiet. David said of the Lord in Psalm 23:2, “He leads me beside quiet waters.” Today I want to encourage you to find those quiet waters where you can get alone with the Lord.

It may be a room in your house, in your car on your drive to work or school, or some other place where you can shut out the noise and distractions of the world for just a few precious minutes. The key to renewing your mind, body and spirit is to develop the habit and discipline of meditating (thinking) on the Word of God every day — even if it is for just a moment. That’s a good time to say, “Speak to me Lord, your servant is listening.”

Rev Ran 🙂

It's What We Do

James 2:14 really puts our Christian lifestyle into perspective; What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? (James 2:14 NLT)

I am sure many of you have heard of the great tightrope walker, BLONDIN. He was one of the greatest tightrope walkers of all time, and there are many legends told of feats he performed.
One of the most often told stories of Blondin is of his crossing over the Niagara Falls on a tightrope. He reportedly did that several times.

At some point he turned to his large audience, which included numerous reporters from various newspapers, and he asked them, “How many believe I can walk across this tightrope over the Falls pushing a wheelbarrow?”

People cheered loudly — they were sure the great Blondin could do it. Then he asked, “How many believe I can push a wheelbarrow across the tightrope with a man sitting in it?” Again, there was a loud response.

Blondin then pointed to one of the most enthusiastic men in the audience, and said, “Okay, you get into the wheelbarrow.” Needless to say, the man made a quick exit. Blondin demonstrated that there is often a great difference between belief, ….. the faith we SAY we have, ….. and the action faith we really have.

James went on to say, “Faith with out works is dead.” The measure of our faith is NOT our “talk” — it is our “walk”. It’s not what we say – It’s what we do – because it’s who we are!

Rev Ran 🙂

Supernatural Peace

Sitting in a quiet house I read ….

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 ESV

Have you ever asked yourself, “What does the Bible mean when it talks about the heart of man ?” I admit it can be kind of confusing.

Heart is used in Scripture as the most comprehensive term for the authentic person. It is used to describe the real you.

It is the part of our being where we desire, deliberate, and decide. It has been described as “the place of conscious and decisive spiritual activity,” or “the comprehensive term for a person as a whole; his feelings, desires, passions, thoughts, understanding and our free will.”

It is”the true center of a person. This is the place to which God turns and looks deep into each and everyone of us. The place where God longs for His spirit to be welcomed.

This is what is meant when someone says, “Have you given your HEART to Jesus. Have you surrendered to Him.”
When you welcome Christ into the true center of your life (heart) and make “Peace with God,” you immediately are given access to the “Peace of God” that surpasses all understanding. That “Peace”that you belong to Jesus and are now in Christ Jesus. Then guards your heart and your mind or the center of who you really are from the lies and the attacks of the devil.

Now you have access to a supernatural peace in the midst of life’s greatest storms. I have experienced that Peace.
Have you ? If not -It all starts with inviting Jesus into your HEART. You can do it right now – He…is … listening

Rev Ran 🙂

Why Should I Be Discouraged?

There is an old story about a man who was feeling nostalgic so he pulled his car over to watch a Little League baseball game one Saturday afternoon. He asked a boy in the dugout what the score was. The boy responded, “Eighteen to nothing–we’re behind.”

“Boy,” said the man, “I’ll bet you’re discouraged.”

“Why should I be discouraged?” replied the little boy. “We haven’t even gotten up to bat yet!”

I love it!

Have a great day!

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

1 Peter 5:10 ESV

Rev Ran 🙂

Our Lord Comes

The word “maranatha” is a Syriac expression that means: “our Lord comes.” It was used as a greeting in the early church. When believers gathered or parted, they didn’t say “hello” or “goodbye” but “Maranatha!”

I recently read that while on a South Pole expedition, British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton left a few men on Elephant Island, promising that he would return. Later, when he tried to go back, huge icebergs blocked the way. But suddenly, as if by a miracle, an avenue opened in the ice and Shackleton was able to get through. His men, ready and waiting, quickly scrambled aboard. No sooner had the ship cleared the island than the ice crashed together behind them. Contemplating their narrow escape, the explorer said to his men, “It was fortunate you were all packed and ready to go!” They replied, “We never gave up hope. Whenever the sea was clear of ice, we rolled up our sleeping bags and reminded each other, ‘The boss may come today.'”

Those explores understood they had to be ready for the last moment by being ready at every moment…
Friends that is so true for us today. The trumpet of God may sound anytime. How important for us as Christians to be “packed and ready to go!”

The Boss May Come Today !

“Maranatha!” Our Lord Comes !

Rev Ran 🙂

Twice Mine

Ten year old Tommy carried his new boat to the edge of the river. He carefully placed it in the water and slowly let out the string. How smoothly the boat sailed! Tommy sat in the warm sunshine, admiring the little boat that he had built in his fathers garage.

Suddenly a strong current caught the boat. Tommy tried to pull it back to shore, but the string broke. The little boat raced downstream.

Tommy ran along the sandy shore as fast as he could. But his little boat soon slipped out of sight. All afternoon he searched for the boat. Finally, when it was too dark to look any longer, Tommy sadly went home.
A few days later, on the way home from school, Tommy spotted a boat just like his in a store window. When he got closer, he could see — sure enough — it was his!

Tommy hurried to the store manager: “Sir, that’s my boat in your window! I made it!”

“Sorry, son, but someone else brought it in this morning. If you want it, you’ll have to buy it for one dollar.”
Tommy ran home and counted all his money. Exactly one dollar! When he reached the store, he rushed to the counter. “Here’s the money for my boat.” As he left the store, Tommy hugged his boat and said, “Now you’re twice mine. First, I made you and now I bought you.”

I believe this is how Jesus feels about you and me. He says, I made you in my fathers garden. Then a strong current of sin caught you and carried you down stream. But I bought you back on an old rugged cross- rising again ….

Your twice mine!

Rev Ran 🙂

Words

Words! Words! Words! There are millions of words in the world. They are written in books, newspapers, on the Internet, and thousands of other places.They are just words.

Then there are words written in the Bible.Thousands of them are there in this “miracle” book. They look just like all the other words in the world. They are spelled the same and sound the same, BUT THEY ARE DIFFERENT.
Why? Because Jesus said, “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63)
God says His Words “are life to those that find them, and health to all their flesh (Proverbs 4:22) He says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two -edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

The Bible states that “all scripture is given by inspiration of God,” or “God breathed”
(2 Timothy 3:16)

Though the words in the Bible may look the same as those in all the other sources, there is an incredible difference. They are Gods words! God has breathed life into them. When we take these “God-Breathed” words and declare them, miracles come to pass and lives are changed!

Rev Ran 🙂

What Would Our City Be Like

I wonder what our world would be like if each of us would find somebody to be good to every day. What would our city be like? What would our offices be like? What would our schools be like if we made it a priority to brighten somebody else’s day? Scripture teaches “Every opportunity we have we should do good to people” (see Galatians 6:10).

That means we need to be on the lookout. We need to be proactive. We need to have the mindset of, “Who can I bless today?” Let it start with your spouse and family.

I believe we weren’t created by God to be selfish.

Rev Ran 🙂

A Greater Testimony

The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him…”

I believe God wants to show Himself strong on our behalf! He wants to amaze us with His goodness and show us His faithfulness.

However, there is a condition. He’s looking for hearts that are faithful toward Him.
Friends, when you put God first, He will act on your behalf. It doesn’t matter what is happening in the world around you. It doesn’t matter what’s going on in the economy.

In fact, it’s easy to believe for blessing when things are going well. People might say, “Oh, that’s just because the economy is strong and we live in a land of abundance.” But when things don’t look so good and you prosper anyway, that’s a greater testimony to the world. People will see and know that it makes a difference to live for the Lord !

Rev Ran 🙂

You Are Extraordinary

We all face challenges. Life is full of obstacles to overcome. You may feel, right now, like the challenges you face are too big or too overwhelming. I’ve learned that average people have average problems. Ordinary people have ordinary challenges. But remember, if you’re a child of God then you’re not average. You’re not ordinary.

You are extraordinary. The moment you surrendered your life to Christ, God breathed His life into you. At that moment, you became exceptional, and exceptional people face exceptional difficulties. But the good news is that we serve an exceptional God! When you have an incredible problem, remember, the very same power that raised Christ from the grave is alive and well in you!

Rev Ran 🙂

Thousands Of Choices

Everyday, we make thousands of choices. Some choices have more impact on our lives than others. Some require more thought.

Making Jesus the Lord of your life is the best choice you could ever make! However, once you do, you have the opportunity each day to make choices that support that choice.

For example, are you choosing to serve the Lord with your attitude? Are you choosing to serve Him with your finances? Are you choosing to serve the Lord with what you say? With how you live and how you choose to treat your family, friends and co-workers.

Every morning, when God wakes you from your sleep and you head to work, school or what ever your day may hold. Take the time to examine your thoughts and actions. That would be a great time to surrender your day to him. Saying, “Lord, today I choose to honor you with my life in everything that I say and do. I choose to do it all for the glory of God.”

This takes about 30 seconds that will result in a heavenly eternity.

Rev Ran 🙂

It's Not The Size Of The Problems

It’s not the size of the problems in our life that’s important, rather it’s our perception of those problems. It’s how big or small we make them in our mind. Moses sent twelve men to spy out the Promised Land, ten came back and said,”We’ll never defeat them. There are Giants in the land.” Joshua and Caleb said, “Yes the people are big, but our God is bigger. We can win ! Let’s Go Now!

Both groups saw the same giants and same situation; the only difference was their perspective. One group focused on the size of their enemy, the other group focused on the size of their God!

Could it be your perspective is keeping you out of your Promised Land?

Rev Ran 🙂