"Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God." 3 John 1:11 (NIV)
We often dress, talk, act, and acquire things like those around us, or those that we see on the screen. Who and what we imitate says a lot about us and our beliefs. Who are we trying to impress? Be careful who you choose as a role model or as a hero.
Our actions speak louder about our beliefs than our words. When we imitate the sinful people of the world, our actions do not demonstrate our Christian faith. Let us endeavor to be more Christ-like in our behavior and our conversation. One day we will have to give an account for all that we thought, said, and did.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Don't Always Grumble And Complain
"For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord ... These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires ..." Jude 1:4 & 16 (NIV)
Don't always grumble and complain. Faultfinders and negative people are, more than likely, like "These men", who are "godless men". While there is value in constructive criticism, if all we have to say is something negative, then maybe the problem is not in the other person. It is not Christ-like to tear others down in order to make ourselves look better by comparison.
Don't always grumble and complain. Faultfinders and negative people are, more than likely, like "These men", who are "godless men". While there is value in constructive criticism, if all we have to say is something negative, then maybe the problem is not in the other person. It is not Christ-like to tear others down in order to make ourselves look better by comparison.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Blessed Saints Leave Behind Blessed Memories
"Blessings crown the head of the righteous ... The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot." Proverbs 10:6-7 (NIV)
A righteous preson will be remembered by man and by God after their death, and their memory will be a blessing to those left behind. To those who have experienced the death of a loved one who was a child of God, remembering their Christian life and the things that they taught you will be a blessing to you. They may be gone, but not forgotten, and they can still be a blessing to you even in death.
We should thank God for the blessing of having them in our lives and for the continued blessings that their memory affords us.
A righteous preson will be remembered by man and by God after their death, and their memory will be a blessing to those left behind. To those who have experienced the death of a loved one who was a child of God, remembering their Christian life and the things that they taught you will be a blessing to you. They may be gone, but not forgotten, and they can still be a blessing to you even in death.
We should thank God for the blessing of having them in our lives and for the continued blessings that their memory affords us.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Stand And Ask Where The Good Way Is
"This is what The Lord says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.' But you said, 'We will not walk in it'." Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)
At the crossroads of life, before all of our decisions, we should stand for a moment, and pray for guidance and direction to identify the "good way", the righteous way to go, and then we should "walk in it". However, all to often we make decisions without praying to God first, we just go off on our own. At times we even refuse to do that which we know is right. Then after we find ourselves in a mess, we ask God for help. We really should pray first, before we speak or act, and we would have fewer problems in our lives.
At the crossroads of life, before all of our decisions, we should stand for a moment, and pray for guidance and direction to identify the "good way", the righteous way to go, and then we should "walk in it". However, all to often we make decisions without praying to God first, we just go off on our own. At times we even refuse to do that which we know is right. Then after we find ourselves in a mess, we ask God for help. We really should pray first, before we speak or act, and we would have fewer problems in our lives.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Be Strong And Be Of Good Courage
"Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak ... I have become like broken pottery... But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God." My times are in Your hands ... Let Your face shine on Your servant; save me in Your unfailing love. Let me not be put to shame, O Lord, for I have cried out to You ... Praise be to the Lord, for He showed His wonderful love to me ... Love The Lord, all His saints! The Lord preserves the faithful ... Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in The Lord." Psalms 31:9-24 (NIV)
No matter what it is that we encounter, or whatever storms life brings our way, we need to be strong, and be of good courage. The Good Lord preserves the faithful and He will bring us through it, whatever it is. He never promised us that the road would be easy. He promised that He would be with us and that He would never leave us.
No matter what it is that we encounter, or whatever storms life brings our way, we need to be strong, and be of good courage. The Good Lord preserves the faithful and He will bring us through it, whatever it is. He never promised us that the road would be easy. He promised that He would be with us and that He would never leave us.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Don't Let Go And Don't Look Back
"It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in The Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of The Word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to public disgrace." Hebrews 6:4-6 (NIV)
If a person has received The Word of God and then rejects it, and returns to their previous philosophies and beliefs, they will not be forgiven for their severe unfaithfulness. "It is impossible for those ... to be brought back to repentance..."
Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." Luke 9:62 (NIV) Once we accept Christ as our personal Savior, we may mess up on occasion, but there is no letting go, no looking back wanting the past, and no turning back. We may remember the sinful things that we did, but there is no wanting to return to our previous non-Christian beliefs. Don't let go of God, and don't look back.
Remember Lot's wife, when The Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah for their wicked ways, she looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Genesis 19:24-26 (NIV) Her problem was not just looking back, but longing for what she had left behind.
There is a cost for following Jesus. We must let go of our previous beliefs and lifestyles.
If a person has received The Word of God and then rejects it, and returns to their previous philosophies and beliefs, they will not be forgiven for their severe unfaithfulness. "It is impossible for those ... to be brought back to repentance..."
Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." Luke 9:62 (NIV) Once we accept Christ as our personal Savior, we may mess up on occasion, but there is no letting go, no looking back wanting the past, and no turning back. We may remember the sinful things that we did, but there is no wanting to return to our previous non-Christian beliefs. Don't let go of God, and don't look back.
Remember Lot's wife, when The Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah for their wicked ways, she looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Genesis 19:24-26 (NIV) Her problem was not just looking back, but longing for what she had left behind.
There is a cost for following Jesus. We must let go of our previous beliefs and lifestyles.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Watch Out For Smooth Talkers
'I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people." Romans 16:17-18 (NIV)
There will always be those who are disruptive, instigators, self-serving individuals who try to derail any good effort because they cannot control or influence it for their benefit. Be careful and weary of smooth talking individuals, their delivery of a lie filled message can cover up the fact that what they have to say is designed to lead you astray. Just because something sounds good does not make it truthful.
Do not associate with people who attempt to lead you in a direction that is contrary to serving The Lord. People that encourage you to partake in sinful activities are not really your friends and should be avoided. Friends are happy for you when you are blessed, and are not glad when you stumble.
There will always be those who are disruptive, instigators, self-serving individuals who try to derail any good effort because they cannot control or influence it for their benefit. Be careful and weary of smooth talking individuals, their delivery of a lie filled message can cover up the fact that what they have to say is designed to lead you astray. Just because something sounds good does not make it truthful.
Do not associate with people who attempt to lead you in a direction that is contrary to serving The Lord. People that encourage you to partake in sinful activities are not really your friends and should be avoided. Friends are happy for you when you are blessed, and are not glad when you stumble.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Does Our Walk And Thoughts Cause God Grief?
"The Lord saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The Lord was grieved that He had made man on the earth, and His heart was filled with pain. So the Lord said, "I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth--men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air--for I am grieved that I have made them." But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God." Genesis 6:5-9 (NIV)
This is why the great flood came, because man's great wickedness, and his evil thoughts and deeds, God was grieved that He had made man. God wanted to start over with mankind, and He choose Noah, "a righteous man" who "... walked with God ...", to save a remnant of His creations.
Are our walk and thoughts causing God grief? If all of mankind thought and acted like we do, would God want to again wipe out mankind from the face of the earth? Most of us feel that the world would be a better place if every body was just like us. But I would challenge us to think about all of the good that is done, that we do not do, that would be missing from the world. Do we donate to every good cause? Do we help those in need? Do we obey the law, including traffic laws? Do we always tell the truth?
"What kind of world would this be, if everyone in it was just like me?" (Unknown) Would God be grieved and want to wipe out mankind again if everyone was like us? We should pray that our Christian walk would be more like Noah's.
This is why the great flood came, because man's great wickedness, and his evil thoughts and deeds, God was grieved that He had made man. God wanted to start over with mankind, and He choose Noah, "a righteous man" who "... walked with God ...", to save a remnant of His creations.
Are our walk and thoughts causing God grief? If all of mankind thought and acted like we do, would God want to again wipe out mankind from the face of the earth? Most of us feel that the world would be a better place if every body was just like us. But I would challenge us to think about all of the good that is done, that we do not do, that would be missing from the world. Do we donate to every good cause? Do we help those in need? Do we obey the law, including traffic laws? Do we always tell the truth?
"What kind of world would this be, if everyone in it was just like me?" (Unknown) Would God be grieved and want to wipe out mankind again if everyone was like us? We should pray that our Christian walk would be more like Noah's.
Monday, January 23, 2012
To Walk With God
"When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years. Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. " Genesis 5:21-24 (NIV)
The Bible records the name of Enoch's father and one of his sons. It states that he had other sons and daughters and that he lived for 365 years. Not much else is known about Enoch except that he is the first man that the Bible records "... walked with God ..."
Enoch obviously enjoyed a very special intimate relationship with God. Only one other man is reported to have walked with God and that was Noah (Genesis 6:9). Enoch was taken from earth by God while he was alive (Genesis 5:24). Only one other man was taken from earth by God without dying first and that was Elijah (2 Kings 2:1-12). Enoch was special.
To walk with God implies true Godliness, for two cannot walk together except they agree (Amos 3:3). Enoch lived a Godly life. It is clear that he put God first and endeavored to please Him. When our life is over, what will be said about our "Christian walk"? Will our life reflect an intimate and personal relationship and fellowship with God?
The Bible records the name of Enoch's father and one of his sons. It states that he had other sons and daughters and that he lived for 365 years. Not much else is known about Enoch except that he is the first man that the Bible records "... walked with God ..."
Enoch obviously enjoyed a very special intimate relationship with God. Only one other man is reported to have walked with God and that was Noah (Genesis 6:9). Enoch was taken from earth by God while he was alive (Genesis 5:24). Only one other man was taken from earth by God without dying first and that was Elijah (2 Kings 2:1-12). Enoch was special.
To walk with God implies true Godliness, for two cannot walk together except they agree (Amos 3:3). Enoch lived a Godly life. It is clear that he put God first and endeavored to please Him. When our life is over, what will be said about our "Christian walk"? Will our life reflect an intimate and personal relationship and fellowship with God?
Sunday, January 22, 2012
What Will Be Said About Our Life After We Die?
The Lord said, "What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to Me from the ground. " Genesis 4:1-10 (NIV)
Abel gave God his best, while Cain just offered God some of his increase. God accepted Abel's offering but he rejected Cain's offering. Cain got angry and killed his brother Abel, and God punished him for that.
What will our "blood" say about us when we are gone? Blood here is a figure of speech, it is something that will be left behind after our soul leaves our body. What will be remembered about us and said about us after we die? More importantly, what will the life that we have lived say to God about us after our death?
God knows whether we have truly given Him our best, when we have been wronged by others, and when we have done wrong unto others. We will have to give an account for our actions, as well as for our words and thoughts. When we stand before Jesus in judgement, we won't have to say a word, our lives will speak for us. What will our life say about us and what we did, or did not do, to give God glory?
Abel gave God his best, while Cain just offered God some of his increase. God accepted Abel's offering but he rejected Cain's offering. Cain got angry and killed his brother Abel, and God punished him for that.
What will our "blood" say about us when we are gone? Blood here is a figure of speech, it is something that will be left behind after our soul leaves our body. What will be remembered about us and said about us after we die? More importantly, what will the life that we have lived say to God about us after our death?
God knows whether we have truly given Him our best, when we have been wronged by others, and when we have done wrong unto others. We will have to give an account for our actions, as well as for our words and thoughts. When we stand before Jesus in judgement, we won't have to say a word, our lives will speak for us. What will our life say about us and what we did, or did not do, to give God glory?
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Why Are Times So Hard For Us?
To Adam God said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,' "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life ... By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return." Genesis 3:17-19 (NIV)
After the original sin in the garden of Eden, man blamed the woman, and the woman blamed the serpent. God gave us free will and we did not choose wisely. For this reason we will suffer
hard times all the days of our lives. In sin we are conceived (Psalms 51:5), and we are servants to sin (Romans 6:6) until we give our lives to Christ. Every man born of a woman woman will live but a few days and those will be full of trouble (Job 14:1).
Things will not really get better for us until we change, humble ourselves, and pray, and turn from our wicked ways, and seek Him (2 Chronicles 7:14), then God will hear and answer our prayers.
After the original sin in the garden of Eden, man blamed the woman, and the woman blamed the serpent. God gave us free will and we did not choose wisely. For this reason we will suffer
hard times all the days of our lives. In sin we are conceived (Psalms 51:5), and we are servants to sin (Romans 6:6) until we give our lives to Christ. Every man born of a woman woman will live but a few days and those will be full of trouble (Job 14:1).
Things will not really get better for us until we change, humble ourselves, and pray, and turn from our wicked ways, and seek Him (2 Chronicles 7:14), then God will hear and answer our prayers.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Overflowing With Faith And Hope
"May The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of The Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 (NIV)
This is my prayer for you, and it may well be a good prayer for you to pray for your family, friends, and all who are suffering and worried. God is in control and He is the source of all hope. Every believer's hope comes by way of The Holy Spirit. Believers can be positive and overflow with hope by the grace of God, for hope is a gift from God.
No matter what the circumstance, believers can be at peace and count it all joy because their faith and hope is in God, and our God is bigger than our problems.
This is my prayer for you, and it may well be a good prayer for you to pray for your family, friends, and all who are suffering and worried. God is in control and He is the source of all hope. Every believer's hope comes by way of The Holy Spirit. Believers can be positive and overflow with hope by the grace of God, for hope is a gift from God.
No matter what the circumstance, believers can be at peace and count it all joy because their faith and hope is in God, and our God is bigger than our problems.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Want A Spirit Filled Life?
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right ..." Romans 12:9-17 (NIV)
The above passage lists the traits and characteristics of a Spirit filled life. It describes our personal duties and it tells us how we should treat others. To practice good Christian behavior, these things should be on our daily "to do lists". Doing one good deed each day is good, but living a Spirit filled life all day every day would be much better. Attempt to live in such a way that God gets the glory from our life daily.
The above passage lists the traits and characteristics of a Spirit filled life. It describes our personal duties and it tells us how we should treat others. To practice good Christian behavior, these things should be on our daily "to do lists". Doing one good deed each day is good, but living a Spirit filled life all day every day would be much better. Attempt to live in such a way that God gets the glory from our life daily.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
The Breath Of Life
"The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." Genesis 2:7 (NIV) God gave us our most precious gift, the breath of life. One day we will have to give it back to Him. The dust of the earth and the minerals that make up our physical bodies will one day return to the dust of the earth.
We should live our lives, our temporary existence here on earth as living souls, as if we value and appreciate God for giving us this opportunity to exist. We should thank God for all that we have and for every blessing that we have received, and live like we are grateful to Him for being alive. Our spiritual soul will live forever, but not our physical bodies. Just how and where our soul will spend eternity will depend upon our relationship with Jesus The Christ. The choice is ours, choose wisely.
We should live our lives, our temporary existence here on earth as living souls, as if we value and appreciate God for giving us this opportunity to exist. We should thank God for all that we have and for every blessing that we have received, and live like we are grateful to Him for being alive. Our spiritual soul will live forever, but not our physical bodies. Just how and where our soul will spend eternity will depend upon our relationship with Jesus The Christ. The choice is ours, choose wisely.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Made In The Image And Likeness Of God
"Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, in Our likeness, and let them rule ... So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them." Genesis 1:26-27 (NIV)
In the beginning, when God said, "Let Us ...", God The Father, God The Son, and God The Holy Spirit, "...make man in Our image, in Our likeness ...", that was what They did. They created the first man and woman in Their image and likeness. Therefore we, as descendants of that first man and woman, are also made in Their image and likeness.
Since every man and woman was made in the image and likeness of God, as different as we each are physically, we should be very careful when we comment on the physical appearance of an individual. We do not know what God looks like and we would not want to make a negative statement about a the appearance of a person who may look more like God than we do.
Don't talk negatively about God or His workmanship that was made in His image and likeness.
In the beginning, when God said, "Let Us ...", God The Father, God The Son, and God The Holy Spirit, "...make man in Our image, in Our likeness ...", that was what They did. They created the first man and woman in Their image and likeness. Therefore we, as descendants of that first man and woman, are also made in Their image and likeness.
Since every man and woman was made in the image and likeness of God, as different as we each are physically, we should be very careful when we comment on the physical appearance of an individual. We do not know what God looks like and we would not want to make a negative statement about a the appearance of a person who may look more like God than we do.
Don't talk negatively about God or His workmanship that was made in His image and likeness.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Therefore I Have Hope
"I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." Lamentation 3:19-26 (NIV)
When we think of all that we have been through, all that He has brought us through, it becomes much easier to keep our faith and hope in God alive and strong. Thanks to God's goodness, His grace and mercy, and His love for us, He forgives us and continues to bless us in spite of how we think and act, and how we treat Him. Great is His faithfulness! "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness..."
When we think of all that we have been through, all that He has brought us through, it becomes much easier to keep our faith and hope in God alive and strong. Thanks to God's goodness, His grace and mercy, and His love for us, He forgives us and continues to bless us in spite of how we think and act, and how we treat Him. Great is His faithfulness! "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness..."
Sunday, January 15, 2012
God Has Plans For You To Prosper In The Future
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares The Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
This is from the text of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets and all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.
The same can be applied to us today. God knows all and He knows what plans He has for each of us. He knows why we are going through the storms in our lives. His plans are for us to prosper and to have a better future. So, keep the faith, keep your hope in The Lord, things will get better and "you will understand it better by and by".
This is from the text of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets and all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.
The same can be applied to us today. God knows all and He knows what plans He has for each of us. He knows why we are going through the storms in our lives. His plans are for us to prosper and to have a better future. So, keep the faith, keep your hope in The Lord, things will get better and "you will understand it better by and by".
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Good Friendly Advice, There Is Hope
When Job was feeling down, his friend Zophar told him to repent and said to him, "Yet if you devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him, if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without fear. You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety." Job 11:13-18 (NIV)
Job had insisted that he was innocent and his friend was encouraging him to admit his sins and repent. While Job was not perfect or sinless, the Bible says that the was "blameless and upright, and on who feared God and shunned evil". Most of us would not measure up to Job, but the advice that his friend gave him would be very appropriate for us.
We should ask God to forgive us for our sins, devote our lives to Him, put away our evil sinful ways, and stop focusing on our problems because God is bigger than all of our problems. No matter what is going on in our lives, our God is the reason that there is hope.
Job had insisted that he was innocent and his friend was encouraging him to admit his sins and repent. While Job was not perfect or sinless, the Bible says that the was "blameless and upright, and on who feared God and shunned evil". Most of us would not measure up to Job, but the advice that his friend gave him would be very appropriate for us.
We should ask God to forgive us for our sins, devote our lives to Him, put away our evil sinful ways, and stop focusing on our problems because God is bigger than all of our problems. No matter what is going on in our lives, our God is the reason that there is hope.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Don't Envy Others Enjoy Your Blessings
"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)
A healthy mind filled with wisdom is associated with a healthy body. Envy and jealousy are like suffering from a painful incurable condition that destroys your insides. They are like a passionate hatred which produces only corruption, distress and shortens ones life. Whereas a healthy heart and mind leads to longevity
Be thankful and rejoice in the things which The Lord has blessed you with, and do not worry or fret over the blessing that others receive. Everything that we want is not good for us, and somethings that others have we could not handle. Often we are not willing to pay the price that others paid to get what they have. So count your blessings and enjoy them.
A healthy mind filled with wisdom is associated with a healthy body. Envy and jealousy are like suffering from a painful incurable condition that destroys your insides. They are like a passionate hatred which produces only corruption, distress and shortens ones life. Whereas a healthy heart and mind leads to longevity
Be thankful and rejoice in the things which The Lord has blessed you with, and do not worry or fret over the blessing that others receive. Everything that we want is not good for us, and somethings that others have we could not handle. Often we are not willing to pay the price that others paid to get what they have. So count your blessings and enjoy them.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Bad Times Are Only A Test
"... The Lord gave and The Lord has taken away; may the name of The Lord be praised." "... Shall we accept good from and not trouble?" Job 1:21 & 2:10 (NIV)
No matter how bad things are going with us, none of us have it as bad as Job had it. Job went from being on top of the world (Job 1:1-3) to losing all of his possessions (Job 1:14-17) and losing all of his children (Job 1:18-19). Then he even lost he health (Job 2:7).
"In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing." Job 1:22 (NIV) God allowed Satan to test Job (Job 1:8 & 2:3-6). Job passed his test, he kept the faith and did not curse God. He did eventually question God, but he soon repented for that.
Bad things happen to good people. Some times we are reaping the results of our own bad choices and some times we are just being tested. Regardless of why we go through bad times, we are to continue to praise God. After Job passed his tests, God blessed him with twice as much as he had before the bad times began (Job 42:10).
When bad things happen to us, we should pray and continue to have faith in God. It' only a test.
No matter how bad things are going with us, none of us have it as bad as Job had it. Job went from being on top of the world (Job 1:1-3) to losing all of his possessions (Job 1:14-17) and losing all of his children (Job 1:18-19). Then he even lost he health (Job 2:7).
"In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing." Job 1:22 (NIV) God allowed Satan to test Job (Job 1:8 & 2:3-6). Job passed his test, he kept the faith and did not curse God. He did eventually question God, but he soon repented for that.
Bad things happen to good people. Some times we are reaping the results of our own bad choices and some times we are just being tested. Regardless of why we go through bad times, we are to continue to praise God. After Job passed his tests, God blessed him with twice as much as he had before the bad times began (Job 42:10).
When bad things happen to us, we should pray and continue to have faith in God. It' only a test.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Our Words Thoughts And Hidden Sins
"Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalms 19:12-14 (NIV)
Some people feel that if their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds, then they are okay with God. The problem with that thinking is we do not really know what is good or bad from God's perspective. We think that some things are neutral, neither good or bad. The Bible says that all unrighteousness is sin. We commit sins that we are unaware of, in addition to those that we commit knowingly.
Therefore we should ask God for forgiveness of all of the sins we committed consciously and unconsciously, as well as sins of omission in addition to sins of commission. We should pray for God's help to guide our words and our thoughts, as well as our actions, that they may please Him. We need His help to keep our sinful nature from having rule over us and to keep us from hidden sins and willful sins.
Some people feel that if their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds, then they are okay with God. The problem with that thinking is we do not really know what is good or bad from God's perspective. We think that some things are neutral, neither good or bad. The Bible says that all unrighteousness is sin. We commit sins that we are unaware of, in addition to those that we commit knowingly.
Therefore we should ask God for forgiveness of all of the sins we committed consciously and unconsciously, as well as sins of omission in addition to sins of commission. We should pray for God's help to guide our words and our thoughts, as well as our actions, that they may please Him. We need His help to keep our sinful nature from having rule over us and to keep us from hidden sins and willful sins.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Listen To Be Wise And Pray To Succeed
"Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is The Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:20-21 (NIV)
None of us knows everything. We can all learn something new. Our main problem is we don't want to listen, we want to talk. Our next problem is when we listen, we listen to the wrong people. Third, our problem is that what we hear, accept, and believe, we do not validate it with The Word of God.
We ought to acknowledge to rule of God in our lives. Since our knowledge is limited, we should go to God in prayer for direction, guidance, and assistance as we plan our activities. God sends people into our lives to be a blessing to us. Advice and instruction can come from many sources, make sure that it is heaven sent.
F. J. Dake says, "The heart of the natural man has many schemes, but only those plans that are worked in harmony with the will of God will stand." It is okay to plan, but make sure that God is included in the plans. According to John Mac Arthur, "Human responsibility is always subject to God's absolute sovereignty."
Listen, in order to be wise, and pray, in order to be successful.
None of us knows everything. We can all learn something new. Our main problem is we don't want to listen, we want to talk. Our next problem is when we listen, we listen to the wrong people. Third, our problem is that what we hear, accept, and believe, we do not validate it with The Word of God.
We ought to acknowledge to rule of God in our lives. Since our knowledge is limited, we should go to God in prayer for direction, guidance, and assistance as we plan our activities. God sends people into our lives to be a blessing to us. Advice and instruction can come from many sources, make sure that it is heaven sent.
F. J. Dake says, "The heart of the natural man has many schemes, but only those plans that are worked in harmony with the will of God will stand." It is okay to plan, but make sure that God is included in the plans. According to John Mac Arthur, "Human responsibility is always subject to God's absolute sovereignty."
Listen, in order to be wise, and pray, in order to be successful.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Let Your Light Shine # 2
"... Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. " Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
We are to live our lives in such a manner that others can see The Christ within us. Our good deeds are to be done for the benefit of others, to help, encourage, and enlighten them. We are to be living examples of good Christian behavior for others to see and imitate. And we are to do so, not for the personal praise from men, but for the glory of God.
Before we speak or act, we should ask ourselves, "What would Jesus say or do in this situation?" Let us examine the motives for our words and actions. Let us stop living for personal attention, glory, gain, and gratification. We each should pray and ask God, "What is His purpose for our life?", and then live for the glory of God.
We are to live our lives in such a manner that others can see The Christ within us. Our good deeds are to be done for the benefit of others, to help, encourage, and enlighten them. We are to be living examples of good Christian behavior for others to see and imitate. And we are to do so, not for the personal praise from men, but for the glory of God.
Before we speak or act, we should ask ourselves, "What would Jesus say or do in this situation?" Let us examine the motives for our words and actions. Let us stop living for personal attention, glory, gain, and gratification. We each should pray and ask God, "What is His purpose for our life?", and then live for the glory of God.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Pray For Guidance And Direction # 2
When you feel that you are doing your best and things seem to be going wrong or bad for you, keep the faith, and pray.
"So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul ... Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble ... for I am your servant." Psalms 143:4-12 (NIV)
In this Psalm, David is saying that he is doing his best to do the will of God but things are not going well with him. Because of this his spirit is failing him. His prayer is for God to show him the way he should go, to teach him, and to lead him.
We really do not pray enough. We should pray for God's guidance and direction before we say or do anything, even the little things. We get into trouble when we attempt to do something without praying first, because we think that we can handle it without God's help.
Don't be in such a hurry to do anything before you pray. Our lives would be much better if we would pray before we spoke or began to act.
"So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul ... Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble ... for I am your servant." Psalms 143:4-12 (NIV)
In this Psalm, David is saying that he is doing his best to do the will of God but things are not going well with him. Because of this his spirit is failing him. His prayer is for God to show him the way he should go, to teach him, and to lead him.
We really do not pray enough. We should pray for God's guidance and direction before we say or do anything, even the little things. We get into trouble when we attempt to do something without praying first, because we think that we can handle it without God's help.
Don't be in such a hurry to do anything before you pray. Our lives would be much better if we would pray before we spoke or began to act.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Why Me, Why Was I Born?
When bad things happen to you, have you ever wondered, "Why me?" You are not alone.
Job said, "Why then did You bring me out of the womb?" Job 10:18 (NIV) Why was I born?
God has a plan for each of us. He allows us to go through some things in order to prepare us for things that are yet to come. Bad things happen to good people for a reason, and only God knows that reason. He did not promise us that there would not be storms in life, but He promised that He would be with through the storms. Keep the faith.
"Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36
Job said, "Why then did You bring me out of the womb?" Job 10:18 (NIV) Why was I born?
God has a plan for each of us. He allows us to go through some things in order to prepare us for things that are yet to come. Bad things happen to good people for a reason, and only God knows that reason. He did not promise us that there would not be storms in life, but He promised that He would be with through the storms. Keep the faith.
"Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36
Friday, January 6, 2012
Be Careful Who You Associate With
"In the name of The Lord Jesus Christ ... keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received ..." "If anyone does not obey our instruction ... Do not associate with him ... Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother." 2 Thessalonians 3:6 & 14-15 (NIV)
Christians are to separate themselves from, and not to fellowship with, habitually disobedient believers and from non believers. Do not hang out with or frequently interact socially with the blatantly sinful, non believing individuals or with believers who live a pattern of life that is not conforming to The Word of God. Warn them, in brotherly love, of the consequences of their behavior or their non belief, but do not continue to walk with them.
"Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" Amos 3:3 Be careful regarding the people that you choose to "walk with". Who your friends are says a lot about you.
Christians are to separate themselves from, and not to fellowship with, habitually disobedient believers and from non believers. Do not hang out with or frequently interact socially with the blatantly sinful, non believing individuals or with believers who live a pattern of life that is not conforming to The Word of God. Warn them, in brotherly love, of the consequences of their behavior or their non belief, but do not continue to walk with them.
"Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" Amos 3:3 Be careful regarding the people that you choose to "walk with". Who your friends are says a lot about you.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Examples Of Good Christian Behavior
"And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." "Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 & 21-22 (NIV)
This is how we ought to treat and help each other, and how we ought to behave. This is a brief summary of good Christian behavior. We should have, and display, a positive attitude of gratitude, frequently praying and giving God thanks. Whatever we are going through is part of God's permissive will for us.
"Test everything." This is a call to carefully, and prayerfully, examine what we hear and read, and to make sure that it is "biblically correct". Hold on to and keep that which is consistent with The Word of God and reject that which is "unbiblical". Avoid all evil, including that which appears evil. "Abstain from all appearance of evil." 5:22 (KJV)
Our true character is revealed not only by what we do when others are watching, but also by what we do and think when we are alone. God sees all.
This is how we ought to treat and help each other, and how we ought to behave. This is a brief summary of good Christian behavior. We should have, and display, a positive attitude of gratitude, frequently praying and giving God thanks. Whatever we are going through is part of God's permissive will for us.
"Test everything." This is a call to carefully, and prayerfully, examine what we hear and read, and to make sure that it is "biblically correct". Hold on to and keep that which is consistent with The Word of God and reject that which is "unbiblical". Avoid all evil, including that which appears evil. "Abstain from all appearance of evil." 5:22 (KJV)
Our true character is revealed not only by what we do when others are watching, but also by what we do and think when we are alone. God sees all.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
The End Of The World
A lot of people are worried about the end of the world, which they think is coming later this year. As Christians we don't have to worry about that.
"We believe that Jesus died and rose again ... we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of The Lord ... The Lord Himself will come down from heaven ... and the dead in Christ will rise first ... After that, we who are still alive, who are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet The Lord in the air. And so we will be with The Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NIV)
So don't worry about the end of the world according to the Mayan calender. When armageddon does come, the rapture will have all ready occurred. We won't be here to see the things which are predicted for the end of the world in the Bible in Revelation, chapter nine.
"We believe that Jesus died and rose again ... we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of The Lord ... The Lord Himself will come down from heaven ... and the dead in Christ will rise first ... After that, we who are still alive, who are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet The Lord in the air. And so we will be with The Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NIV)
So don't worry about the end of the world according to the Mayan calender. When armageddon does come, the rapture will have all ready occurred. We won't be here to see the things which are predicted for the end of the world in the Bible in Revelation, chapter nine.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Mind Your Own Business
"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business ... so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders ..." 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV)
Live your life so as not to cause problems for others. Do not inquire or talk about the affairs of others as a gossip, but take care that you correct your own sinful ways. Live your life in such a manner that the unsaved will respect you for being true to your principals and so that you provide a good example for others to follow.
Having a genuine Christian concern for your fellow man is a good thing, but focusing on the sins of others is not helpful. Don't beat people with your "Christianity", live in a way that shows others what to do and how to behave.
Live your life so as not to cause problems for others. Do not inquire or talk about the affairs of others as a gossip, but take care that you correct your own sinful ways. Live your life in such a manner that the unsaved will respect you for being true to your principals and so that you provide a good example for others to follow.
Having a genuine Christian concern for your fellow man is a good thing, but focusing on the sins of others is not helpful. Don't beat people with your "Christianity", live in a way that shows others what to do and how to behave.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Live A Holy Life
"... No one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins ... For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life." 1 Thessalonians 4:6-7 (NIV)
We are not to intentionally mislead, misuse or abuse our brothers or sisters. We are not to take what is theirs or cause them to stumble and sin. We are to live holy because The God within us is holy.
Let those who watch, imitate, and interact with us see something Christ-like in our behavior.
We are not to intentionally mislead, misuse or abuse our brothers or sisters. We are not to take what is theirs or cause them to stumble and sin. We are to live holy because The God within us is holy.
Let those who watch, imitate, and interact with us see something Christ-like in our behavior.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
A New Beginning # 2
May The Good Lord bless you to have a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year filled with His peace, the courage to do the right thing, and the wisdom to know what the right thing is.
"But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given you as well." Luke 12:31 (NIV)
Want a new and improved you in the new year? "... If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) Believe and ask for forgiveness, and "Rid yourselves of all the offences you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit." Ezekiel 18:31 (NIV)
May you have a blessed new year.
"But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given you as well." Luke 12:31 (NIV)
Want a new and improved you in the new year? "... If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) Believe and ask for forgiveness, and "Rid yourselves of all the offences you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit." Ezekiel 18:31 (NIV)
May you have a blessed new year.
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