Was listening to a sermon this morning. In it, the preacher mentioned that the falling away from the faith appears to be beginning. In that I disagree, I look back 20-30 years ago and it was then it started gaining steam. We are definitely deep into the falling away. False religions have far more protections than Christianity used to. You are being intolerant if you don't accept them as just as legitimate as Christianity. Sorry folks, call me intolerant all you want. God isn't in the business of making every religion acceptable.
There's only ONE way to Salvation. Through the ONLY one who ever came, lived a sinless life, died on a cross, arose 3 days later. Only through Jesus Christ.
I pray for all those around me. Because of many reasons. The chief of which is they are lost. I was lost but Jesus found me. He can find them too. Jesus says He prays for me. So I pray for them too.
There is a cup of iniquity for every nation. As a Nation we are no different. The ONLY nation chosen by God is Israel. Not the United States.
That is what Scripture says.
Our cup is quickly filling. This nation is beginning to see the battle to come. We throw human life away as a bad decision yet spend billions protecting animals and structures.
Within most churches the people are the same as those outside of it. There's no difference.
Christ isn't changing lives there because He wasn't there to begin with. Jesus mentions the removal of candles in Churches in Revelation.
Many have been removed yet people show up. The doctrines of demons have prevailed and they really think they are ok when they are not.
Jesus says that MANY will say to Him didn't we...
If JESUS says many, then brother and sister He means MANY.
Make sure of what you are listening to in the Churches you attend. Make sure it's really found in God's Word.
Our world is drawing near to that tipping point of it truly being the days of Noah in every respect. Evil men are advancing and advocating what God says is sin. People are committing atrocities in our own cities here in America. Not just third world countries.
Muslim Jihad is here in America. They are advancing in our legal system. They are being voted into office. In many ways our Media is being subverted to only speak of what is good for Islam. Think about it. A reporter last year of a very influential cable news network stated "It's our job to tell you what to think."
It's no secret that those who speak out against Islam heavily become targets of it. Yet the media won't report it openly. You look at news agencies outside the United States and it's being reported.
So pray for our President and Vice President. Pray for our elected officials. Pray for a return to lit candles in Churches. Pray for the thousands dying every DAY for just saying "I am a follower of Jesus Christ."
I, like Paul, am torn. On one hand I know of the need to pray for the lost. On the other, I so long to be held by Jesus.
Pray. Every nation has a cup that's filling. Until the times of the Gentiles is completed we will be here. Until the last person who is to be saved prior to Christ's return.
Several years ago now, I believe that God gave me a message, He would be telling me things and it was up to me to tell others. To me, it's much like the Watchman on the Wall as described in the Old Testament. The Watchman was told that it was on him to warn others about any approaching dangers. God's apparently gifted me with being able to type and write. So I put the old definition of a writer along with the concept of a watchman together. So what I hear I type and share with others.
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Cup of Iniquity
Saturday, March 30, 2019
Living in a World Without Conscious reviews
Another book that I am reading is by Mike Wingfield "Living in a World With No Conscience: Has America Reached the Point of no Return?"
This too has been an eye opener from a slightly different direction than Michael Youseff's book. It goes further into the realm of Spiritual things happening in America and by extension the world.
He's very point blank about Spiritual matters in a Christian's life.
I also highly recommend this book as well.
The Third Jihad partial Review
Been reading "The Third Jihad" by Michael Youseff. It's an eye opener about today. The world in which we live. It certainly speaks to the true nature of the depths of the Spiritual War that we are in. So many in the Church and outside of it have their head in the sand.
I have no doubts in the power of God, nor has my faith been shaken in any negative way while reading this book. However it's like my eyes have been opened to a much truer reality of life on this planet in light of Scripture. The war is very real folks. The difference is like a 1970's tv vs a 1080 HD TV. You see details you never knew were there.
I once said after 9/11 that then President Bush's statement about waging a war on terror was so wrong. It's not a war on terror. We have an enemy that has no uniform, no warnings. No amassed troops at a border. It's Islam versus God. Not just Israel, but everyone who is a Christian or even an Atheist. If you are not a practicing Muslim, you are the enemy.
Seeing more accurately the prophecies of the Bible coming true just shows me just how close to the Rapture we are. The groundwork of the influence of Islam is there. From your news reporting to your government officials. It's not just the radical factions of ISIS, but the quiet political victories they are accumulating to silence the Church and teach Islam in our public schools. In the name of tolerance our society says it's hate speech to speak against Islam. Think about that.
I am not even three quarters of the way through this book and it's intense. Seeing things in this life with a different pair of glasses is stunning.
He takes a great risk in writing about all that he is showing in this book. He even writes about other outspoken people who were pretty much chased all over the world to try to silence their inside knowledge of the plans of Islam.
I am so grateful for the words of Jesus in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
I also take comfort in what's said in Romans "There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" Jesus always has the last word. We who are alive will be caught up with those who have died in Christ at His return. Jesus promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us.
God's promises always thwart Satan's plans.
It may be a lot to digest in this book but I am glad that he took the risk in putting this out there.
Even so come quickly Lord Jesus. Amen.
Who's You Are
The past is but an echo.
It isn't the voice of the present.
Your past isn't who you are.
Don't put a label on you where Jesus put your Name. Satan uses negative labels. God says you are Beloved. You are a Child of the King. You are His workmanship. You are Chosen.
You are adopted. You are Sealed. Your Name is in the Lamb's Book of Life.
What you are in Christ is who the Father sees.
I am Redeemed, I am who God says that I am.
The world's label's mean nothing to me.
I am washed, made new. Jesus is my King, my Brother and my Friend.
Nothing this world can throw at me can separate me from the love of God.
Redeemed
I have a past.
So do you.
But to all, especially Satan, I say this:
I am Redeemed, by the blood of the Lamb of God! As the hymn also says: Redeemed I love to proclaim it! Redeemed through His infinite mercy, His child, and forever, I am.
Life will throw you curveballs that hit home.
Life will knock you down.
Jesus says that if He suffered, so shall we who choose to follow Him. But the best part of it all is He says to be encouraged, He overcame the world. The victory He won is our victory.
Your past might have shaped you but it doesn't define you. You Child of God, lift your head. You have been redeemed!
Are not a Child of God? Why not? What's keeping you back? Why are you delaying?
The Gift of Salvation is free. No strings attached. But it's a limited time offer.
Consider today. All that's holding you back is you.
Differences
The difference between a difference maker and one who makes a difference is the same as giving a man a fish or teaching him how to fish.
Mountains
I tell YOU, when God decides to move mountains, look out for flying dust! That mountain hasn't got a chance.
Friday, March 29, 2019
Essential
"But Jesus himself would often slip away into the wilderness and pray." Luke 5:16
Ok, you think you got your day off to a start. Coffee or whatever you drink and are gone. Struggles meet you. Frustration in traffic. Frustration in the weather. Get to where you are going. Frustration in finding a parking space. Go about your day, here and there, more irritation, more frustration. Why?
Well, if you started a day like that without time alone with God, that's the kind of day you will have.
Consider the poem "The Difference"
I got up early one morning
And rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish
That I didn't have time to pray.
Problems just tumbled about me,
And heavier came each task;
'Why doesn't God help me?' I wondered.
He answered, 'You didn't ask.'
I wanted to see joy and beauty
But the day toiled on gray and bleak
I wondered why God didn't show me
He said, 'But you didn't seek',
I tried to come into God's presence;
I used all my keys in the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
'My child, you didn't knock.'
I woke up early this morning,
And paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish
That I had to take time to pray.
- Author Unknown, The Difference
We who are called of God cannot go through a day without keeping our eyes where they are supposed to be. We are in a Spiritual War. You need to hear from Jesus. He needs to hear from you. He loved you enough to die for you, doesn't that count for something? Make the time. So what that you lose a little sleep, get up a little bit early and talk. He will see to it that you won't regret it. He sacrificed himself to make the way for you to be able to pray and be heard.
Life will always have struggles. But Jesus can make your path straight or at least straighter than it would have been without Him.
Fill your mind with thanksgiving. With songs that put you in the mood to worship. Your day will get better. Read some in your Bible, it is a love letter written for you. Spend time alone with Jesus.
It isn't to say your struggles won't go away, but it is to say you will indeed make it through them in ways you couldn't have done before. Thoughts that you can't figure out how you had that got you through something. Things working out that by all rights shouldn't have.
A peace that you can't explain.
So stop and pray. If you can, find a quiet place and make it your own. Jesus loves you and really would like to hear from you.
Thursday, March 28, 2019
No Different
Do not think it's any different today. Because it's not. Too many people have their heads in the sand, refusing to truly believe what's right in front of their own eyes.
Demons know and acknowledge Jesus Christ. They are everywhere. Even in the Synagogues of old...to the Churches of today. In homes and the streets across the globe.
It comes down to who's King of your heart.
Hard turn of a thought hmm? Demons have but one thing to do for the unbelievers in this world. Keep them from putting Christ on the Throne of their heart. For believers it's to make them ineffective at what they do, to get them to ruin the name of Jesus.
Demons are very real. I have come face-to-face face with at least one in my life. Freaky doesn't come close to describing it.
There's a war going on and people everywhere are caught up in it. It's a World War that is still ongoing since Adam sinned. It's over who will rule this world. Satan believes he will. However Christ Jesus defeated him at the cross when He arose 3 days after His death there for the sins of mankind. So why is all the evil in this world on a rampage right now?
Well, YOU may not take Jesus seriously. YOU may think oh it's just life, that's the way it is. YOU may think the Bible is a worn out old book. But I promise you there's certainly one group in this world who DOES. It's the Demons. They were present in Synagogues, are present in Churches today because they know the value in knowing your enemy. Those in Churches today don't know the true extent of their enemies.
They are rarely taught what it means to be a Disciple of Christ. Most have a bowl of sugary cereal for a sermon and go on their way. A production number and not a worship service.
Demons are eating it up. They have very little they need to do as long as they have Churches like that around. They can't read minds but they can influence. They can't possess believers but they can wear down weak ones. Teaching the doctrines of demons is what Scripture says they will do.
Turn away, run, from any church that isn't teaching the whole Bible. That doesn't have prayer at its core. Run, don't give them a minute of your time.
Why is the world in the shape it's in? In Revelation the tipping point had been reached. As in the days of Noah, God will give over the people of this world to their sinful nature. The Church will be taken up and those left behind will not repent of their thefts, idolatry, their sexual sins. They will rage at God for all that He's bringing down upon them.
We are quickly reaching that tipping point. Legalizing the murder of our own children in the womb. Stripping the rights of believers because the world loves their sexual sins.
Really look at the world you live in. Your possessions will mean nothing when you are confronted with defending what you believe in.
If you aren't reading a Bible, I don't care if you are a Believer or not, look into it yourself. I am making none of this up. Your eternity is at stake. The lines are drawn in the sand.
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
This or That
This or That.
Yoda: Do or Do not. There is no try.
For or Against.
There is no middle ground.
Throughout our lives we have come to know that there's always only two options. Two real directions. Going forward, retreating.
Even standing still is preparation for movement.
We do so much in an effort to get ahead. To be good enough. For who? Ourselves? Others? Some unknown, unseen reason driving us?
The last one there is probably more true than you think. God said that deep within man, he knows of God. We live in a world cursed by God over the sin of Adam. Man, apart from God, is always trying to shake a fist at God to say he is good enough. That he doesn't deserve all that's befallen him.
God is the Creator. He sets all the rules. He is the one who made Man. You are either living in obedience or not. There's no middle ground.
If you're not saved by Jesus Christ, you are in a futile effort to be good enough in this life. You never will be. Nobody can be. As Scripture says, there is no one good. Not one. Scripture also says that if it were possible for man to save himself, then Christ died needlessly.
So what can you do?
Find out who you are living for. Yourself or God.
Even if you are saved by Jesus Christ, who are you living for? Many use it as an excuse to live for themselves, that they got their ticket to get out of Hell free card. That's not how it works.
We are not our own, we were bought with a price. The blood of Jesus Christ. We are His workmanship. He is sanctifying us. Making us more Christ-like. When we oppose those plans in our lives, we are fighting God. Just like any other unbeliever. Only now the result will be greater trials and tribulations to bring us into obedience. We are not our own.
For those who have not trusted in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins, it's a much harder road. Jesus said apart from Him you can do nothing.
You burn out, you try every day and really accomplish nothing. At the end of the day, you are no better off. Your rebellion to God gets you nowhere. God loved you enough to die for you. He has a perfect Plan for your life.
Does it mean the same for both the sinner and the saint? Yes. Give up what you cannot keep to get what you cannot lose. Jesus.
Even too many professing Christians are spending what they have been blessed with on themselves rather than helping others or even tithing.
Everything in this world is going to dust. It's going to be destroyed eventually. It all is.
You can't take anything with you when you die.
Believer, are you living your life with God in mind or yourself?
Those who don't, are you honest with yourself? Tired of this life, it's disappointment and hopelessness? Go to Jesus. It may not immediately change your circumstances but it will change you. You will no longer be alone.
You will actually really begin to live.
Look at our world. It's playing out before us. One side or the other. For or against.
Lines are being drawn. Decision is what it is.
Those who do not choose Jesus now won't get the chance after He returns to bring His Church out of this world to be with Him. Oh people will be saved during the events in Revelation, but it will indeed be Hell on Earth during this time.
Salvation is a limited time offer. The only thing for you to do is ask.
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Restore your Love
When the risen Christ encountered Peter on the seashore, He did not ask Peter for a confession of his sin, but a confession of his love (John 21:15—17). You may fear that your failure has caught God by surprise. Perhaps you promised, like Peter, to stand with the Lord, but you failed. God was just as aware that you would fail Him as He was with the original disciples. He has made provision to respond every time you stumble. Don't think that somehow your failures are bigger or more complex than any God has dealt with. If you are facing challenges that seem overwhelming, don't be discouraged. God has already foreseen them and prepared for them (1 Corinthians 10:13) - Experiencing God - Blackaby
Anyone else out there do a Peter? Oh I know that I have. Yet until I read this, this morning, I hadn't realized the difference. God knows the difference. He knows. He knows your thoughts and intentions. Knows how much like Peter we are. But let's not just look at Peter. Sure Peter is most famous for what was recorded, but let's not forget that the other Disciples chimed in too. Scripture was fulfilled in that the Shepherd was struck and they all scattered. Even the writers of the gospel accounts were among those who had scattered. We are no different.
We can, and I know that I have, set a bar for ourselves- much like Peter- that we can't achieve. When we fail, and we will, we beat ourselves up over it. And then I read what Jesus said and did with Peter to restore him.
God already knows what I did, yes, asking Him for forgiveness is part of it, but remembering to reaffirm our love for Christ is the important part. Just as Christ did with him we ought to do ourselves. Don't beat yourself up. That's self condemnation. In Romans it says that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Reaffirm who you are and whose you are. Let go, move on. Peter obviously did. Look at his writings. Look at his life.
Our enemy loved to remind us of our failures. No doubt he did with Peter. Jesus wants us to remember our enemies future. To remember we are eternally loved by Him from before time began. To remember that nothing shall separate us from the love of God. Nothing.
God is not surprised by anything we have done or ever will do. Since you're down there on your knees, pray. Then get back up, dust off, and get moving. There's work to be done. Moving slow is still moving. Others who aren't saved see us. They know we are believers and it's not always easy to accept but they put us under a microscope. How we deal with life is what's on trial with them. I have been very much reminded of this lately. Scripture mentions that our behavior is noticed by unbelievers.
Monday, March 25, 2019
World vs God
World says: Look at you!
God says: Look to me.
World says: Be all you can be!
God says: in Me you are a new creation. My workmanship.
World says: You can be good!
God says: there's no one good, not one.
World says: you don't need a Savior.
God says: "For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, will not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 if you didn't, then Christ died needlessly. But He didn't die needlessly.
Romans 5:6-11 "For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation."
Know that we MUST not grow weary
"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." Galatians 6:9-10
We live in a very discouraging world, if you are obedient to God's Word. To follow Christ, it says we will face trials, tribulations and temptations. Not really comforting is it? But realizing that we are aliens in this fallen world, that our time on this round ball in space, sort of puts things in perspective. This world is going to go away. Consider this. At a minimum, after the Rapture of the Church, 7 years and 1000 years must pass and then that's it. It's all going away. Making way for a new Heaven and New Earth. Maybe you've noticed that the planet already knows this. Jesus had said of His triumphant entry that had the people been silent the rocks would have cried out. This planet was cursed because of sin and it too awaits the end of all things. It awaits the day when Christ returns and fulfills all things.
Satan will twist every good thing towards his purpose. Including doing good towards others. Chik-fil-a is being attacked yet again today. No dialogue with them from their accusers, just hatred from their accusers. Interesting how those who attack Christians are utilizing hate speech, yet claim that Christians are the ones doing the hating. Those who attack Christians in the media are actually following the Quran in that "join us or die" mentality. Support the LGBTQ or be slandered and attacked. Renounce your stance or we will take you out.
The total lack of tolerance by those claiming intolerance follows the Quran. Think about that when you read the news. Muslim thinkers are behind what you read, see, etc in the media. They declared war on all who are not Muslim centuries ago and are not giving up.
Keep your President and Vice President in prayer. God appoints leaders. They need our prayers against these attacks. Christian businesses need our prayers. The true Church needs our prayers. The forces of evil are very organized. Jesus said not to grow weary of doing good. He said to be encouraged He overcame the world. There a light at the end of the tunnel and it's not a train. It's the return of Christ. Coming soon to settle everything once and for all. Know today where you stand.
There is NO coexistence
Remember this when you read of other religions speaking of coexistence with Christianity:
“Are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” Luke 22:48 “The kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Proverbs 27:6 NKJV). Let me be cautious when the world puts on a loving face. If possible, it will betray me like it did my Master—“with a kiss.” Whenever a man is about to attack religion, he usually professes a great love for it. Let me beware of the smooth-faced hypocrisy that serves as armor-bearer to heresy and unfaithfulness. - C.H. Spurgeon
Think on this when you read of other religions speaking highly of Christianity. When you see so-called preachers locking arms with Muslims. Regardless of what lies they spew, Muslims are at war with the world. They give only 1 set of choices join them or die. It's in their Quran. All are silver tongued devils when speaking to the world.
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Him. His gift of Salvation is free.
Sunday, March 24, 2019
What you didn't See in the Garden
In the Garden of Gethsemane...
“See,” Satan said to Christ, “you don’t have a friend anywhere! Your Father has closed His heart of compassion against you. Not a single angel in His heavenly courts will stretch out a hand to help you. All of heaven has withdrawn from you; you are left alone! See your closest companions—what are they worth? Son of Mary, look at your friend James and your beloved disciple John and your bold apostle Peter, how the cowards sleep while you suffer! Ha! You have no friends left in heaven or on earth. All of hell is against you. I have stirred up my diabolical den. I have sent instructions throughout every region, summoning every prince of darkness to set upon you tonight, and we will spare no arrows. We will use all our infernal might to overwhelm you, and what will you do, you solitary one?”
That is from my devotional reading by Spurgeon. The great warfare on Jesus that night. An Angel came to strengthen Him in what was to come. Jesus was about to be separated from the Father for the only time in history. Not only that, but every sin ever committed by every person who will ever live was heaped upon Him. An Angel. One to stand with Jesus to let Him know that they stand with Him and will be there when He comes out the other side.
Jesus now does the same for you and I. He comes and rests a nail pierced hand on us to strengthen us in our darkest moments. He is there to let us know we are never alone and that He will be there. Just as in His darkest hour His Father and ours, was still there for Him. He may have taken His eyes off the Son for that moment but He never left Him.
That description by Spurgeon is also about you and I. Those kinds of attacks try to wear us down. But Jesus says to take courage, I have overcome the world. When facing nations greater than them, Joshua was told to be strong and courageous. David was strong and courageous facing Goliath. Our enemy prowls around seeking someone to devour. Yet all the lions in the pit didn't do a thing to Daniel. God shut their mouths. Satan isn't all powerful. God shuts him up daily. If you're struggling, call on Jesus, He can shut the mouth of that fallen angel and take you safely through to where He's taking you.
Ask. Seek. Knock. There are no busy signals in Heaven.
Saturday, March 23, 2019
Eternal Decision
Everyone has an appointment to meet Jesus.
The question for you is simple.
Is He looking forward to seeing you or not?
For those who received His free gift of Salvation, He's looking forward to seeing you.
For those who have not:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’" Matthew 7:21-23
What is the will of the Father? Listen to the Son, believe in, put your faith in the only way, the only truth and the only life.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:6
"While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” Matthew 17:5
For those who are in Christ there is no fear in meeting with Jesus. For those who are not...you have everything to be afraid of. Nothing you can do in an of yourself can save your soul.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
"for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13
We did nothing to earn Salvation. Grace means unmerited favor. It is a 100% free gift.
If you haven't decided, decide today. Don't wait until your life is better. Jesus called the Disciples fisher's of men. They catch He cleans. Just come as you are. Jesus will take care of the rest.
Friday, March 22, 2019
Reality Check that Doesn't Bounce
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-11
Another huge chunk of why the Church today has problems is the ignorance of the enemy of God. Health, wealth and prosperity aren't going to necessarily be the norm for a Christian. Trials, tribulations, suffering through things because of to whom we now belong are what's to be expected. God CAN bless in health, and other aspects of life, but only so far as the growth of the believer in Christ needs to become Christ-like. Remember the Great Commission. Go, make, teach, meaning there's a purpose to what we experience in Christ.
If God simply always gave us what we wanted we would never grow in Christ. If a tree only was given light rains, and sunshine, it would never withstand a storm. It wouldn't have deep roots. It wouldn't grow up straight and strong.
Being prepared for the day means being with God in the morning. Means calling on Jesus throughout the day. Means relying on our Shepherd to lead us as it says in Psalms 23.
So get ready for the day, get with Jesus.
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Obedience is to be Immediate
Yet another interesting quote from one of my devotionals:
"Obedience to Christ's commands always brings fulfillment. When the Lord gives you instructions, obey immediately. Don't wait until you have figured it all out and everything makes perfect sense to you. Sometimes God will lead you to do things that you will not fully understand until after you have done them. He does not usually reveal all the details of His will when He first speaks to you. Instead, He tells you enough so you can implement what He has said, but He withholds enough information so that you must continue to rely upon His guidance. Your response will affect what God does next in your life."
Things aren't always what they seem to be.
There are times when God speaks to a situation and obedience is the next immediate step. There's no time to explain it to others because we just need to follow through. Other might not understand or they will not get it at all. The only important thing is to obey when God tells you to do something. You will know when it's from God because it will never violate His Word. Just...do...it.
Why Do Work?
Why do work?
Is there any Spiritual motivation in what you do? In recent days it seems that God's been revealing or reminding me about the things that I have been reading in the Bible. I had asked Him about my daily reading and how it does apply to me. Yesterday's was huge. Part of yesterday's that I hadn't remembered where I read was:
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it."
The Earthly motivation is a paycheck, possibly gratification of a job well done. However, as someone aptly described it, in my case I am a Christian, cleverly disguised as a Technician.
My purpose for being where I am isn't what I do. It's for who I do it for. It's to shine His light in a dark place. It's to be a witness to all that Jesus has done for me. Joseph remembered that. He knew why he was doing and was where he was at that time in history. Esther was reminded that for such a time as this she was who she was, where she was.
Work is to be done but the motivation is always more to me than what is seen. I was drawn back to Paul because of his willingness to be what was necessary to reach people. He often worked with his own hands. It's taken much of my life to 'get it' and I have a ways to go, but with the Lord's help I won't be ineffective. I won't miss opportunities or forget why I am where I am.
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
An Interesting Day
It's always interesting how a day turns out when you're in God's Word in the Morning and you get told the following:
God tells you to be strong and courageous.
God tells you He is with you, do not fear.
God tells you be silent no longer, speak.
God tells you that you are where you are for such a time as this.
You trust in what He says...and you end up with a very interesting day.
As in the days of Noah...what does that mean?
Jesus said His coming would be like it was in the days of Noah.
People then are as they are now. Self-centered, boastful, arrogant, prideful, disrespectful. Everything that Paul wrote to Timothy about.
"For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,"
Read or watch your headlines. We are living in those days. For hundreds of years Noah preached as well as built the Ark. For hundreds of years it's been preached that Jesus is coming soon.
Know where you stand. Your eternity depends on it. What you wear, who you root for, what foods you like, what kind if car you drive, means nothing in the light of eternity.
Are you secure in the knowledge that Jesus Christ is your Savior?
Your own good deeds are rubbish according to the Bible. It matters not that you believe yourself to be a 'good person'. It means nothing. Nothing.
Jesus said He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Nobody comes to the Father but through Him. So without receiving Jesus's free gift of Salvation, you are not going anywhere but Hell. Plain and simple. The gift is free. Jesus paid it all.
Just ask for it and it's yours. Turn away from the things in this life that matter not. Turn towards the one who loved you enough to die for you. Jesus did.
Repent. Admit to God that you are wrong and He is right. Confess your need for Jesus as your Savior. Jesus made it as simple as He could that even a Child could get it.
We live in times that are only going to get worse. One of these days I know that I will wake up and it will be THAT day.
Will you?
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
My Prayer this day...
Simple...Truth...
Truth...
And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
Matthew 22:37-39
There's no room for idols in your life if you are obeying in this. We are living in a world full of them. Whether people see it that way or not is irrelevant. God does. People worship people in sports, movies, tv, even their own kids. They put time, and money into showing their allegiance to whom they serve. Think on that. Are you a walking, talking representative of Christ or are you a walking, talking billboard for a sports team? Are you incensed by what happens to that thing in your life more than God's name being maligned? Does what matters to God matter to you? Do you know more statistics on people than you do your Bible? If this is true then, my friend, you have a decision to make.
Who are you serving? It isn't all just in fun.
It's disguised idol worship. One of the biggest tools of Satan.
About
It.
Fearfully and Wonderfully
God says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
We are never forsaken. He is always there. We do not need to fear him in the aspect of being afraid but should revere Him. His love knows no limits.
He knows what's best for us. The life of a Christian is a life of being moulded into being like Him. It's full of minor and major surgeries.
We, like Job, may never understand this side of Heaven, as to why we have been through what we have. But I can promise you that God causes all things to work together for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. That's God's promise. It doesn't say we will always enjoy it. It may be something we go through is only for someone else to see.
We are also promised tribulations in this life. Not all forms of blessings are in worldly goods. Sometimes a blessing is only in knowing that a life was changed.
Don't overcomplicate what it means to be a Christian. Jesus said to come as a Child. Just listen and obey. Do as we are told. Love unconditionally. Put God first.
Monday, March 18, 2019
Iron Sharpening Iron
I have often thought of writing a book, and someday that might still happen. I have seen the good and the bad of Facebook and needless to say, trusting that they won't censor what you say on there had me considering other options. I know that as of now going on over a year, God has told me that He is going to show me things, will be helping me to understand things, and it's up to me to share it with others. So today begins my Blogging of what I would be posting on my Facebook Group "Men of God sharing a Foxhole".
Jesus Christ is returning soon. The offer of Salvation through Him will soon expire. Yes, after the Rapture of the Church, there will be people saved but the Hell on Earth that they will go through isn't necessary. Receive His free gift of Salvation now. Do not delay.
This world is not getting better, it's best days are NOT ahead. War is coming. Judgement is coming. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords is coming.