Matthew 16:24 "Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me."
Friday, July 31, 2015
Without Self Sacrifice We Cannot Love
Self Sacrifice is one elements of Love, one cannot love without it, nor can we follow Christ without it.
Matthew 16:24 "Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me."
Matthew 16:24 "Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me."
What is Love!
Another facebook friend raised the question, "how do we show love", my answer was this:
1 John 5:2 "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments."
I believe we show love by telling the truth, with the intent of helping others to grow in holiness or in the case of non-believers, to show them the way of salvation.
What would be your answer: please use scripture.
1 John 5:2 "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments."
I believe we show love by telling the truth, with the intent of helping others to grow in holiness or in the case of non-believers, to show them the way of salvation.
What would be your answer: please use scripture.
Did You Think It Couldn't Get Worse?
Is there anyone who thinks it can't get worse? Perhaps a little more knowledge of the Bible and what comes to cultures that spurn God, will help us know the truth.
Ezekiel 5:10 "Therefore, fathers will eat their sons among you, and sons will eat their ; for I will execute judgments on you and scatter all your remnant to every wind."
2 Kings 6:29 ""So we boiled mfathersy son and ate him; and I said to her on the next day, 'Give your son, that we may eat him'; but she has hidden her son."
Lamentaions 4:10 "The hands of compassionate women Boiled their own children; They became food for them Because of the destruction of the daughter of my people."
Leviticus 26:29 "'Further, you will eat the flesh of your sons and the flesh of your daughters you will eat."
Deut. 28:53-57 "Because of the suffering that your enemy will inflict on you during the siege, you will eat the fruit of the womb, the flesh of the sons and daughters the Lord your God has given you. Even the most gentle and sensitive man among you will have no compassion on his own brother or the wife he loves or his surviving children, and he will not give to one of them any of the flesh of his children that he is eating. It will be all he has left because of the suffering your enemy will inflict on you during the siege of all your cities. The most gentle and sensitive woman among you - so sensitive and gentle that she would not venture to touch the ground with the sole of her foot - will begrudge the husband she loves and her own son or daughter the afterbirth from her womb and the children she bears. For she intends to eat them secretly during the siege and in the distress that your enemy will inflict on you in your cities."
Ezekiel 5:10 "Therefore, fathers will eat their sons among you, and sons will eat their ; for I will execute judgments on you and scatter all your remnant to every wind."
2 Kings 6:29 ""So we boiled mfathersy son and ate him; and I said to her on the next day, 'Give your son, that we may eat him'; but she has hidden her son."
Lamentaions 4:10 "The hands of compassionate women Boiled their own children; They became food for them Because of the destruction of the daughter of my people."
Leviticus 26:29 "'Further, you will eat the flesh of your sons and the flesh of your daughters you will eat."
Deut. 28:53-57 "Because of the suffering that your enemy will inflict on you during the siege, you will eat the fruit of the womb, the flesh of the sons and daughters the Lord your God has given you. Even the most gentle and sensitive man among you will have no compassion on his own brother or the wife he loves or his surviving children, and he will not give to one of them any of the flesh of his children that he is eating. It will be all he has left because of the suffering your enemy will inflict on you during the siege of all your cities. The most gentle and sensitive woman among you - so sensitive and gentle that she would not venture to touch the ground with the sole of her foot - will begrudge the husband she loves and her own son or daughter the afterbirth from her womb and the children she bears. For she intends to eat them secretly during the siege and in the distress that your enemy will inflict on you in your cities."
Everyday Life With Christ Is Enough
What is enjoyable to a believer is very different from the pleasure of an unbeliever.
Those who are born again, love the little things and praise God for the smallest joys.
The unbelievers must have constant adulation and manufactured fun! I feel sorry for them, they waste lost of money on useless things and have to do it all over again to keep the excitement going and it is not worth much unless they can brag about their exploits.
Everyday joys of life, no manufactured but lived out normally are enough for those who love Christ. He is everything we need.
Those who are born again, love the little things and praise God for the smallest joys.
The unbelievers must have constant adulation and manufactured fun! I feel sorry for them, they waste lost of money on useless things and have to do it all over again to keep the excitement going and it is not worth much unless they can brag about their exploits.
Everyday joys of life, no manufactured but lived out normally are enough for those who love Christ. He is everything we need.
What Happens When We Refuse To Listen?
We cannot reason with twisted minds that are bent on making life easier for themselves. Pleasure dominates our culture like a plague, anyone suggesting that we should give up something for the greater good is unthinkable to the people living in a narcissistic age of enlightenment.
We must continue to warn, when they won't hear, then we are to move on to the next person, but most will not listen.
Proverbs 23:9 "Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words."
Jeremiah 7:27 ""You shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you; and you shall call to them, but they will not answer you."
Matthew 13:13 ""Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand."
Zechariah 7:13 ""And just as He called and they would not listen, so they called and I would not listen," says the LORD of hosts;"
We must continue to warn, when they won't hear, then we are to move on to the next person, but most will not listen.
Proverbs 23:9 "Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words."
Jeremiah 7:27 ""You shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you; and you shall call to them, but they will not answer you."
Matthew 13:13 ""Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand."
Zechariah 7:13 ""And just as He called and they would not listen, so they called and I would not listen," says the LORD of hosts;"
It is Foolish Not to Judge
To say that we should not judge is ludicrous at best. If we are not to judge then we must be consistent and say that there might be a good reason for murder, or rape or theft. If we are not to judge acts then everything must be ignored or accepted in case it might have been the right thing to do, pragmatism at its' worst. Then one might say that we can judge the acts but not the heart, however, God says our actions come out of the heart, we cannot do something that has not already been in the heart first.
Matthew 15:11 ""It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man."
A person could not bring himself to take something that belongs to others unless he first massages theft in his own heart.
A person who loves and is caring and giving could never kill another innocent human being, such as babies in the womb.
A person who is kind and loving in their heart cannot bring themselves to steal from their neighbor.
A person who loves God cannot bring themselves to take another person's spouse.
In short a godly person whose mind is stayed upon the Lord does not have it in their heart to do evil. One who does evil without conscience has an evil heart.
Matthew 15:11 ""It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man."
A person could not bring himself to take something that belongs to others unless he first massages theft in his own heart.
A person who loves and is caring and giving could never kill another innocent human being, such as babies in the womb.
A person who is kind and loving in their heart cannot bring themselves to steal from their neighbor.
A person who loves God cannot bring themselves to take another person's spouse.
In short a godly person whose mind is stayed upon the Lord does not have it in their heart to do evil. One who does evil without conscience has an evil heart.
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Taking the Lord's Name in Vain!
It is not a popular notion, but many people don't realize their prayers are not being heard, no matter how long they are, how often they are said or the good intentions. May people are praying for revival in this country, but their prayers are hitting the ceiling and bouncing back on them.
As a country there has been no repentance for the 56 million babies that have been killed, the declaration to promote same sex marriage or the legalization of mind altering drugs. There are so many more sins that are being encouraged even to the point of teaching them to small school children in the public institutions, too many to list here.
God is not going to "bless America" anymore, there is blood on the land and countless violations of God's principles, aside from the most detestable of all sins, the mentality that rejects Christ at every turn, twisting His words, maligning His character through bad doctrine and even taking His name in vain by claiming to be a "Christian" without evidence in the lives of those who profess Christianity.
John 9:31 "Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth."
Notice too that God only hears the prayers of the believers who are obeying Him.
Psalm 66:18, "If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear."
Proverbs 1:28-29, “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they shall not find me, 29 Because they hated knowledge, And did not choose the fear of the Lord."
Isaiah 59:2 " 2 But your ainiquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His 1face from you so that He does bnot hear."
James 4:3 " 3 You ask and ado not receive, because you ask 1 with wrong motives, so that you may spend it 2 on your pleasures."
Proverbs 1:28-29 "28 “Then they will acall on me, but I will not answer; They will bseek me diligently but they will not find me, 29 Because they ahated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the Lord."
As a country there has been no repentance for the 56 million babies that have been killed, the declaration to promote same sex marriage or the legalization of mind altering drugs. There are so many more sins that are being encouraged even to the point of teaching them to small school children in the public institutions, too many to list here.
God is not going to "bless America" anymore, there is blood on the land and countless violations of God's principles, aside from the most detestable of all sins, the mentality that rejects Christ at every turn, twisting His words, maligning His character through bad doctrine and even taking His name in vain by claiming to be a "Christian" without evidence in the lives of those who profess Christianity.
John 9:31 "Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth."
Notice too that God only hears the prayers of the believers who are obeying Him.
Psalm 66:18, "If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear."
Proverbs 1:28-29, “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they shall not find me, 29 Because they hated knowledge, And did not choose the fear of the Lord."
Isaiah 59:2 " 2 But your ainiquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His 1face from you so that He does bnot hear."
James 4:3 " 3 You ask and ado not receive, because you ask 1 with wrong motives, so that you may spend it 2 on your pleasures."
Proverbs 1:28-29 "28 “Then they will acall on me, but I will not answer; They will bseek me diligently but they will not find me, 29 Because they ahated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the Lord."
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
What God Say Is Clean......Is Clean!
For all those who are still attempting to keep to the Jewish laws and rituals, it is important to remember that you are free to do what you want, but it would be sin to tell others what they can and cannot eat.
Romans 14:20 "Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense."
Acts 10:15 "Again a voice came to him a second time, "What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy."
Mark 7:19 "because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?" (Thus He declared all foods clean.)"
If you call a food unclean when God calls it clean, then you call God a liar.
Romans 14:20 "Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense."
Acts 10:15 "Again a voice came to him a second time, "What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy."
Mark 7:19 "because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?" (Thus He declared all foods clean.)"
If you call a food unclean when God calls it clean, then you call God a liar.
Wherever You Go!
Mark 16:15 "And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."
The meaning here is "wherever you go in the world preach the gospel."
So often we think that only those who go to foreign countries are missionaries, but in fact we all are, and should be sharing in our own corner of the world.
The meaning here is "wherever you go in the world preach the gospel."
So often we think that only those who go to foreign countries are missionaries, but in fact we all are, and should be sharing in our own corner of the world.
Monday, July 27, 2015
Ask New Comers Important Questions
Not that long ago I had a friend who claimed to be a "Christian", she tried to get me into a Bible study with her friends, but I declined because of all the bad experiences I have had with women's gatherings.
Later I found out that she was JW and trying to suck me into their church. She called me every day, I suppose in an attempt to become very close, but all along I sensed something wasn't right.
I was friendly but could not feel close. Then it came out that she wanted me to join a JW Bible group with her in her home. I blocked her from my phone, e-mail and everything else, because I felt she had been deceptive.
I had been discussing the gospel with her thinking she was a new believer, only to sense she was uncomfortable with our talks. These people are becoming more deceptive and tricky in their tactics to draw others into their church.
Now I see that others have experienced JW claiming to be Christian to infiltrate into their gatherings. It is vitally important that we ask new comers questions. "What is your understanding of the Gospel?", would be a good one to start with.
Later I found out that she was JW and trying to suck me into their church. She called me every day, I suppose in an attempt to become very close, but all along I sensed something wasn't right.
I was friendly but could not feel close. Then it came out that she wanted me to join a JW Bible group with her in her home. I blocked her from my phone, e-mail and everything else, because I felt she had been deceptive.
I had been discussing the gospel with her thinking she was a new believer, only to sense she was uncomfortable with our talks. These people are becoming more deceptive and tricky in their tactics to draw others into their church.
Now I see that others have experienced JW claiming to be Christian to infiltrate into their gatherings. It is vitally important that we ask new comers questions. "What is your understanding of the Gospel?", would be a good one to start with.
Pride Goes Right Before Destruction
Pride Goes Right Before Destruction
Can we say that God hates Pride in every form? Isn't it better to humble ourselves, while resisting the temptation to be elevated in our own eyes or the eyes of others to walk in humility?
Habakkuk 2:4
"“Behold, as for the proud one,
His soul is not right within him;
But the righteous will live by his faith."
James 4:6
"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
Proverbs 29:23
"One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor."
Luke 14:11
"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
Isaiah 66:2
“For My hand made all these things,
Thus all these things came into being,” declares the Lord.
“But to this one I will look,
To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word."
Proverbs 11:2
"When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom."
1 Peter 5:5
"5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
Proverbs 15:33
"The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility."
James 4:6-10
"6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you."
Luke 18:14
"14 I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Proverbs 16:18
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."
Matthew 18:4
"Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Isaiah 2:11-12
"11 The proud look of man will be abased
And the loftiness of man will be humbled,
And the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.
A Day of Reckoning Coming"
Isaiah 2:12
"12 For the Lord of hosts will have a day of reckoning
Against everyone who is proud and lofty
And against everyone who is lifted up,
That he may be abased.
The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. For the Lord of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low;"
Job 40:12
"Look on everyone who is proud and bring him low and tread down the wicked where they stand."
Isaiah 57:15
"For thus says the high and exalted One Who [a]lives forever, whose name is Holy,
“I dwell on a high and holy place, And also with the contrite and lowly of spirit
In order to revive the spirit of the lowly And to revive the heart of the contrite."
Proverbs 18:12
"Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor."
Deuteronomy 8:16
"who fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers did not know, that he might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end."
Job 22:29
"For when they are humbled you say, ‘It is because of pride’; but he saves the lowly."
Daniel 5:20-21
"20 But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit became so [a]proud that he behaved arrogantly, he was deposed from his royal throne and his glory was taken away from him.
21 He was also driven away from [b]mankind, and his heart was made like that of beasts, and his dwelling place was with the wild donkeys. He was given grass to eat like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he recognized that the Most High God is ruler over the realm of mankind and that He sets over it whomever He wishes."
2 Chronicles 32:25-26
"25 But Hezekiah gave no return for the benefit [a]he received, because his heart was proud; therefore wrath came on him and on Judah and Jerusalem.
26 However, Hezekiah [c]humbled the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord did not come on them in the days of Hezekiah."
Acts 12:23
"23 And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died."
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Daniel 4:30-37
30 The king reflected and said, ‘Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal [b]residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?’
31 While the word was in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: [d]sovereignty has been removed from you, 32 and you will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling place will be with the beasts of the field. You will be given grass to eat like cattle, and seven periods of time will pass over you until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes.’
33 Immediately the word concerning Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled; and he was driven away from mankind and began eating grass like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.
34 “But at the end of [f]that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever;
For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
And His kingdom endures from generation to generation.
35 “All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can [h]ward off His hand Or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’
36 At that time my [i]reason returned to me. And my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom, and my counselors and my nobles began seeking me out; so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing greatness was added to me.
37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways [m]just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”
2 Chronicles 33:10-12
"10 The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention.
11 Therefore the Lord brought the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria against them, and they captured Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze chains and took him to Babylon.
12 When he was in distress, he entreated the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers."
Deuteronomy 8:2-3
"2 You shall remember all the way which the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.
3 He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord."
Can we say that God hates Pride in every form? Isn't it better to humble ourselves, while resisting the temptation to be elevated in our own eyes or the eyes of others to walk in humility?
Habakkuk 2:4
"“Behold, as for the proud one,
His soul is not right within him;
But the righteous will live by his faith."
James 4:6
"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
Proverbs 29:23
"One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor."
Luke 14:11
"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
Isaiah 66:2
“For My hand made all these things,
Thus all these things came into being,” declares the Lord.
“But to this one I will look,
To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word."
Proverbs 11:2
"When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom."
1 Peter 5:5
"5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
Proverbs 15:33
"The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility."
James 4:6-10
"6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you."
Luke 18:14
"14 I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Proverbs 16:18
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."
Matthew 18:4
"Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Isaiah 2:11-12
"11 The proud look of man will be abased
And the loftiness of man will be humbled,
And the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.
A Day of Reckoning Coming"
Isaiah 2:12
"12 For the Lord of hosts will have a day of reckoning
Against everyone who is proud and lofty
And against everyone who is lifted up,
That he may be abased.
The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. For the Lord of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low;"
Job 40:12
"Look on everyone who is proud and bring him low and tread down the wicked where they stand."
Isaiah 57:15
"For thus says the high and exalted One Who [a]lives forever, whose name is Holy,
“I dwell on a high and holy place, And also with the contrite and lowly of spirit
In order to revive the spirit of the lowly And to revive the heart of the contrite."
Proverbs 18:12
"Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor."
Deuteronomy 8:16
"who fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers did not know, that he might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end."
Job 22:29
"For when they are humbled you say, ‘It is because of pride’; but he saves the lowly."
Daniel 5:20-21
"20 But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit became so [a]proud that he behaved arrogantly, he was deposed from his royal throne and his glory was taken away from him.
21 He was also driven away from [b]mankind, and his heart was made like that of beasts, and his dwelling place was with the wild donkeys. He was given grass to eat like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he recognized that the Most High God is ruler over the realm of mankind and that He sets over it whomever He wishes."
2 Chronicles 32:25-26
"25 But Hezekiah gave no return for the benefit [a]he received, because his heart was proud; therefore wrath came on him and on Judah and Jerusalem.
26 However, Hezekiah [c]humbled the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord did not come on them in the days of Hezekiah."
Acts 12:23
"23 And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died."
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Daniel 4:30-37
30 The king reflected and said, ‘Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal [b]residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?’
31 While the word was in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: [d]sovereignty has been removed from you, 32 and you will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling place will be with the beasts of the field. You will be given grass to eat like cattle, and seven periods of time will pass over you until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes.’
33 Immediately the word concerning Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled; and he was driven away from mankind and began eating grass like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.
34 “But at the end of [f]that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever;
For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
And His kingdom endures from generation to generation.
35 “All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can [h]ward off His hand Or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’
36 At that time my [i]reason returned to me. And my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom, and my counselors and my nobles began seeking me out; so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing greatness was added to me.
37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways [m]just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”
2 Chronicles 33:10-12
"10 The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention.
11 Therefore the Lord brought the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria against them, and they captured Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze chains and took him to Babylon.
12 When he was in distress, he entreated the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers."
Deuteronomy 8:2-3
"2 You shall remember all the way which the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.
3 He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord."
Sunday, July 26, 2015
They Rage with Narcissistic Injury
God will not answer the prayer to heal our land, until every man, woman and child realizes they are filthy rags before God and need to trust Christ for payment for their sin. Our people are far too entrenched in the self esteem thinking that very few have the ability to feel ashamed about anything they do. If anyone comes along to dare to tell them of their mess, they rage in narcissistic injury.
Jeremiah 6:15 ""Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They were not even ashamed at all; They did not even know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time that I punish them, They shall be cast down," says the LORD."
Jeremiah 6:15 ""Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They were not even ashamed at all; They did not even know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time that I punish them, They shall be cast down," says the LORD."
Dagon was Dumped Over!
Dagon fell on his face before the ark of God, Heehee hee hee!!!!
I love the way the Lord demonstrated His hatred for evil by breaking up the idol.
1 Samuel 5:1-5
"1 Now the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.
2 Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it to the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon.
3 When the Ashdodites arose early the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord. So they took Dagon and set him in his place again.
4 But when they arose early the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord. And the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off on the threshold; [a]only the trunk of Dagon was left to him. 5 Therefore neither the priests of Dagon nor all who enter Dagon’s house tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day."
Ephesians 5:11 "Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;"
Galatians 6:7-9 "
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
From these passages it is clear that God cannot bless us if we continually walk with unbelievers as constant companions. When we desire the fellowship with unbelievers we are placing human companionship above Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:33 "Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."
I love the way the Lord demonstrated His hatred for evil by breaking up the idol.
1 Samuel 5:1-5
"1 Now the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.
2 Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it to the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon.
3 When the Ashdodites arose early the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord. So they took Dagon and set him in his place again.
4 But when they arose early the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord. And the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off on the threshold; [a]only the trunk of Dagon was left to him. 5 Therefore neither the priests of Dagon nor all who enter Dagon’s house tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day."
Ephesians 5:11 "Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;"
Galatians 6:7-9 "
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
From these passages it is clear that God cannot bless us if we continually walk with unbelievers as constant companions. When we desire the fellowship with unbelievers we are placing human companionship above Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:33 "Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."
Alone With Christ Is A Blessing!
It does get lonely at times, when we are resolved to follow Christ and His principles. However my experience has been to have greater joy alone with Christ in my heart, than in the company of a room full of people who don't love Him. The agony I feel in the company of these people causes me to want to flee to aloneness with Christ.
I am quite sure many other tried and true believers are having the same experience. Being with Christ alone is everything we need, being with those who don't love Him, no matter what they may say, their life does not meet their words, is an agony for those who walk moment by moment with Christ.
1 Peter 2:21 "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps."
Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
1 John 2:3-6 "And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."
Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The joy we feel walking with Christ is beyond explanation! It is consistent no matter the circumstances. We are able to ignore our fleshly feelings, pray for strength and the joy never leaves us.
I am quite sure many other tried and true believers are having the same experience. Being with Christ alone is everything we need, being with those who don't love Him, no matter what they may say, their life does not meet their words, is an agony for those who walk moment by moment with Christ.
1 Peter 2:21 "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps."
Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
1 John 2:3-6 "And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."
Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The joy we feel walking with Christ is beyond explanation! It is consistent no matter the circumstances. We are able to ignore our fleshly feelings, pray for strength and the joy never leaves us.
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Obey God Rather Than Man
In our culture today we experience much manipulation, those who attempt to make us feel guilty about doing what is right.
1 Peter 3:16 "and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame."
There are those who have reviled us for keeping to the highest standard for marriage according to God's principles in His Word.
There are those who revile us for preaching modesty in clothing.
There are those who revile us for standing against various wicked movies, false preachers, attitudes that don't honor God and much more.
We live in a world, within the apostate church, that loves their sin and will come against anyone who teaches the truth about God's judgement on these things.
The excuse these revilers use is that we are to "love" everyone, meaning in their mind, that we never challenge anyone to greater holiness, nor do we withdraw from those who refuse to obey God.
1 John 1:6 "If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth;"
Love never means to help believers enjoy their sin. God's love warns those who are in sin to bring them back to full fellowship with Him.
Titus 3:10 "Reject a factious man after a first and second warning,"
Hebrews 12:25 "See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven."
James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Isaiah 57:15 "For thus says the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy, "I dwell on a high and holy place, And also with the contrite and lowly of spirit In order to revive the spirit of the lowly And to revive the heart of the contrite."
Contrite: Having or show deep sorrow
Lowly: Humble and Meek
Meek: Patient and Mild
Love: Strong affecton
When we have a strong affection for someone, as we should for our brothers and sisters in Christ, we care deeply concerned about their spiritual well being much more than their temporary happiness or pleasure.
How do we love God's way?
1 Peter 1:22 "Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,"
1 John 3:14 "We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death,"
1 John 5:2 "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments."
Wow, did we see that? We love the brethren by obeying God. God never says that we love the brethren by ignoring their sin and just making them happy. He never says love the brethren by giving them what they want. Our love for the brethren must be based on our much greater love for God.
Luke 14:26 ""If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple."
Our love for God ought to be so great that the desires of any human being would never take precedence over God's desires. In most families today relatives dominate our actions much more than God's principles. We base almost all we do on what the family wants, negating God's desires to remain close with unsaved and disobedient family members.
Ephesians 6: 12 -- "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places [from on high]."
Our love should be greater and deeper than any form of human love. We love as God did, dying to self for the sake of others, even being willing to be rejected by them to be sure they had the warning that Christ is coming soon and their eternal soul is at stake.
Those who are believers must challenge one another constantly to greater holiness to be a blessing to God.
1 Peter 1:14-16 "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Ephesians 4:30 "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."
Those who are unsaved must be warned of the wrath to come, giving them the opportunity to trust Christ and be cleansed by Him, knowing that if they place their trust in Christ He will make them a new creation while snatching them from the fires of hell.
Romans 2:5 "But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,"
Jude 1:23 "And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh."
Hebrews 9:27 "And just as people are appointed to die once, and then to face judgment,"
It's almost over now, not much time is left before Christ will return to take out His Bride. As believers our desire is that many more will place their trust in Christ before it is too late.
1 Peter 3:16 "and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame."
There are those who have reviled us for keeping to the highest standard for marriage according to God's principles in His Word.
There are those who revile us for preaching modesty in clothing.
There are those who revile us for standing against various wicked movies, false preachers, attitudes that don't honor God and much more.
We live in a world, within the apostate church, that loves their sin and will come against anyone who teaches the truth about God's judgement on these things.
The excuse these revilers use is that we are to "love" everyone, meaning in their mind, that we never challenge anyone to greater holiness, nor do we withdraw from those who refuse to obey God.
1 John 1:6 "If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth;"
Love never means to help believers enjoy their sin. God's love warns those who are in sin to bring them back to full fellowship with Him.
Titus 3:10 "Reject a factious man after a first and second warning,"
Hebrews 12:25 "See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven."
James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Isaiah 57:15 "For thus says the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy, "I dwell on a high and holy place, And also with the contrite and lowly of spirit In order to revive the spirit of the lowly And to revive the heart of the contrite."
Contrite: Having or show deep sorrow
Lowly: Humble and Meek
Meek: Patient and Mild
Love: Strong affecton
When we have a strong affection for someone, as we should for our brothers and sisters in Christ, we care deeply concerned about their spiritual well being much more than their temporary happiness or pleasure.
How do we love God's way?
1 Peter 1:22 "Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,"
1 John 3:14 "We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death,"
1 John 5:2 "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments."
Wow, did we see that? We love the brethren by obeying God. God never says that we love the brethren by ignoring their sin and just making them happy. He never says love the brethren by giving them what they want. Our love for the brethren must be based on our much greater love for God.
Luke 14:26 ""If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple."
Our love for God ought to be so great that the desires of any human being would never take precedence over God's desires. In most families today relatives dominate our actions much more than God's principles. We base almost all we do on what the family wants, negating God's desires to remain close with unsaved and disobedient family members.
Ephesians 6: 12 -- "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places [from on high]."
Our love should be greater and deeper than any form of human love. We love as God did, dying to self for the sake of others, even being willing to be rejected by them to be sure they had the warning that Christ is coming soon and their eternal soul is at stake.
Those who are believers must challenge one another constantly to greater holiness to be a blessing to God.
1 Peter 1:14-16 "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Ephesians 4:30 "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."
Those who are unsaved must be warned of the wrath to come, giving them the opportunity to trust Christ and be cleansed by Him, knowing that if they place their trust in Christ He will make them a new creation while snatching them from the fires of hell.
Romans 2:5 "But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,"
Jude 1:23 "And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh."
Hebrews 9:27 "And just as people are appointed to die once, and then to face judgment,"
It's almost over now, not much time is left before Christ will return to take out His Bride. As believers our desire is that many more will place their trust in Christ before it is too late.
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Don't Lie To The Holy Spirit
It's a bad idea to lie to the Holy Spirit. We may not end up like Ananias and Sapphira, but we can know there will be consequences of some kind in this life and definitely in the next.
If you think God does not operate this way anymore, keep in mind that this happened after Christ left this earth, the church age, the age we live in right now.
It is best to make a practice of always telling the truth, as one preacher once said to me, "if we tell the truth we never have to remember what we said."
"5:1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,
2 and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet.
3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?
4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
5 And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it.
6 The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.
7 Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
8 And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.”
9 Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.”
10 And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband." Acts 5:1-10
If you think God does not operate this way anymore, keep in mind that this happened after Christ left this earth, the church age, the age we live in right now.
It is best to make a practice of always telling the truth, as one preacher once said to me, "if we tell the truth we never have to remember what we said."
"5:1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,
2 and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet.
3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?
4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
5 And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it.
6 The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.
7 Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
8 And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.”
9 Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.”
10 And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband." Acts 5:1-10
God Uses the Nothing Things and People!
When we have been with Jesus it shows.
Acts 4:13 "13 Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them [a]as having been with Jesus."
Notice too that God didn't use men who were educated in Bible Schools, He used men who had nothing to offer, to show that their wisdom came from God not men.
Acts 4:13 "13 Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them [a]as having been with Jesus."
Notice too that God didn't use men who were educated in Bible Schools, He used men who had nothing to offer, to show that their wisdom came from God not men.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Christ is not Divided
When we say we are "Baptist", "Presbyterian", "Pentecostal", "Anglican", "Methodist", "Mennonite", "Quaker" and many others, we are saying we are following a system rather than Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
"10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you.
12 Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.”
13 Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,
15 so that no one would say you were baptized in my name.
16 Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other.
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void"
One of the hardest things in our culture is to get people to understand that the body of Christ is not divided. Those who choose to divide over a particular aspect of Bible doctrine, are showing that they are "pickers and choosers", making one element of the Word more important than others.
When we follow Christ, we love all the brethren, we are not divided on the important matters of salvation and holiness. Our response to everyone ought to be to go to the Word, getting out our Bibles when there is a disagreement seeking and praying together. I don't remember the last time I saw this happen. Each one in a discussion tells their opinion, walking away never having cracked their Bible open to discuss it. In other words, all opinions are acceptable and everyone remains in their ignorance, just to keep the peace.
Those who deeply love the Lord cannot get enough of the Word and sharing it with one another. There is no desire to argue, but a quest for the truth so come closer to God and one another. What a blessing it is when believers share in the Word with one another.
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
"10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you.
12 Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.”
13 Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,
15 so that no one would say you were baptized in my name.
16 Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other.
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void"
One of the hardest things in our culture is to get people to understand that the body of Christ is not divided. Those who choose to divide over a particular aspect of Bible doctrine, are showing that they are "pickers and choosers", making one element of the Word more important than others.
When we follow Christ, we love all the brethren, we are not divided on the important matters of salvation and holiness. Our response to everyone ought to be to go to the Word, getting out our Bibles when there is a disagreement seeking and praying together. I don't remember the last time I saw this happen. Each one in a discussion tells their opinion, walking away never having cracked their Bible open to discuss it. In other words, all opinions are acceptable and everyone remains in their ignorance, just to keep the peace.
Those who deeply love the Lord cannot get enough of the Word and sharing it with one another. There is no desire to argue, but a quest for the truth so come closer to God and one another. What a blessing it is when believers share in the Word with one another.
Friday, July 17, 2015
Avoid a Trouble Maker
God says:
Matthew 7:6 ""Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."
This verses is akin to a quote from George Bernard Shaw which says:
"I learned long ago, never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it."
There are many people who love to argue, even if their statements don't make sense as long as they think they are winning by frustrating their target, they are in seventh heaven.
The best thing to do with these arguers is to walk away when we realize we are in a struggle with a swine. God expects us to be able to discern these people and disengage when it is clear they are attempting to start a fight.
Satan uses the swine to cause frustration and render our witness ineffective. Arguing with a hostile and arrogant person has no value whatever, we need to excuse ourselves and keep away from them.
Titus 3:10 "Reject a factious man after a first and second warning,"
http://counselingoneanother.com/2011/09/07/who-is-the-factious-man-of-titus-310/
Matthew 7:6 ""Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."
This verses is akin to a quote from George Bernard Shaw which says:
"I learned long ago, never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it."
There are many people who love to argue, even if their statements don't make sense as long as they think they are winning by frustrating their target, they are in seventh heaven.
The best thing to do with these arguers is to walk away when we realize we are in a struggle with a swine. God expects us to be able to discern these people and disengage when it is clear they are attempting to start a fight.
Satan uses the swine to cause frustration and render our witness ineffective. Arguing with a hostile and arrogant person has no value whatever, we need to excuse ourselves and keep away from them.
Titus 3:10 "Reject a factious man after a first and second warning,"
http://counselingoneanother.com/2011/09/07/who-is-the-factious-man-of-titus-310/
Calvinsim Doctrines of Demons
It makes no sense for a just and loving God to create human beings with no choice to obey Him, and then punish them for not choosing!!!! This is the face of Calvinism, some have been created for hell without a choice and some for heaven also without a choice! These are the doctrines of demons.
We Don't Have To Error
Many people use this same excuse over and over again to justify disobedience, that we should error on the side of grace. My question is why do we have to error, we have the Holy Spirit in us, we can pray and read His word and find the truth and then stand firmly by it without reservation.
It has been my experience that those who use the excuse to "error on the side of grace" often want to do things their own way, otherwise why would they be angry that we corrected them, when our intent is that they learn to do things God's way?
If our aim is to please God then wouldn't we want to learn what that way is in all circumstances? Wouldn't we be blessed and excited when someone who might know a little more than us, would show us a better way, God's way? I know I am excited and pleased when another brother or sister shows me an error in thinking that opens up a whole new way of thinking. After all isn't it about learning and growing in holiness?
The law is there to show us our sin, when we become born again the Law Giver lives in us and gives us the desire to obey His principles. Here is what God said in the New Testament, the age of Grace:
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
1 John 5:2 "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments."
2 TIM 3:16 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, 3:17 That the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
2 TIM 4:2 Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
2 TIM 2:24,25 And the Lord's bond servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 2:25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth.
Someone who is unwilling to learn from the correction of a brother or sister in the Lord walks in pride.
Proverbs 26:12 "Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him."
1 John 2:16 "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world."
We should not be surprised in this age of arrogance, when most people are enraged when we correct them. The entire being of many people is so self consumed, they cannot bear to hear anything but praise.........which I might add is a form of self worship.
I love God's principles and want all those who claim to be believers to love them too!
It has been my experience that those who use the excuse to "error on the side of grace" often want to do things their own way, otherwise why would they be angry that we corrected them, when our intent is that they learn to do things God's way?
If our aim is to please God then wouldn't we want to learn what that way is in all circumstances? Wouldn't we be blessed and excited when someone who might know a little more than us, would show us a better way, God's way? I know I am excited and pleased when another brother or sister shows me an error in thinking that opens up a whole new way of thinking. After all isn't it about learning and growing in holiness?
The law is there to show us our sin, when we become born again the Law Giver lives in us and gives us the desire to obey His principles. Here is what God said in the New Testament, the age of Grace:
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
1 John 5:2 "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments."
2 TIM 3:16 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, 3:17 That the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
2 TIM 4:2 Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
2 TIM 2:24,25 And the Lord's bond servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 2:25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth.
Someone who is unwilling to learn from the correction of a brother or sister in the Lord walks in pride.
Proverbs 26:12 "Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him."
1 John 2:16 "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world."
We should not be surprised in this age of arrogance, when most people are enraged when we correct them. The entire being of many people is so self consumed, they cannot bear to hear anything but praise.........which I might add is a form of self worship.
I love God's principles and want all those who claim to be believers to love them too!
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Following Christ Alone!
Many brothers and sisters in the Lord are facing friends and family who have spurned their warnings and correction. They are pressured by society to stay in contact along with their own sense that they will be alone if they do anything to alienate these people.
When we do things God's ways we remove the pressure of the culture, while learning and experiencing the blessing of peace in our lives. Often we have to endure unsaved loved ones and their constant drama and lifestyle nonsense, but we don't have to stay in it, we can minimize the contact and reduce the evil that invades our existence.
We don't ever stop loving them, but we have to learn to love them from afar while demonstrating faith that God can work in them without us. It makes no sense at all to continue to bang our heads against a brick wall, knowing that the banging isn't making any dents in the bricks.
Relationships have a purpose for the believer, one is to bring the gospel to the unsaved and next the spiritual growth of believers. When the unbeliever doesn't want what we offer then we must move on. When the believer is stubborn and resistant to instruction, correction, rebuke and encouragement in righteousness, then we are to walk away, leaving them to God.
Faith is demonstrated when we can leave someone to God while carrying on our lives as the Lord has directed us......according to the Word.
Ezekiel 3:19 ""Yet if you have warned the wicked and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered yourself."
Jeremiah 7:16 ""As for you, do not pray for this people, and do not lift up cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with Me; for I do not hear you."
Jeremiah 11:14 ""Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not listen when they call to Me because of their disaster."
Isaiah 26:10
"But when grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and do not regard the majesty of the Lord
Mark 10:28-30
"28 Peter began to say to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and followed You."
29 Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel's sake,
30 but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life."
Matthew 10:37
"He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me."
We wish our families would join us in our journey to walk with Christ, but if they will not, then we have to keep focused on our journey even if they do not follow.
When we do things God's ways we remove the pressure of the culture, while learning and experiencing the blessing of peace in our lives. Often we have to endure unsaved loved ones and their constant drama and lifestyle nonsense, but we don't have to stay in it, we can minimize the contact and reduce the evil that invades our existence.
We don't ever stop loving them, but we have to learn to love them from afar while demonstrating faith that God can work in them without us. It makes no sense at all to continue to bang our heads against a brick wall, knowing that the banging isn't making any dents in the bricks.
Relationships have a purpose for the believer, one is to bring the gospel to the unsaved and next the spiritual growth of believers. When the unbeliever doesn't want what we offer then we must move on. When the believer is stubborn and resistant to instruction, correction, rebuke and encouragement in righteousness, then we are to walk away, leaving them to God.
Faith is demonstrated when we can leave someone to God while carrying on our lives as the Lord has directed us......according to the Word.
Ezekiel 3:19 ""Yet if you have warned the wicked and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered yourself."
Jeremiah 7:16 ""As for you, do not pray for this people, and do not lift up cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with Me; for I do not hear you."
Jeremiah 11:14 ""Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not listen when they call to Me because of their disaster."
Isaiah 26:10
"But when grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and do not regard the majesty of the Lord
Mark 10:28-30
"28 Peter began to say to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and followed You."
29 Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel's sake,
30 but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life."
Matthew 10:37
"He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me."
We wish our families would join us in our journey to walk with Christ, but if they will not, then we have to keep focused on our journey even if they do not follow.
The Unsaved Know There Is A God
God put the knowledge of Him in everyone's heart, mankind knows there is a God and refuses Him. Those who say unbelievers have an excuse because they can't know the truth, that is not the truth, they do know and choose. Why would a non-believer go to hell if he was not accountable because he didn't know? Of course they know, that's why they are hostile to those who warn them. If they didn't know and didn't feel conviction they wouldn't become hostile.
Titus 1:16 "They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed."
1 John 2:24 "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
These verses show that man knows about God but chooses to remain in control of their own lives rather than trust Him.
Romans 1:28 "And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,"
Titus 1:16 "They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed."
1 John 2:24 "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
These verses show that man knows about God but chooses to remain in control of their own lives rather than trust Him.
Romans 1:28 "And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,"
It's Coming Are We Ready?
https://www.facebook.com/ShepardSmith/videos/10153367050185490/?pnref=story
For some time now my husband and I have been wondering why the Lord was holding off in punishing the Pacific Northwest for its wickedness. It is possible He is saving the worst for this area of the country.
1. Oregon was the first state to legalize abortion in 1968 before the Roe-v-Wade decision (5 years before).
2. No fault divorce was legalized in Oregon in 1970.
3. In recent years assisted suicide has been legalized in Washington and Oregon.
4. Legalization of gambling.
5. Legalization of same se'x marrige.
6. 11,000 riders in the naked bike ride in Portland Oregon.
7. The mayor of Portland had sex with an underage boy while never being prosecuted for it and even being elected again after the dust settled.
8. The governments of Oregon and Washington refuse to allow the execution of legally convicted people who should have been executed for their crimes.
9. The legalization of medical and recreational Marijuana.
10. This region has the lowest church attendance in the nation, an indication of lack of interest in God or morality.
11. Seattle and Portland are cities that pride themselves as in the top 15 most liberal cities in the nation.
This region defies God on every level, without conscience over it even proud of their evil.
Jeremiah 6:15 ""Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They were not even ashamed at all; They did not even know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time that I punish them, They shall be cast down," says the LORD."
1. Oregon was the first state to legalize abortion in 1968 before the Roe-v-Wade decision (5 years before).
2. No fault divorce was legalized in Oregon in 1970.
3. In recent years assisted suicide has been legalized in Washington and Oregon.
4. Legalization of gambling.
5. Legalization of same se'x marrige.
6. 11,000 riders in the naked bike ride in Portland Oregon.
7. The mayor of Portland had sex with an underage boy while never being prosecuted for it and even being elected again after the dust settled.
8. The governments of Oregon and Washington refuse to allow the execution of legally convicted people who should have been executed for their crimes.
9. The legalization of medical and recreational Marijuana.
10. This region has the lowest church attendance in the nation, an indication of lack of interest in God or morality.
11. Seattle and Portland are cities that pride themselves as in the top 15 most liberal cities in the nation.
This region defies God on every level, without conscience over it even proud of their evil.
Jeremiah 6:15 ""Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They were not even ashamed at all; They did not even know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time that I punish them, They shall be cast down," says the LORD."
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Similar to America!
This could be a description of America! We once followed the principles of God even though not every heart that did was born again. Many who were not saved at least honored our God through many of their attitudes and actions. We can see clearly now that all this is gone in our generation. There are still remnants who obey God but few compared to the population of the country.
Daniel 9:3-14
"3 So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes.
4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed and said, “Alas, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments,
5 we have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly and rebelled, even turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances.
6 Moreover, we have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers and all the people of the land.
7 “Righteousness belongs to You, O Lord, but to us open shame, as it is this day—to the men of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, those who are nearby and those who are far away in all the countries to which You have driven them, because of their unfaithful deeds which they have committed against You.
8 Open shame belongs to us, O Lord, to our kings, our princes and our fathers, because we have sinned against You.
9 To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him;
10 nor have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in His teachings which He set before us through His servants the prophets.
11 Indeed all Israel has transgressed Your law and turned aside, not obeying Your voice; so the curse has been poured out on us, along with the oath which is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, for we have sinned against Him.
12 Thus He has confirmed His words which He had spoken against us and against our rulers who ruled us, to bring on us great calamity; for under the whole heaven there has not been done anything like what was done to Jerusalem.
13 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this calamity has come on us; yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our iniquity and [h]giving attention to Your truth.
14 Therefore the Lord has kept the calamity in store and brought it on us; for the Lord our God is righteous with respect to all His deeds which He has done, but we have not obeyed His voice."
Daniel 9:3-14
"3 So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes.
4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed and said, “Alas, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments,
5 we have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly and rebelled, even turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances.
6 Moreover, we have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers and all the people of the land.
7 “Righteousness belongs to You, O Lord, but to us open shame, as it is this day—to the men of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, those who are nearby and those who are far away in all the countries to which You have driven them, because of their unfaithful deeds which they have committed against You.
8 Open shame belongs to us, O Lord, to our kings, our princes and our fathers, because we have sinned against You.
9 To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him;
10 nor have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in His teachings which He set before us through His servants the prophets.
11 Indeed all Israel has transgressed Your law and turned aside, not obeying Your voice; so the curse has been poured out on us, along with the oath which is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, for we have sinned against Him.
12 Thus He has confirmed His words which He had spoken against us and against our rulers who ruled us, to bring on us great calamity; for under the whole heaven there has not been done anything like what was done to Jerusalem.
13 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this calamity has come on us; yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our iniquity and [h]giving attention to Your truth.
14 Therefore the Lord has kept the calamity in store and brought it on us; for the Lord our God is righteous with respect to all His deeds which He has done, but we have not obeyed His voice."
Living With A Narcissist!
There are many women today who live with narcissists, they are selfish, lacking empathy and completely absorbed in controlling everyone else. Often these people produce narcissistic children.
Children tend to follow the example they see much more than the words that are spoken. A narc can tell his children to be unselfish, but if the narc demonstrates lack of kindness while caring more about winning control over others, they will see their children doing the same things. Narcs have a greater influence over children than their spouses because it is a natural bent of the children to want to be selfish. The non-narcissistic parent will be negated and ignored while the narcissist parent will be elevated. Children who are not born again love to be given permission by example to elevate self while negating others, it comes naturally to them.
Often narcs are arguers, they love to cause strife through argument. They often see their children arguing with them and any other authority, while scratching their heads wondering why they have a child like this, the reason is clear, they taught their children to be like this through their own example.
There is an old saying "more is caught than taught." This has been proven to be true time after time. We teach far more by example than by words in terms of character building.
The narcissist will judge things they know nothing about because they notice very little of what is going on with others, but believe they know everything, they are the proverbial "know it all." They will instruct others on things they know little about just to appear superior.
If a woman has a husband who is a narcissist then we have to defer to the scriptures that tell us to bless those who curse us. We must never do anything that gives the narc a legitimate excuse to be mad at us. Our heart must follow God no matter what others are doing to us.
However, we are not to walk around on egg shells terrified of upsetting them, this only feeds their narcissism. The best thing to do is pray continually that the Lord will give us joy in spite of the negativity we have to live with while seeing it as a challenge to handle it properly.
Luke 6:28 "bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."
We are never to do revenge, it is best to "not respond" to those who are attempting to provoke us. The food for a narcissist is provoking their target to cause them to lose control. When we learn to ignore the provocation, answering calmly, staying to the subject without emotions often defuses the attacks.
We must remain calm, state the truth boldly without answering to the accusations at all. When a narc cannot get us to explode they will begin to attack our character. When we don't respond to that they will use tactics such as the "silent treatment" to cause us pain. When they cause us pain, it makes them feel in control.
Remember most of what they accuse us of is not true, they are projecting, they are doing what they accuse us of to hide themselves and to frustrate their victim.
If the verbal and emotional attacks are severe and every day, then it might be good to suggest a temporary separation to pray and gather your wits about you. A full blown narc will feign sorrow and want to reconcile but it won't be real, it is for the purpose of getting back power over you again. At least in a marriage we can minimize the damage by doing the right things to create a livable situation.
If we remember that it really isn't about the victim at all, the narc is merely attempting to have control over others, they don't care about the people, they only care about their control and they will use every trick they can to keep control.
There is hope in all this, there have been narcs who became born again, their hearts were changed and they stopped the tactics. It is all about becoming born again. The seculars will tell you they can't be cured, and that is true without Christ. With Christ they can be completely changed.
The last thing I want to tell you and the most important is to pray for the one who is not saved while demonstrating yourself Christ likeness. Do not back down on what is right, but also do not engage when the tactics are being used. One expert in the study of narcissism said one way to keep your sanity is to "observe but don't absorb."
When we know it isn't us, they are the ones attempting to make a case for us as the bad guy, we can let it slide right off, while maintaining our integrity with God.
There is an old saying "more is caught than taught." This has been proven to be true time after time. We teach far more by example than by words in terms of character building.
The narcissist will judge things they know nothing about because they notice very little of what is going on with others, but believe they know everything, they are the proverbial "know it all." They will instruct others on things they know little about just to appear superior.
If a woman has a husband who is a narcissist then we have to defer to the scriptures that tell us to bless those who curse us. We must never do anything that gives the narc a legitimate excuse to be mad at us. Our heart must follow God no matter what others are doing to us.
However, we are not to walk around on egg shells terrified of upsetting them, this only feeds their narcissism. The best thing to do is pray continually that the Lord will give us joy in spite of the negativity we have to live with while seeing it as a challenge to handle it properly.
Luke 6:28 "bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."
We are never to do revenge, it is best to "not respond" to those who are attempting to provoke us. The food for a narcissist is provoking their target to cause them to lose control. When we learn to ignore the provocation, answering calmly, staying to the subject without emotions often defuses the attacks.
We must remain calm, state the truth boldly without answering to the accusations at all. When a narc cannot get us to explode they will begin to attack our character. When we don't respond to that they will use tactics such as the "silent treatment" to cause us pain. When they cause us pain, it makes them feel in control.
Remember most of what they accuse us of is not true, they are projecting, they are doing what they accuse us of to hide themselves and to frustrate their victim.
If the verbal and emotional attacks are severe and every day, then it might be good to suggest a temporary separation to pray and gather your wits about you. A full blown narc will feign sorrow and want to reconcile but it won't be real, it is for the purpose of getting back power over you again. At least in a marriage we can minimize the damage by doing the right things to create a livable situation.
If we remember that it really isn't about the victim at all, the narc is merely attempting to have control over others, they don't care about the people, they only care about their control and they will use every trick they can to keep control.
There is hope in all this, there have been narcs who became born again, their hearts were changed and they stopped the tactics. It is all about becoming born again. The seculars will tell you they can't be cured, and that is true without Christ. With Christ they can be completely changed.
The last thing I want to tell you and the most important is to pray for the one who is not saved while demonstrating yourself Christ likeness. Do not back down on what is right, but also do not engage when the tactics are being used. One expert in the study of narcissism said one way to keep your sanity is to "observe but don't absorb."
When we know it isn't us, they are the ones attempting to make a case for us as the bad guy, we can let it slide right off, while maintaining our integrity with God.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Warning Others of their Sin
When we forgive someone without their sorrow over sin, it is the same as not warning them. It is a form of condoning and accepting the sin.
Ezekiel 3:18 "When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand."
Ezekiel 3:18 "When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand."
Confession and Forgiveness are Necessary
Matthew 18:15 ""If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother."
Notice this verse says "if he listens you have won your brother."
Our mentality in the psychology of modern Christianity it is exactly backward. Many think they will win someone by forgiving them before they are repentant. Do we not see that the world's way is opposite of God's way?
The world says forgive so the offender will like you and God says if they listen to our rebuke and repent, then we have won our brother.
Relationships cannot be fully restored until one party confesses sin and the other party forgives. What has happened is that we have a lot of superficiality going on, each one pretending to be forgiving when in their heart they still feel an emptiness that something was never fully reconciled.
We cannot fully trust someone who wrongs us when they don't even care that they hurt us.
God's Way is best and relationships are fully restored and often stronger than they were before when one party confesses and the other forgives.
Notice this verse says "if he listens you have won your brother."
Our mentality in the psychology of modern Christianity it is exactly backward. Many think they will win someone by forgiving them before they are repentant. Do we not see that the world's way is opposite of God's way?
The world says forgive so the offender will like you and God says if they listen to our rebuke and repent, then we have won our brother.
Relationships cannot be fully restored until one party confesses sin and the other party forgives. What has happened is that we have a lot of superficiality going on, each one pretending to be forgiving when in their heart they still feel an emptiness that something was never fully reconciled.
We cannot fully trust someone who wrongs us when they don't even care that they hurt us.
God's Way is best and relationships are fully restored and often stronger than they were before when one party confesses and the other forgives.
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