Do we celebrate having no other God's before God?
Do we celebrate not worshipping idols?
Do we celebrate not taking the Lord God's name in vain?
Do we celebrate not murdering?
Do we celebrate not committing adultery?
Do we celebrate not stealing?
Do we celebrate not lying?
Do we celebrate not coveting?
We are told not to do these things in God's great ten commandments. But in two of the ten commandments we are told to DO something.
We are to honor our parents.
We are to honor our Creator on a day that He has chosen, once a week.
When we are told to honor our parents it's a continuous commandment isn't it? A commandment without end. We are CONSTANTLY to honor our parents, doing so without ceasing. There were no time constraints whatsoever placed upon this commandment. There were no guidelines, no limitations.
Exo 20:12 Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.
Honor them. Never dishonor them. In dishonoring our parents we only end up hurting ourselves. Just as we are to NEVER have another before God, just as we are to never worship idols, take the Lord God's name in vain, murder, commit adultery, steal, lie, or covet, we are to ALWAYS honor our parents. These commandments are eternal, ever lasting, ever important, ever pertinent, ever righteous, ever good, ever Holy. There will never come a time when any of these commandments will be changed, never.
Because we live in a world that chose to disobey God, sin entered our world. Before sin entered the world the commandments were kept perfectly, naturally. There was no reason to explain to Adam and Eve that they shouldn't murder each other. There was no reason to tell them not to lie, steal, covet. There wasn't a need for them to have to be told to worship God in not making the nature around them their God, they knew better naturally without having to be told. They were given this command-
Gen 2:15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
Gen 2:16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
Gen 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
This was the command given to man. DO not eat the fruit of ONE tree.
Would man obey God? Would man naturally choose to obey God? Would man in the face of temptation choose God over that temptation? What sort of creature was this man created from the very earth created by God. Created from something created, having a form unlike any other created being. Created in God's image, created not to be ethereal, but to be subjected to the world around them, a world they were created on and in need of for the very life they lived. The earth would bring forth all the food they'd need, all the water, all the air, gravity, heat would touch the planet from the created sun. Man was to be special very special.
We, as mortals are fixated on things immortal. Our very culture shows this over and over again. More than ever people are obsessed with tales of immortality. What teenager out there isn't longing for lives of immortality portrayed to them on the movie screen in the form of vampires, superheroes, varied fictional supernatural creatures?
The immortal God created man to be immortal- conditionally mortal. Yes, man was created to be a creature dependent upon the very created world that gave them form. Immortality in an exquisite world, immortal with the potential for a growing knowledge that would endlessly keep mankind living in the fascination of their Creator, God.
We were created with the condition of needing air to breath, of needing food to eat, we were created needing to eat from the tree of life.
Gen 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden…
The tree of life giving immortality! The tree whose fruit was filled with the power of immortality for all of mankind that God created.
Think about it for a moment. We tend to view our mortality as something awful because IT IS. It is NO senseless coincidence that we desire immortality. We were created to be immortal beings with free access to the fruit of immortality. Our immortal God didn't punish human beings by making them creatures dependent upon the tree of life for immortality. We were made uniquely different from other created beings- the angels. Immortal angels not dependent upon a tree laden with fruit giving them eternal life. Immortal because they were created to be immortal. Humans immortal created to be immortal. Humans being created to procreate. Angels were not created to procreate. Human beings created in God's image. Angels were not created in God's image and yet so many believe that angels are created more in God's image than mankind, it's just not true.
Our wondrous God created us marvelously and even with all our sin the miracle of our lives, our creation still shines through the thick blanket of darkness. We were created with the ability to comprehend the truth of immortality found in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Immortality was lost to us, taken from us because we chose to disobey our Creator in the one thing He asked of us, choosing selfishness over God.
Gen 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Immortality was restored to us by the promise of a coming Savior- a Savior who fulfilled that promise is His birth, life, death and resurrection- and a Savior who will return again for us bringing immortality with Him.
1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1Co 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
1Co 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Just as intended we would keep immortality by trusting wholly in our God, our Creator- obeying Him in all things. We are given the promise of immortality by trusting wholly in our God, our Creator- obeying Him in all things- by the sacrifice of our Savior, in Christ's righteousness.
In the beginning of this little study the mention of the commandments was made and it was mentioned there were two of the ten commandments that are geared towards us 'DOING' something rather than us NOT doing something. We talked about honoring our parents but let's talk about the other commandment, the fourth.
Exo 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Exo 20:9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
Exo 20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
Exo 20:11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day
We are told to--
Remember and keep.
We have to ask ourselves WHY weren't we told to remember all the other commandments? Seriously, why? Surely it's important for us to remember not to kill, steal, lie, covet, commit adultery, have only God as our God, not to make gods out of graven images, not to take God's name in vain- right?
Maybe this fourth commandment was a bridge. Seriously, maybe it was given to us to connect our worship and love of God to our love for our fellow man.
Jesus Himself said there were two great commandments upon which the rest hung.
Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
It's easy for ANYONE to see in the ten commandments the ones geared towards God and the others towards our neighbors.
Maybe that fourth one isn't strictly geared towards God but more of a bridge.
Exo 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Exo 20:9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
Exo 20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
Exo 20:11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day
First we are to REMEMBER the Sabbath day and KEEP it holy.
Six days we work.
The seventh is the Sabbath of the Lord and we aren't to work.
Not just us though… OTHERS our neighbors are not to work either! Yes, our sons, daughters, manservants, maidservants, are our neighbors too aren't they? Seriously, anyone that isn't us is one we are to love as a neighbor- surely Jesus meant it when He said the second great commandment was to love your neighbor as if they were you. Our family members have to be included in that commandment to love our neighbor as if they were us, if they're not then where else would they fit in the grand scheme of things? Many, many, MANY people do not love their family members, though we'd like to believe family members are automatically loved by other family members they're not, by far. Sometimes, or rather, often we are more cruel to family members than strangers.
So if others in our lives are NOT to do any work on the Sabbath this is the bridge reaching from each side of the commandments God and neighbors. These two laws come together perfectly on the Sabbath day- for God and man together make up the reason for the Sabbath. God made the heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them… including US, and then He made it a holy day of rest, of remembrance for the crown of His creation- US. Together God and Man, Creator and Creature.
Jesus even had to remind people of this most important fact--
Mar 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath
This heavenly WEEKLY reminder was created for US.
While many changes in our calendar have been made over time- if you look at the changes - for example the Gregorian and Julian calendars- the numbering of the day was changed, but the WEEKLY CYCLE HAS NEVER BEEN CHANGED.
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th day.
God sanctified the SEVENTH DAY of the week and that's never been changed, never.
Our weekly reminder that means so incredibly much! A day set aside, a full day, not just an hour or two. A full day set aside for us to keep holy to God. 1/7th of our week God requires of us, surely by anyone's standard that isn't too much to ask. Surely by even the most selfish person 1/7th of a week is not too much to keep holy to God, a time for the love of God to be realized most fully by man. Jesus kept the seventh day Sabbath. The Pharisees may have question is actions ON the Sabbath but they never accused Him of abandoning the Sabbath, never accused Him of doing away with the Sabbath and you can be sure they would have given the most miniscule chance!
We need to celebrate the Sabbath! Celebrate this wonderful gift of time from our Creator who in His great wisdom knew we needed time set aside to be with Him more so than at any other time in our weeks.
By HIS amazing love and grace may we keep His holy Sabbath as He would have us keep it- wholly spent with HIM, in His love, by His mercy and His righteousness!
Let us also remember this---
Rev 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
Rev 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Isa 66:23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.
We will be with Christ and that immortality promised to us will be kept - the tree of life will be there and we will gather from one moon to another, from one sabbath to another. The creature God created from the earth will be drawn to heaven and then in the great holy city, the New Jerusalem we will be drawn back to earth and all will be made new! We will inhabit the earth as originally intended all by the grace of our Savior, all to the glory of God! Forever we will be the humans God created in His image- perfect and immortal never again to sin, never! We will forever keep the Sabbath with Him as He intended, forever!
In His LOVE!
Amen.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Education in things eternal
Mat 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
Mat 7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes
People were astonished. You know what it feels like to be astonished at something, right? There's that 'wow' factor involved. You're amazed. What you've heard is incredulous. Sometimes when we hear things that astonish us it's almost life changing, isn't it? You heard things before that have altered your life in one way or another. For instance I personally heard the gospel message and was changed, my life altered in many ways. Had I not heard the gospel message my life would not have altered, it would not have gone down the path it has. Life changing messages are something that don't come along everyday. Unfortunately Satan has his own life changing messages for people and they fall for them hook, line, and sinker. How many terrorist hear the rousing words of those inciting terrorist acts and their lives are changed by them? Obviously way too many.
Words have power, life changing power.
Do you have the memory of any words that were said to you that changed your life? Maybe they were uplifting words that changed your life in a positive way. Or maybe the words were painful and changed your life in a very negative way. Words mean so much- those that are spoken and those that are written. Try telling someone who receives horrible news in a letter that written words are less harmful than spoken. Or tell someone who just found out wonderful news in a letter that it means nothing. You know in our modern world we are using cell phones for texting, computers for instant messaging and all those words whether they are shortened so a lot of people can't recognize them, whether they are in a special code, none of it matters because they are words and words matter.
When Jesus finished speaking His listeners were astonished by what He taught them. They KNEW they are being taught, that what they were listening to wasn't just a fictional story or two, it wasn't a history lesson, it wasn't a tale without merit.
Mat 5:2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying--
He taught them. He is the ultimate Teacher!
Joh 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
A Teacher come from God.
The greatest Teacher we will ever have is our Savior.
The greatest lessons we have to learn come from our Savior.
You could be the most learned man or woman on earth with a mind that can figure out incredible scientific theories and at the same time be the most uneducated person on earth if you haven't learned the greatest lessons there are from the mouth of our Savior. All the learning in the world means NOTHING if the learning isn't from our Savior and used for His purpose according to His will, not our own. So many scientist take pride in themselves for not being 'duped' by the fables of a fictional cult rearing Bible and they'll realize too late that what they considered fiction is fact. There is NO pride to be had in disregarding the Bible as being uninspired. Not believing doesn't make you an intellectual genius. In a world ruled by Satan you may garner accolades for your astute ability to *think* to reason, to impressive with your vocabulary, to out think anyone you come in contact with, to debate and never lose--but that means NOTHING! Sorry, but all the worldly wisdom means NOTHING in the grand scheme of things. It's the lessons we learn from our Savior that means EVERYTHING. Choose not to learn and you rob yourself of your greatest opportunity for an education in things eternal.
By the grace of God May we learn from the greatest Master there is - a Teacher sent from God, a Teacher that was with God, a God become man's ultimate Teacher.
In His amazing love!
Amen!
Mat 7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes
People were astonished. You know what it feels like to be astonished at something, right? There's that 'wow' factor involved. You're amazed. What you've heard is incredulous. Sometimes when we hear things that astonish us it's almost life changing, isn't it? You heard things before that have altered your life in one way or another. For instance I personally heard the gospel message and was changed, my life altered in many ways. Had I not heard the gospel message my life would not have altered, it would not have gone down the path it has. Life changing messages are something that don't come along everyday. Unfortunately Satan has his own life changing messages for people and they fall for them hook, line, and sinker. How many terrorist hear the rousing words of those inciting terrorist acts and their lives are changed by them? Obviously way too many.
Words have power, life changing power.
Do you have the memory of any words that were said to you that changed your life? Maybe they were uplifting words that changed your life in a positive way. Or maybe the words were painful and changed your life in a very negative way. Words mean so much- those that are spoken and those that are written. Try telling someone who receives horrible news in a letter that written words are less harmful than spoken. Or tell someone who just found out wonderful news in a letter that it means nothing. You know in our modern world we are using cell phones for texting, computers for instant messaging and all those words whether they are shortened so a lot of people can't recognize them, whether they are in a special code, none of it matters because they are words and words matter.
When Jesus finished speaking His listeners were astonished by what He taught them. They KNEW they are being taught, that what they were listening to wasn't just a fictional story or two, it wasn't a history lesson, it wasn't a tale without merit.
Mat 5:2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying--
He taught them. He is the ultimate Teacher!
Joh 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
A Teacher come from God.
The greatest Teacher we will ever have is our Savior.
The greatest lessons we have to learn come from our Savior.
You could be the most learned man or woman on earth with a mind that can figure out incredible scientific theories and at the same time be the most uneducated person on earth if you haven't learned the greatest lessons there are from the mouth of our Savior. All the learning in the world means NOTHING if the learning isn't from our Savior and used for His purpose according to His will, not our own. So many scientist take pride in themselves for not being 'duped' by the fables of a fictional cult rearing Bible and they'll realize too late that what they considered fiction is fact. There is NO pride to be had in disregarding the Bible as being uninspired. Not believing doesn't make you an intellectual genius. In a world ruled by Satan you may garner accolades for your astute ability to *think* to reason, to impressive with your vocabulary, to out think anyone you come in contact with, to debate and never lose--but that means NOTHING! Sorry, but all the worldly wisdom means NOTHING in the grand scheme of things. It's the lessons we learn from our Savior that means EVERYTHING. Choose not to learn and you rob yourself of your greatest opportunity for an education in things eternal.
By the grace of God May we learn from the greatest Master there is - a Teacher sent from God, a Teacher that was with God, a God become man's ultimate Teacher.
In His amazing love!
Amen!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Spiritual Rock
Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Mat 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Mat 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Mat 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
Mat 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
*******
Those who HEAR the sayings Jesus was bringing to them and DO them- are likened unto a wise man which built his house upon a rock.
Hear and do.
Hear and do.
Hear and do.
Yes, I'm repeating this over and over because it bears repeating much more than I'm doing here, it warrants repeating until we get this embedded into our minds. We have to not only hear, but do what we hear. We have to LISTEN to our Savior and LEARN from Him. In learning we are living in the manner our Savior would have us live. These are LIFE lessons. These aren't mere stories being told to us - something to read and then forget. These are LIFE lessons we are to read and absorb until they are a part of us. Three chapters of Matthew- one hundred-seven verses- two thousand four hundred forty-one words of LESSONS.
And those who HEAR AND DO will be likened unto WISE men.
Mat 7:24 ...I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock
A wise man builds his house upon a ROCK. Why? Keep reading...
Mat 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Rain comes.
Floods come.
Winds come.
The house is beaten.
But as long as that house is upon the rock it's going no where!
We all know, especially living in the times we do with the internet and television news bringing us vivid instant pictures of devastation that rain, floods, and winds can bring that even houses on rocks can be swept away, obliterated by tornado winds. The ROCK here is a much stronger Rock just as the house truly represents us. If We… if our lives are built upon the Rock that is our Savior then NOTHING will be able to rip us apart, nothing will be able to tear us down, nothing will be able to take our Savior from us. They might be able to take everything we have physically but they can not take our spiritual life from us, that spiritual life that is where salvation in our Savior is found, where TRUE life is found.
There is another side of this too- Jesus goes on to say this...
Mat 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
Mat 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
A house built upon the sand. Truly foolish! When we do not LIVE for our Savior, we are not on a rock but rather sand and it doesn't matter if we are on sands that imitate rocks… because if they are not THE ROCK… those sand rocks will disintegrate just as surely as if they were pure sand. Too many are standing upon imitation rocks and they will not stand in the day of rain, flood, or wind. Too many have built their lives upon sand.
Jesus' own words to us so why don't we heed them? Why? Why do we hear but not do? Why? We are given the truth and the way and the life- JESUS. We are given all the love we need to live in Him. We need to LIVE Him. We must have Him as our Rock and no other.
1Co 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
That Rock was Christ!
Let us build our houses, our LIVES upon the Rock Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior! By His grace, by His righteousness! In His love! In His mercy! Now and forever may we live!
Amen.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Mat 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Mat 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Mat 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
Mat 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
*******
Those who HEAR the sayings Jesus was bringing to them and DO them- are likened unto a wise man which built his house upon a rock.
Hear and do.
Hear and do.
Hear and do.
Yes, I'm repeating this over and over because it bears repeating much more than I'm doing here, it warrants repeating until we get this embedded into our minds. We have to not only hear, but do what we hear. We have to LISTEN to our Savior and LEARN from Him. In learning we are living in the manner our Savior would have us live. These are LIFE lessons. These aren't mere stories being told to us - something to read and then forget. These are LIFE lessons we are to read and absorb until they are a part of us. Three chapters of Matthew- one hundred-seven verses- two thousand four hundred forty-one words of LESSONS.
And those who HEAR AND DO will be likened unto WISE men.
Mat 7:24 ...I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock
A wise man builds his house upon a ROCK. Why? Keep reading...
Mat 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Rain comes.
Floods come.
Winds come.
The house is beaten.
But as long as that house is upon the rock it's going no where!
We all know, especially living in the times we do with the internet and television news bringing us vivid instant pictures of devastation that rain, floods, and winds can bring that even houses on rocks can be swept away, obliterated by tornado winds. The ROCK here is a much stronger Rock just as the house truly represents us. If We… if our lives are built upon the Rock that is our Savior then NOTHING will be able to rip us apart, nothing will be able to tear us down, nothing will be able to take our Savior from us. They might be able to take everything we have physically but they can not take our spiritual life from us, that spiritual life that is where salvation in our Savior is found, where TRUE life is found.
There is another side of this too- Jesus goes on to say this...
Mat 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
Mat 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
A house built upon the sand. Truly foolish! When we do not LIVE for our Savior, we are not on a rock but rather sand and it doesn't matter if we are on sands that imitate rocks… because if they are not THE ROCK… those sand rocks will disintegrate just as surely as if they were pure sand. Too many are standing upon imitation rocks and they will not stand in the day of rain, flood, or wind. Too many have built their lives upon sand.
Jesus' own words to us so why don't we heed them? Why? Why do we hear but not do? Why? We are given the truth and the way and the life- JESUS. We are given all the love we need to live in Him. We need to LIVE Him. We must have Him as our Rock and no other.
1Co 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
That Rock was Christ!
Let us build our houses, our LIVES upon the Rock Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior! By His grace, by His righteousness! In His love! In His mercy! Now and forever may we live!
Amen.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Ye shall know them by their fruits
Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
Mat 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Mat 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
False prophets in sheep's clothing.
False prophets looking as if they are REAL prophets.
We've talked before quite a bit about the deception of Satan and his counterfeiting. We've expressed the opinion that only something that looks almost exactly like the real can be a good counterfeit. Satan has his prophets and they appear as if they are God's. Don't make a mistake here- the false prophets are covered in sheep's clothing, the false prophets appear as if they are sheep and we all know that our Savior loves His sheep, our Savior's sheep hear His voice and follow Him. So if we are among our Savior's sheep and there is a wolf in sheep's clothing among us we can't recognize that wolf, right?
Wrong.
Our Savior tells us to look at the fruit of the sheep. The trouble is, we don't feel as if we can judge others and each person has a walk they are called to make and they are answerable to our Savior, not us. Yet, a prophet…
G4396
προφήτης
prophētēs
prof-ay'-tace
From a compound of G4253 and G5346; a foreteller (“prophet”); by analogy an inspired speaker; by extension a poet: - prophet.
…a foreteller, an inspired speaker, anyone that claims to be a foreteller, or claims to speak inspired by our God, has to have their life completely laid open before us in all they do and while we cannot expect perfection from ANY human being, we have to see a life devoted to God above all.
The fruits we are to know the prophets by cannot be filled with corruption. The fruits we are to know the prophets by must be filled with contrition, repentance, LOVE, goodness, mercy, truth, humbleness, I could go on and on, but we all know the good things of our Savior need to be present in His prophets. Yes, they will still have their humanity, there is nothing else for them, but our God will be present within that humanity in a very real way.
Too many false prophets exist in our world, it's heartbreaking. Too many claim to be inspired by God but in reality they are only inspired by themselves with Satan cheering them on. Self the opposite of the selflessness that God is. A false prophet in sheep's clothing by definition is one hiding, one living under pretense. A false prophet's fruit will be that of one seemingly a sheep yet their lives are corrupt. The corruption doesn't necessarily mean they'll be blatantly noticeable as the wolves they are, they aren't stripping off their sheep's clothing to reveal their true selves. That sheep's clothing stays on so that we can't pick them out as wolves at all and if we are LOOKING for wolves we won't find them. We will find sheep. What we have to look at is the sheep, and look closely enough to discern by the grace of God, that their fruit is NOT that of God's. We don't have to discover an adulterous prophet- though they seem plentiful. We don't have to find out prophet embezzled, yet they're quite common as well. We don't have to see the exposed wolves as their sheep costume falls away- in fact there will be sheep that stay convincingly as sheep yet if we examine their lives as our Savior would have us do- we will notice they are filled with self-righteousness, they are filled with the inner evils that don't reveal their long teeth and their sharp claws. The self-righteousness, the pride, the cleverly disguised hatred, the prejudice, all those evils and many more like them won't present themselves as a big fluffy wolves tail, or large point ears. The fluffy, sweet lamb covered in its thick wool, will still be what we see- but we will KNOW the wolf in sheep's clothing because their fruits- all that makes up their lives will- be seen. These wolves will speak lies that sound like truths, but the Bible will reveal their falsehoods to us. When we are allowed to see the corruption beneath the thick wool we can no longer continue to follow that sheep, we can't listen to that sheep, we can't trust that sheep. Many might not see what has been revealed to us and will continue to loving stroke the sheep's wool, eager to follow that sheep as being a sheep of Christ's, when in truth they are Satan's.
Remember… MANY will believe they are Christ's. Many will be deceived. In the end the wolves will have their false clothing, their sheep's clothing ripped off and people will know all along they've been following a wolf. They loved hearing good things- they had itching ears.
2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2Ti 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
May we seek to look at the fruit and keep our eyes wide open to only truth found in Christ our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Let us examine the fruit of any we would follow and follow none blindly!
By the grace and mercy of our Savior now and forever!
Amen.
Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
Mat 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Mat 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
False prophets in sheep's clothing.
False prophets looking as if they are REAL prophets.
We've talked before quite a bit about the deception of Satan and his counterfeiting. We've expressed the opinion that only something that looks almost exactly like the real can be a good counterfeit. Satan has his prophets and they appear as if they are God's. Don't make a mistake here- the false prophets are covered in sheep's clothing, the false prophets appear as if they are sheep and we all know that our Savior loves His sheep, our Savior's sheep hear His voice and follow Him. So if we are among our Savior's sheep and there is a wolf in sheep's clothing among us we can't recognize that wolf, right?
Wrong.
Our Savior tells us to look at the fruit of the sheep. The trouble is, we don't feel as if we can judge others and each person has a walk they are called to make and they are answerable to our Savior, not us. Yet, a prophet…
G4396
προφήτης
prophētēs
prof-ay'-tace
From a compound of G4253 and G5346; a foreteller (“prophet”); by analogy an inspired speaker; by extension a poet: - prophet.
…a foreteller, an inspired speaker, anyone that claims to be a foreteller, or claims to speak inspired by our God, has to have their life completely laid open before us in all they do and while we cannot expect perfection from ANY human being, we have to see a life devoted to God above all.
The fruits we are to know the prophets by cannot be filled with corruption. The fruits we are to know the prophets by must be filled with contrition, repentance, LOVE, goodness, mercy, truth, humbleness, I could go on and on, but we all know the good things of our Savior need to be present in His prophets. Yes, they will still have their humanity, there is nothing else for them, but our God will be present within that humanity in a very real way.
Too many false prophets exist in our world, it's heartbreaking. Too many claim to be inspired by God but in reality they are only inspired by themselves with Satan cheering them on. Self the opposite of the selflessness that God is. A false prophet in sheep's clothing by definition is one hiding, one living under pretense. A false prophet's fruit will be that of one seemingly a sheep yet their lives are corrupt. The corruption doesn't necessarily mean they'll be blatantly noticeable as the wolves they are, they aren't stripping off their sheep's clothing to reveal their true selves. That sheep's clothing stays on so that we can't pick them out as wolves at all and if we are LOOKING for wolves we won't find them. We will find sheep. What we have to look at is the sheep, and look closely enough to discern by the grace of God, that their fruit is NOT that of God's. We don't have to discover an adulterous prophet- though they seem plentiful. We don't have to find out prophet embezzled, yet they're quite common as well. We don't have to see the exposed wolves as their sheep costume falls away- in fact there will be sheep that stay convincingly as sheep yet if we examine their lives as our Savior would have us do- we will notice they are filled with self-righteousness, they are filled with the inner evils that don't reveal their long teeth and their sharp claws. The self-righteousness, the pride, the cleverly disguised hatred, the prejudice, all those evils and many more like them won't present themselves as a big fluffy wolves tail, or large point ears. The fluffy, sweet lamb covered in its thick wool, will still be what we see- but we will KNOW the wolf in sheep's clothing because their fruits- all that makes up their lives will- be seen. These wolves will speak lies that sound like truths, but the Bible will reveal their falsehoods to us. When we are allowed to see the corruption beneath the thick wool we can no longer continue to follow that sheep, we can't listen to that sheep, we can't trust that sheep. Many might not see what has been revealed to us and will continue to loving stroke the sheep's wool, eager to follow that sheep as being a sheep of Christ's, when in truth they are Satan's.
Remember… MANY will believe they are Christ's. Many will be deceived. In the end the wolves will have their false clothing, their sheep's clothing ripped off and people will know all along they've been following a wolf. They loved hearing good things- they had itching ears.
2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2Ti 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
May we seek to look at the fruit and keep our eyes wide open to only truth found in Christ our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Let us examine the fruit of any we would follow and follow none blindly!
By the grace and mercy of our Savior now and forever!
Amen.
Monday, May 23, 2011
The strait and narrow
Mat 7:13,14
Enter ye in at the strait gate
for wide is the gate
and broad is the way
that leadeth to destruction
and many there be which go in thereat
Because strait is the gate
and narrow is the way
which leadeth unto life
and few there be that find it.
The straight and narrow. You hear that saying from time to time and this is where is comes from. When you're on the straight and narrow it means you are behaving, you're not involved in anything corrupt. You're playing it honestly and above board, not deceptively and underhanded.
Everyone should want to enter in at that strait gate, yes? The strait gate leads to LIFE, the wide broad gate that isn't strait leads to DESTRUCTION.
Where will most people go though? Through the wide gate and they'll do so knowing it leads to destruction. These are NOT gates that are impossible to find, perhaps hard to find because life will throw at you all sorts of enticements towards the wide gate, but NOT impossible.
The metaphorical gates are the way we conduct our lives from day to day, everyday. The gates lead to the path we are on and we know the path of the world, the path of the flesh, the path of Satan is the one MOST take. It's the EASY path the wide gate offers us. The very hard path is offered only through the narrow gate.
Why do you suppose Jesus is telling us all this? Seriously, why? Our Savior isn't sugar-coating the life of one who chooses to follow Him. Our Savior isn't painting the picture of a carefree, easy existence if we day after day decide to be His. We are NOT offered ANY worldly pleasure. We are NOT offered ANY worldly gain. We are NOT offered an easy life at all in any way. We are not promised smiles. We are NOT promised a life of ease free of situations that can bring us anxiety, worry, stress, pain, anguish, heartache, desperation, mental exhaustion, depression. We are promised a FIREY refining furnace.
Zec 13:9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
Mal 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Psa 66:10 For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.
Psa 66:11 Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.
Psa 66:12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
1Pe 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
1Pe 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ
A fiery furnace.
Life spent in a fiery furnace. Just imagine it…living life in the fire of one trial after another. We really DON'T have to really imagine it do we? We live it, it's called life and though even those on the wide, broad path leading to destruction suffer along with us and are ready to jump up and say they suffer too, there is a big difference in the suffering. Some suffer and use the suffering to promote self. Some suffer and use the suffering to bemoan their fates. Some suffer and let it harden them. Some suffer and it causes them to become more unrefined. One who is being refined by Christ allows the suffering to reshape them, to purify them. We make choices all the time, every single day we are making new choices, following old choices, but we are constantly in a state of choosing. It's true. Constantly in a state of choice. We are be given choices all day long even on our days off, in fact probably more so then. We usually make the choice, do the choosing without even thinking too overly much about it. Then there are things we agonize over deciding. It's the all day long choosing that makes up our lives and a Christ follower will strive to make their choices based on what they believe is God's will. They'll read the Bible- God's word, they'll pray, they'll try to live their lives in a way pleasing to God- as much as any human being can. Those following Christ will hold onto Him tightly knowing it is HIS righteousness that saves them as they live in the fiery furnace.
The narrow way, the straight way that only a few are going to find is all Christ's way. The self-sacrifice we must possess by His grace and power is the only way we will find that narrow path. Clinging to Christ during all facets of our life is a must, He'll bring us through the strait gate.
Read this again--
1Pe 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
1Pe 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Every single day we face adversities- even on our best days. Some of our best days bring with them the toughest choices, the furnace can be burning hotly right around the corner from the happiest days we experience. Choices… we choose which gate to enter. And we Have to remember the widest, easiest, gate is that of destruction so YES we should rejoice as we suffer- if only we can truly remember during that suffering that we should rejoice in Christ, not in ourselves or our seeming ability to survive the trial on our own, but rejoice in Christ for all the strength to endure we know He alone can give us.
Trials will come and go.
Choices will constantly be made.
Living for the glory of Christ our Savior is all we can seek to do.
In His love!
Amen.
Enter ye in at the strait gate
for wide is the gate
and broad is the way
that leadeth to destruction
and many there be which go in thereat
Because strait is the gate
and narrow is the way
which leadeth unto life
and few there be that find it.
The straight and narrow. You hear that saying from time to time and this is where is comes from. When you're on the straight and narrow it means you are behaving, you're not involved in anything corrupt. You're playing it honestly and above board, not deceptively and underhanded.
Everyone should want to enter in at that strait gate, yes? The strait gate leads to LIFE, the wide broad gate that isn't strait leads to DESTRUCTION.
Where will most people go though? Through the wide gate and they'll do so knowing it leads to destruction. These are NOT gates that are impossible to find, perhaps hard to find because life will throw at you all sorts of enticements towards the wide gate, but NOT impossible.
The metaphorical gates are the way we conduct our lives from day to day, everyday. The gates lead to the path we are on and we know the path of the world, the path of the flesh, the path of Satan is the one MOST take. It's the EASY path the wide gate offers us. The very hard path is offered only through the narrow gate.
Why do you suppose Jesus is telling us all this? Seriously, why? Our Savior isn't sugar-coating the life of one who chooses to follow Him. Our Savior isn't painting the picture of a carefree, easy existence if we day after day decide to be His. We are NOT offered ANY worldly pleasure. We are NOT offered ANY worldly gain. We are NOT offered an easy life at all in any way. We are not promised smiles. We are NOT promised a life of ease free of situations that can bring us anxiety, worry, stress, pain, anguish, heartache, desperation, mental exhaustion, depression. We are promised a FIREY refining furnace.
Zec 13:9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
Mal 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Psa 66:10 For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.
Psa 66:11 Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.
Psa 66:12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
1Pe 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
1Pe 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ
A fiery furnace.
Life spent in a fiery furnace. Just imagine it…living life in the fire of one trial after another. We really DON'T have to really imagine it do we? We live it, it's called life and though even those on the wide, broad path leading to destruction suffer along with us and are ready to jump up and say they suffer too, there is a big difference in the suffering. Some suffer and use the suffering to promote self. Some suffer and use the suffering to bemoan their fates. Some suffer and let it harden them. Some suffer and it causes them to become more unrefined. One who is being refined by Christ allows the suffering to reshape them, to purify them. We make choices all the time, every single day we are making new choices, following old choices, but we are constantly in a state of choosing. It's true. Constantly in a state of choice. We are be given choices all day long even on our days off, in fact probably more so then. We usually make the choice, do the choosing without even thinking too overly much about it. Then there are things we agonize over deciding. It's the all day long choosing that makes up our lives and a Christ follower will strive to make their choices based on what they believe is God's will. They'll read the Bible- God's word, they'll pray, they'll try to live their lives in a way pleasing to God- as much as any human being can. Those following Christ will hold onto Him tightly knowing it is HIS righteousness that saves them as they live in the fiery furnace.
The narrow way, the straight way that only a few are going to find is all Christ's way. The self-sacrifice we must possess by His grace and power is the only way we will find that narrow path. Clinging to Christ during all facets of our life is a must, He'll bring us through the strait gate.
Read this again--
1Pe 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
1Pe 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Every single day we face adversities- even on our best days. Some of our best days bring with them the toughest choices, the furnace can be burning hotly right around the corner from the happiest days we experience. Choices… we choose which gate to enter. And we Have to remember the widest, easiest, gate is that of destruction so YES we should rejoice as we suffer- if only we can truly remember during that suffering that we should rejoice in Christ, not in ourselves or our seeming ability to survive the trial on our own, but rejoice in Christ for all the strength to endure we know He alone can give us.
Trials will come and go.
Choices will constantly be made.
Living for the glory of Christ our Savior is all we can seek to do.
In His love!
Amen.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another
Mat 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Whatsoever you want others to do to you…do to them.
We hear this all the time don’t we? The saying- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It's a good saying, it's a very good saying and a good creed to live by, isn't it? You wouldn't hurt someone - mentally, emotionally, or physically if you knew you would be hurt that way in return, would you? So many people do hurt others and not just in tiny ways, but in huge ways. No matter that hurt it's senseless pain. Sure there might be those out there that believe in hurting those who hurt you. There might be those who believe in doling out pain to punish someone. There are even those who like to live by the old- hurt them before they hurt me, regardless of whether or not they were ever going to hurt you at all. Some will go so far as to say that some people hurt others because it's the only way they can show they love them. I just have to shake my head at that, I really do.
If ALL people treated others as they want to be treated what sort of world would we be living in?
Strangely enough just recently I've been catching myself (by the grace of God of course) feeling anger at other drivers around me. It's nothing new of course but lately what is new is the thought that comes immediately after I catch myself- 'what if that was me'.
What if it were me there slowing down looking for something?
What if it were me there needing to back out suddenly?
What if it were me there waiting for the light to change and confused over who is going to go first?
I have done all those things and yes, I could console myself by saying 'well the people around me had a right to be mad at me', but that's a cop out, right?
Do we have a right to that road rage, or if not rage, road ire? Anyone would have it, right? It's instinctive, reflexive, it's normal, it's … wrong. Yes, it may be all those things but it doesn't make it right. Our flesh nature is instinctive towards anger, towards evil and it's the flesh nature we have to deny, that we have to surrender to our Savior so that the spiritual nature in us can dominate.
Lashing out at someone has become reflex for so many. They get irritated and this they believe gives them the right to act on that irritation and lash out. We are going to be irritated. Too many believe that they are not right in their relationship with our Savior when they even get irritated. Too many wish to believe they can transcend all the irritation, all the angst of life and this would prove they are truly Christ's. All that proves is they've succeeded in fooling themselves that they are a *GOOD* person. We can't concern ourselves with *being good to be God's*. Yes, we must shun all evil, we must live in Christ with Him as our example, but we have to let our righteousness be Christ's righteousness. He has to live in us and His righteousness must come through, nothing that we can call OUR righteousness, OUR goodness. We have to accept that we are being tried in fire, we are being refined constantly and that refining is never easy. We need to ALWAYS do unto others as we WANT them to do to us, whether that is excuse our mistakes as we're driving, or forgive our forgetfulness, or be understanding as we fumble with our notes, have patience towards us when we mess up our pin number at the atm and hold up the line, even be forgiving when we have to take a cellphone call and our hushed conversation is bothering you. It doesn't matter what it is WE need to treat others as WE want to be treated when we are in their shoes. When we anger them we want them to be understanding. When they anger us we NEED to be understanding. When they slap us we need to realize that we didn't like being slapped and we shouldn't slap back. When they revile us it's hurtful and if we revile them back we are giving hurt back, we are giving something WE wouldn't want to have- if we had the choice. It's not easy, no one said it was.
Mat 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
We should do what we want done to us. We have to put ourselves in the shoes of others at all times not just when it's convenient for us to do so.
Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Thou shalt LOVE they neighbor as thyself.
This is one of the COMMANDMENTS!
A COMMAND for us to follow, not for us to ignore, not for us to sometimes follow, not for us to disregard as we do sooooooooooo often! We do it all the time! We've STOPPED loving our neighbor. We've stopped and we've done so for many, many reasons and not all of those reasons are horrific to us. We stop because we are scared for our safety. We stop because we just live in our own little safe sphere of influence and to step outside it makes us feel vulnerable in many ways.
Next time you step outside of your house and spy a stranger- ask yourself if you love them. Seriously, ask yourself if you love them. Love isn't that sentimental business we call it, love is caring above and beyond yourself for another, undeservedly. We don't wait for the strangers to become our friends then become our close friends until we decide we love them. We must love our neighbors, we must love all those around us as our God would love them and does love them.
Rom 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Gal 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
By the grace of God my we learn this, may this become part of our lives through our Savior. Help us God to love as you would have us love, as You love.
By Your LOVE, Your mercy and grace, Your righteousness now and forever!
Amen.
Whatsoever you want others to do to you…do to them.
We hear this all the time don’t we? The saying- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It's a good saying, it's a very good saying and a good creed to live by, isn't it? You wouldn't hurt someone - mentally, emotionally, or physically if you knew you would be hurt that way in return, would you? So many people do hurt others and not just in tiny ways, but in huge ways. No matter that hurt it's senseless pain. Sure there might be those out there that believe in hurting those who hurt you. There might be those who believe in doling out pain to punish someone. There are even those who like to live by the old- hurt them before they hurt me, regardless of whether or not they were ever going to hurt you at all. Some will go so far as to say that some people hurt others because it's the only way they can show they love them. I just have to shake my head at that, I really do.
If ALL people treated others as they want to be treated what sort of world would we be living in?
Strangely enough just recently I've been catching myself (by the grace of God of course) feeling anger at other drivers around me. It's nothing new of course but lately what is new is the thought that comes immediately after I catch myself- 'what if that was me'.
What if it were me there slowing down looking for something?
What if it were me there needing to back out suddenly?
What if it were me there waiting for the light to change and confused over who is going to go first?
I have done all those things and yes, I could console myself by saying 'well the people around me had a right to be mad at me', but that's a cop out, right?
Do we have a right to that road rage, or if not rage, road ire? Anyone would have it, right? It's instinctive, reflexive, it's normal, it's … wrong. Yes, it may be all those things but it doesn't make it right. Our flesh nature is instinctive towards anger, towards evil and it's the flesh nature we have to deny, that we have to surrender to our Savior so that the spiritual nature in us can dominate.
Lashing out at someone has become reflex for so many. They get irritated and this they believe gives them the right to act on that irritation and lash out. We are going to be irritated. Too many believe that they are not right in their relationship with our Savior when they even get irritated. Too many wish to believe they can transcend all the irritation, all the angst of life and this would prove they are truly Christ's. All that proves is they've succeeded in fooling themselves that they are a *GOOD* person. We can't concern ourselves with *being good to be God's*. Yes, we must shun all evil, we must live in Christ with Him as our example, but we have to let our righteousness be Christ's righteousness. He has to live in us and His righteousness must come through, nothing that we can call OUR righteousness, OUR goodness. We have to accept that we are being tried in fire, we are being refined constantly and that refining is never easy. We need to ALWAYS do unto others as we WANT them to do to us, whether that is excuse our mistakes as we're driving, or forgive our forgetfulness, or be understanding as we fumble with our notes, have patience towards us when we mess up our pin number at the atm and hold up the line, even be forgiving when we have to take a cellphone call and our hushed conversation is bothering you. It doesn't matter what it is WE need to treat others as WE want to be treated when we are in their shoes. When we anger them we want them to be understanding. When they anger us we NEED to be understanding. When they slap us we need to realize that we didn't like being slapped and we shouldn't slap back. When they revile us it's hurtful and if we revile them back we are giving hurt back, we are giving something WE wouldn't want to have- if we had the choice. It's not easy, no one said it was.
Mat 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
We should do what we want done to us. We have to put ourselves in the shoes of others at all times not just when it's convenient for us to do so.
Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Thou shalt LOVE they neighbor as thyself.
This is one of the COMMANDMENTS!
A COMMAND for us to follow, not for us to ignore, not for us to sometimes follow, not for us to disregard as we do sooooooooooo often! We do it all the time! We've STOPPED loving our neighbor. We've stopped and we've done so for many, many reasons and not all of those reasons are horrific to us. We stop because we are scared for our safety. We stop because we just live in our own little safe sphere of influence and to step outside it makes us feel vulnerable in many ways.
Next time you step outside of your house and spy a stranger- ask yourself if you love them. Seriously, ask yourself if you love them. Love isn't that sentimental business we call it, love is caring above and beyond yourself for another, undeservedly. We don't wait for the strangers to become our friends then become our close friends until we decide we love them. We must love our neighbors, we must love all those around us as our God would love them and does love them.
Rom 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Gal 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
By the grace of God my we learn this, may this become part of our lives through our Savior. Help us God to love as you would have us love, as You love.
By Your LOVE, Your mercy and grace, Your righteousness now and forever!
Amen.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The Lord will not hear me
Psa 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me
Why doesn't God hear us? If we regard iniquity in our hearts. If we keep sin in our lives why should we expect God to hear us? Why? It is true that our Savior came to save the sinners (which is all of us) but even He told one man He healed--
Joh 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
And a woman accused--
Joh 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Sin no more. Jesus knew all about our propensity towards sin and He did not say this-- 'go and TRY to sin no more' . He plainly stated, 'Sin no more'.
When we purposely sin we are shutting ourselves off from God. Every sin we commit estranges us from our God. Sin brings up a barrier between us and God as sure as a thick prison wall slamming down between us, no bars to see through, no windows, completely cut off. It's true. If it weren't true we would have had NO need of a Savior.
Sin was not eradicated when our Savior came and died for us. Sin in a person's life wasn't forever taken away after they were healed, or forgiven. They were told to sin no more. There would be future choices they'd have to make, they weren't inoculated against sin. Opportunities to sin would come again and again and again- and they'd have to choose whether or not to succumb to the sin each time. Just as we who have accepted our Savior can still choose sin. When we do sin the same thing happens that happens every time any one sins… we cut ourselves off from God and until we seek forgiveness, repenting of that sin, we are cut off.
If we regard sin in our hearts, if we hold onto our sins cherishing them, God cannot hear us. I'm not saying God isn't ready and willing to forgive us of our sins, He is! But as long as we love the sin in our lives, as long as we cling to our sin and refuse to repent of it there is no reason for God to hear us. He hears the cry of the repentant, but not that of the unrepentant.
Make no mistake, God knows our hearts. He knows.
1Jn 3:19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
1Jn 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
1Jn 3:21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
God is GREATER than our heart and knoweth all things.
Psa 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me
Can we assure our hearts before God if they are filled with sin? No. Not if the sin is not repented of.
Psa 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
If our heart is not contrite but regarding iniquity, we CANNOT expect God to hear us. We tell people to confess and repent of their sins, accepting Jesus as their sacrifice, accepting Jesus' forgiveness, but we can never tell a person to keep on sinning and Jesus will forgive you, we just can't. People will jump up and accuse us of making it a salvation by works when we say stuff like that, but it's true. Jesus preached this message of repentance and forgiveness. We can tell someone caught up in sin's evil grip to repent and forsake the sin and to do so every day, every hour, every minute if need be as they seek forgiveness through our Savior.
God knows our hearts and He is GREATER than our hearts. God will forgive knowing the heart of each and every one of us. God knows that the genuine cry of a sinner is much different from the cry coming from one who cherishes the sin in their hearts. Is it any wonder we must pray--
Psa 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
As long as we keep from surrendering ourselves fully to God, giving up the selfishness inside us, we can't expect God to hear us.
When Jesus told those whose lives He touched with His miracles to go and sin no more, He was telling them that sinning isn't something they should do. Just as we can sit here and say sin no more- that sinning has a consequence. Jesus wasn't telling them to sin no more on a whim. Jesus wasn't telling them to sin no more in a half-hearted manner. Jesus wasn't saying to sin no more just to hear Himself speak. These were important words, very important words.
Sin separates us from God. The first sin committed by a human begin separated us from God. When we stop trusting God in all things, when we look to ourselves for salvation we will NEVER find it. We only save ourselves by accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior, constantly.
Php 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Php 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Psa 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me
If we cling to sin not repenting of it, not seeking the victory over it through our Savior, if we knowingly hold onto anything that would separate us from God - we can't expect Him to hear us.
If someone you love does something to hurt you, you expect them to stop doing that thing and to apologize in order to keep peace between you. If that person you love keeps doing that thing that hurts you and is unapologetic do you really believe they love you? Many abuse victims will stay in an abusive relationship because the abuser apologizes over and over and promises not to do it again, not to hurt them again. Often the abuser is very apologetic and sincerely so, not wanting to hurt but seemingly unable to keep from doing so. When there is very little or no repentance on the abuser's part they can of course use other things to get their victim to stay with them- emotional, mental torture. However, a lot of times that abuse causes a separation between the two. When a spouse cheats there is often a separation after that abuse. Divorce between a man and woman happens for many reasons, but we can look at those reasons and sin is at the root of them. Even when someone says they divorce because they *grew apart*, the sin lies in the neglect that caused that to happen. When a person is separated from God it is because they are regarding sin in their heart. When that separation occurs God will not hear us, not until we've genuinely repented of that sin and found forgiveness in our Savior.
We can believe God when we are told that He will take care of us. We can believe God when we are told to ask and we will receive. What we can't believe is that sin doesn't matter. Our Savior died for us because of sin- sin matters. We live in a world that will try and convince you at every turn that sin doesn't matter. Sins have become acceptable. We call darkness - light. Sin isn't acceptable and we really need to examine our lives to find out where we might have conformed to the world because as long as we are conformed to the world we are NOT with God. And yes, the world has convinced millions that they can be conformed to the world and still be saved- that's a deception Satan has excelled at.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord may we be wholly His! May we not be conformed to the world! May we not accept sin just because the world has!
By His love may we NEVER regard sin in our hearts and may He always hear us!
Amen.
Why doesn't God hear us? If we regard iniquity in our hearts. If we keep sin in our lives why should we expect God to hear us? Why? It is true that our Savior came to save the sinners (which is all of us) but even He told one man He healed--
Joh 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
And a woman accused--
Joh 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Sin no more. Jesus knew all about our propensity towards sin and He did not say this-- 'go and TRY to sin no more' . He plainly stated, 'Sin no more'.
When we purposely sin we are shutting ourselves off from God. Every sin we commit estranges us from our God. Sin brings up a barrier between us and God as sure as a thick prison wall slamming down between us, no bars to see through, no windows, completely cut off. It's true. If it weren't true we would have had NO need of a Savior.
Sin was not eradicated when our Savior came and died for us. Sin in a person's life wasn't forever taken away after they were healed, or forgiven. They were told to sin no more. There would be future choices they'd have to make, they weren't inoculated against sin. Opportunities to sin would come again and again and again- and they'd have to choose whether or not to succumb to the sin each time. Just as we who have accepted our Savior can still choose sin. When we do sin the same thing happens that happens every time any one sins… we cut ourselves off from God and until we seek forgiveness, repenting of that sin, we are cut off.
If we regard sin in our hearts, if we hold onto our sins cherishing them, God cannot hear us. I'm not saying God isn't ready and willing to forgive us of our sins, He is! But as long as we love the sin in our lives, as long as we cling to our sin and refuse to repent of it there is no reason for God to hear us. He hears the cry of the repentant, but not that of the unrepentant.
Make no mistake, God knows our hearts. He knows.
1Jn 3:19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
1Jn 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
1Jn 3:21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
God is GREATER than our heart and knoweth all things.
Psa 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me
Can we assure our hearts before God if they are filled with sin? No. Not if the sin is not repented of.
Psa 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
If our heart is not contrite but regarding iniquity, we CANNOT expect God to hear us. We tell people to confess and repent of their sins, accepting Jesus as their sacrifice, accepting Jesus' forgiveness, but we can never tell a person to keep on sinning and Jesus will forgive you, we just can't. People will jump up and accuse us of making it a salvation by works when we say stuff like that, but it's true. Jesus preached this message of repentance and forgiveness. We can tell someone caught up in sin's evil grip to repent and forsake the sin and to do so every day, every hour, every minute if need be as they seek forgiveness through our Savior.
God knows our hearts and He is GREATER than our hearts. God will forgive knowing the heart of each and every one of us. God knows that the genuine cry of a sinner is much different from the cry coming from one who cherishes the sin in their hearts. Is it any wonder we must pray--
Psa 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
As long as we keep from surrendering ourselves fully to God, giving up the selfishness inside us, we can't expect God to hear us.
When Jesus told those whose lives He touched with His miracles to go and sin no more, He was telling them that sinning isn't something they should do. Just as we can sit here and say sin no more- that sinning has a consequence. Jesus wasn't telling them to sin no more on a whim. Jesus wasn't telling them to sin no more in a half-hearted manner. Jesus wasn't saying to sin no more just to hear Himself speak. These were important words, very important words.
Sin separates us from God. The first sin committed by a human begin separated us from God. When we stop trusting God in all things, when we look to ourselves for salvation we will NEVER find it. We only save ourselves by accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior, constantly.
Php 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Php 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Psa 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me
If we cling to sin not repenting of it, not seeking the victory over it through our Savior, if we knowingly hold onto anything that would separate us from God - we can't expect Him to hear us.
If someone you love does something to hurt you, you expect them to stop doing that thing and to apologize in order to keep peace between you. If that person you love keeps doing that thing that hurts you and is unapologetic do you really believe they love you? Many abuse victims will stay in an abusive relationship because the abuser apologizes over and over and promises not to do it again, not to hurt them again. Often the abuser is very apologetic and sincerely so, not wanting to hurt but seemingly unable to keep from doing so. When there is very little or no repentance on the abuser's part they can of course use other things to get their victim to stay with them- emotional, mental torture. However, a lot of times that abuse causes a separation between the two. When a spouse cheats there is often a separation after that abuse. Divorce between a man and woman happens for many reasons, but we can look at those reasons and sin is at the root of them. Even when someone says they divorce because they *grew apart*, the sin lies in the neglect that caused that to happen. When a person is separated from God it is because they are regarding sin in their heart. When that separation occurs God will not hear us, not until we've genuinely repented of that sin and found forgiveness in our Savior.
We can believe God when we are told that He will take care of us. We can believe God when we are told to ask and we will receive. What we can't believe is that sin doesn't matter. Our Savior died for us because of sin- sin matters. We live in a world that will try and convince you at every turn that sin doesn't matter. Sins have become acceptable. We call darkness - light. Sin isn't acceptable and we really need to examine our lives to find out where we might have conformed to the world because as long as we are conformed to the world we are NOT with God. And yes, the world has convinced millions that they can be conformed to the world and still be saved- that's a deception Satan has excelled at.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord may we be wholly His! May we not be conformed to the world! May we not accept sin just because the world has!
By His love may we NEVER regard sin in our hearts and may He always hear us!
Amen.
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