"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.' " John 8:31-32 (NIV)
The Apostle John recorded these words which Jesus spoke to the Jews in the crowd in the temple at Judea during the Feast of the Tabernacles. The unbelieving chief priests and the Pharisees, who wanted to kill Jesus (John 8:37 and 8:40) had sent the temple guards to arrest Jesus, (John 7:32), but they had returned impressed by the way in which Jesus spoke. (John 7:45-47) Some of the Jews who heard Jesus believed in Him, and some did not. (John 7:12) These words He spoke to the believers in the temple.
Jesus said to the believers that they will know "the truth" and "the truth" will set them free. This "truth" is generally believed to mean the facts about Jesus, and the things that He taught. Jesus said "I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life". (John 14:6) Believers who obey and practice The Word of God are set free from the control of sin and from the penalty of sin by Jesus. (Romans 6:23) Verse 32 could have been written "Then you will know The Truth, and The Truth will set you free."
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
A Real True Friend
"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly; and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)
These words of King Solomon, the wisest man ever, contain two phrases and make two separate and distinct points. The first is that in order to have friends, one must show himself to be friendly. The second point is that there is a friend which will stick closer to you than a brother, and that friend is Jesus, The Christ.
The Bible scholars agree that the second phrase refers to the friend that we have in Jesus, but they disagree on the interpretation of the first phrase. "Friendliness wins friends and some friends are closer than others" is the thought of the King James Version and of the New King James Version. While the American Standard Version and the New American Standard Bible present the thought that "a man who has many friends will come to ruin, and it is better to have one true friend than a host of friends who will lead you astray." If we want friends, then we must be friendly. However, we should be very careful regarding the people we choose as our friends. How can two walk together unless they agree? (Amos 3:3) A true friend is not a fair weather companion, they will be with us through feasts and famine, and through thick and thin. (Proverbs 17:17) There is no friend like the friend that we have in Jesus. He laid down His life for us. (John 15:13-14) What a friend we have in Jesus.
These words of King Solomon, the wisest man ever, contain two phrases and make two separate and distinct points. The first is that in order to have friends, one must show himself to be friendly. The second point is that there is a friend which will stick closer to you than a brother, and that friend is Jesus, The Christ.
The Bible scholars agree that the second phrase refers to the friend that we have in Jesus, but they disagree on the interpretation of the first phrase. "Friendliness wins friends and some friends are closer than others" is the thought of the King James Version and of the New King James Version. While the American Standard Version and the New American Standard Bible present the thought that "a man who has many friends will come to ruin, and it is better to have one true friend than a host of friends who will lead you astray." If we want friends, then we must be friendly. However, we should be very careful regarding the people we choose as our friends. How can two walk together unless they agree? (Amos 3:3) A true friend is not a fair weather companion, they will be with us through feasts and famine, and through thick and thin. (Proverbs 17:17) There is no friend like the friend that we have in Jesus. He laid down His life for us. (John 15:13-14) What a friend we have in Jesus.
Monday, February 24, 2014
The Rapture Don't Be Left Behind
"As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of The Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of The Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. 'Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.' " Matthew 24:37-42 (NIV)
The Apostle Matthew recorded these words of Jesus as He described to His disciples the things which will occur when He comes again. He made it clear that no one knows exactly when that will be except our Heavenly Father. (Matthew 34:36) However, He stated that people will be suddenly taken up from the earth, and that some people will be left behind.
When the rapture occurs, everyone will not be taken up to meet The Lord God in the air, some people will be left behind. The Bible clearly states that when The Lord returns, He will be coming back for His Church. He died for The Church so that He could present it to Himself, cleaned up, without spot or blemish. (Ephesians 5:25-27) He said that He was going away to prepare a place for His people. (John 14:2-3) When He comes back, the dead in Christ will rise and meet Him in the air first, then those of us who believe and are still alive at that time will join them in the air. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) When the believers are taken up, the non-believers will be left behind. People will be talking, or working, and one of them will be taken up while the other will be left behind. (Matthew 24:40-41) Don't be left behind. You do not want to be left here on earth after The Church has been taken out of this world.
The Apostle Matthew recorded these words of Jesus as He described to His disciples the things which will occur when He comes again. He made it clear that no one knows exactly when that will be except our Heavenly Father. (Matthew 34:36) However, He stated that people will be suddenly taken up from the earth, and that some people will be left behind.
When the rapture occurs, everyone will not be taken up to meet The Lord God in the air, some people will be left behind. The Bible clearly states that when The Lord returns, He will be coming back for His Church. He died for The Church so that He could present it to Himself, cleaned up, without spot or blemish. (Ephesians 5:25-27) He said that He was going away to prepare a place for His people. (John 14:2-3) When He comes back, the dead in Christ will rise and meet Him in the air first, then those of us who believe and are still alive at that time will join them in the air. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) When the believers are taken up, the non-believers will be left behind. People will be talking, or working, and one of them will be taken up while the other will be left behind. (Matthew 24:40-41) Don't be left behind. You do not want to be left here on earth after The Church has been taken out of this world.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Christian Conduct
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ..." Philippians 1:27 (NIV)
While he was in prison in Rome, the Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi to encourage them to behave in a manner which was consistent with the gospel of Christ. He told them that even if they suffer, as he was suffering, they should continue to stand fast in the faith, and they should be of one mind and one spirit, that of Christ. (Philippians 2:5)
We should also conduct ourselves in a manner which is worthy of the gospel of Christ. Our behavior should be Christ-like regardless of where we are, what we are doing, and who is present and watching us. The Lord God sees all that we do. (Job 28:24 and 34:21) He also sees our heart and knows what our intentions are for our actions. (1 Samuel 16:7 and Psalms 94:11) That is why we need to pray that The Good Lord would create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us. (Psalms 51:10) That is the only way that we can consistently make the right choices and conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
While he was in prison in Rome, the Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi to encourage them to behave in a manner which was consistent with the gospel of Christ. He told them that even if they suffer, as he was suffering, they should continue to stand fast in the faith, and they should be of one mind and one spirit, that of Christ. (Philippians 2:5)
We should also conduct ourselves in a manner which is worthy of the gospel of Christ. Our behavior should be Christ-like regardless of where we are, what we are doing, and who is present and watching us. The Lord God sees all that we do. (Job 28:24 and 34:21) He also sees our heart and knows what our intentions are for our actions. (1 Samuel 16:7 and Psalms 94:11) That is why we need to pray that The Good Lord would create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us. (Psalms 51:10) That is the only way that we can consistently make the right choices and conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Christian Conversation Seasoned With Salt
"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV)
In his letter to the believers in Colossi, the Apostle Paul told them to be very careful in the way that they speak and act towards those who are unsaved. He encouraged them to act and speak in such a way so as to be an example of how one ought to speak and act. That was they could make the most of every opportunity to win others to Christ. He told them to let the grace of God guide their tongues, and let all that they say be helpful. They should know exactly what to say to anyone who wants to know why they believe as they do.
Our behavior should always be Christ-like, and so should our speech. The tongue is a very powerful organ, but it can do a lot of damage. It can cut someone, it can crush someone, and it can tear someone to shreds. (James 3:5-8) We should be very careful with what we say, and how we say it. Non-believers will judge all believers by what they see in us, and what they hear from us. We should think, and pray, before we speak, so that our words will be helpful and not harmful. Our words should be seasoned with salt. Salt adds flavor, but it also has a purifying effect. Bacteria do not grow in a salty environment. Jesus said that we are the salt of the earth. (Matthew 5:13) We should add a Christ-like flavor to the world, and we should be a purifying influence in sinful world. Jesus said that salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, it is good for nothing. (Mark 9:50 and Luke 14:34) We should be able to respond appropriately, and in a Christ-like manner, to all who we converse with. Our conversation should always be full of grace and seasoned with salt.
In his letter to the believers in Colossi, the Apostle Paul told them to be very careful in the way that they speak and act towards those who are unsaved. He encouraged them to act and speak in such a way so as to be an example of how one ought to speak and act. That was they could make the most of every opportunity to win others to Christ. He told them to let the grace of God guide their tongues, and let all that they say be helpful. They should know exactly what to say to anyone who wants to know why they believe as they do.
Our behavior should always be Christ-like, and so should our speech. The tongue is a very powerful organ, but it can do a lot of damage. It can cut someone, it can crush someone, and it can tear someone to shreds. (James 3:5-8) We should be very careful with what we say, and how we say it. Non-believers will judge all believers by what they see in us, and what they hear from us. We should think, and pray, before we speak, so that our words will be helpful and not harmful. Our words should be seasoned with salt. Salt adds flavor, but it also has a purifying effect. Bacteria do not grow in a salty environment. Jesus said that we are the salt of the earth. (Matthew 5:13) We should add a Christ-like flavor to the world, and we should be a purifying influence in sinful world. Jesus said that salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, it is good for nothing. (Mark 9:50 and Luke 14:34) We should be able to respond appropriately, and in a Christ-like manner, to all who we converse with. Our conversation should always be full of grace and seasoned with salt.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Encourage One Another
"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 (NIV)
In his letter to the believers in Thessaloniki, the Apostle Paul told them to encourage, comfort, and console each other, and to build each other up. He said that Christ died for them so that they could be saved and live together with Him.
As believers we are to love one another. (John 13:34) We are also to help one another, to encourage, to console, and to comfort one another. When we speak to each other, we are to build each other up and not tear each other down. We are to correct one another, as needed, but we are to do so in love, and with kindness. (Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 29:17, and Acts 18:26) True statements, if they are not helpful, do not need to be spoken. Let us make it a point to practice random acts of kindness and help at least one person each day.
In his letter to the believers in Thessaloniki, the Apostle Paul told them to encourage, comfort, and console each other, and to build each other up. He said that Christ died for them so that they could be saved and live together with Him.
As believers we are to love one another. (John 13:34) We are also to help one another, to encourage, to console, and to comfort one another. When we speak to each other, we are to build each other up and not tear each other down. We are to correct one another, as needed, but we are to do so in love, and with kindness. (Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 29:17, and Acts 18:26) True statements, if they are not helpful, do not need to be spoken. Let us make it a point to practice random acts of kindness and help at least one person each day.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Encouragement and God's Strength
"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV)
In his letter to them, the Apostle Paul prayed this brief prayer for the believers in Thessaloniki after he had encouraged them to stand firm in the faith. (2 Thessalonians 2:14-15)
This brief prayer is just as appropriate today as it was then. We all need to be prayed for and we need to be encouraged. The troubles, trials, and tribulations which come our way via the storms of life, can weaken us, make us weary, and even knock us down. We need to hear a word which will encourage our hearts and strengthen us, so that we can continue run the race, and fight the good fight, as we struggle on the narrow path of our Christian journey doing good deeds and spreading The Word of God.
In his letter to them, the Apostle Paul prayed this brief prayer for the believers in Thessaloniki after he had encouraged them to stand firm in the faith. (2 Thessalonians 2:14-15)
This brief prayer is just as appropriate today as it was then. We all need to be prayed for and we need to be encouraged. The troubles, trials, and tribulations which come our way via the storms of life, can weaken us, make us weary, and even knock us down. We need to hear a word which will encourage our hearts and strengthen us, so that we can continue run the race, and fight the good fight, as we struggle on the narrow path of our Christian journey doing good deeds and spreading The Word of God.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Don't Be A Hypocrite
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Luke 6:41-42 (NIV)
These words of Jesus were recorded by Luke, the physician and travelling companion of the Apostle Paul. As part of The Sermon on The Mount, Jesus told the people not to be hypocrites. He said that they should not be so concerned about the faults and sins of others while being unaware of their own sins and shortcomings. They could not be a help to others if their own sins got in the way.
The word "hypocrite" initially referred to an actor who put on a mask to perform a role. Today it has come to mean a person who acts in contradiction to their stated beliefs or feelings. A person who puts on a false appearance of virtue. Unfortunately, too many "religious" people put on an act and pretend to be holy and Christ-like when they are around certain people. We need to be honest with God, ourselves, and with others with respect to who we really are. We need to be honest about our shortcomings and our struggles with our own sins. Pretending and being less than truthful regarding who we are, is not going to help us in our efforts to spread The Word of God to those whom we know and whom we meet. Our words and actions will reveal if we are, or are not true believers in Christ. A good person will produce good, while and evil pretender will bring forth evil. (Luke 6:45) Our words and deeds should match the beliefs which we profess. (Romans 8:5-8) God is not pleased by those who pretend to be what they are not. (Isaiah 9:17) If we are to be a help to others, then our own lives must be an example to others of that which we speak. (John 13:15, Romans 6:4, 1 Timothy 4:12, James 1:22, and 1 Peter 2:21) We need to strive, with God's help, to be more Christ-like.
These words of Jesus were recorded by Luke, the physician and travelling companion of the Apostle Paul. As part of The Sermon on The Mount, Jesus told the people not to be hypocrites. He said that they should not be so concerned about the faults and sins of others while being unaware of their own sins and shortcomings. They could not be a help to others if their own sins got in the way.
The word "hypocrite" initially referred to an actor who put on a mask to perform a role. Today it has come to mean a person who acts in contradiction to their stated beliefs or feelings. A person who puts on a false appearance of virtue. Unfortunately, too many "religious" people put on an act and pretend to be holy and Christ-like when they are around certain people. We need to be honest with God, ourselves, and with others with respect to who we really are. We need to be honest about our shortcomings and our struggles with our own sins. Pretending and being less than truthful regarding who we are, is not going to help us in our efforts to spread The Word of God to those whom we know and whom we meet. Our words and actions will reveal if we are, or are not true believers in Christ. A good person will produce good, while and evil pretender will bring forth evil. (Luke 6:45) Our words and deeds should match the beliefs which we profess. (Romans 8:5-8) God is not pleased by those who pretend to be what they are not. (Isaiah 9:17) If we are to be a help to others, then our own lives must be an example to others of that which we speak. (John 13:15, Romans 6:4, 1 Timothy 4:12, James 1:22, and 1 Peter 2:21) We need to strive, with God's help, to be more Christ-like.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Pray That The Lord Will Open Our Minds
"He said to them, 'This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.' Then He opened their minds so they could understand The Scriptures." Luke 24:44-45 (NIV)
Luke, the physician and travelling companion of the Apostle Paul, recorded these post resurrection words of Christ as He spoke to His disciples and ate fish with them. (Luke 24:42-43) This was probably some of the multitude of fish which they caught after Jesus told them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. (John 21:3-6 and 9-12) As He ate with them, He reminded them of the things which He had told them while He was with them before His death, burial, and resurrection. He said all that was written about Him in The Holy Scriptures must be fulfilled. Then He opened their minds so that they could understand The Scriptures.
It would be good for us today to pray to The Lord God that He would open our minds so that we could understand The Holy Word of God. Many of us read The Scriptures, but we do not understand all that we read. Frequently some people unintentionally misinterpret The Scriptures, take things out of context and misapply them. The Word of God should be read prayerfully, studied, and compared with other sections of scripture to insure consistency of meaning and interpretation. It is important that we rightly divide, and correctly interpret, The Word of God. (2 Timothy 2:15) May The Lord God open our minds so that we can understand and obey The Scriptures.
Luke, the physician and travelling companion of the Apostle Paul, recorded these post resurrection words of Christ as He spoke to His disciples and ate fish with them. (Luke 24:42-43) This was probably some of the multitude of fish which they caught after Jesus told them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. (John 21:3-6 and 9-12) As He ate with them, He reminded them of the things which He had told them while He was with them before His death, burial, and resurrection. He said all that was written about Him in The Holy Scriptures must be fulfilled. Then He opened their minds so that they could understand The Scriptures.
It would be good for us today to pray to The Lord God that He would open our minds so that we could understand The Holy Word of God. Many of us read The Scriptures, but we do not understand all that we read. Frequently some people unintentionally misinterpret The Scriptures, take things out of context and misapply them. The Word of God should be read prayerfully, studied, and compared with other sections of scripture to insure consistency of meaning and interpretation. It is important that we rightly divide, and correctly interpret, The Word of God. (2 Timothy 2:15) May The Lord God open our minds so that we can understand and obey The Scriptures.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Do Not Think Too Highly Of Yourself
"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." Romans 12:3 (NIV)
In his letter to the believers in Rome, the Apostle Paul encouraged them not to think of themselves more highly than they ought to. Rather he said that they should think of themselves while using sound judgment.
All too often we think much more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. We tend to have an
over inflated self image. We tend to exaggerate our good points and we understate our faults. We should look at ourselves honestly and judge our own words and behavior. If we ever told a lie, then we are liars. If we ever took something that did not belong to us, then we are thieves. If we ever thought about killing some one, then we are murderers. If we ever thought about having sex with some one other than our spouse, then we are adulterers and fornicators. Our sinful thoughts count as sins just as our sinful behavior. (Matthew 5:28) We are all sinners, (Romans 3:23), some of us have just been saved from the penalty of sin by the grace of God. (Ephesians 2:8) Let us not be so quick to condemn others who happen to sin differently than we do. We all need to confess our sins to The Lord, and ask to be forgiven. We all need His help in order for us to choose to sin less. The devil does not make us sin, we choose to sin. It is only with the help of The Lord that we will be able to choose wisely and live a more Christ-like life.
In his letter to the believers in Rome, the Apostle Paul encouraged them not to think of themselves more highly than they ought to. Rather he said that they should think of themselves while using sound judgment.
All too often we think much more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. We tend to have an
over inflated self image. We tend to exaggerate our good points and we understate our faults. We should look at ourselves honestly and judge our own words and behavior. If we ever told a lie, then we are liars. If we ever took something that did not belong to us, then we are thieves. If we ever thought about killing some one, then we are murderers. If we ever thought about having sex with some one other than our spouse, then we are adulterers and fornicators. Our sinful thoughts count as sins just as our sinful behavior. (Matthew 5:28) We are all sinners, (Romans 3:23), some of us have just been saved from the penalty of sin by the grace of God. (Ephesians 2:8) Let us not be so quick to condemn others who happen to sin differently than we do. We all need to confess our sins to The Lord, and ask to be forgiven. We all need His help in order for us to choose to sin less. The devil does not make us sin, we choose to sin. It is only with the help of The Lord that we will be able to choose wisely and live a more Christ-like life.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Kept Protected And Sustained
"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because The LORD sustains me." Psalms 3:5 (NIV)
King David knew that it was The Lord God who watched over him while he slumbered and slept. He also knew that it was The Lord who woke him up in the morning. He announced to the people of God that he knew that it was The Lord God who sustained him day and night.
We need to thank The Lord God each day for all that He did yesterday to protect and bless us. We need to thank Him for watching over us and keeping us safe all night last night. We also need to thank Him for blessing us and waking us up this morning. We are only able to wake up, and to get up, because God blesses us and sustains us. We ought to thank Him and praise Him for who He is and for what He has done for us each day. (Psalms 34:1, Psalms 50:14, Psalms 69:30, and Psalms 100:4-5) We should be thankful unto Him for He is good, and He is good to us.
King David knew that it was The Lord God who watched over him while he slumbered and slept. He also knew that it was The Lord who woke him up in the morning. He announced to the people of God that he knew that it was The Lord God who sustained him day and night.
We need to thank The Lord God each day for all that He did yesterday to protect and bless us. We need to thank Him for watching over us and keeping us safe all night last night. We also need to thank Him for blessing us and waking us up this morning. We are only able to wake up, and to get up, because God blesses us and sustains us. We ought to thank Him and praise Him for who He is and for what He has done for us each day. (Psalms 34:1, Psalms 50:14, Psalms 69:30, and Psalms 100:4-5) We should be thankful unto Him for He is good, and He is good to us.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Judgment Begins With The Family Of God
"For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?" 1 Peter 4:17 (NIV)
After presenting a description of how believers should live in his discourse on living for God, (1 Peter 4:7-11), the Apostle Peter told them that it was time them to suffer for being a Christian. He said that the world would judge them now, but The Lord God would judge them and the world soon. (1 Peter 4:7) He said judgment would begin with the people of God.
The unsaved worldly people cannot understand why we believers have stopped doing some of the sinful things that they used to do. (1 Peter 4:2-3) Because they do not understand, they think that we are strange and they speak evil of us. (1 Peter 4:4) They are judging us now, but they will have to give an account for their behavior and their unbelief to The Lord Jesus at The Great White Throne Judgment. (Revelation 20:11-15, Romans 3:19, and 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10) We will also be judged, in fact, we will be judged first. On Judgment Day we will meet up with the dead in Christ, all of those believers who died beforehand, and join with then and Him in the air. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) Those who do not have their name written in The Lamb's book of life, (Revelation 21:27), shall not be in that number for they are not worthy and will be left behind. The Church should purify itself and clean up its act before The Lord comes to judge it and to judge the world.
After presenting a description of how believers should live in his discourse on living for God, (1 Peter 4:7-11), the Apostle Peter told them that it was time them to suffer for being a Christian. He said that the world would judge them now, but The Lord God would judge them and the world soon. (1 Peter 4:7) He said judgment would begin with the people of God.
The unsaved worldly people cannot understand why we believers have stopped doing some of the sinful things that they used to do. (1 Peter 4:2-3) Because they do not understand, they think that we are strange and they speak evil of us. (1 Peter 4:4) They are judging us now, but they will have to give an account for their behavior and their unbelief to The Lord Jesus at The Great White Throne Judgment. (Revelation 20:11-15, Romans 3:19, and 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10) We will also be judged, in fact, we will be judged first. On Judgment Day we will meet up with the dead in Christ, all of those believers who died beforehand, and join with then and Him in the air. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) Those who do not have their name written in The Lamb's book of life, (Revelation 21:27), shall not be in that number for they are not worthy and will be left behind. The Church should purify itself and clean up its act before The Lord comes to judge it and to judge the world.
Search Your Heart
"In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent." Psalms 4:4 (NIV)
In this psalm, King David offers advice to the people, telling them to control their behavior when they get angry. He also tells them that when they lie awake on their beds at night, they should consider their motives for and their words and actions.
Being angry does not excuse our behavior, we are still to behave in a Christ-like manner even when we are upset and angry. We are not to let our emotions cause us to sin. We should also think and consider our planned words and deeds before we speak and act. It would be good for us to ponder why we do what we do, and why we say what we say. We should not act on our sinful thoughts, rather we should ask God to forgive us for even thinking them. The Bible states that as a man thinks, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7) Out of our mouths come what we think, and it reflects who we really are. (Proverbs 4:23 and Matthew 12:34) We need to ask The Lord God to clean up our hearts, and our minds, so that we would be able to be more Christ-like in our thoughts and deeds. (Psalms 51:10)
In this psalm, King David offers advice to the people, telling them to control their behavior when they get angry. He also tells them that when they lie awake on their beds at night, they should consider their motives for and their words and actions.
Being angry does not excuse our behavior, we are still to behave in a Christ-like manner even when we are upset and angry. We are not to let our emotions cause us to sin. We should also think and consider our planned words and deeds before we speak and act. It would be good for us to ponder why we do what we do, and why we say what we say. We should not act on our sinful thoughts, rather we should ask God to forgive us for even thinking them. The Bible states that as a man thinks, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7) Out of our mouths come what we think, and it reflects who we really are. (Proverbs 4:23 and Matthew 12:34) We need to ask The Lord God to clean up our hearts, and our minds, so that we would be able to be more Christ-like in our thoughts and deeds. (Psalms 51:10)
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Keep The Word Of God And Live
"My son, keep My words and store up My commands within you. Keep My commands and you will live; guard My teachings as the apple of your eye." Proverbs 7:1-2 (NIV)
This proverb of King Solomon, the son of King David, is written to the people of God in the form of instructions from a father to his son. However, it is not clear whether this is Solomon speaking to his son Rehoboam, or David speaking to Solomon, or given that the reference to keeping the commands could be keeping The Lord's commands, Solomon here could be viewed as a child of God being told by his Heavenly Father to keep His words, commands, and teachings. Either way, these words, commands, and teachings will lead to life, and they are to be valued and guarded as the pupil of the eye is to be protected.
The Word of God, including all of its instructions, commands, and teachings, is designed to provide us with guidance and direction to help us follow the right path as we travel this Christian journey. If we believe, accept, and follow The Word of God, we will avoid the sinful mistakes which lead to hell and death. (Proverbs 1:27) Without The Word of God we would be void of understanding. (Proverbs 1:7) We would be easily enticed and seduced, and we would yield to sinful temptation. (Proverbs 1:21-22) We need The Word of God, and the guidance of The Holy Spirit, to be a lamp unto our feet, (Psalms 119:105), to keep us on the right path, the narrow way (Matthew 7:14), and to avoid the path that leads to destruction. (Matthew 7:13)
This proverb of King Solomon, the son of King David, is written to the people of God in the form of instructions from a father to his son. However, it is not clear whether this is Solomon speaking to his son Rehoboam, or David speaking to Solomon, or given that the reference to keeping the commands could be keeping The Lord's commands, Solomon here could be viewed as a child of God being told by his Heavenly Father to keep His words, commands, and teachings. Either way, these words, commands, and teachings will lead to life, and they are to be valued and guarded as the pupil of the eye is to be protected.
The Word of God, including all of its instructions, commands, and teachings, is designed to provide us with guidance and direction to help us follow the right path as we travel this Christian journey. If we believe, accept, and follow The Word of God, we will avoid the sinful mistakes which lead to hell and death. (Proverbs 1:27) Without The Word of God we would be void of understanding. (Proverbs 1:7) We would be easily enticed and seduced, and we would yield to sinful temptation. (Proverbs 1:21-22) We need The Word of God, and the guidance of The Holy Spirit, to be a lamp unto our feet, (Psalms 119:105), to keep us on the right path, the narrow way (Matthew 7:14), and to avoid the path that leads to destruction. (Matthew 7:13)
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Don't Do That Which God Hates
"There are six things The LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers." Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV)
In this proverb of King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, (1 Kings 4:30 and 1 Chronicles 1:12), he told the people of God that there were seven things which were an abomination to The Lord that they should not do.
There are a number of things which The Lord God hates. (Deuteronomy 12:31) This list of seven things which are an abomination to The Lord is not exhaustive. The Lord God also hates graven images (Deuteronomy 7:25), a perverse person (Proverbs 3:32), a false balance (Proverbs 11:1), and the thoughts of the wicked (Proverbs 15:26). As believers we are to do the things which are pleasing to The Lord. Those who love The Lord will keep His commandments. (John 14:15 and 14:24) If we say that we know The Lord and do not keep His commandments, then we are liars. (1 John 2:4) Let us obey The Lord God and let our words and actions please Him. Let us not do the things which are an abomination to Him.
In this proverb of King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, (1 Kings 4:30 and 1 Chronicles 1:12), he told the people of God that there were seven things which were an abomination to The Lord that they should not do.
There are a number of things which The Lord God hates. (Deuteronomy 12:31) This list of seven things which are an abomination to The Lord is not exhaustive. The Lord God also hates graven images (Deuteronomy 7:25), a perverse person (Proverbs 3:32), a false balance (Proverbs 11:1), and the thoughts of the wicked (Proverbs 15:26). As believers we are to do the things which are pleasing to The Lord. Those who love The Lord will keep His commandments. (John 14:15 and 14:24) If we say that we know The Lord and do not keep His commandments, then we are liars. (1 John 2:4) Let us obey The Lord God and let our words and actions please Him. Let us not do the things which are an abomination to Him.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Pray For Wisdom
"Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." Proverbs 4:5-7 (NIV)
This proverb of King Solomon, the wisest man ever, was written to convey the importance and the value of wisdom. The fear of The Lord God is the beginning of wisdom. (Psalms 111:10 and Proverbs 9:10) The Lord God gives man wisdom. (Proverbs 2:6) Having wisdom can save one from the ways of the wicked and evil people. (Proverbs 2:12) Having wisdom will protect you. Getting wisdom is worth whatever it cost you.
Getting an education is a good thing to do. However, it is useless just acquiring the knowledge of a large number facts without the wisdom and understanding of how to use and apply them. All wisdom comes from God. (Proverbs 2:6 and 4:11) Having knowledge without wisdom, is like having all of the pieces to a puzzle and not understanding how to put them together to reveal a picture. It is also like having tools and not knowing how to use them Those who seek wisdom know that it is more valuable than precious stones. (Proverbs 8:11 and 16:16) Wisdom is a blessing which not everyone receives. (Proverbs 3:13) A wise man will pray to The Lord God for wisdom. (2 Chronicles 1:10-12)
This proverb of King Solomon, the wisest man ever, was written to convey the importance and the value of wisdom. The fear of The Lord God is the beginning of wisdom. (Psalms 111:10 and Proverbs 9:10) The Lord God gives man wisdom. (Proverbs 2:6) Having wisdom can save one from the ways of the wicked and evil people. (Proverbs 2:12) Having wisdom will protect you. Getting wisdom is worth whatever it cost you.
Getting an education is a good thing to do. However, it is useless just acquiring the knowledge of a large number facts without the wisdom and understanding of how to use and apply them. All wisdom comes from God. (Proverbs 2:6 and 4:11) Having knowledge without wisdom, is like having all of the pieces to a puzzle and not understanding how to put them together to reveal a picture. It is also like having tools and not knowing how to use them Those who seek wisdom know that it is more valuable than precious stones. (Proverbs 8:11 and 16:16) Wisdom is a blessing which not everyone receives. (Proverbs 3:13) A wise man will pray to The Lord God for wisdom. (2 Chronicles 1:10-12)
Thursday, February 6, 2014
He Is Worthy Of Our Praise
"Praise The LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise Him!" Psalms 147:1 (NIV)
The author of this psalm told the people of God that it is good to praise The Lord, and it is good to sing praises to Him. He said that it is good, fitting, and appropriate to praise The Lord. After making this statement, he goes on to give a number of reasons to justify praising The Lord.
The Word of God exhorts us to praise The Lord often and continually. (Psalms 34:1 and 145:2) We should praise Him where ever we are, in church (Psalms 107:42, Psalms 150:1, and Hebrew 2:12), in our homes (Joshua 24:15), alone and among the people. (Psalms 35:18) We should also praise The Lord in all that we do. (1 Peter 4:11) He is worthy of all glory and praise. (2 Samuel 22:4, Psalms 18:3, and Revelation 5:12) We should not have to be told to praise The Lord, we should do it spontaneously on our own.
The author of this psalm told the people of God that it is good to praise The Lord, and it is good to sing praises to Him. He said that it is good, fitting, and appropriate to praise The Lord. After making this statement, he goes on to give a number of reasons to justify praising The Lord.
The Word of God exhorts us to praise The Lord often and continually. (Psalms 34:1 and 145:2) We should praise Him where ever we are, in church (Psalms 107:42, Psalms 150:1, and Hebrew 2:12), in our homes (Joshua 24:15), alone and among the people. (Psalms 35:18) We should also praise The Lord in all that we do. (1 Peter 4:11) He is worthy of all glory and praise. (2 Samuel 22:4, Psalms 18:3, and Revelation 5:12) We should not have to be told to praise The Lord, we should do it spontaneously on our own.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Renewing Our Minds
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is, His good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
Under the influence and guidance of The Holy Spirit of God, the Apostle Paul wrote these words to the believers in Rome to encourage them not to conform to the ways of the world, but to transform themselves by renewing their minds in the ways of God.
We are encouraged to be living sacrifices to The Lord God. We are to behave in a Christ-like manner so as to please God. We are not to behave as the unsaved people of the world behave. We are to transform our walk and our talk by the renewing our mind in the ways of The Lord so that the Light of Christ that is within us, can shine through us, which is God's will for us. The unsaved people of this world are controlled by Satan, (2 Corinthians 4:4), and he does it through the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. (1 John 2:16) Believers are not of this world as Christ was not of this world. (John 8:23 and 18:36) We need to continually renew our minds so that our minds will be like the mind of Christ. (Philippians 2:5)
Under the influence and guidance of The Holy Spirit of God, the Apostle Paul wrote these words to the believers in Rome to encourage them not to conform to the ways of the world, but to transform themselves by renewing their minds in the ways of God.
We are encouraged to be living sacrifices to The Lord God. We are to behave in a Christ-like manner so as to please God. We are not to behave as the unsaved people of the world behave. We are to transform our walk and our talk by the renewing our mind in the ways of The Lord so that the Light of Christ that is within us, can shine through us, which is God's will for us. The unsaved people of this world are controlled by Satan, (2 Corinthians 4:4), and he does it through the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. (1 John 2:16) Believers are not of this world as Christ was not of this world. (John 8:23 and 18:36) We need to continually renew our minds so that our minds will be like the mind of Christ. (Philippians 2:5)
Monday, February 3, 2014
Enjoy This Life More Abundantly
Jesus said "... I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10 (KJV)
These words of Jesus, The Christ, were recorded by the Apostle John, the disciple who referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved. Jesus spoke these words to the Pharisees, and to the crowd of Jews who had gathered around Him and His disciples, after He had told them that He was the door. He said that He was the door to salvation. (John 10:9) Jesus said that He did not come to kill or destroy, He came that men might have life, and have it more abundantly.
Jesus, The Christ, is the only door to salvation. He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. (John 14:6) He came to earth to give us life, eternal life, not to kill and destroy. The moment that we accept Christ as our personal savior, He gives us the gift of eternal life. (John 3:16 and Ephesians 2:8-9) The more that we turn our lives over to The Holy Spirit, and follow His guidance and direction, the more fully we will enjoy this life. (1 Timothy 6:17) We will enjoy eternal life later on, and we will enjoy this life more abundantly.
These words of Jesus, The Christ, were recorded by the Apostle John, the disciple who referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved. Jesus spoke these words to the Pharisees, and to the crowd of Jews who had gathered around Him and His disciples, after He had told them that He was the door. He said that He was the door to salvation. (John 10:9) Jesus said that He did not come to kill or destroy, He came that men might have life, and have it more abundantly.
Jesus, The Christ, is the only door to salvation. He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. (John 14:6) He came to earth to give us life, eternal life, not to kill and destroy. The moment that we accept Christ as our personal savior, He gives us the gift of eternal life. (John 3:16 and Ephesians 2:8-9) The more that we turn our lives over to The Holy Spirit, and follow His guidance and direction, the more fully we will enjoy this life. (1 Timothy 6:17) We will enjoy eternal life later on, and we will enjoy this life more abundantly.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Create In Me A Clean Heart
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalms 51:10 (NIV)
This psalm of King David is a prayer to God which he prayed after the prophet Nathan had told him that he had committed adultery with Bathsheba. He was aware that he had sinned against God, (Psalms 51:4), and he wanted God to have mercy on him and forgive him for his sin. (Psalms 51:1-2) He also wanted God to give him another chance.
King David was a man after the heart of God, (Acts 13:22), not because he did not sin, but because he prayed, and admitted that he had sinned, and he asked to be forgiven. We would do good to be like David in this regard. If we confess our sins to The Lord God, and ask to be forgiven, He will forgive us. (1 John 1:9) However, not only must we confess our sins, we must also turn away from them. (2 Chronicles 7:14) We must sincerely ask God for another chance to do the right thing.
This psalm of King David is a prayer to God which he prayed after the prophet Nathan had told him that he had committed adultery with Bathsheba. He was aware that he had sinned against God, (Psalms 51:4), and he wanted God to have mercy on him and forgive him for his sin. (Psalms 51:1-2) He also wanted God to give him another chance.
King David was a man after the heart of God, (Acts 13:22), not because he did not sin, but because he prayed, and admitted that he had sinned, and he asked to be forgiven. We would do good to be like David in this regard. If we confess our sins to The Lord God, and ask to be forgiven, He will forgive us. (1 John 1:9) However, not only must we confess our sins, we must also turn away from them. (2 Chronicles 7:14) We must sincerely ask God for another chance to do the right thing.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Salvation Cannot Be Lost
"My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of My Father's hand. I and The Father are one." John 10:27-30 (NIV)
The Apostle John recorded these words of Jesus as He spoke to the Jews who had gathered around Him in the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus said that His followers know His voice. He said that once a believer is in His hand, and in His Father's hand, no one can take them out of His hand. (Romans 8:38-39) He also said that He and His Father are one and the same.
This is an affirmation of the saying "once saved, always saved." A true believer is saved and cannot be lost. (John 6:37 and 17:11) We may fall out of fellowship with God by our sinful back-sliding behavior, but we never fall out of the relationship with Him. Just as our behavior may get us in trouble with our earthly parents, but we still remain their children. As true believers we have a similar situation with our Heavenly Father. Our salvation, once it is given to us, (Ephesians 2:8-9), is secure and no one, thing, or power, can alter that. (John 10:1, 10:8, 10:12, and 10:29)
The Apostle John recorded these words of Jesus as He spoke to the Jews who had gathered around Him in the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus said that His followers know His voice. He said that once a believer is in His hand, and in His Father's hand, no one can take them out of His hand. (Romans 8:38-39) He also said that He and His Father are one and the same.
This is an affirmation of the saying "once saved, always saved." A true believer is saved and cannot be lost. (John 6:37 and 17:11) We may fall out of fellowship with God by our sinful back-sliding behavior, but we never fall out of the relationship with Him. Just as our behavior may get us in trouble with our earthly parents, but we still remain their children. As true believers we have a similar situation with our Heavenly Father. Our salvation, once it is given to us, (Ephesians 2:8-9), is secure and no one, thing, or power, can alter that. (John 10:1, 10:8, 10:12, and 10:29)
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