"Love The LORD, all His saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud He pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in The LORD." Psalms 31:23-24 (NIV)
King David exhorted the people of God to love The Lord God, to keep the faith, and to be strong. He encouraged them to hold on, and not to give up. He said that The Lord God would preserve them if they just kept their faith in Him.
The Word of God offers believers the assurance that The Lord God will keep the faithful, those who have faith and hope in Him, safe from hurt, harm, and danger. He has always kept His promises in the past, and He will continue to do so. (Deuteronomy 7:9) As believers we should be strong in our faith in God and be of good courage because we have good reason to do so. He has great goodness stored up and waiting for us. (Psalms 31:19) He will protect us and keep us safe from the evil that men have planned for us. (Psalms 31:20) He has already blessed us with numerous acts of His kindness. (Psalms 31:21) The Lord God hears and answers our prayers. (Psalms 31:22) He has promised that if we are faithful, He will preserve, protect, and keep us. (Psalms 31:23) He will strengthen our mind, body, and spirit, as long as we continue to have faith and hope in Him. (Psalms 31:24) Who wouldn't love a God like Him, He gave His only son to die and pay the price for our sins so that we could be saved. (John 3:16) Love The Lord, keep your faith and hope in Him strong. Don't give up, whatever happens, hold on, keep the faith, better days are coming, God is in control.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Commit To The Lord And Purify Your Thoughts
"Commit to The LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) The King James Version of this verse reads: "Commit thy works unto The LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established."
These are the words of King Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived. (1 Kings 3:12) His divinely inspired word to the people was that if they committed their efforts to pleasing The Lord God, then their thoughts and plans would be purified and brought to fruition.
All to often our thoughts are not pure, they are sinful more often than they are not. Our sinful words and deeds begin as sinful thoughts and plans. Even when we do not act upon them, our sinful thoughts are still sins. (Matthew 5:28) We are what we think, and as we think, so we are. (Proverbs 23:7) On judgment day, we will also be judged on our thoughts and the intents of our heart. (Hebrews 4:12) The Lord knows our thoughts. (Psalms 94:11 and 1 Corinthians 3:20) The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to The Lord. (Proverbs 15:26) We need to renew our minds, and pray. (Romans 12:2) We need to pray about everything, read The Word of God, and think about things which are true, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:6-8) We need to commit ourselves to The Lord and to His way. We need to let the mind which is in Christ Jesus be in us also. (Philippians 2:5) We need to pray that The Lord will create within us a clean heart and mind. (Psalms 51:10)
These are the words of King Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived. (1 Kings 3:12) His divinely inspired word to the people was that if they committed their efforts to pleasing The Lord God, then their thoughts and plans would be purified and brought to fruition.
All to often our thoughts are not pure, they are sinful more often than they are not. Our sinful words and deeds begin as sinful thoughts and plans. Even when we do not act upon them, our sinful thoughts are still sins. (Matthew 5:28) We are what we think, and as we think, so we are. (Proverbs 23:7) On judgment day, we will also be judged on our thoughts and the intents of our heart. (Hebrews 4:12) The Lord knows our thoughts. (Psalms 94:11 and 1 Corinthians 3:20) The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to The Lord. (Proverbs 15:26) We need to renew our minds, and pray. (Romans 12:2) We need to pray about everything, read The Word of God, and think about things which are true, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:6-8) We need to commit ourselves to The Lord and to His way. We need to let the mind which is in Christ Jesus be in us also. (Philippians 2:5) We need to pray that The Lord will create within us a clean heart and mind. (Psalms 51:10)
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Good Advice For Christian Behavior
"For 'Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of The Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of The Lord is against those who do evil.' " 1 Peter 3:10-12 (NIV)
Here in these verses the Apostle Peter quoted Old Testament scriptures, Psalms 34:12-16, as he gave the people instructions on how to enjoy a long, full, joy filled life, even in a hostile environment. He told them not to lie or use deceitful speech. They should turn away from their evil sinful ways, and do that which is good and righteous in the sight of The Lord. He also told them that The Lord God sees and hears all, and He will answer the prayers of the righteous, but turn His wrath on those who do evil.
This is one of the series of Bible verses which could be sub-titled "Guidelines for Christian Behavior" or "Good Advice For Christian Living". Some of the other series of verses which could also be so labelled are Psalms 15:1-5, Psalms 34:1-19, Psalms 37:1-24, Romans 12:9-18, and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18. The message to us in these verses is clear, we must not make false statements, or speak evil about or to others. We must turn away from evil activities and do that which is good and right. We must pray, seek The Lord, and obey His Word. We need to develop a humble and loving attitude towards everyone, and we need to turn away from our sinful ways, and seek to do His will. (2 Chronicles 7:14) Let us not worry about the sins of others, but let us pray for help with our own sinful behavior. (Matthew 7:3-4 and Luke 6:41-42)
Here in these verses the Apostle Peter quoted Old Testament scriptures, Psalms 34:12-16, as he gave the people instructions on how to enjoy a long, full, joy filled life, even in a hostile environment. He told them not to lie or use deceitful speech. They should turn away from their evil sinful ways, and do that which is good and righteous in the sight of The Lord. He also told them that The Lord God sees and hears all, and He will answer the prayers of the righteous, but turn His wrath on those who do evil.
This is one of the series of Bible verses which could be sub-titled "Guidelines for Christian Behavior" or "Good Advice For Christian Living". Some of the other series of verses which could also be so labelled are Psalms 15:1-5, Psalms 34:1-19, Psalms 37:1-24, Romans 12:9-18, and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18. The message to us in these verses is clear, we must not make false statements, or speak evil about or to others. We must turn away from evil activities and do that which is good and right. We must pray, seek The Lord, and obey His Word. We need to develop a humble and loving attitude towards everyone, and we need to turn away from our sinful ways, and seek to do His will. (2 Chronicles 7:14) Let us not worry about the sins of others, but let us pray for help with our own sinful behavior. (Matthew 7:3-4 and Luke 6:41-42)
Monday, October 28, 2013
Stand Up And Face Your Giants
"David said to the Philistine, 'You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of The LORD Almighty, The God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day The LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head..." 1 Samuel 17:45-46 (NIV)
The Bible Book of First Samuel, in chapter seventeen, records the account of David as a young man when he faced the giant named Goliath, the Philistine. The armies of the Philistines and the armies of Israel were prepared for battle. (1 Samuel 17:1-3) Goliath, the champion of the Philistines was a giant. (1 Samuel 17:4) He approached the armies of Israel and told them to send out one man to fight him. He said that if that man defeated him, his people would serve Israel, but if he defeated that man, then Israel would serve the Philistines. (1 Samuel 17:8-10) David had only come to the camp of the army to bring food to his three brothers, who were in the army, and to inquire about their status for his father. (1 Samuel 17:17-18) David heard Goliath's disrespectful challenge to the army of Israel and was upset. (1 Samuel 17:26) David said that he would fight Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:32) He refused to wear King Saul's armor, (1 Samuel 17:38-39), and he took five smooth stones and his sling as a weapon. (1 Samuel 17:40) With the help of The Lord God, David defeated Goliath with one stone from his sling, then he cut off Goliath's head with his own sword. (1 Samuel 17:48-51)
David knew that The Lord God was with him when he fought the lion and the bear, and he knew that He would be with him against Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:34-37) David faced his giant in the name of The Lord God Almighty, and he did it without fear. He knew that God would be with him. David stood up for God and faced the giant. We also need to stand up for The Lord and His righteousness, even when we stand alone. God did not give us the spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7) We are to be victorious conquerors. (Romans 8:37) When we stand up for that which is Godly and right, The Lord God will help us. (Psalms 94:16-17) He will fight our battles for us. (Deuteronomy 28:7, 2 Chronicles 20:15 and 20:17) We must not only stand up, but we must speak up. It is not good to keep silent when we should speak up for The Lord. (Psalms 39:2-3) If we will not speak up for Him, He will not speak up for us. (Matthew 10:33)
The Bible Book of First Samuel, in chapter seventeen, records the account of David as a young man when he faced the giant named Goliath, the Philistine. The armies of the Philistines and the armies of Israel were prepared for battle. (1 Samuel 17:1-3) Goliath, the champion of the Philistines was a giant. (1 Samuel 17:4) He approached the armies of Israel and told them to send out one man to fight him. He said that if that man defeated him, his people would serve Israel, but if he defeated that man, then Israel would serve the Philistines. (1 Samuel 17:8-10) David had only come to the camp of the army to bring food to his three brothers, who were in the army, and to inquire about their status for his father. (1 Samuel 17:17-18) David heard Goliath's disrespectful challenge to the army of Israel and was upset. (1 Samuel 17:26) David said that he would fight Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:32) He refused to wear King Saul's armor, (1 Samuel 17:38-39), and he took five smooth stones and his sling as a weapon. (1 Samuel 17:40) With the help of The Lord God, David defeated Goliath with one stone from his sling, then he cut off Goliath's head with his own sword. (1 Samuel 17:48-51)
David knew that The Lord God was with him when he fought the lion and the bear, and he knew that He would be with him against Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:34-37) David faced his giant in the name of The Lord God Almighty, and he did it without fear. He knew that God would be with him. David stood up for God and faced the giant. We also need to stand up for The Lord and His righteousness, even when we stand alone. God did not give us the spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7) We are to be victorious conquerors. (Romans 8:37) When we stand up for that which is Godly and right, The Lord God will help us. (Psalms 94:16-17) He will fight our battles for us. (Deuteronomy 28:7, 2 Chronicles 20:15 and 20:17) We must not only stand up, but we must speak up. It is not good to keep silent when we should speak up for The Lord. (Psalms 39:2-3) If we will not speak up for Him, He will not speak up for us. (Matthew 10:33)
Sunday, October 27, 2013
We Must Forgive In Order To Be Forgiven
"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV)
The Apostle Matthew records these words of Jesus as He spoke to His disciples, and to the surrounding crowd, in His Sermon on The Mount. He said, if you forgive others, then God will forgive you. If you do not forgive others, then God will not forgive you.
Jesus made it perfectly clear, if we want God to forgive us of our sins, then we must forgive those who have sinned against us. (Matthew 6:14-15 and Mark 11:25-26) He also made it clear in the model prayer which He taught His disciples, that we would only be forgiven as we forgive others. (Matthew 6:12 and Luke 11:4) Forgiveness is an important part of Christ-like behavior. When Peter asked Jesus how many times should he forgive one who sins against him, the reply that Jesus gave him was "seventy times seven". (Matthew 18:21-22) Even while He was hanging on the cross, before He died, He prayed for the forgiveness of those who had sinned against Him. (Luke 23:34) That prayer was not just for the solders who crucified Him, it was for all of us also. All of us have sinned. (Romans 3:23) All sin is a sin against God. (Psalms 41:4 and 51:4) We must confess our sins and ask to be forgiven, and He will forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) However, God will only forgive us of our sins if we forgive others of their sins against us. We must forgive in order to be forgiven.
The Apostle Matthew records these words of Jesus as He spoke to His disciples, and to the surrounding crowd, in His Sermon on The Mount. He said, if you forgive others, then God will forgive you. If you do not forgive others, then God will not forgive you.
Jesus made it perfectly clear, if we want God to forgive us of our sins, then we must forgive those who have sinned against us. (Matthew 6:14-15 and Mark 11:25-26) He also made it clear in the model prayer which He taught His disciples, that we would only be forgiven as we forgive others. (Matthew 6:12 and Luke 11:4) Forgiveness is an important part of Christ-like behavior. When Peter asked Jesus how many times should he forgive one who sins against him, the reply that Jesus gave him was "seventy times seven". (Matthew 18:21-22) Even while He was hanging on the cross, before He died, He prayed for the forgiveness of those who had sinned against Him. (Luke 23:34) That prayer was not just for the solders who crucified Him, it was for all of us also. All of us have sinned. (Romans 3:23) All sin is a sin against God. (Psalms 41:4 and 51:4) We must confess our sins and ask to be forgiven, and He will forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) However, God will only forgive us of our sins if we forgive others of their sins against us. We must forgive in order to be forgiven.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Prayer Is Powerful And Effective
"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of The Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:13-16 (NIV)
James, the half brother of Jesus who became a pillar in the early Church and was known as "James, the Just", told the people that there was power in prayer. He said that they should pray for themselves, and they should pray for one another. He also said that prayer can lead to the sick and the sinful being healed. He told them that the prayers of the righteous, the believers, are powerful and effective.
As believers we know that when we pray, we are talking to The Lord God. We have been told and encouraged to pray, and to pray often. (Matthew 6:6, Luke 18:1, and 1 Thessalonians 5:17) We also should pray for one another. (James 5:16) We know that God hears and answers our prayers. (Proverbs 15:29 and Isaiah 65:24) At times, we suffer and do without because we do not ask God for what we want. We have not, because we ask not. (John 16:24) If we sincerely ask for something, in the name of Jesus, which will glorify The Lord God, He will give it to us. (John 14:13-14) If we truly delight in Him, in His Word, and in His way, He will give us the desires of our hearts. (Psalms 37:4) The sincere fervent prayers of the righteous are powerful and they are effective.
James, the half brother of Jesus who became a pillar in the early Church and was known as "James, the Just", told the people that there was power in prayer. He said that they should pray for themselves, and they should pray for one another. He also said that prayer can lead to the sick and the sinful being healed. He told them that the prayers of the righteous, the believers, are powerful and effective.
As believers we know that when we pray, we are talking to The Lord God. We have been told and encouraged to pray, and to pray often. (Matthew 6:6, Luke 18:1, and 1 Thessalonians 5:17) We also should pray for one another. (James 5:16) We know that God hears and answers our prayers. (Proverbs 15:29 and Isaiah 65:24) At times, we suffer and do without because we do not ask God for what we want. We have not, because we ask not. (John 16:24) If we sincerely ask for something, in the name of Jesus, which will glorify The Lord God, He will give it to us. (John 14:13-14) If we truly delight in Him, in His Word, and in His way, He will give us the desires of our hearts. (Psalms 37:4) The sincere fervent prayers of the righteous are powerful and they are effective.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Lift Us Up And Restore Our Joy
"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." Psalms 51:12 (NIV) In the King James Version of the Bible this verse reads: "Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free spirit."
This psalm of King David is thought to have been penned when he was distraught after being confronted by the prophet Nathan regarding his sin with Bathsheba. David knows that he still has a relationship with The Lord, but he has lost the joy of the fellowship. He is emotionally down in the dumps, and here he is asking God to pick him up and restore his joy.
Believers are not immune to the full range of emotions which all human beings have to deal with, both the good and the bad. We can be sad, sick, mourn, and weep, as well as be depressed. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) However, when we come to ourselves, we recognize that God is in control of things. We should count everything as joy, (James 1:2), because we know that it will all work out for our good. (Romans 8:28) It may be difficult for us while we are in the midst of our storm, but The Lord God is always there with us, and He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) He may not calm the storm or remove the thorn that caused our pain and suffering, but His grace is sufficient to see us through every situation. (2 Corinthians 12:8-9) So, when we are sad, down, depressed, or whatever, we just need to pray and ask Him to lift us up and to restore our joy. We all want to be sustained by God.
This psalm of King David is thought to have been penned when he was distraught after being confronted by the prophet Nathan regarding his sin with Bathsheba. David knows that he still has a relationship with The Lord, but he has lost the joy of the fellowship. He is emotionally down in the dumps, and here he is asking God to pick him up and restore his joy.
Believers are not immune to the full range of emotions which all human beings have to deal with, both the good and the bad. We can be sad, sick, mourn, and weep, as well as be depressed. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) However, when we come to ourselves, we recognize that God is in control of things. We should count everything as joy, (James 1:2), because we know that it will all work out for our good. (Romans 8:28) It may be difficult for us while we are in the midst of our storm, but The Lord God is always there with us, and He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) He may not calm the storm or remove the thorn that caused our pain and suffering, but His grace is sufficient to see us through every situation. (2 Corinthians 12:8-9) So, when we are sad, down, depressed, or whatever, we just need to pray and ask Him to lift us up and to restore our joy. We all want to be sustained by God.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Trust In The Lord
"Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Proverbs 30:5 (NIV) The King James Version of the Bible reads: "Every word of God is pure ; He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him."
This is one of the sayings of King Solomon, the wisest man ever (2 Chronicles 1:10-12), "Every word of God is pure." The Word of God is true, it is free from error, there is no falsehood or corruption in it. (Psalms 12:6 and 119:140) Those who trust in Him will be protected by Him, and He will shield them from harm.
Today, we put our trust in a lot of worldly things, and we are frequently disappointed. There is, however, one thing we can trust and depend upon, we can trust in God. The Lord God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omni-present. He is the creator of heaven, and earth, and all things therein. (Genesis 1:1, Colossians 1:16, and Revelation 10:6) The Word of God is right and true. (Psalms 33:4) It is divinely inspired and error free. (2 Timothy 3:16) All of the scriptures in the written Word of God will be fulfilled (Matthew 5:18), and The Word of God shall live forever. (1 Peter 1:23) Therefore we can trust The Lord God and His Word. He said in His written Word that He will be a shield to those who put their trust in Him. (Genesis 15:1, Deuteronomy 33:29, 2 Samuel 22:3, Psalms 3:3, Psalms 28:7, Psalms 33:20, Psalms 91:4, Psalms 115:11, and Psalms 144:2) There is no better guarantee or promise than The Word of God. There is no safer protection than that which is provided by The Lord God. We all should only put our trust in The Lord. He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) Trust in The Lord.
This is one of the sayings of King Solomon, the wisest man ever (2 Chronicles 1:10-12), "Every word of God is pure." The Word of God is true, it is free from error, there is no falsehood or corruption in it. (Psalms 12:6 and 119:140) Those who trust in Him will be protected by Him, and He will shield them from harm.
Today, we put our trust in a lot of worldly things, and we are frequently disappointed. There is, however, one thing we can trust and depend upon, we can trust in God. The Lord God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omni-present. He is the creator of heaven, and earth, and all things therein. (Genesis 1:1, Colossians 1:16, and Revelation 10:6) The Word of God is right and true. (Psalms 33:4) It is divinely inspired and error free. (2 Timothy 3:16) All of the scriptures in the written Word of God will be fulfilled (Matthew 5:18), and The Word of God shall live forever. (1 Peter 1:23) Therefore we can trust The Lord God and His Word. He said in His written Word that He will be a shield to those who put their trust in Him. (Genesis 15:1, Deuteronomy 33:29, 2 Samuel 22:3, Psalms 3:3, Psalms 28:7, Psalms 33:20, Psalms 91:4, Psalms 115:11, and Psalms 144:2) There is no better guarantee or promise than The Word of God. There is no safer protection than that which is provided by The Lord God. We all should only put our trust in The Lord. He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) Trust in The Lord.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
We Must Be Born Again
"Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, 'Rabbi, we know You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs You are doing if God were not with Him.' In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.' 'How can a man be born when he is old?' Nicodemus asked. 'Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!' Jesus answered, 'I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and The Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but The Spirit gives birth to spirit.' " John 3:1-6 (NIV)
The Apostle John, the disciple who referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved, (John 20:2), recorded this encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus. Jesus told him that in order to enter the kingdom of God, one must be born again. When He was questioned about that statement, Jesus explained that after one's physical birth of the flesh, there must be a second birth, a birth of one's spirit by The Holy Spirit.
Once we believe that Jesus, The Christ, is The Son of God who was raised from the dead, and accept Him as our personal savior, (Romans 10:9), then and only then will we be indwelt by The Holy Spirit and be born again. (Ezekiel 36:26, John 14:17, Romans 8:11, and 1 John 3:24) After we accept Christ into our lives, we receive The Spirit of God in our lives and we are changed. We are born again and we become new creatures. (2 Corinthians 5:17) This is the basis of our salvation and it is a gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8) We must be born again.
The Apostle John, the disciple who referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved, (John 20:2), recorded this encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus. Jesus told him that in order to enter the kingdom of God, one must be born again. When He was questioned about that statement, Jesus explained that after one's physical birth of the flesh, there must be a second birth, a birth of one's spirit by The Holy Spirit.
Once we believe that Jesus, The Christ, is The Son of God who was raised from the dead, and accept Him as our personal savior, (Romans 10:9), then and only then will we be indwelt by The Holy Spirit and be born again. (Ezekiel 36:26, John 14:17, Romans 8:11, and 1 John 3:24) After we accept Christ into our lives, we receive The Spirit of God in our lives and we are changed. We are born again and we become new creatures. (2 Corinthians 5:17) This is the basis of our salvation and it is a gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8) We must be born again.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Store Up Treasures In Heaven
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
The Apostle Matthew recorded these words, which were part of The Sermon on The Mount which Jesus spoke to His disciples, and to the surrounding crowd. Jesus said that man should not store up treasures here on earth, but rather he should store up treasures in heaven. Then He told them that their heart and focus will be where ever their treasure is located.
Our treasures are the things that we value, cherish, esteem, desire, love, and delight in having. Earthly treasures are only ours temporarily. It does not matter how we protect them, or how much we amass and store up, they will not last and they are not secure. If our purpose for storing up treasures on earth is to prepare for our future benefit and enjoyment, then we ought to be smart enough to prepare for our eternal future. The point of these verses is that we should not put our faith in money and things that are here on earth. We are to use our time, talents, and treasure in kingdom building efforts, which have eternal implications. Believers do not earn their salvation, but by their behavior they can earn heavenly rewards. (Matthew 5:12, 10:41 and 16:27, Luke 6:35, 1 Corinthians 3:8 and 3:14, and Revelation 22:12) Where our treasure is, that is where our focus is also. We should focus on that which is Christ-like and heavenly. (Philippians 4:8) We need to store up treasures for ourselves in heaven.
The Apostle Matthew recorded these words, which were part of The Sermon on The Mount which Jesus spoke to His disciples, and to the surrounding crowd. Jesus said that man should not store up treasures here on earth, but rather he should store up treasures in heaven. Then He told them that their heart and focus will be where ever their treasure is located.
Our treasures are the things that we value, cherish, esteem, desire, love, and delight in having. Earthly treasures are only ours temporarily. It does not matter how we protect them, or how much we amass and store up, they will not last and they are not secure. If our purpose for storing up treasures on earth is to prepare for our future benefit and enjoyment, then we ought to be smart enough to prepare for our eternal future. The point of these verses is that we should not put our faith in money and things that are here on earth. We are to use our time, talents, and treasure in kingdom building efforts, which have eternal implications. Believers do not earn their salvation, but by their behavior they can earn heavenly rewards. (Matthew 5:12, 10:41 and 16:27, Luke 6:35, 1 Corinthians 3:8 and 3:14, and Revelation 22:12) Where our treasure is, that is where our focus is also. We should focus on that which is Christ-like and heavenly. (Philippians 4:8) We need to store up treasures for ourselves in heaven.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Treat Strangers With Kindness
"Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:1-2 (NIV)
The unknown author of the Bible Book of Hebrews stated that men ought to treat each other with loving kindness. The author also stated that men ought to also treat strangers with loving kindness. One never knows who a stranger is, some men have met and entertained angels, and they did not know that they had an encounter with an angel.
Blessings can come to us in many different ways. It has been said that every one who crosses our path in life has either a blessing or a lesson for us. (Unknown) Angels can speak to us and deliver a message, (Luke 1:13, Luke 1:30, Luke 2:10, and Acts 12:8), they can lead us and guide us, (Exodus 23:20), or the can be near us for our protection without our being aware of them. (2 Kings 6:17) It is also possible for angels to appear to us in the form of a human stranger. (Hebrews 13:2) So, we should be very careful how we treat strangers that we encounter, they may be angels sent from heaven with a message or a blessing for us. Since we do not know who the angels are, we should treat every one with loving kindness That is just the Christ-like thing to do. We should love our brothers, our neighbors, our enemies, and even strangers that meet. ( Matthew 22:39, Luke 6:27, John 15:12, and Hebrews 13:2)
The unknown author of the Bible Book of Hebrews stated that men ought to treat each other with loving kindness. The author also stated that men ought to also treat strangers with loving kindness. One never knows who a stranger is, some men have met and entertained angels, and they did not know that they had an encounter with an angel.
Blessings can come to us in many different ways. It has been said that every one who crosses our path in life has either a blessing or a lesson for us. (Unknown) Angels can speak to us and deliver a message, (Luke 1:13, Luke 1:30, Luke 2:10, and Acts 12:8), they can lead us and guide us, (Exodus 23:20), or the can be near us for our protection without our being aware of them. (2 Kings 6:17) It is also possible for angels to appear to us in the form of a human stranger. (Hebrews 13:2) So, we should be very careful how we treat strangers that we encounter, they may be angels sent from heaven with a message or a blessing for us. Since we do not know who the angels are, we should treat every one with loving kindness That is just the Christ-like thing to do. We should love our brothers, our neighbors, our enemies, and even strangers that meet. ( Matthew 22:39, Luke 6:27, John 15:12, and Hebrews 13:2)
Sunday, October 20, 2013
God Is Our Refuge Strength And Help
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalms 46:1 (NIV)
This is one of the psalms, author unknown, that was a song which was sung by the people as a statement of fact, and as a reminder to themselves that God was their safe hiding place and the source of their strength. He was always with them and He helped them whenever they were in trouble. The remainder of this psalm provided them with examples of some of the things that God protected them from, and that was followed by examples of God being with them.
The Lord God provides believers with protection from the attacks of man, the attacks of nations, and the things and acts of nature. We have no need to fear earthquakes, floods, storms, fires, or the acts of war or evil men. (Psalms 46:2-3) God is our refuge. It is through His strength that we are able to function. (Psalms 28:8 and Psalms 29:11) Because He is God, He is omni-present, He is every where all at the same time. (Proverbs 15:3) It is He who helps and protects His people when we are in trouble. (Psalms 37:40) When we need His help, all we have to do is ask for it. Long prayers are not required, it is sufficient just to say, "Lord, have mercy on me." We have not, because we ask not. (John 14:13 and John 16:24)
This is one of the psalms, author unknown, that was a song which was sung by the people as a statement of fact, and as a reminder to themselves that God was their safe hiding place and the source of their strength. He was always with them and He helped them whenever they were in trouble. The remainder of this psalm provided them with examples of some of the things that God protected them from, and that was followed by examples of God being with them.
The Lord God provides believers with protection from the attacks of man, the attacks of nations, and the things and acts of nature. We have no need to fear earthquakes, floods, storms, fires, or the acts of war or evil men. (Psalms 46:2-3) God is our refuge. It is through His strength that we are able to function. (Psalms 28:8 and Psalms 29:11) Because He is God, He is omni-present, He is every where all at the same time. (Proverbs 15:3) It is He who helps and protects His people when we are in trouble. (Psalms 37:40) When we need His help, all we have to do is ask for it. Long prayers are not required, it is sufficient just to say, "Lord, have mercy on me." We have not, because we ask not. (John 14:13 and John 16:24)
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Judged For What We Say And Think
"The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:35-37 (NIV)
The Apostle Matthew recorded these words of Jesus as He spoke to the Pharisees in the large crowd which had followed Him. After Jesus had cast the demon out of a possessed man who was brought to Him, they had said that He could cast demons out of people because He was also a demon. Jesus gave them several examples to show them the error of their thoughts. (Matthew 12:25-34) Then He told them that they were evil and that was why they spoke evil things, a good man would speak of good things. He also told them that on judgment day, every man would have to give an account for every careless, evil, and sinful word they have spoken.
Today, we talk a lot, we speak too often, and we say things that we should not say. We think that our normal idle conversation is innocent and neutral, and because it is not bad, evil, or negative, that it won't be held against us. What we fail to realize is that all unrighteousness is sin. (1 John 5:17) If what we say does not give God glory, then it is a sin. The same is true for the for the unrighteous sinful thoughts that we have, and God knows them. (Genesis 6:5, Psalms 94:11, Proverbs 15:26, Proverbs 23:7, Matthew 5:28, Matthew 9:4, Matthew 15:19, 1 Corinthians 3:20, and Hebrews 4:12) That which is within us, is what will come out of us. When we pray, we should ask to be forgiven for our sinful spoken words, and our sinful thoughts, as well as our sinful acts. We need God's help in all that we do, say, and think, in order for us to be more Christ-like.
The Apostle Matthew recorded these words of Jesus as He spoke to the Pharisees in the large crowd which had followed Him. After Jesus had cast the demon out of a possessed man who was brought to Him, they had said that He could cast demons out of people because He was also a demon. Jesus gave them several examples to show them the error of their thoughts. (Matthew 12:25-34) Then He told them that they were evil and that was why they spoke evil things, a good man would speak of good things. He also told them that on judgment day, every man would have to give an account for every careless, evil, and sinful word they have spoken.
Today, we talk a lot, we speak too often, and we say things that we should not say. We think that our normal idle conversation is innocent and neutral, and because it is not bad, evil, or negative, that it won't be held against us. What we fail to realize is that all unrighteousness is sin. (1 John 5:17) If what we say does not give God glory, then it is a sin. The same is true for the for the unrighteous sinful thoughts that we have, and God knows them. (Genesis 6:5, Psalms 94:11, Proverbs 15:26, Proverbs 23:7, Matthew 5:28, Matthew 9:4, Matthew 15:19, 1 Corinthians 3:20, and Hebrews 4:12) That which is within us, is what will come out of us. When we pray, we should ask to be forgiven for our sinful spoken words, and our sinful thoughts, as well as our sinful acts. We need God's help in all that we do, say, and think, in order for us to be more Christ-like.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Vengeance Belongs To The Lord
"Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret, it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in The LORD will inherit the land." Psalms 37:8-9 (NIV)
Here King David was admonishing the believers to refrain from getting angry, and to change their behavior and turn away from their wrath. He said that those things would only lead to evil and sinful behavior. The Lord God will deal harshly with evil men, and He will bless those who follow Him and walk in His way.
As hard as it is to do this, we need to control our natural human behavior and not give in to our sinful nature. Some people can really upset us, and annoy us, but we need to refrain from getting angry, and we need to control our wrath. When we get out of control, we do not behave in a very Christ-like manner. As believers, we are not to return evil for evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:15) We are to turn away from evil, and do that which is good. (Psalms 34:14 and 37:27) God will take care of those who do wrong, and those who do wrong to us. (Romans 12:19) We are to turn the other cheek, (Matthew 5:39), and we are to "kill them with kindness", and let God rain down burning coals upon their heads. (Romans 12:17-21) He may allow us to see them get what they deserve, (Psalms 37:34), as long as we do not rejoice when we see them suffer. (Proverbs 24:17-18) Vengeance is not ours, it belongs to The Lord.
Here King David was admonishing the believers to refrain from getting angry, and to change their behavior and turn away from their wrath. He said that those things would only lead to evil and sinful behavior. The Lord God will deal harshly with evil men, and He will bless those who follow Him and walk in His way.
As hard as it is to do this, we need to control our natural human behavior and not give in to our sinful nature. Some people can really upset us, and annoy us, but we need to refrain from getting angry, and we need to control our wrath. When we get out of control, we do not behave in a very Christ-like manner. As believers, we are not to return evil for evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:15) We are to turn away from evil, and do that which is good. (Psalms 34:14 and 37:27) God will take care of those who do wrong, and those who do wrong to us. (Romans 12:19) We are to turn the other cheek, (Matthew 5:39), and we are to "kill them with kindness", and let God rain down burning coals upon their heads. (Romans 12:17-21) He may allow us to see them get what they deserve, (Psalms 37:34), as long as we do not rejoice when we see them suffer. (Proverbs 24:17-18) Vengeance is not ours, it belongs to The Lord.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Delight In The Lord
"Delight yourself in The LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to The LORD; trust in Him and He will do this" Psalms 37:4-5 (NIV)
This psalm of King David was written to the people of God. He told them that if they joyfully sought and followed The Lord God, then He would grant them their hearts' desires. He made it clear, however, that they must first commit to following The Lord, and they must trust in The Lord before He would give them the desires of their heart.
We often pray for things that we want, but we do not always obey The Word of God. We say that we love The Lord, but our actions do not always support our claim. He said that if you love Me, then you will keep My commandments. (John 14:15 and 14:23) He will give us what we want if we truly delight in Him, commit to His way, and trust in Him. We must delight in The Lord, in His way, and in His Word. We must love and delight in The Lord God Himself. (Deuteronomy 6:5, 10:12, 11:1, and 30:6; Joshua 23:11, Psalms 31:23, and Isaiah 58:14) Jesus said that we must love The Lord God. (Matthew 22:37, Mark 30:12, and Luke 10:27) We must find joy in, and delight in, doing the will of God. (Psalms 40:8 and Proverbs 11:20) We must also delight in The Word of God. Blessed in the man who delights in the law of The Lord. (Psalms 1:2 and Psalms 119:16, 35 and 47) If we want The Lord God to grant us the desires of our heart, we must first delight in Him, and commit to following His way, and we must trust in Him.
This psalm of King David was written to the people of God. He told them that if they joyfully sought and followed The Lord God, then He would grant them their hearts' desires. He made it clear, however, that they must first commit to following The Lord, and they must trust in The Lord before He would give them the desires of their heart.
We often pray for things that we want, but we do not always obey The Word of God. We say that we love The Lord, but our actions do not always support our claim. He said that if you love Me, then you will keep My commandments. (John 14:15 and 14:23) He will give us what we want if we truly delight in Him, commit to His way, and trust in Him. We must delight in The Lord, in His way, and in His Word. We must love and delight in The Lord God Himself. (Deuteronomy 6:5, 10:12, 11:1, and 30:6; Joshua 23:11, Psalms 31:23, and Isaiah 58:14) Jesus said that we must love The Lord God. (Matthew 22:37, Mark 30:12, and Luke 10:27) We must find joy in, and delight in, doing the will of God. (Psalms 40:8 and Proverbs 11:20) We must also delight in The Word of God. Blessed in the man who delights in the law of The Lord. (Psalms 1:2 and Psalms 119:16, 35 and 47) If we want The Lord God to grant us the desires of our heart, we must first delight in Him, and commit to following His way, and we must trust in Him.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Purposes For The Written Word Of God
"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of The Scriptures we might have hope." Romans 15:4 (NIV)
In his letter to the believers in The Church at Rome, the Apostle Paul told them that The Holy Scriptures were written to teach them, and to encourage them, and to give them hope.
The same is true for us today, The Word of God was written to educate, edify, and enlighten us in addition to being there to comfort and console us, and to give us hope for the future. As Paul told Timothy, The Word of God is good for learning basic fundamental Christian principals, for instruction, and for correction of wrong doing and thinking with respect to being Christ-like and righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16) Often The Word of God must be explained to us, as Jesus had to explain His words (Matthew 13:36 and 15:15) and The Scriptures (Luke 24:45) to His disciples. An important function of preachers today is to proclaim and explain The Word of God to the people, saved and unsaved, to teach, correct, and encourage them, and to provide them with hope as it is needed.
In his letter to the believers in The Church at Rome, the Apostle Paul told them that The Holy Scriptures were written to teach them, and to encourage them, and to give them hope.
The same is true for us today, The Word of God was written to educate, edify, and enlighten us in addition to being there to comfort and console us, and to give us hope for the future. As Paul told Timothy, The Word of God is good for learning basic fundamental Christian principals, for instruction, and for correction of wrong doing and thinking with respect to being Christ-like and righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16) Often The Word of God must be explained to us, as Jesus had to explain His words (Matthew 13:36 and 15:15) and The Scriptures (Luke 24:45) to His disciples. An important function of preachers today is to proclaim and explain The Word of God to the people, saved and unsaved, to teach, correct, and encourage them, and to provide them with hope as it is needed.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Christ Has Compassion For Us
"Who is He that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died, more than that, who was raised to life, is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Romans 8:34 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul, the author of thirteen of the twenty-seven Books of The New Testament, in his letter to the believers in Rome said that it is Jesus Christ, who was crucified and died and rose from the dead, who judges us and who makes intercession for us.
Christ has compassion for us, He understands what it is that we go through. He was not received by His own people (John 1:11); He endured rejection, (Isaiah 53:3); He was tempted (Matthew 4:1 and Mark 1:13); He hungered (Luke 4:2); He wept (John 11:35); He had compassion for suffering people. (Matthew 9:36, 14:14, 15:32, and 20:34) He was lied on (Matthew 26:60); During His three and one half year earthly ministry, Jesus suffered the same plight as we suffer. (Hebrews 2:18) In fact, He had it worse than most of us, He was also homeless. (Matthew 8:20 and Luke 9:8) He was spat upon (Matthew 27:30); He was scourged with barbed whips (Mark 15:15) He knows what it is like to be human, to be tempted, and to be done wrong. He who was without sin, became sin for our sake. (Galatians 1:4 and 1 John 2:2) He now is making intercession for us. He is pleading our case because He knows us, He loves us, He died for us, and He has compassion for us.
The Apostle Paul, the author of thirteen of the twenty-seven Books of The New Testament, in his letter to the believers in Rome said that it is Jesus Christ, who was crucified and died and rose from the dead, who judges us and who makes intercession for us.
Christ has compassion for us, He understands what it is that we go through. He was not received by His own people (John 1:11); He endured rejection, (Isaiah 53:3); He was tempted (Matthew 4:1 and Mark 1:13); He hungered (Luke 4:2); He wept (John 11:35); He had compassion for suffering people. (Matthew 9:36, 14:14, 15:32, and 20:34) He was lied on (Matthew 26:60); During His three and one half year earthly ministry, Jesus suffered the same plight as we suffer. (Hebrews 2:18) In fact, He had it worse than most of us, He was also homeless. (Matthew 8:20 and Luke 9:8) He was spat upon (Matthew 27:30); He was scourged with barbed whips (Mark 15:15) He knows what it is like to be human, to be tempted, and to be done wrong. He who was without sin, became sin for our sake. (Galatians 1:4 and 1 John 2:2) He now is making intercession for us. He is pleading our case because He knows us, He loves us, He died for us, and He has compassion for us.
We Are Our Brother's Keeper
"Then The LORD said to Cain, 'Where is your brother Abel?' 'I don't know,' he replied. 'Am I my brother's keeper?' " Genesis 4:9 (NIV)
In this the first Book of Moses, this encounter is recorded between The Lord God and Cain, the eldest son of Adam and Eve. This conversation occurred after Cain had killed his brother Abel. The Lord God asked Cain a question regarding Abel's whereabouts, even though He already knew the answer. Cain responded with a lie, and said that he didn't know. Then he asked The Lord God a question, "Am I my brother's keeper?"
The Lord God did not answer Cain's question, but clearly the answer to the question was, yes, you are your brother's keeper. This answer also applies to us today. The use of the word "brother" here applies to more than just our biological brothers, it includes all of our brothers and sisters in Christ. That we should care for our "brothers" is implied and stated in the teachings of Christ. We should love one another, as He loved us, (John 13:34); we should love our neighbor as we love ourselves, (Matthew 22:39 and Mark 12:31); we should love our enemies, (Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27); we should pray for those that use us and who persecute us, (Matthew 5:44); and we should pray for one another (James 5:16) Clearly, we are, or we should be our brother's keeper. We should treat them as we would like to be treated. (Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31)
In this the first Book of Moses, this encounter is recorded between The Lord God and Cain, the eldest son of Adam and Eve. This conversation occurred after Cain had killed his brother Abel. The Lord God asked Cain a question regarding Abel's whereabouts, even though He already knew the answer. Cain responded with a lie, and said that he didn't know. Then he asked The Lord God a question, "Am I my brother's keeper?"
The Lord God did not answer Cain's question, but clearly the answer to the question was, yes, you are your brother's keeper. This answer also applies to us today. The use of the word "brother" here applies to more than just our biological brothers, it includes all of our brothers and sisters in Christ. That we should care for our "brothers" is implied and stated in the teachings of Christ. We should love one another, as He loved us, (John 13:34); we should love our neighbor as we love ourselves, (Matthew 22:39 and Mark 12:31); we should love our enemies, (Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27); we should pray for those that use us and who persecute us, (Matthew 5:44); and we should pray for one another (James 5:16) Clearly, we are, or we should be our brother's keeper. We should treat them as we would like to be treated. (Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31)
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Our Fellowship With God
"If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:6-7 (NIV)
The Apostle John, who referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved, recorded in this general epistle that we cannot have a fellowship with The Lord God if we do not obey His Word. We must believe and walk in His way, in His light, and maintain fellowship with our Christian brothers, if we want Him to cleanse us and forgive us of our sins.
Many people claim to be Christian, but their actions do not support their claim. Believers must walk with The Lord God, as Enoch (Genesis 5:22) and Noah (Genesis 6:9) did. Once we believe that Jesus, The Christ, is The Son of God who was raised from the dead, and accept Christ as our personal savior, then we will be saved and our relationship with The Lord God is secure. (Romans 10:9) We may be in or out of fellowship with Him, based upon our behavior, but our relationship does not change. We still sin, we confess our sins, we ask to be forgiven, (1 John 1:9), and then we persevere and continue to walk in His way. (Ephesians 6:18) By walking His way and obeying His Word, we demonstrate and maintain our fellowship with God.
The Apostle John, who referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved, recorded in this general epistle that we cannot have a fellowship with The Lord God if we do not obey His Word. We must believe and walk in His way, in His light, and maintain fellowship with our Christian brothers, if we want Him to cleanse us and forgive us of our sins.
Many people claim to be Christian, but their actions do not support their claim. Believers must walk with The Lord God, as Enoch (Genesis 5:22) and Noah (Genesis 6:9) did. Once we believe that Jesus, The Christ, is The Son of God who was raised from the dead, and accept Christ as our personal savior, then we will be saved and our relationship with The Lord God is secure. (Romans 10:9) We may be in or out of fellowship with Him, based upon our behavior, but our relationship does not change. We still sin, we confess our sins, we ask to be forgiven, (1 John 1:9), and then we persevere and continue to walk in His way. (Ephesians 6:18) By walking His way and obeying His Word, we demonstrate and maintain our fellowship with God.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Pray For Those Who Make Foolish Mistakes
"Then David said to God, 'I have sinned greatly by doing this. Now, I beg You, take away the guilt of Your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.' " ! Chronicles 21:8 (NIV)
King David, the great King of Israel, the man after God's own heart, (Acts 13:22) was also a sinner, and he made foolish mistakes. According to the words recorded by Ezra, the priest, after The Lord God had granted David numerous victories of war, before his next battle with the Philistines, David ordered that a census be taken to number his troops. Instead of praying to God for assistance, David was enticed by Satan to rely on the strength of his army. (1 Chronicles 21:1) God was displeased and punished David for this. (1 Chronicles 21:11-17)
We need to be ever mindful of the fact that we can do nothing without God. With His help, all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26 and Mark 10:27) Without Him, we are, and we can do nothing. (John 1:1-4) We all commit sinful acts. (Romans 3:23) However, we also sin when we take pride in, and take credit for something which The Lord God has done. (Psalms 10:4 and Proverbs 8:13) We make foolish mistakes when we take credit, or give credit to some thing or some one for that which He has done, as David did. Believers know that God exists, only a fool would say that there is no God. (Psalms 53:1) When we do not give Him the praise, honor, and glory that He deserves, we are making a very foolish mistake. We need to pray for those of us who make foolish mistakes.
King David, the great King of Israel, the man after God's own heart, (Acts 13:22) was also a sinner, and he made foolish mistakes. According to the words recorded by Ezra, the priest, after The Lord God had granted David numerous victories of war, before his next battle with the Philistines, David ordered that a census be taken to number his troops. Instead of praying to God for assistance, David was enticed by Satan to rely on the strength of his army. (1 Chronicles 21:1) God was displeased and punished David for this. (1 Chronicles 21:11-17)
We need to be ever mindful of the fact that we can do nothing without God. With His help, all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26 and Mark 10:27) Without Him, we are, and we can do nothing. (John 1:1-4) We all commit sinful acts. (Romans 3:23) However, we also sin when we take pride in, and take credit for something which The Lord God has done. (Psalms 10:4 and Proverbs 8:13) We make foolish mistakes when we take credit, or give credit to some thing or some one for that which He has done, as David did. Believers know that God exists, only a fool would say that there is no God. (Psalms 53:1) When we do not give Him the praise, honor, and glory that He deserves, we are making a very foolish mistake. We need to pray for those of us who make foolish mistakes.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Not Of This World
"But He continued, 'You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world." John 8:23 (NIV)
The Apostle John, who referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved, recorded these words of Jesus as He explained to the Pharisees and the Jews in the crowd that He was going to leave, and go to a place where they could not find Him, and where they could not go. Jesus was referring to His death and ascension to heaven. He told them that they could not go with Him because they would die in their sins. (John 8:21) Jesus told them that He was not like them. He came from heaven, He was not of this world.
Jesus, The Christ, said that He was not of this world. (John 8:23) He also said that His kingdom was not of this world. (John 18:36) Because His spirit indwells us, (John 6:56, John 14:17, Romans 8:11, 2 Timothy 1:14, and 1 John 4:12-15), as believers, we are not of this world either. (John 15:19) We are in this world, but we are not of this world. We do not belong to the world, we belong to Christ. Therefore, we should not love the world, or worldly things, and the world will not love us. (1 John 2:15) We should not conform to the world. (Romans 12:2) We should love The Lord with all of our heart, mind, and soul; and we should expect that the world will hate us for doing so. (Deuteronomy 13:3 and John 15:18) We are not of this world.
The Apostle John, who referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved, recorded these words of Jesus as He explained to the Pharisees and the Jews in the crowd that He was going to leave, and go to a place where they could not find Him, and where they could not go. Jesus was referring to His death and ascension to heaven. He told them that they could not go with Him because they would die in their sins. (John 8:21) Jesus told them that He was not like them. He came from heaven, He was not of this world.
Jesus, The Christ, said that He was not of this world. (John 8:23) He also said that His kingdom was not of this world. (John 18:36) Because His spirit indwells us, (John 6:56, John 14:17, Romans 8:11, 2 Timothy 1:14, and 1 John 4:12-15), as believers, we are not of this world either. (John 15:19) We are in this world, but we are not of this world. We do not belong to the world, we belong to Christ. Therefore, we should not love the world, or worldly things, and the world will not love us. (1 John 2:15) We should not conform to the world. (Romans 12:2) We should love The Lord with all of our heart, mind, and soul; and we should expect that the world will hate us for doing so. (Deuteronomy 13:3 and John 15:18) We are not of this world.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Do Not Rejoice At The Misfortune Of Others
"Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or The LORD will see and disapprove and turn His wrath away from him." Proverbs 24:17-18 (NIV)
The wise man, King Solomon, told the people that they should not laugh or rejoice when their enemy stumbles or falls. Their being joyful at their enemy's misfortune is not pleasing to The Lord, and their joy may cause Him to turn His wrath away from their enemy.
It is not Christ-like for believers to laugh at, make fun of, or find joy in the misfortune of others. The Lord may allow you to see your enemy's downfall, but that is not intended to be a cause for celebration. Vengeance belongs to The Lord, and He will repay or punish them for the wrong that they have done to one of His saints. We are not to return a wrong for a wrong, nor are we to rejoice if The Lord lets us see when those who have done us wrong, get what they deserve. No one's misfortune should bring us pleasure. We should not fine joy in any one's sorrow.
The wise man, King Solomon, told the people that they should not laugh or rejoice when their enemy stumbles or falls. Their being joyful at their enemy's misfortune is not pleasing to The Lord, and their joy may cause Him to turn His wrath away from their enemy.
It is not Christ-like for believers to laugh at, make fun of, or find joy in the misfortune of others. The Lord may allow you to see your enemy's downfall, but that is not intended to be a cause for celebration. Vengeance belongs to The Lord, and He will repay or punish them for the wrong that they have done to one of His saints. We are not to return a wrong for a wrong, nor are we to rejoice if The Lord lets us see when those who have done us wrong, get what they deserve. No one's misfortune should bring us pleasure. We should not fine joy in any one's sorrow.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Live As An Example Of Christ-like Behavior
"... Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
These are the words of the Apostle Paul which were spoken to his young protege, Timothy, in order to encourage him. Paul told Timothy not to let the fact that he was young in years stand in the way of him living a Christ-like life. He also told him not to let it bother him when the people looked down on him, or criticized him. He was to devote himself to The Word of God. He was to live his live as an example for others to see and follow.
While this was Paul's advice to a young preacher, it can also serve the rest of us today. People will look down us, and talk about us for a number of reasons. Some of them may even know about our past mistakes or our shortcomings. But their reasons are not important, whatever they are, we should not let them get to us, or cause us to stray from the path that God has for us. As believers, we need to live our lives as an example of Christ-like behavior for others to see. Our speech, our behavior, and our faith in God should be examples for others to see, to learn from, and to imitate. (1 Kings 3:14, Proverbs 4:4, John 14:15, and Romans 6:4) Preachers are not the only ones who should walk the Christ-like walk, all believers should also be examples of Christian behavior. (1 Corinthians 7:17, Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 2:6, and 1 Thessalonians 2:12) We should all let The Light of Christ which is within us shine forth so that men will see our Christ-like behavior and give glory to God. (Matthew 5:16)
These are the words of the Apostle Paul which were spoken to his young protege, Timothy, in order to encourage him. Paul told Timothy not to let the fact that he was young in years stand in the way of him living a Christ-like life. He also told him not to let it bother him when the people looked down on him, or criticized him. He was to devote himself to The Word of God. He was to live his live as an example for others to see and follow.
While this was Paul's advice to a young preacher, it can also serve the rest of us today. People will look down us, and talk about us for a number of reasons. Some of them may even know about our past mistakes or our shortcomings. But their reasons are not important, whatever they are, we should not let them get to us, or cause us to stray from the path that God has for us. As believers, we need to live our lives as an example of Christ-like behavior for others to see. Our speech, our behavior, and our faith in God should be examples for others to see, to learn from, and to imitate. (1 Kings 3:14, Proverbs 4:4, John 14:15, and Romans 6:4) Preachers are not the only ones who should walk the Christ-like walk, all believers should also be examples of Christian behavior. (1 Corinthians 7:17, Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 2:6, and 1 Thessalonians 2:12) We should all let The Light of Christ which is within us shine forth so that men will see our Christ-like behavior and give glory to God. (Matthew 5:16)
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Only What We Do For Christ Will Count
"... But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames." 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul told the believers in Corinth that the work which they do will be judged. Their work will pass through the fire with them on judgement day. Only that which they did to the glory of God will pass through the fire, and for those things they will receive a heavenly reward. But everything else that they did will be consumed by the fire and will count for nothing.
As the song goes, "Only what we do for Christ will last. Only what we do for Him, will be counted at the end. Only what we do for Christ will last." When this life is over, and when we stand before Christ, we will all be judged. (Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10, and Revelation 20:12) Each lost sinner will see their entire life presented before them, and all of the opportunities which they had to accept Christ, but they refused to. They will then be condemned to spend eternity in hell. (Revelation 20:15) Each saved sinner will have all of their life's work presented before them, and only that which gave God glory will be counted towards their rewards in heaven. (Matthew 16:27, 1 Corinthians 3:13-14, Philippians 4:3, Colossians 3:24, Revelation 3:5, Revelation 21:27, and Revelation 22:12) When it is all said and done, only that which we do for Christ will be counted.
The Apostle Paul told the believers in Corinth that the work which they do will be judged. Their work will pass through the fire with them on judgement day. Only that which they did to the glory of God will pass through the fire, and for those things they will receive a heavenly reward. But everything else that they did will be consumed by the fire and will count for nothing.
As the song goes, "Only what we do for Christ will last. Only what we do for Him, will be counted at the end. Only what we do for Christ will last." When this life is over, and when we stand before Christ, we will all be judged. (Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10, and Revelation 20:12) Each lost sinner will see their entire life presented before them, and all of the opportunities which they had to accept Christ, but they refused to. They will then be condemned to spend eternity in hell. (Revelation 20:15) Each saved sinner will have all of their life's work presented before them, and only that which gave God glory will be counted towards their rewards in heaven. (Matthew 16:27, 1 Corinthians 3:13-14, Philippians 4:3, Colossians 3:24, Revelation 3:5, Revelation 21:27, and Revelation 22:12) When it is all said and done, only that which we do for Christ will be counted.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Be Generous And Prosper Bless And Be Blessed
"One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:24-25 (NIV)
King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, (1 Kings 4:29-30), said that he who gives, will gain, and he that hordes, will lose what he has. Those who are generous with others will prosper. He also said that he who blesses others, shall himself be blessed.
The Bible says, give, and it shall be given unto you. (Luke 6:38) When we give to help the poor, we are actually lending to The Lord God, and it is He shall repay us for giving. (Proverbs 19:17) Remember the Bible story about the rich man and the poor beggar man named Lazarus who sat outside his gates. When they both died, their roles were reversed. (Luke 16:19-31) We are blessed so that we can be a blessing to others. Christ said that it is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35) If we bless others, then we will also be blessed. Let us make it a point to be a blessing to at least one person each day. Let's practice random acts of kindness.
King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, (1 Kings 4:29-30), said that he who gives, will gain, and he that hordes, will lose what he has. Those who are generous with others will prosper. He also said that he who blesses others, shall himself be blessed.
The Bible says, give, and it shall be given unto you. (Luke 6:38) When we give to help the poor, we are actually lending to The Lord God, and it is He shall repay us for giving. (Proverbs 19:17) Remember the Bible story about the rich man and the poor beggar man named Lazarus who sat outside his gates. When they both died, their roles were reversed. (Luke 16:19-31) We are blessed so that we can be a blessing to others. Christ said that it is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35) If we bless others, then we will also be blessed. Let us make it a point to be a blessing to at least one person each day. Let's practice random acts of kindness.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord
"Shout for joy to The LORD, all the earth. Worship The LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs." Psalms 100:1-2 (NIV) The King James Version reads: "Make a joyful noise unto The LORD, all ye lands. Serve The LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing."
The author of this psalm clearly states that all of the people of God should shout and make a loud joyful noise when they sing and praise The Lord. He also states that worship of The Lord should be done with gladness, not with drudgery, or out of a sense of forced obligation.
When we worship The Lord, we should do so gladly and with joy, we should be happy and loud as we praise His name. We should not gather in church to worship and sit there quietly. We should make some noise, joyful noise, as we praise Him and sing. In fact, the phrase "make a joyful noise" is repeated seven times in the Bible. (Psalms 66:1, Psalms 88:1, Psalms 95:1, Psalms 95:2, Psalms 98:4, Psalms 98:6, and Psalms 100:1) It must be important for us to do it if it is repeated that often in The Word of God. The Bible does not say that only those who sing well should sing praises unto The Lord, it says all of us, all the earth, should do so. If we don't praise Him, He can make the rocks cry out with praise. (Luke 19:40) Let's not let the rocks have to speak for us, let's make a loud joyful noise unto The Lord. Don't let the record which is kept in heaven reflect that we made more noise for some earthly event than we made praising God. (Proverbs 15:3, 1 John 5:7, and Revelation 12:20)
Saturday, October 5, 2013
The Crucifixion Of Christ Predicted
"But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:5-6 (NIV)
This prophesy of the prophet Isaiah was regarding the crucifixion of Jesus. It foretold of His suffering and punishment as a substitute for us. He paid the price for our sins and iniquities so that we might be saved, because, like sheep, we had gone astray and were lost.
Just as he had predicted the birth of Christ, more than four hundred years beforehand, (Isaiah 7:14), the prophet Isaiah also predicted the crucifixion of Christ for our sins. The suffering that Christ endured, the verbal and physical abuse, being spat upon and beaten, being wiped and scourged, the crown of thorns, being nailed to the cross, being pierced in His side, and dying upon the cross was all done for our sins, transgressions, and iniquities. (Matthew 27:27-35 and Mark 15:15-26 ) We had turned away from God and each of us was doing what was right in our own eyes. (Proverbs 12:15) We were lost, and He came to save the lost. (Matthew 18:11 and Luke 19:10) Christ bore the sins of the world upon Himself and paid the price our sins so that we could have a chance at salvation. (John 1:29, John 12:27, John 18:37, and 1 John 2:2) He suffered the chastisement of God for our sins in order to procure our salvation. This is what Isaiah predicted would happen, and he predicted this long before Christ was born. However, salvation from the penalty of sin is only available if we confess and believe. (Romans 10:9-10)
This prophesy of the prophet Isaiah was regarding the crucifixion of Jesus. It foretold of His suffering and punishment as a substitute for us. He paid the price for our sins and iniquities so that we might be saved, because, like sheep, we had gone astray and were lost.
Just as he had predicted the birth of Christ, more than four hundred years beforehand, (Isaiah 7:14), the prophet Isaiah also predicted the crucifixion of Christ for our sins. The suffering that Christ endured, the verbal and physical abuse, being spat upon and beaten, being wiped and scourged, the crown of thorns, being nailed to the cross, being pierced in His side, and dying upon the cross was all done for our sins, transgressions, and iniquities. (Matthew 27:27-35 and Mark 15:15-26 ) We had turned away from God and each of us was doing what was right in our own eyes. (Proverbs 12:15) We were lost, and He came to save the lost. (Matthew 18:11 and Luke 19:10) Christ bore the sins of the world upon Himself and paid the price our sins so that we could have a chance at salvation. (John 1:29, John 12:27, John 18:37, and 1 John 2:2) He suffered the chastisement of God for our sins in order to procure our salvation. This is what Isaiah predicted would happen, and he predicted this long before Christ was born. However, salvation from the penalty of sin is only available if we confess and believe. (Romans 10:9-10)
Friday, October 4, 2013
Wait Upon The Lord
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, The Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in The LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)
Thus said the prophet Isaiah, speaking about The Lord God to the chosen people of God who had turned from God to empty ritualism and idolatry. He had prophesied regarding their coming captivity by the Babylonians and their subsequent delivery. Here he was reminding the people who The Lord God was, and what He had done. He spoke of power, knowledge, and strength of God. Then he encouraged them to be patient, to wait upon The Lord, and to maintain their faith in Him.
How quickly we seem to forget about all that The Lord has done for us. We forget that He is all powerful, all knowing, and every where all at the same time. We act like He doesn't see us when we engage in our sinful activities. We call ourselves "Christians" but we have not turned from our sinful wicked ways. The Bible says that when He comes back, there will be those calling to Him saying, "Lord, Lord", but He will say to them depart from Me for I know you not. (Matthew 7:21-23 and Luke 13:24-27) We need to recognize who He is, humble ourselves, and pray, and turn from our wicked ways, so that He will hear us and bless us. (2 Chronicles 7:14) We need to wait patiently upon The Lord and keep the faith, because our trials and temptations are only tests. (1 Peter 1:7) God can strengthen us and help us get through any situation. (Philippians 4:13) We just have to believe and obey His Word. When judgement day comes, we want to hear Him say "Well done", we do not want to hear "Depart from me."
Thus said the prophet Isaiah, speaking about The Lord God to the chosen people of God who had turned from God to empty ritualism and idolatry. He had prophesied regarding their coming captivity by the Babylonians and their subsequent delivery. Here he was reminding the people who The Lord God was, and what He had done. He spoke of power, knowledge, and strength of God. Then he encouraged them to be patient, to wait upon The Lord, and to maintain their faith in Him.
How quickly we seem to forget about all that The Lord has done for us. We forget that He is all powerful, all knowing, and every where all at the same time. We act like He doesn't see us when we engage in our sinful activities. We call ourselves "Christians" but we have not turned from our sinful wicked ways. The Bible says that when He comes back, there will be those calling to Him saying, "Lord, Lord", but He will say to them depart from Me for I know you not. (Matthew 7:21-23 and Luke 13:24-27) We need to recognize who He is, humble ourselves, and pray, and turn from our wicked ways, so that He will hear us and bless us. (2 Chronicles 7:14) We need to wait patiently upon The Lord and keep the faith, because our trials and temptations are only tests. (1 Peter 1:7) God can strengthen us and help us get through any situation. (Philippians 4:13) We just have to believe and obey His Word. When judgement day comes, we want to hear Him say "Well done", we do not want to hear "Depart from me."
Thursday, October 3, 2013
We Should Always Do Our Best
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV)
The wisdom of King Solomon is also reflected in the Book of Ecclesiastes. Here he is urging the people that when they work, they should do their very best, at whatever it is that they do, while they have the opportunity because death is coming. After they die, they will not be able to do anything, or plan anything, or think anything, or know anything.
Jesus, The Christ, said "I must work the works of Him that sent Me while it is day, for the night cometh when no man can work." (John 9:4) Jesus knew that He had to be serious about doing His Father's work while He was here on earth, because He knew that His days were numbered. The same is true for each one of us, our time on earth is limited. Jesus was all about doing His Father's work even as a child. (Luke 2:49) We need to work as if all that we are doing is for Him. (Colossians 3:17 and 3:23, and Romans 12:11) We should do our very best when we work, at whatever we do, because we are, in fact, working for The Lord. This life is not a dress rehearsal, we need to get it right, because there will not be a second chance to get it right after we die. For after death, then comes the judgement. That is when we all want to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21 and 23)
The wisdom of King Solomon is also reflected in the Book of Ecclesiastes. Here he is urging the people that when they work, they should do their very best, at whatever it is that they do, while they have the opportunity because death is coming. After they die, they will not be able to do anything, or plan anything, or think anything, or know anything.
Jesus, The Christ, said "I must work the works of Him that sent Me while it is day, for the night cometh when no man can work." (John 9:4) Jesus knew that He had to be serious about doing His Father's work while He was here on earth, because He knew that His days were numbered. The same is true for each one of us, our time on earth is limited. Jesus was all about doing His Father's work even as a child. (Luke 2:49) We need to work as if all that we are doing is for Him. (Colossians 3:17 and 3:23, and Romans 12:11) We should do our very best when we work, at whatever we do, because we are, in fact, working for The Lord. This life is not a dress rehearsal, we need to get it right, because there will not be a second chance to get it right after we die. For after death, then comes the judgement. That is when we all want to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21 and 23)
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Without Faith It Is Impossible To Please God
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
The unknown author of the Book of Hebrews stated that it is not possible to please God without believing that He exists, without having faith in Him, without actively seeking Him, and without believing that those who honestly seek Him will find Him and will be rewarded.
We cannot walk with God without wholeheartedly believing in Him. Having faith in God and believing in Him, is more than intellectually knowing that there is a God. The devil and his demons know that He is God, they just choose not to follow Him and His ways. (James 2:19) We demonstrate our faith in Him by following His way, by being obedient to The Word of God. (John 14:15 and 14:23) We cannot have faith in God without also having our actions demonstrate that faith. (James 20:26) If we sincerely seek Him, we will find Him. (Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 7:7, and Luke 11:9) Those who truly have faith are blessed. (Galatians 3:9, Hebrews 11:20-21)
The unknown author of the Book of Hebrews stated that it is not possible to please God without believing that He exists, without having faith in Him, without actively seeking Him, and without believing that those who honestly seek Him will find Him and will be rewarded.
We cannot walk with God without wholeheartedly believing in Him. Having faith in God and believing in Him, is more than intellectually knowing that there is a God. The devil and his demons know that He is God, they just choose not to follow Him and His ways. (James 2:19) We demonstrate our faith in Him by following His way, by being obedient to The Word of God. (John 14:15 and 14:23) We cannot have faith in God without also having our actions demonstrate that faith. (James 20:26) If we sincerely seek Him, we will find Him. (Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 7:7, and Luke 11:9) Those who truly have faith are blessed. (Galatians 3:9, Hebrews 11:20-21)
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
There Is No Condemnation For Those Who Are In Christ
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of The Spirit of Life set me free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)
In his letter to the believers in The Church at Rome, the Apostle Paul told them that all believers were set free from the penalty of sin. He said they were no longer condemned because Jesus died as a sin offering and He condemned the sin in sinful man who believes. (Romans 8:3)
Those of us who believe are free from the penalty of sin through Jesus, The Christ, but are not free from sinning. Since all unrighteousness is sin, anything that we do which does not give glory to God is a sin. (1 John 5:17) However, if we live our lives according to The Spirit of God, we will think more often about the things that God desires. (Romans 8:6) The unsaved person has a sinful mind, is controlled by their sinful nature, and frequently thinks about sinful things. Their sinful thoughts and actions are hostile towards God and they cannot please God. (Romans 8:7-8) Believers are not controlled by a sinful nature, they are controlled by The Spirit of God and their desire is to do that which is pleasing to God. (Romans 8:9-10) If we are not trying to please God, then who are we trying to please? If The Spirit of God is within us, then we will live, as best we can, by The Word of God. (Romans 8:11) When we mess up, we will fess up, we will get up, and we will pray for His help continue to walk the Christian walk.
In his letter to the believers in The Church at Rome, the Apostle Paul told them that all believers were set free from the penalty of sin. He said they were no longer condemned because Jesus died as a sin offering and He condemned the sin in sinful man who believes. (Romans 8:3)
Those of us who believe are free from the penalty of sin through Jesus, The Christ, but are not free from sinning. Since all unrighteousness is sin, anything that we do which does not give glory to God is a sin. (1 John 5:17) However, if we live our lives according to The Spirit of God, we will think more often about the things that God desires. (Romans 8:6) The unsaved person has a sinful mind, is controlled by their sinful nature, and frequently thinks about sinful things. Their sinful thoughts and actions are hostile towards God and they cannot please God. (Romans 8:7-8) Believers are not controlled by a sinful nature, they are controlled by The Spirit of God and their desire is to do that which is pleasing to God. (Romans 8:9-10) If we are not trying to please God, then who are we trying to please? If The Spirit of God is within us, then we will live, as best we can, by The Word of God. (Romans 8:11) When we mess up, we will fess up, we will get up, and we will pray for His help continue to walk the Christian walk.
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