The Helmet

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The helmet of my salvation is an integral part of the armor of God. It protects our brain from the flaming arrows that the evil one is throwing at us. Not literally, but mentally.

That's really where sin begins. You know what I mean? It begins with the evil one putting an evil thought in our mind.

What comes to mind is a man or a woman thinking about their male or female coworker they have been flirting with at their workplace, and they are both married. One of the parties calls the other party and asks the person to come over and help with the computer. So, the person comes over and fixes the problem with the computer. Do you think that's all that happened? The answer is--- NO. Both marriages ended in divorce.

Prayer:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Question for Reflection:

1. Are you thinking of being alone with a married coworker of the opposite sex? (The two of you have been flirting a lot lately at work.)

Thank you, everyone, for listening to Samantha's Deep Thoughts. Remember to smile 'cause Jesus loves you! Have a Blessed Day!!! Amen.

 

Megan Woods - The Truth (Official Music Video)

Romans 12:2 ESV

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Philippians 4:8 ESV

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Ephesians 6:17 ESV

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

  

R&R

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No, I'm not talking about Rest and Relaxation.  What is Samantha talking about then?  Let me use a pretend person for some examples.  We will name it --A.

Let's say A likes to lie, cheat, and take the Lord's name in vain. It knows that it is wrong. The Holy Spirit is convicting its heart, making it feel it's wrong for what it is doing. It really feels sorry.

Each time it sins, it knows the Lord forgives. 1John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." But that certainly doesn't mean that we, who are believers, should keep on sinning. We actually should try not to sin.

It's not like we have a free pass to sin. It's totally the opposite. I mean, since Jesus died for our sins, we should try hard not to sin. The operative word is--- TRY. God knows we are not perfect, and He still died for us, sinners.

Back to what I was saying earlier, the first R stands for Remorse. Meaning, when it knows it did something wrong that made it feel bad, what is it gonna do? It would say, "Sorry," and maybe not make the mistake the next day. Unfortunately, the same mistake is still happening over and over again. And then, it's just gonna say, -- "Sorry." It becomes like a cycle. It knows that's not good.

This brings us to the second R. It stands for Repentance. A should do their best to stop lying, cheating, and taking the Lord's name in vain. God knows what's in A's heart and A's heart is saying, "it wants to change." A believes, with much prayer to God and asking for His help, that He can change A. It would also need to exert much effort and work to try to change. It's not like God will do all the work. God can do all the work if He wants to, but I think it's like God opens doors. But then, we have to work hard and figure out how to get through the door.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for today. I pray that you would be with every one of us today. We love you, Lord. Amen.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Are there any cycles of sinning and just repeating, "I'm sorry," but no repenting in your life?

2. Is there a sin that you just keep on repeating, but you really want to stop doing it?

3. Have you spoken to God about it and shared your feelings with Him?

Thank you for listening to Samantha's Deep Thoughts. Have a Blessed Day!!! Remember to smile 'cause Jesus loves you!!!

Mighty to Save - Hillsong Worship

Goodbye Yesterday (Live) - Bethel Music, David Funk & Brooke Ligertwood

1 John 1:9 ESV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

Acts 3:19 ESV 

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,

Matthew 4:17 ESV 

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

2 Peter 3:9 ESV 

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Worshipper of J.C.

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What does it mean to me, Samantha, to worship Jesus Christ?  Well, first of all, I would be in an environment that didn't have any distractions, like being alone in my room with the door closed. Well, if I were in Church, that's a different story.

I would try my best to clear my mind of any thoughts that would distract me from thinking about Jesus. I would usually close my eyes because that would keep me from seeing anything that would be distracting. If I were in the living room and Joe was watching TV, I would be wearing my headphones so I could fully concentrate on Jesus.

Perhaps, you guys are similar to me and can get easily distracted. I don't think that's fair to Jesus, considering what He did for us. Don't you think?

Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for who You are. I pray that I would be mindful of spending time with you. I pray that I will always make you my first priority. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Questions for Reflection:
1. Is Jesus our first priority? Why or why not?
2. What does it mean to you to worship Jesus Christ?
3. Am I a member of a bible believing Christ-centered Church? Why or why not?

Thank you, everyone, for listening. Have a Blessed Day! Remember to smile because Jesus loves you!

Heart of Worship - Brandon Lake

James 4:8 ESV
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Romans 12:1 ESV
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Psalm 86:12 ESV
I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.

1 Peter 2:9 ESV
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Spreading the Gospel One on One

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Honestly, I don't usually do this. I'm talking about like witnessing to people or evangelizing.

I know the Lord would like His children to do that. I mean, Jesus said that in the Bible, so I guess it is His command to His children.

Like I said, that is not my spiritual gift. My husband, on the other hand, his spiritual gift is pastor/shepherding. So, really, if he wanted to ever do that, he would be really good at it. He also has a lot of bible knowledge. He actually is teaching Bible study with some of the family, some Sundays.

I'm a child of God, so, of course, I would like to do it. But it doesn't come easy to me. So, my heart doesn't jump at the first opportunity. However, if I'm in a situation, I would share what Jesus did for us, the sinners, and if you believe that, you would go to heaven and be with Jesus forever.

Since I don't really have the head knowledge, what I use is passion. And another way I share Jesus is through my "Deep Thoughts from Samantha" blog. I really hope many people who read my blog are getting encouraged. Can you let me know? I would love that!

What is your spiritual gift?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for today. Thank you for who You are. Thank you for blessing us with spiritual gifts. I pray that we will use our gifts to spread Your name. We love you, Lord. We pray all these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Do you know what your spiritual gifts are?

2. How can you use your spiritual gift to spread the name of Jesus?

Thank you, everybody, for listening to my "Deep Thoughts!" Have a Blessed Day! Remember to smile because Jesus loves you!!!

Words - Hawk Nelson

Matthew 28:19 ESV 

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Psalm 96:3 ESV 

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!

Romans 1:16 ESV 

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Tatay's Love

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I think this is a late post in celebration of Father's Day last Sunday.  I have three men who are important in my life.  Well, actually four, including my husband. 

My Heavenly Father, who has known me since before birth.  My Dad, who has known me since birth. My Papa, who has known me since I started dating my husband, Joe.

I really thank God for creating fathers.  What comes to mind is this.

There's this one show where there was a little kid who was asked by the host if the man in the audience was his father. The kid said, "No."  But quickly he said,  "That's my dad!"

I guess the word Father sounds too formal.  The word Dad sounds more relaxed.  I don't know.  That's just my deep thought.

Let me end my writing by explaining the meaning of my title.  Tatay, is Tagalog for Dad.  I don't really use this word, but other Filipinos probably do.  To all Dads or Tatays, thank you for your never-ending love, guidance, and support!   Happy Blessed Father's Day!!!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for who You are.  Thank you for providing father figures in our lives.  I pray that we will always be mindful of expressing our appreciation for them.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Questions for reflection:

1) Did you express your love and appreciation to your Heavenly Father today?

2) Did you express your love and appreciation to your father today?

3)  Did you express your love and appreciation to your earthly father figures today?

Thank you, everybody, for listening to my Deep Thoughts!  Have a Blessed Day!  Remember to smile because Jesus loves you!

Chris Tomlin - Good Good Father ft. Pat Barrett

Psalm 103:13 ESV

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

1 Corinthians 8:6 ESV

Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.

John 1:12 ESV

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

Blind

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If one is blind, what does that mean? That means one does not see! Duh!

What comes to mind is this. There really are people out there, myself included, who don't see the goodness of God. Actually, thank God, because I do now. I didn't before. But now I do.

It's quite sad because there really are people who are blind and don't see our awesome God. They only see what they want to see. I know it sounds confusing, right? Let me elaborate.

I think of loved ones who have lost loved ones who have passed away. Death is a part of life. Death is a part of humanity. It wouldn't even be here if Adam and Eve had not messed it up!

So, blame them! Don't blame God for the death of your loved one. Get it now? That's what I mean when I talk about being blind!

Fun memory! Pause, break! I am remembering when I was around 14 years old. I was at the FC Mall with my friends. I remember I was excited to go to this one store. I was running to the door and hit my face and forehead on a closed glass door that was supposed to be open! I think it was closed for cleaning. I don't know. I forgot. That was more than 20 years ago. You really expect me to remember?! Anyway, back to my writing.

So, yeah, let me end my writing with this. I had a question for Joe regarding the previous owners of our condo. I said, "Anything?" Joe said, "Anything I can see or touch belongs to us." (Talking about the previous owner of our condo leaving stuff when they moved out.) So, that brought to mind that anything we can see or touch belongs to God! What can you see or touch that you are thankful for today?

Prayer and Reflection

Psalm 24:1 ESV 

A Psalm of David. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,

Deuteronomy 10:14 ESV

Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it.

Exodus 19:5 ESV 

Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine;

Blind Man Sat by the Road by Divine Hymns