Thursday, April 30, 2020
Sin Reigns Supreme
If you are wondering why God allowed this virus and this shutdown, take a look at the churches and everything else that allowed sin to reign supreme without challenge.
Next time you call out sin for what it is and the "Christians" attack you for it, this is the evidence that God is disciplining America and now the entire world.
When our churches have become no better than the heathens around them we are finished as a country.
There is always a chance for repentance, however, it will now take something far more devastating than this little virus to shake people up enough to fall on their knees before God. They still have enough food, they still have housing and clothing and their cable tv. They are still too comfortable to have the complaining dredged out of them. As long as there is complaining there is no realization that we deserve all this and only God can carry us through it.
We know people are not being humbled because they are still complaining about everything.
James 1:2-8 "2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord,
8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
If we are not yet broken to the place of asking God for wisdom, confessing sin, and desiring to be cleansed, then we have not been broken enough yet.
Many are still placing their trust in a man to help them, far more than they trust in God. Until they stop elevating a man above Christ there is going to be more trials, trials that no man can resolve.
Next time you call out sin for what it is and the "Christians" attack you for it, this is the evidence that God is disciplining America and now the entire world.
When our churches have become no better than the heathens around them we are finished as a country.
There is always a chance for repentance, however, it will now take something far more devastating than this little virus to shake people up enough to fall on their knees before God. They still have enough food, they still have housing and clothing and their cable tv. They are still too comfortable to have the complaining dredged out of them. As long as there is complaining there is no realization that we deserve all this and only God can carry us through it.
We know people are not being humbled because they are still complaining about everything.
James 1:2-8 "2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord,
8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
If we are not yet broken to the place of asking God for wisdom, confessing sin, and desiring to be cleansed, then we have not been broken enough yet.
Many are still placing their trust in a man to help them, far more than they trust in God. Until they stop elevating a man above Christ there is going to be more trials, trials that no man can resolve.
It All Has A Purpose
God is using everything happening now to bring on the antichrist, there will be no stopping what God has ordained.
What then should be our response?
Stop watching all the injustices around us that we cannot change and begin praying for many people to come to Christ because of their fear.
Make no human idols, look to no human being or beings to save us. It is only God Who will take care of us as these things progress.
God will use the tribulation to draw Israel to Himself, just as He is using the conditions now to bring people around the world to seeking Him. He is also chastising believers to put their minds back on Him.
Matthew 6:34
34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
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."
To look around consumed at what is happening is a sign of fear.
2 Timothy 1:7
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Matthew 10:28
"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell."
Philippians 4:6-7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Psalm 34:4
"I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears."
I notice in this verse in Psalm 34 that God said he delivered us from our fear, not necessarily our trials.
This life is full of trials but with Christ going through with us we do not have to fear.
Hallelujah!
What then should be our response?
Stop watching all the injustices around us that we cannot change and begin praying for many people to come to Christ because of their fear.
Make no human idols, look to no human being or beings to save us. It is only God Who will take care of us as these things progress.
God will use the tribulation to draw Israel to Himself, just as He is using the conditions now to bring people around the world to seeking Him. He is also chastising believers to put their minds back on Him.
Matthew 6:34
34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
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."
To look around consumed at what is happening is a sign of fear.
2 Timothy 1:7
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Matthew 10:28
"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell."
Philippians 4:6-7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Psalm 34:4
"I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears."
I notice in this verse in Psalm 34 that God said he delivered us from our fear, not necessarily our trials.
This life is full of trials but with Christ going through with us we do not have to fear.
Hallelujah!
Speaking Truth is Biblical
Why do people say "you don't know his heart" when we are evaluating someone for their unbiblical actions?
I notice that those who don't want to judge have no problem judging someone as good when they claim to not know someone's heart. They also are quick to label the one who points out sin as mean or harsh for merely obeying God in evaluating the fruit.
I don't get this, some can assume someone's heart is good but will accuse others of judging without knowing a heart when there is evidence that the heart does not serve God.
If we are not to judge a person's heart then we should not be judging it as good or bad. However, the scripture teaches that we can know the heart of another person by observing the fruit.
God also gives us warnings on how to know if someone is a false prophet or a wicked person.
Matthew 7:15-20
A Tree and Its Fruit
15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16 You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?
17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.
18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.
19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 So then, you will know them by their fruits."
A Tree and Its Fruit
15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16 You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?
17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.
18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.
19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 So then, you will know them by their fruits."
How do we discern if someone love God or not, lets look at what He says:
John 14:15 "15 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."
Luke 14:26-27 "…26“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. 27And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple."
John 4:42-44 "…42 but I know you, that you do not have the love of God within you. 43I have come in My Father’s name, and you have not received Me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?…"
Ephesians 4:15
"15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,"
"15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,"
John 3:19,20
"And this is the condemnation, that light comes into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil…"
"And this is the condemnation, that light comes into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil…"
Those who love the darkness defending their sin fighting to justify it are not born again.
Galatians 4:16
Am I, therefore, become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
Am I, therefore, become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
When we speak the word of God to correct someone walking disobediently and they become angry, they are making themselves our enemy and the enemy of God.
The Downfall of a Country Rests on the Sin of its People
When America falls, and it will, it will not be because of the leaders, they are only a tool of God to punish for our self focus and other sins.
This country has only one thing to blame for its downfall, that is the sin of its people.
Proverbs 14:33-35 "…33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; even among fools she is known. 34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. 35 A king delights in a wise servant, but his anger falls on the shameful.…"
Deuteronomy 28:15
"But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:"
Deuteronomy 29:18-28
"Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood; …"
Psalm 107:34
"A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein."
This country has only one thing to blame for its downfall, that is the sin of its people.
Proverbs 14:33-35 "…33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; even among fools she is known. 34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. 35 A king delights in a wise servant, but his anger falls on the shameful.…"
Deuteronomy 28:15
"But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:"
Deuteronomy 29:18-28
"Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood; …"
Psalm 107:34
"A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein."
Christ Can Save You Too
I was full of sin before Christ saved me. I loved the things of the world and enjoyed things I should never have enjoyed.
Thank God He changed me. I no longer thought the WAY I used to think. I lost interest in worldly things when I became born again.
What happened was in brokenness of spirit over sinfulness. I confessed it and asked to be released from my sin. God changed me into a new creation. My desires completely changed into His desires.
Then I began to read the Bible and within its pages, I saw what I was before and what I had become and was full of joy.
Knowing that Christ is the One Who changed me gave me great peace that He was going to continue the holiness process until the day I leave this world.
The great peace and joy He gave me is not outward but deeply inward. Fear of others left me, fear of failure left me, fear of going to hell....gone!!!
From the point of salvation to now God has been strengthening me beyond words. I know He will not fail me. I have no fear of losing people who are worldly, I wish they would come along but if they don't I am a friend of Christ. The best friend anyone could have.
John 15:15
"15 No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you."
Do you want to have this peace and joy too? If you do all you have to do is believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and He does all the rest of the work in you.
Ephesians 2:10
"10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
2 Corinthians 5:16-18 "…16 So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:…"
Thank God He changed me. I no longer thought the WAY I used to think. I lost interest in worldly things when I became born again.
What happened was in brokenness of spirit over sinfulness. I confessed it and asked to be released from my sin. God changed me into a new creation. My desires completely changed into His desires.
Then I began to read the Bible and within its pages, I saw what I was before and what I had become and was full of joy.
Knowing that Christ is the One Who changed me gave me great peace that He was going to continue the holiness process until the day I leave this world.
The great peace and joy He gave me is not outward but deeply inward. Fear of others left me, fear of failure left me, fear of going to hell....gone!!!
From the point of salvation to now God has been strengthening me beyond words. I know He will not fail me. I have no fear of losing people who are worldly, I wish they would come along but if they don't I am a friend of Christ. The best friend anyone could have.
John 15:15
"15 No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you."
Do you want to have this peace and joy too? If you do all you have to do is believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and He does all the rest of the work in you.
Ephesians 2:10
"10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
2 Corinthians 5:16-18 "…16 So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:…"
Who is this Leader?
Which leader made these promises to his nation?
Protection from Communism, and restoration of law and order.
The creation of a strong government.
Suspension of trade unions.
Jobs and the protection of workers.
An increase in the price of agricultural products.
Emphasis on the family and morals.
The end of unemployment
To weed out all foreign influences and resist all foreign 'conspiracies' against his country.
To throw off the economic and military restrictions
“make (our country).... great again”
He would create enough employment opportunities for everyone.
…..These Promises were indeed enough for a crisis struck country to trust their leader.
He was against communism, working hard to do away with socialism.
Who is this leader?
Protection from Communism, and restoration of law and order.
The creation of a strong government.
Suspension of trade unions.
Jobs and the protection of workers.
An increase in the price of agricultural products.
Emphasis on the family and morals.
The end of unemployment
To weed out all foreign influences and resist all foreign 'conspiracies' against his country.
To throw off the economic and military restrictions
“make (our country).... great again”
He would create enough employment opportunities for everyone.
…..These Promises were indeed enough for a crisis struck country to trust their leader.
He was against communism, working hard to do away with socialism.
Who is this leader?
Christ Jesus is the Leader of the Born Again Believer
Look to Christ, He is the only Leader we need or should want.
Christ never told us to look to any leader of a country or the world, He told us to look up!
Luke 21:27-29 "…27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 29 Then Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees.…"
The "Fig Tree" (Israel) is our indicator of the times in which we live.
Our hope is not in the condition of the United States of America.
Sure we hear; "Trump" is far better than "Hilary", yes it does APPEAR that way, but is it really?
Trump's election managed to cause many believers to look more sideways than they ever have before. Their gaze has been horizontal instead of vertically to Christ. When a Christian speaks more about the president in glowing words than they do about Christ, something is amiss.
God never told us to look to earthly leaders for our salvation from earthly problems. He told us to look to Christ.
Psalm 20:6-7 "…6Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He answers him from His holy heaven with the saving power of His right hand. 7Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. "
When Christians are unwilling to confess the flaws of a man to make themselves feel safe, they will ignore many clues and accept many things, even beginning to act like the person they elevate.
I have never before heard more Christians being brash than now, even in their expressions they are using language no believer should use because their favorite guy uses these terms.
We become like those we elevate to special status. I hope that one day soon I will be hearing believers praising Christ continually.
If we were to act more like Christ we would be a force in this world for Him.
Psalm 146:3-10
3 Do not trust in princes,
In mortal man, in whom there is no salvation.
4 His spirit departs, he returns to the earth;
In that very day his thoughts perish.
5 How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
Whose hope is in the Lord his God,
6 Who made heaven and earth,
The sea and all that is in them;
Who keeps faith forever;
7 Who executes justice for the oppressed;
Who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets the prisoners free.
8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;
The Lord raises up those who are bowed down;
The Lord loves the righteous;
9 The Lord protects the strangers;
He supports the fatherless and the widow,
But He thwarts the way of the wicked.
10 The Lord will reign forever,
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord!
The point in this post is to bring the born again believers' eyes back to Christ, continually and consistently.
If every born again believer did their job, that is witnessing Christ to the world, many people might become saved, this is of far more worth than having a good economy or a wall or anything else we think we like to make us safe.
Sometimes persecution of the born again believer grows the church, this is far more important than our cushy American life that fostered materialism and greed.
Are you looking to maintain the cushy life of America or are you looking to see more people being born again, saved from hell, and learning to love our Lord?
Just saying!!!!
Christ never told us to look to any leader of a country or the world, He told us to look up!
Luke 21:27-29 "…27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 29 Then Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees.…"
The "Fig Tree" (Israel) is our indicator of the times in which we live.
Our hope is not in the condition of the United States of America.
Sure we hear; "Trump" is far better than "Hilary", yes it does APPEAR that way, but is it really?
Trump's election managed to cause many believers to look more sideways than they ever have before. Their gaze has been horizontal instead of vertically to Christ. When a Christian speaks more about the president in glowing words than they do about Christ, something is amiss.
God never told us to look to earthly leaders for our salvation from earthly problems. He told us to look to Christ.
Psalm 20:6-7 "…6Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He answers him from His holy heaven with the saving power of His right hand. 7Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. "
When Christians are unwilling to confess the flaws of a man to make themselves feel safe, they will ignore many clues and accept many things, even beginning to act like the person they elevate.
I have never before heard more Christians being brash than now, even in their expressions they are using language no believer should use because their favorite guy uses these terms.
We become like those we elevate to special status. I hope that one day soon I will be hearing believers praising Christ continually.
If we were to act more like Christ we would be a force in this world for Him.
Psalm 146:3-10
3 Do not trust in princes,
In mortal man, in whom there is no salvation.
4 His spirit departs, he returns to the earth;
In that very day his thoughts perish.
5 How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
Whose hope is in the Lord his God,
6 Who made heaven and earth,
The sea and all that is in them;
Who keeps faith forever;
7 Who executes justice for the oppressed;
Who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets the prisoners free.
8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;
The Lord raises up those who are bowed down;
The Lord loves the righteous;
9 The Lord protects the strangers;
He supports the fatherless and the widow,
But He thwarts the way of the wicked.
10 The Lord will reign forever,
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord!
The point in this post is to bring the born again believers' eyes back to Christ, continually and consistently.
If every born again believer did their job, that is witnessing Christ to the world, many people might become saved, this is of far more worth than having a good economy or a wall or anything else we think we like to make us safe.
Sometimes persecution of the born again believer grows the church, this is far more important than our cushy American life that fostered materialism and greed.
Are you looking to maintain the cushy life of America or are you looking to see more people being born again, saved from hell, and learning to love our Lord?
Just saying!!!!
Manipulation in Politics
No one can get to the high office of president, to be able to win the office of president without compromising principles and even twisting both sides of their mouth to manipulate people.
I have been involved in politics back in the day, helping on campaigns, and in those meetings where they decide things, they have more tricks than you can count how to influence the people to vote for them. They all take poles to see how and what people think and craft their words to court those people.
Christians were the voting block that was not voting for years. Trump knew this and set out to court them. He is a master manipulator, this is how he gained his billions over the years. Saying what people like to hear, throwing them a bone once in a while, and behind the scenes using things to keep them under his control.
He learned the Christianese to be able to fool them into thinking he was one of them. I have seen up close just how this works. It can look one moment like he is doing exactly what we want and the next minute you see the contradiction that most people don't notice.
God's mandate to born again believers was to spread the gospel that's it!
Mark 16:15-16 "15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
I have been involved in politics back in the day, helping on campaigns, and in those meetings where they decide things, they have more tricks than you can count how to influence the people to vote for them. They all take poles to see how and what people think and craft their words to court those people.
Christians were the voting block that was not voting for years. Trump knew this and set out to court them. He is a master manipulator, this is how he gained his billions over the years. Saying what people like to hear, throwing them a bone once in a while, and behind the scenes using things to keep them under his control.
He learned the Christianese to be able to fool them into thinking he was one of them. I have seen up close just how this works. It can look one moment like he is doing exactly what we want and the next minute you see the contradiction that most people don't notice.
God's mandate to born again believers was to spread the gospel that's it!
Mark 16:15-16 "15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
Saving Souls not Nations
The sins of America and the world are so monstrous and plentiful I wondered for years why God was holding off punishment. If America and the world, does not repent, and I don't think it will, there is more and worse to come.
We are living in the end times when few people are born again compared to the population of the world and few people will listen to warnings and rebukes. We have more pretenders in the church gatherings than we do authentic born again believers. We know this by their lack of fruit.
Galatians 5:22-23
"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Matthew 7:17-18 "…17Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. "
Mark 6:11
"And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”
2 Peter 2:6
"If by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;"
2 Timothy 4:3
"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,"
There are many people attempting to save the earth, save the world, and to save America. What they don't understand is that God does not want us to save nations, we are to do the things that save souls, that is the spreading the gospel.
May those who are intent on saving America place more energy in saving souls that are on their way to hell. Saving a country does nothing, saving a soul causes all of heaven to rejoice.
We are living in the end times when few people are born again compared to the population of the world and few people will listen to warnings and rebukes. We have more pretenders in the church gatherings than we do authentic born again believers. We know this by their lack of fruit.
Galatians 5:22-23
"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Matthew 7:17-18 "…17Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. "
Mark 6:11
"And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”
2 Peter 2:6
"If by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;"
2 Timothy 4:3
"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,"
There are many people attempting to save the earth, save the world, and to save America. What they don't understand is that God does not want us to save nations, we are to do the things that save souls, that is the spreading the gospel.
May those who are intent on saving America place more energy in saving souls that are on their way to hell. Saving a country does nothing, saving a soul causes all of heaven to rejoice.
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
The Prayer of the Wicked is not Heard
When our president asks the nation to pray he is asking non-believers to pray. God never hears the prayers of unbelievers. A born again believer understands this principle.
John 9:31 "31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will. "
Proverbs 28:9
"If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination."
1 Peter 3:12
"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Psalm 66:18
"If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened."
Isaiah 59:2
"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear."
James 4:3
"You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."
James 4:8
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
John 9:31 "31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will. "
Proverbs 28:9
"If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination."
1 Peter 3:12
"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Psalm 66:18
"If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened."
Isaiah 59:2
"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear."
James 4:3
"You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."
James 4:8
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Those Who Will Follow the Antichrist
Trump has been a good and effective deception in these last days. He has a "spiritual advisor who is a false prophet and a snake.
He surrounds himself with prosperity preachers. He speaks the large flowery language to entice people and has thrown a few bones to make conservatives think he is on their side.
When the president uses language such as "pray for the nation" he does not understand real prayer, he is talking about speaking things to make them happen, the power of the mind, and the power of the masses speaking them. His god is himself and those who surround him interpret his words in the ways they want to hear them, they are discerning.
The way Christians have acted in defense of Trump is the same way they will react when the antichrist will come on the scene.
Trump was the test, the precursor for what is coming.
Paula White, Trumps spiritual advisor is a heretic. She believes in a false Jesus who went to hell to suffer more after the cross and she believes we are all little gods. There is much more but those two things are enough for me to identify her as a false witness.
She fits right with Trump on the prosperity gospel. His favorite mentor was Norman Vincent Peale who taught the power of the mind to make things happen.
The power of the mind means all we have to do it say something and believe in it and it will happen. This is deeply akin to "claiming" what someone wants to get it. Trump uses this tactic all the time, repeating that good will happen merely by saying so.
When we look at the fruit it is rotten. Sure you are getting a few things you want, a wall, a better economy, and he is against abortion. But none of this makes him good or godly.
The sad thing is that I see people placing their trust in Trump more than in Christ. They are fighting with those who tell the truth about him. They defend him as though we should never expose the bad, perhaps because they do not see it.
I knew homosexuals for life who marched against abortion back in the day. They were on their way to hell and influenced many people to become perverse. Yet they were against killing babies. Being for or against the things we are for or against does not prove someone is of God.
I am convinced now that our president was not brought to save our country but to show us how spiritually and emotionally we are vulnerable to a fast talker and a few false miracles.
Christians have jumped on this bandwagon of a leader to save America when America does not deserve saving. We have committed many abominations in the past 60 years that have fostered a selfish god-hating culture. Where do we get off thinking we have a right to be saved?
As born again believers we ought to be focused not on politics, the government or a leader to save us but on Christ, the only One who can keep someone out of hell.
Psalm 20:7-8 "7 Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. 8 They collapse and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.…"
When our trust is having the leader we like we are no different from Israel when they demanded a leader like the other nations. They were not satisfied with God as their leader they wanted a human leader. This is the same mentality we are seeing in Christians in our day. They pay little attention to Christ, to His principles but have no lack of conversation about the ungodly man in the white house.
Do you wish to have an idea of what it will look like when the antichrist appears to the world? Just look at the adulation toward our president and you will know. There is an element of worship toward the leader when someone is not allowed to voice the flaws and warnings about that leader.
One clue is the anger that arises when we point out the facts and the flaws of our president. This is how the pretenders will be when the antichrist appears and announces to give the world prosperity and safety. The same way they have responded about Trump will be the way they will fight to defend the antichrist.
My hope is that those who are born again believers will take their eyes off of this world and look up, that is our only hope.
Luke 21:27-29 "…27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 29 Then Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees.…"
Did God say look around and try to get a good president who gives you what you want? NO, God told us to look to Him all the time for everything. He is our provider and the only One Whom we can trust.
Hallelujah!!!
He surrounds himself with prosperity preachers. He speaks the large flowery language to entice people and has thrown a few bones to make conservatives think he is on their side.
When the president uses language such as "pray for the nation" he does not understand real prayer, he is talking about speaking things to make them happen, the power of the mind, and the power of the masses speaking them. His god is himself and those who surround him interpret his words in the ways they want to hear them, they are discerning.
The way Christians have acted in defense of Trump is the same way they will react when the antichrist will come on the scene.
Trump was the test, the precursor for what is coming.
Paula White, Trumps spiritual advisor is a heretic. She believes in a false Jesus who went to hell to suffer more after the cross and she believes we are all little gods. There is much more but those two things are enough for me to identify her as a false witness.
She fits right with Trump on the prosperity gospel. His favorite mentor was Norman Vincent Peale who taught the power of the mind to make things happen.
The power of the mind means all we have to do it say something and believe in it and it will happen. This is deeply akin to "claiming" what someone wants to get it. Trump uses this tactic all the time, repeating that good will happen merely by saying so.
When we look at the fruit it is rotten. Sure you are getting a few things you want, a wall, a better economy, and he is against abortion. But none of this makes him good or godly.
The sad thing is that I see people placing their trust in Trump more than in Christ. They are fighting with those who tell the truth about him. They defend him as though we should never expose the bad, perhaps because they do not see it.
I knew homosexuals for life who marched against abortion back in the day. They were on their way to hell and influenced many people to become perverse. Yet they were against killing babies. Being for or against the things we are for or against does not prove someone is of God.
I am convinced now that our president was not brought to save our country but to show us how spiritually and emotionally we are vulnerable to a fast talker and a few false miracles.
Christians have jumped on this bandwagon of a leader to save America when America does not deserve saving. We have committed many abominations in the past 60 years that have fostered a selfish god-hating culture. Where do we get off thinking we have a right to be saved?
As born again believers we ought to be focused not on politics, the government or a leader to save us but on Christ, the only One who can keep someone out of hell.
Psalm 20:7-8 "7 Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. 8 They collapse and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.…"
When our trust is having the leader we like we are no different from Israel when they demanded a leader like the other nations. They were not satisfied with God as their leader they wanted a human leader. This is the same mentality we are seeing in Christians in our day. They pay little attention to Christ, to His principles but have no lack of conversation about the ungodly man in the white house.
Do you wish to have an idea of what it will look like when the antichrist appears to the world? Just look at the adulation toward our president and you will know. There is an element of worship toward the leader when someone is not allowed to voice the flaws and warnings about that leader.
One clue is the anger that arises when we point out the facts and the flaws of our president. This is how the pretenders will be when the antichrist appears and announces to give the world prosperity and safety. The same way they have responded about Trump will be the way they will fight to defend the antichrist.
My hope is that those who are born again believers will take their eyes off of this world and look up, that is our only hope.
Luke 21:27-29 "…27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 29 Then Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees.…"
Did God say look around and try to get a good president who gives you what you want? NO, God told us to look to Him all the time for everything. He is our provider and the only One Whom we can trust.
Hallelujah!!!
Pride Ruins Whomever it Controls
Pride got the devil and his minions thrown out of heaven. Self-exaltation will ruin the prideful person.
The Insecurity of Pride
Insecurity is a sign of pride, I know that sounds strange or diametrically opposed, but the truth is that anyone who is fearful of being discovered, is also full of pride. The need to preserve a particular image is one whose pride rules their heart.
Those who are not concerned about others learning the real them are not insecure. They have no need to be superior or special, they are happy in their own skin because they humbly know what they are and are open to correction and growth.
Defensiveness is an indication of pride. When we can honestly evaluate matters in truth we have no worries about being seen as less than perfect. The humble person easily admits a flaw or a mistake without embarrassment or defensiveness.
The prideful, fearful person must always be seen as special and better than others. Embarrassment is the response of those who have pride, they cannot interact with anyone without exuding a sense of superiority. For a flaw to be exposed is unthinkable to the prideful person.
Jealousy looms large in the heart of a prideful fearful person. Since it is so important to be special and superior to the insecure person they are easily jealous of the accomplishments of others. These people deliberately ignore the joys and gifts of others.
When we have no need to impress others we can be full of joy. The blessing of enjoying our own accomplishments and pleasing God is enough for us. We share our joys with others but do not seek to be superior.
Romans 12:15
"15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."
Narcissists never engage in the joys and pleasures with others. They are the only ones they see all the time. I am saddened for them because they are desperately attempting to pretend to be what no one can be, which is perfect and superior to others.
These people are not to be despised, they are to be pitied and prayed for since their depression comes and goes continually. They may even say they are not depressed but the burden of their need to feel superior shadows them every day.
James 4:10
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
There is hope for those who are full of pride, that hope is in Jesus Christ. Only He can cleanse the prideful heart of its burden. The solution is to ask forgiveness and for the Lord to change the heart.
James 4:6
"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Those who are not concerned about others learning the real them are not insecure. They have no need to be superior or special, they are happy in their own skin because they humbly know what they are and are open to correction and growth.
Defensiveness is an indication of pride. When we can honestly evaluate matters in truth we have no worries about being seen as less than perfect. The humble person easily admits a flaw or a mistake without embarrassment or defensiveness.
The prideful, fearful person must always be seen as special and better than others. Embarrassment is the response of those who have pride, they cannot interact with anyone without exuding a sense of superiority. For a flaw to be exposed is unthinkable to the prideful person.
Jealousy looms large in the heart of a prideful fearful person. Since it is so important to be special and superior to the insecure person they are easily jealous of the accomplishments of others. These people deliberately ignore the joys and gifts of others.
When we have no need to impress others we can be full of joy. The blessing of enjoying our own accomplishments and pleasing God is enough for us. We share our joys with others but do not seek to be superior.
Romans 12:15
"15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."
Narcissists never engage in the joys and pleasures with others. They are the only ones they see all the time. I am saddened for them because they are desperately attempting to pretend to be what no one can be, which is perfect and superior to others.
These people are not to be despised, they are to be pitied and prayed for since their depression comes and goes continually. They may even say they are not depressed but the burden of their need to feel superior shadows them every day.
James 4:10
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
There is hope for those who are full of pride, that hope is in Jesus Christ. Only He can cleanse the prideful heart of its burden. The solution is to ask forgiveness and for the Lord to change the heart.
James 4:6
"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Sheep Don't Even Have the Sense to Bite
The dog (wolf) knows the character of the sheep. I grew up around sheep, they are stupid. They follow anyone who feeds them. If they are frightened, they run until they die to avoid the predator.
They have no defenses except to run, and that running will kill them. The sheep are among the most frightened and helpless creatures, they don't even bite. I believe this is why God calls us sheep, very few people think and evaluate, they just go whichever way they feel safest without thinking of the consequences.
Isaiah 53:6 "6 We, all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way."
Peter 2:25
"For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."
Sheep cannot survive without a shepherd or protector.
Jeremiah 50:6
"My people are lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray, causing them to roam the mountains. They have wandered from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place."
They have no defenses except to run, and that running will kill them. The sheep are among the most frightened and helpless creatures, they don't even bite. I believe this is why God calls us sheep, very few people think and evaluate, they just go whichever way they feel safest without thinking of the consequences.
Isaiah 53:6 "6 We, all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way."
Peter 2:25
"For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."
Sheep cannot survive without a shepherd or protector.
Jeremiah 50:6
"My people are lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray, causing them to roam the mountains. They have wandered from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place."
How to Grow in Wisdom and Holiness
If someone does something publicly it should be handled publically. People who are prideful like secrets. They are fearful that the real them will be discovered.
1 Timothy 5:20 "Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning."
The reason our churches have become apostate is that wrong attitudes and sin have not been addressed in the context within when they happened.
Secrecy allows people to continue in sin and sinful attitudes without accountability causing it to grow. Not only does the pride grow but also the influence of the sin and pride grow among others in the group. The devil loves secrecy and gossip. Gossip cannot occur when things are handled honestly and openly.
When we are confronted with something wrong or perhaps a correction not associated with sin, often the accusation comes back that it should have been hidden. This is not Biblical.
When you confront a narcissist about their bad attitude or blatant sin, often the accusation comes that you should have done it privately. This is only true when the sin was private. If the sin was public, in front of the rest of the body then that should be handled at the time it happens and in the presence of all.
2 Timothy 4:2
"Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
1 Timothy 5:20
"As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear."
All things are to be done in an orderly manner without guile or revenge. Everything should be done with the purpose of glorifying God and bringing the sinner back into obedience to Christ.
The purpose of complete openness with brothers and sisters is to help them evaluate themselves to remain on track as they grow in holiness. We are not merely friends with the gathering, we are helpers in one another's spiritual growth.
It is true that no man is an island, if someone wants to be an island unto themselves then they are demonstrating pride which leads to inclusiveness.
Galatians 6:1
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."
Those who hide are guilty of something!
Luke 17:3
"Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,"
Our goal in this life ought not to be appearing superior or perfect but they learn the ways of Christ, growing gradually as God reveals needed confession in areas we might not see in ourselves.
1 John 1:9
"9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Those who can swallow their pride while evaluating themselves will be those who will grow in holiness and wisdom.
.
1 Timothy 5:20 "Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning."
The reason our churches have become apostate is that wrong attitudes and sin have not been addressed in the context within when they happened.
Secrecy allows people to continue in sin and sinful attitudes without accountability causing it to grow. Not only does the pride grow but also the influence of the sin and pride grow among others in the group. The devil loves secrecy and gossip. Gossip cannot occur when things are handled honestly and openly.
When we are confronted with something wrong or perhaps a correction not associated with sin, often the accusation comes back that it should have been hidden. This is not Biblical.
When you confront a narcissist about their bad attitude or blatant sin, often the accusation comes that you should have done it privately. This is only true when the sin was private. If the sin was public, in front of the rest of the body then that should be handled at the time it happens and in the presence of all.
2 Timothy 4:2
"Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
1 Timothy 5:20
"As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear."
All things are to be done in an orderly manner without guile or revenge. Everything should be done with the purpose of glorifying God and bringing the sinner back into obedience to Christ.
The purpose of complete openness with brothers and sisters is to help them evaluate themselves to remain on track as they grow in holiness. We are not merely friends with the gathering, we are helpers in one another's spiritual growth.
It is true that no man is an island, if someone wants to be an island unto themselves then they are demonstrating pride which leads to inclusiveness.
Galatians 6:1
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."
Those who hide are guilty of something!
Luke 17:3
"Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,"
Our goal in this life ought not to be appearing superior or perfect but they learn the ways of Christ, growing gradually as God reveals needed confession in areas we might not see in ourselves.
1 John 1:9
"9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Those who can swallow their pride while evaluating themselves will be those who will grow in holiness and wisdom.
.
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Bristling of Pride
When someone is easily offended by suggestions or correction they have a problem with pride.
All of us make mistakes from time to time, how we respond to correction shows our inner heart. If we are easily offended then prideful, if gracious in acknowledging the correction to improve then there is a humble spirit.
Proverbs 12:1 "1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid."
Those who refuse to be corrected will not grow in Christlikeness.
Proverbs 15:31-33 "…31 He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. 32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. 33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.…"
When someone easily corrects others but cannot stand to be corrected themselves we are watching pride in action.
Philippians 2:3-4
"3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."
Hypersensitivity to correction or instruction is sinful and foolish, it causes those who are plagued with it to remain infants in their spiritual growth. It also could be a sign that someone was never born again.
God disciplines His children when they are stubborn and unreachable.
Hebrews 12:5-7 "…5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.” 7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?"
If you find yourself bristling at that sound of correction it is time to go to prayer for cleansing.
1 John 1:9 "
"9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
If you find it too difficult or unthinkable to say sorry to someone when they have pointed out a flaw, then there is pride that needs to be confessed to be cleansed.
It is only through confession of flaws and sins on a regular basis that will grow the born again believer. Stagnation is not an option for those who claim to be in Christ.
All of us make mistakes from time to time, how we respond to correction shows our inner heart. If we are easily offended then prideful, if gracious in acknowledging the correction to improve then there is a humble spirit.
Proverbs 12:1 "1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid."
Those who refuse to be corrected will not grow in Christlikeness.
Proverbs 15:31-33 "…31 He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. 32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. 33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.…"
When someone easily corrects others but cannot stand to be corrected themselves we are watching pride in action.
Philippians 2:3-4
"3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."
Hypersensitivity to correction or instruction is sinful and foolish, it causes those who are plagued with it to remain infants in their spiritual growth. It also could be a sign that someone was never born again.
God disciplines His children when they are stubborn and unreachable.
Hebrews 12:5-7 "…5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.” 7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?"
If you find yourself bristling at that sound of correction it is time to go to prayer for cleansing.
1 John 1:9 "
"9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
If you find it too difficult or unthinkable to say sorry to someone when they have pointed out a flaw, then there is pride that needs to be confessed to be cleansed.
It is only through confession of flaws and sins on a regular basis that will grow the born again believer. Stagnation is not an option for those who claim to be in Christ.
Our Christian Mindset
What should a believer be putting into their minds? The more we focus on Christ the less we are concerned about what is going on in the world. We see it, we speak the truth about it but it does not consume our hearts.
The end times are here, we live in apostasy, anger, and all the attitudes mentioned in 2 Timothy 3. However, this does not deter us from our hope or joy as we endure this wicked world for a little longer.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
“Difficult Times Will Come” (Perilous times: meaning "ragingly insane" times.)
1 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.
2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,
3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good,
4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these."
Knowing these things should not upset us, the more we know of the Word of God and His principles the less concerned we are with what is happening around us. Knowing these things should increase our joy as we realize Jesus return is sooner than ever.
Yes, we have a burden for souls that have not yet trusted Christ. We are concerned about many who say they are Christians but have no fruit of the Spirit. However, none of this frightens or deters us from speaking the truth boldly.
We are not here in this world to make any country "great", we are here to bring the truth to everyone. Even if they don't hear us we are to speak anyway.
2 Timothy 4:2-4 "…2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears, they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. 4 So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."
Our hope is not in a better world, a better country, a free country, or a wealthy country, our hope is in Christ and His promises to us.
Just recently I placed a video of a believer who said he was bringing the end times prophetic events. I had watched his videos before and they seemed good so I shared this one without watching it.
Sadly I was disappointed that his talk was not about Christ but mostly about all the evils that are happening in the end times. We know the world is evil, it always has been, seeing all the wicked details of the work of the devil does nothing to encourage the believer or anyone else. I waited to the end to see if this man was going to bring hope and joy in the promises of God but it never came.
When our focus is more on the evils around us than on Christ we have gotten off the path into horizontal thinking. God clearly told us to be looking up, that is to heaven, to Him for our focus. When we do this nothing that happens on this earth will shake us.
Ephesians 6:12
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
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."
The end times are here, we live in apostasy, anger, and all the attitudes mentioned in 2 Timothy 3. However, this does not deter us from our hope or joy as we endure this wicked world for a little longer.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
“Difficult Times Will Come” (Perilous times: meaning "ragingly insane" times.)
1 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.
2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,
3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good,
4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these."
Knowing these things should not upset us, the more we know of the Word of God and His principles the less concerned we are with what is happening around us. Knowing these things should increase our joy as we realize Jesus return is sooner than ever.
Yes, we have a burden for souls that have not yet trusted Christ. We are concerned about many who say they are Christians but have no fruit of the Spirit. However, none of this frightens or deters us from speaking the truth boldly.
We are not here in this world to make any country "great", we are here to bring the truth to everyone. Even if they don't hear us we are to speak anyway.
2 Timothy 4:2-4 "…2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears, they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. 4 So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."
Our hope is not in a better world, a better country, a free country, or a wealthy country, our hope is in Christ and His promises to us.
Just recently I placed a video of a believer who said he was bringing the end times prophetic events. I had watched his videos before and they seemed good so I shared this one without watching it.
Sadly I was disappointed that his talk was not about Christ but mostly about all the evils that are happening in the end times. We know the world is evil, it always has been, seeing all the wicked details of the work of the devil does nothing to encourage the believer or anyone else. I waited to the end to see if this man was going to bring hope and joy in the promises of God but it never came.
When our focus is more on the evils around us than on Christ we have gotten off the path into horizontal thinking. God clearly told us to be looking up, that is to heaven, to Him for our focus. When we do this nothing that happens on this earth will shake us.
Ephesians 6:12
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
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."
Could The Rapture Be In 2020?
Brothers and Sisters we must get back to focusing on Christ and His return instead of all the specifics of what is going on in the world. We can get so caught up in the negative events of our age we end up wringing our hands in fear rather than what we should be doing, that is glorying in the soon return of Christ. While the world is in chaos and fear the believers are full of joy and hope because of what we know about Christ and His rapture.
Monday, April 27, 2020
When Stress Leads to Solutions, Only Then is it Good
I don't mind stress in a discussion if it will produce something good, but with arguers, there is no good place to go.
Their only goal is to win. We should be able to recognize them easily by their verbiage.
Proverbs 29:8-10
8 Scorners set a city aflame,
But wise men turn away anger.
9 When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man,
The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.
10 Men of bloodshed hate the blameless,
But the upright is concerned for his life."
We see this mentality of arguing to win more than anything else these days. Those who are arrogant cannot admit they're wrong, in fact they cannot even discuss something when they have been shown to be wrong.
The wise man admits they were wrong because they care more about truth than they do about winning.
Their only goal is to win. We should be able to recognize them easily by their verbiage.
Proverbs 29:8-10
8 Scorners set a city aflame,
But wise men turn away anger.
9 When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man,
The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.
10 Men of bloodshed hate the blameless,
But the upright is concerned for his life."
We see this mentality of arguing to win more than anything else these days. Those who are arrogant cannot admit they're wrong, in fact they cannot even discuss something when they have been shown to be wrong.
The wise man admits they were wrong because they care more about truth than they do about winning.
Claiming to Control God is Blasphemy
If you are "claiming" something in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ then you are blaspheming God. Have you no reverence for God, His wisdom, and His will?
1 John 5:14-15
"14 This is the confidence which we have [a]before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him."
If we demand things of God as though He were a puppet in our hands then we are making a god in our own image.
We are not to demand things from God, this is self-will. The prosperity preachers are teaching the opposite of what God teaches. They are blaspheming the character and nature of God when they teach that He is to do our bidding.
Will you come before the Lord bowing with your face to the ground in reverence for His Kingship, or will you come standing straight demanding your will of Him? If you come face up demanding from God you will be struck down by the breath of His mouth.
Job 4:8-9 "…8 As I have observed, those who plow iniquity and those who sow trouble reap the same. 9 By the breath of God, they perish, and by the blast of His anger they are consumed."
Isaiah 40:12-14 "…12Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or marked off the heavens with the span of his hand? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on a scale and the hills with a balance? 13Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or who has given Him counsel? 14Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding?…"
Romans 11:34
"Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?"
How dare us to command God! God clearly said "if we ask in His will", then He will answer. Often God prompts us to pray what He wants, which means that we are to desire to know the mind of Christ that we might glorify Him.
1 Corinthians 2:16
"For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
When we have the mind of Christ we will know His will. Often people claim that their own thoughts are the will of God, but often it is the devil who is placing those thoughts.
How do we know when a thought is from the devil or from God? It's quite simple really, we simply pray for God's direction and He will answer. If we command God to do our will He will not answer us.
John 14:26
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
Any desires we have must be prayed about and the mind of the Lord sought to find His direction.
Psalm 25:12
"Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose."
1 John 5:14-15
"14 This is the confidence which we have [a]before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him."
If we demand things of God as though He were a puppet in our hands then we are making a god in our own image.
We are not to demand things from God, this is self-will. The prosperity preachers are teaching the opposite of what God teaches. They are blaspheming the character and nature of God when they teach that He is to do our bidding.
Will you come before the Lord bowing with your face to the ground in reverence for His Kingship, or will you come standing straight demanding your will of Him? If you come face up demanding from God you will be struck down by the breath of His mouth.
Job 4:8-9 "…8 As I have observed, those who plow iniquity and those who sow trouble reap the same. 9 By the breath of God, they perish, and by the blast of His anger they are consumed."
Isaiah 40:12-14 "…12Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or marked off the heavens with the span of his hand? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on a scale and the hills with a balance? 13Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or who has given Him counsel? 14Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding?…"
Romans 11:34
"Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?"
How dare us to command God! God clearly said "if we ask in His will", then He will answer. Often God prompts us to pray what He wants, which means that we are to desire to know the mind of Christ that we might glorify Him.
1 Corinthians 2:16
"For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
When we have the mind of Christ we will know His will. Often people claim that their own thoughts are the will of God, but often it is the devil who is placing those thoughts.
How do we know when a thought is from the devil or from God? It's quite simple really, we simply pray for God's direction and He will answer. If we command God to do our will He will not answer us.
John 14:26
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
Any desires we have must be prayed about and the mind of the Lord sought to find His direction.
Psalm 25:12
"Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose."
The Distractions of the Ungodly
In this world, we will have many people now who will attempt to distract us from acting in Christlike ways. Those who are of the devil want to push us off the path of righteousness by poking at us until we respond in ungodly ways.
These people are all around us now. They do not love Christ even though some would claim to know Him.
Matthew 7:21-23
I Never Knew You
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
This passage ought to frighten a lot of people into asking God if they are truly saved. If the lifestyle does not match with the Bible, if the language that emerges from the mouth does not match up with the Bible then there is reason to be concerned.
John 14:15 "15 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."
God never commanded us to keep His commandments, the above verse is not a command, it is a clear statement that those who love Christ WILL keep His commandments.
What are God's commandments? They are everything in the Bible that God told us to do and how to live.
In our culture today when someone says "I am a Bible-believing Christian" they don't know what they are saying. Their example is that they obey what they like and disobey what they don't like. Most are not open to learning they are not obeying God in a particular area of their life. They merely become offended that someone would question them.
2 Timothy 4
“Preach the Word”
4 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,
4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;
8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing."
These people are all around us now. They do not love Christ even though some would claim to know Him.
Matthew 7:21-23
I Never Knew You
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
This passage ought to frighten a lot of people into asking God if they are truly saved. If the lifestyle does not match with the Bible, if the language that emerges from the mouth does not match up with the Bible then there is reason to be concerned.
John 14:15 "15 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."
God never commanded us to keep His commandments, the above verse is not a command, it is a clear statement that those who love Christ WILL keep His commandments.
What are God's commandments? They are everything in the Bible that God told us to do and how to live.
In our culture today when someone says "I am a Bible-believing Christian" they don't know what they are saying. Their example is that they obey what they like and disobey what they don't like. Most are not open to learning they are not obeying God in a particular area of their life. They merely become offended that someone would question them.
2 Timothy 4
“Preach the Word”
4 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,
4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;
8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing."
"Pleading the Blood" over anything is not Biblical
The blood of Jesus was shed once and for all. There are no scriptures that say the blood keeps on healing the physical body or gets us things.
We are healed once by God's sacrifice. "Pleading the blood over something" is not a scriptural term. There is no example in Scripture of anyone "pleading the blood."
The healing of the blood had to do with the fact that it was shed to save mankind from his sin and heal his spirit. This has nothing to do with physical healing or getting one's desires met.
Hebrews 9:22 "22 According to the Law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. "
Ephesians 1:7
"7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace"
"Pleading the Blood" is a Pentecostal term associated with "name it and claim it" doctrines that are also not Biblical.
Be very careful to search the Bible for terms before using them. Many things people say are not Biblical.
2 Timothy 2:15-16 "15 Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,…"
We are healed once by God's sacrifice. "Pleading the blood over something" is not a scriptural term. There is no example in Scripture of anyone "pleading the blood."
The healing of the blood had to do with the fact that it was shed to save mankind from his sin and heal his spirit. This has nothing to do with physical healing or getting one's desires met.
Hebrews 9:22 "22 According to the Law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. "
Ephesians 1:7
"7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace"
"Pleading the Blood" is a Pentecostal term associated with "name it and claim it" doctrines that are also not Biblical.
Be very careful to search the Bible for terms before using them. Many things people say are not Biblical.
2 Timothy 2:15-16 "15 Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,…"
Praising God All Day Long
Those who must feel superior to others are in need of submitting to Christ. No one is superior to anyone else. We all had to become born again, we all had to repent to be changed by Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:16-18 "…16 So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:…"
When Christ is the only One Who is superior we can praise Him all day long!
2 Corinthians 5:16-18 "…16 So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:…"
When Christ is the only One Who is superior we can praise Him all day long!
Do Not Be Too Insecure to Witness Boldly
Do not allow your insecurities to prevent you from speaking boldly about the Lord anywhere at any time.
Acts 28:31
"Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance."
Proverbs 28:1
"The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion."
Never be fearful of what man will think of you, be full of joy to proclaim what Christ did for you.
Acts 28:31
"Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance."
Proverbs 28:1
"The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion."
Never be fearful of what man will think of you, be full of joy to proclaim what Christ did for you.
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Only Christ is Superior
The born again believer walking with Christ has no need to be superior to others. We know that everyone falls short of the glory of God therefore no one is superior to anyone else.
Since we know we all needed a Savior, we also realize that our goal in life must be to glorify God.
Romans 3:23
"23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"
Romans 3:9-10 "9 What then? Are we any better? Not at all. For we have already made the charge that Jews and Greeks alike are all under sin. 10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one. 11 There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God."
When we understand this principle that no one is good and no one is better than anyone else we will have no need to prove ourselves.
1 John 1:8
"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
Those who remain stuck in the desire to be superior to others are living in continual turmoil in their own hearts. It is a burden to have to convince others constantly how much better they are than others. And an even greater burden if they think they have no accomplished this. There is also the added burden of being faced with a sense of failure if someone else comes along and accomplishes more than they.
Philippians 2:3-4
"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others."
Our culture has been teaching for 50 years that we should all focus on ourselves to elevate and promote ourselves. God says just the opposite, that we can enjoy our accomplishments but that we should always be seeking to elevate others above ourselves.
Philippians 2:2-4 "…2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.…"
Since we know we all needed a Savior, we also realize that our goal in life must be to glorify God.
Romans 3:23
"23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"
Romans 3:9-10 "9 What then? Are we any better? Not at all. For we have already made the charge that Jews and Greeks alike are all under sin. 10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one. 11 There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God."
When we understand this principle that no one is good and no one is better than anyone else we will have no need to prove ourselves.
1 John 1:8
"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
Those who remain stuck in the desire to be superior to others are living in continual turmoil in their own hearts. It is a burden to have to convince others constantly how much better they are than others. And an even greater burden if they think they have no accomplished this. There is also the added burden of being faced with a sense of failure if someone else comes along and accomplishes more than they.
Philippians 2:3-4
"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others."
Our culture has been teaching for 50 years that we should all focus on ourselves to elevate and promote ourselves. God says just the opposite, that we can enjoy our accomplishments but that we should always be seeking to elevate others above ourselves.
Philippians 2:2-4 "…2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.…"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)