I am so tired of the health craze, my father smoked for 40 years, quit for his health, ate white bread, bacon and normal food and lived to be 90. I reject the notion that "food" has very much to do with health or length of life.
The health industry told us eggs were bad because of cholesterol when in fact they have both kinds and are very good for us. I lowered my cholesterol by eating lots of eggs. My father stopped eating eggs and had to be on cholesterol meds in his old age. My contention is that, if he had just eaten eggs he could have lowered it without meds.
The health industry told us that we needed more grains and now people are having bowel problems because our intestines are not designed to handle that much roughage. Now we are going back to white bread, it was good all along.
Eat the way you please, but I would challenge everyone to ask God what the truth is about food, since most of our information is coming from godless natural food proponents who live in fear of the environment, earth worshipers, who do not trust Christ.
As believers we can trust Him to bless the food to our bodies, we don't have to live in fear that the food is perfect, but we can trust that God will take care of us.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Christ is the Only Way!!!! We are Nothing!
Romans 10:9-11
"9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."
When we believe and God changes us into a new creation, our desires completely change. The sin we used to love we now hate and the righteousness we used to have contempt for, we now love.
2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come."
Psalm 97:10
"Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked."
We do not have to be commanded to hate evil when we become born again, we automatically hate it through our new nature that is controlled by Christ. We can still sin, but we are grieved when we do, the Holy Spirit within us causes us grief when we disobey God. That sin is of the flesh not of the Spirit. Our flesh is still dead and we must battle it continually, the more we battle the flesh, the greater God works in our life and the less the struggle becomes.
Galatians 5:17-25
"17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery,[a] fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Those who walk with God and have been changed will fall occasionally but they will not practice a lifestyle of sinfulness and they will grow in holiness, every sin they confess will be cleansed from them.
Ephesians 4:30
"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."
When we sin, we have an advocate with the Father, because we belong to Christ, He pleads for us to the Father.
1 John 2:1
"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;"
God was speaking to believers in 1 John, non-believers do not have an advocate with the Father, they are at the mercy of the devil.
No child of God will continue in sin, the Holy Spirit will bring grief and torment to our soul until we confess it and ask for cleansing.
1 John 5:18
"We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him."
If someone keeps on sinning, defends their sin and is hostile to the Word of God, even though they call themselves "Christian", could not have ever been born again, they have only played the role in the flesh because there is no conviction of sin. These people are pretenders, those who want the protection of God without loving Him. Often the motivation for these pretenders is the safety of the church gathering and companionship, as soon as they are challenged about their sin, they will run away or they will become born again from the challenge.
Matthews 15:8
"'THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME."
God assures us in His Word that when we believe He does all the rest of the work of saving, changing and keeping us until He comes for us. He also warns those who think they can pretend to believe without any desire to love or obey God, that those who do this have never been born again. God will not save someone who merely wants to use God to get out of trouble. He will save only those who have been broken over their sinfulness and desire to be changed by Christ. When we have been changed, we fall in love with Christ, He is what we think about continually, every action is measured by His desires and principles.
Matthew 7:21-23
"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.’"
Lawlessness is in the heart, even someone who seems to do and say all the right things can be a candidate for the fires of hell, because they didn't want to be changed, they only wanted to appear good to others, they never believed in Christ for saving grace, they thought they could gain heaven on their own merits. They are even proud of their good deeds never giving Christ the glory for them because their life is not about Christ, but about self.
It is only possible to gain heaven through the spilt blood of Christ covering our sin, His sacrifice alone saves.
Ephesians 2:1-10
"1 You were dead in your transgressions and sins
2 in which you once lived following the age of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the disobedient.
3 All of us once lived among them in the desires of our flesh, following the wishes of the flesh and the impulses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like the rest. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us,
5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
6 raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus,
7 that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God;
9 it is not from works, so no one may boast.
10 For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them."
Our good deeds will not save us, only trusting Christ and what He did on our behalf will save us, then He cleanses us and keeps us until He comes for us.
Anyone who is working to gain salvation or working to keep it, cannot be born again, they must learn to place their trust in Christ alone, knowing their efforts are nothing in the sight of God.
"9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."
When we believe and God changes us into a new creation, our desires completely change. The sin we used to love we now hate and the righteousness we used to have contempt for, we now love.
2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come."
Psalm 97:10
"Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked."
We do not have to be commanded to hate evil when we become born again, we automatically hate it through our new nature that is controlled by Christ. We can still sin, but we are grieved when we do, the Holy Spirit within us causes us grief when we disobey God. That sin is of the flesh not of the Spirit. Our flesh is still dead and we must battle it continually, the more we battle the flesh, the greater God works in our life and the less the struggle becomes.
Galatians 5:17-25
"17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery,[a] fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Those who walk with God and have been changed will fall occasionally but they will not practice a lifestyle of sinfulness and they will grow in holiness, every sin they confess will be cleansed from them.
Ephesians 4:30
"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."
When we sin, we have an advocate with the Father, because we belong to Christ, He pleads for us to the Father.
1 John 2:1
"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;"
God was speaking to believers in 1 John, non-believers do not have an advocate with the Father, they are at the mercy of the devil.
No child of God will continue in sin, the Holy Spirit will bring grief and torment to our soul until we confess it and ask for cleansing.
1 John 5:18
"We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him."
If someone keeps on sinning, defends their sin and is hostile to the Word of God, even though they call themselves "Christian", could not have ever been born again, they have only played the role in the flesh because there is no conviction of sin. These people are pretenders, those who want the protection of God without loving Him. Often the motivation for these pretenders is the safety of the church gathering and companionship, as soon as they are challenged about their sin, they will run away or they will become born again from the challenge.
Matthews 15:8
"'THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME."
God assures us in His Word that when we believe He does all the rest of the work of saving, changing and keeping us until He comes for us. He also warns those who think they can pretend to believe without any desire to love or obey God, that those who do this have never been born again. God will not save someone who merely wants to use God to get out of trouble. He will save only those who have been broken over their sinfulness and desire to be changed by Christ. When we have been changed, we fall in love with Christ, He is what we think about continually, every action is measured by His desires and principles.
Matthew 7:21-23
"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.’"
Lawlessness is in the heart, even someone who seems to do and say all the right things can be a candidate for the fires of hell, because they didn't want to be changed, they only wanted to appear good to others, they never believed in Christ for saving grace, they thought they could gain heaven on their own merits. They are even proud of their good deeds never giving Christ the glory for them because their life is not about Christ, but about self.
It is only possible to gain heaven through the spilt blood of Christ covering our sin, His sacrifice alone saves.
Ephesians 2:1-10
"1 You were dead in your transgressions and sins
2 in which you once lived following the age of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the disobedient.
3 All of us once lived among them in the desires of our flesh, following the wishes of the flesh and the impulses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like the rest. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us,
5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
6 raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus,
7 that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God;
9 it is not from works, so no one may boast.
10 For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them."
Our good deeds will not save us, only trusting Christ and what He did on our behalf will save us, then He cleanses us and keeps us until He comes for us.
Anyone who is working to gain salvation or working to keep it, cannot be born again, they must learn to place their trust in Christ alone, knowing their efforts are nothing in the sight of God.
Monday, May 11, 2015
Adultery Against God
The freedom to commit adultery in our country has led to broken marriages, broken families and broken hearts...How is that freedom working out for those who want to indulge? Those who indulge in intimate relations outside of marriage are setting themselves up for marital failure. The mindset that tests the waters and bails out when things get rough, is the foundational evil behind lacking commitment, it follows the live-in shack ups into marriage when they finally decide to tie the knot.
The freedom to drink alcohol to excess has led to drunk driving that kills people and destroys lives, the freedom to act foolish and ruin the lives of others by our evil example has grown out of control. Foolishness is now celebrated while preaching sobriety is condemned as "judgemental."
The freedom to read any kind of filth ones wants to experience has led to child molestation and spousal abuse, filth is defended while a clean and righteous mind is attacked.
The freedom to divorce and remarry on demand has ruined the stability of the hearts of children, bringing discouragement while leaving our culture without a role model that works and loves well.
The freedom to make movies that destroy the moral climate of our culture, has distorted reality in the family structure, while fostering rebellion in the hearts of the children.
The freedom to murder 60 million babies has created the most heinous killing mentality ever seen in this culture. How is all that killing working out for us? We have yet to see the effects of this, in our social security system, in our jobs market in our devaluation of human life and lack of respect for anyone. The same people who advocate abortion on demand will march against war when an evil empire threatens another country.
I do not believe our founding fathers meant to foster the mentality of total freedom for all things no matter who it harms. The freedom they desired was the freedom to worship as one pleased while holding fast to the standards that make for a safe and loving society while honoring God.
Our culture is no longer safe, it is ugly and demeaning and all because some very squeaky wheels in the liberal media wanted the freedom to live as wickedly as they pleased without any restraints or stigmas attached. Hollywood has played a destructive role from the beginning in all this mess. It began with seemingly moral stories with a little lie here and there sneaking in unnoticed, while over time as people became used to and desensitised to sin, they began to add more and more immoral language and actions. Having said all that I must say this, the media only gave the people what they already desired in their hearts. Because the country was not obsessed with their Bibles and prayer, they were easy prey for deceivers in the media.
Since the church moved away from reading their Bibles in favor of massive amounts of television viewing, the church lost sight of truth. Those who went to church didn't know their Bibles and thought the movie industry was getting it right in their insidiously subtle violations of God's Word. It is not only the movies that control us, but sports has also consumed the hearts of many believers, I know this because the church chatter during coffee hour is all about the sports.
The less Bible we read and pray about, the more evil will move into our lives, taking a piece of our heart here and a piece there until eventually the Bible reading will disappear entirely while the media controls our mind and our heart.
Believers we need to spend time with the Lord far more than we spend with devices and stories, only then can we grow in grace.
2 Peter 3:18 "18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."
The freedom to drink alcohol to excess has led to drunk driving that kills people and destroys lives, the freedom to act foolish and ruin the lives of others by our evil example has grown out of control. Foolishness is now celebrated while preaching sobriety is condemned as "judgemental."
The freedom to read any kind of filth ones wants to experience has led to child molestation and spousal abuse, filth is defended while a clean and righteous mind is attacked.
The freedom to divorce and remarry on demand has ruined the stability of the hearts of children, bringing discouragement while leaving our culture without a role model that works and loves well.
The freedom to make movies that destroy the moral climate of our culture, has distorted reality in the family structure, while fostering rebellion in the hearts of the children.
The freedom to murder 60 million babies has created the most heinous killing mentality ever seen in this culture. How is all that killing working out for us? We have yet to see the effects of this, in our social security system, in our jobs market in our devaluation of human life and lack of respect for anyone. The same people who advocate abortion on demand will march against war when an evil empire threatens another country.
I do not believe our founding fathers meant to foster the mentality of total freedom for all things no matter who it harms. The freedom they desired was the freedom to worship as one pleased while holding fast to the standards that make for a safe and loving society while honoring God.
Our culture is no longer safe, it is ugly and demeaning and all because some very squeaky wheels in the liberal media wanted the freedom to live as wickedly as they pleased without any restraints or stigmas attached. Hollywood has played a destructive role from the beginning in all this mess. It began with seemingly moral stories with a little lie here and there sneaking in unnoticed, while over time as people became used to and desensitised to sin, they began to add more and more immoral language and actions. Having said all that I must say this, the media only gave the people what they already desired in their hearts. Because the country was not obsessed with their Bibles and prayer, they were easy prey for deceivers in the media.
Since the church moved away from reading their Bibles in favor of massive amounts of television viewing, the church lost sight of truth. Those who went to church didn't know their Bibles and thought the movie industry was getting it right in their insidiously subtle violations of God's Word. It is not only the movies that control us, but sports has also consumed the hearts of many believers, I know this because the church chatter during coffee hour is all about the sports.
The less Bible we read and pray about, the more evil will move into our lives, taking a piece of our heart here and a piece there until eventually the Bible reading will disappear entirely while the media controls our mind and our heart.
Believers we need to spend time with the Lord far more than we spend with devices and stories, only then can we grow in grace.
2 Peter 3:18 "18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."
A Choice To Be Made!
The Commandments of God are not burdensome, they bring freedom.
1 John 5:2-4 "2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."
Those who want to be free from the commandments and principles of God are placing themselves in bondage to the world and the wicked one who seeks to destroy the lives of those he touches.
There are only two conditions for the human experience, slavery to the devil who loves to destroy us or slaves of Christ Who cares so deeply about our welfare that He gave His own life to cover our sin nature, to be able to have fellowship with Him forever in a paradise that He is preparing for us.
1 Corinthians 10:9-10 " Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer (the devil)."
John 14:3 ""If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."
The devil knows he will go to the lake of fire to burn forever and that's his desire for us, to suffer with him in total darkness forever, with no hope of anything else. He wants to separate us from God. Satan's hate is beyond anything to be imagined. The devil wants us to be soul sick and defeated. Momentary pleasure of sin will lead to a miserable existence, the pleasure will go away but the consequences of it will last forever without Christ.
Christ wants us to trust Him, choose to be changed by Him into a new creation so that we can live with Him forever in paradise, free from sin, sickness and evil forever. God's love is beyond anything to be imagined, His desire is for us is to be healthy in our Spirits, victorious and strong.
With Christ our pleasure changes from rotten, devastating, uncaring and unforgiving reality to a joy that takes us through all things, coming out the other side stronger than we were before with the end reward a paradise that can not be described.
Hebrews 11:20-25
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;"
Often I ponder the amazing salvation of our Lord and all those people He made into new creations, our brothers and sisters who love to love will all be together in one place forever, all meanness gone, all lying, cheating, manipulation, hate and evil will be gone forever, left only with the pure love of Christ in the hearts of those who have been changed and saved by Him. Hallelujah!!!!!
1 John 5:2-4 "2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."
Those who want to be free from the commandments and principles of God are placing themselves in bondage to the world and the wicked one who seeks to destroy the lives of those he touches.
There are only two conditions for the human experience, slavery to the devil who loves to destroy us or slaves of Christ Who cares so deeply about our welfare that He gave His own life to cover our sin nature, to be able to have fellowship with Him forever in a paradise that He is preparing for us.
1 Corinthians 10:9-10 " Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer (the devil)."
John 14:3 ""If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."
The devil knows he will go to the lake of fire to burn forever and that's his desire for us, to suffer with him in total darkness forever, with no hope of anything else. He wants to separate us from God. Satan's hate is beyond anything to be imagined. The devil wants us to be soul sick and defeated. Momentary pleasure of sin will lead to a miserable existence, the pleasure will go away but the consequences of it will last forever without Christ.
Christ wants us to trust Him, choose to be changed by Him into a new creation so that we can live with Him forever in paradise, free from sin, sickness and evil forever. God's love is beyond anything to be imagined, His desire is for us is to be healthy in our Spirits, victorious and strong.
With Christ our pleasure changes from rotten, devastating, uncaring and unforgiving reality to a joy that takes us through all things, coming out the other side stronger than we were before with the end reward a paradise that can not be described.
Hebrews 11:20-25
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;"
Often I ponder the amazing salvation of our Lord and all those people He made into new creations, our brothers and sisters who love to love will all be together in one place forever, all meanness gone, all lying, cheating, manipulation, hate and evil will be gone forever, left only with the pure love of Christ in the hearts of those who have been changed and saved by Him. Hallelujah!!!!!
You Do Not!!!!!
Anyone who says to you, "I have a word from the Lord for you", tell them, "no you don't", there was only one mediator between God and man and that was and is Christ Jesus. If God wants me to know something He will tell me and He will not tell me anything in my future."
When we walk by faith we don't need to know our future, we walk daily trusting God. Christ in us will tell us what to do at the time it is needed.
Matthew 6:25-34 "25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Perhaps we should take special note of that last verse "34."
"34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
When we walk by faith we don't need to know our future, we walk daily trusting God. Christ in us will tell us what to do at the time it is needed.
Matthew 6:25-34 "25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Perhaps we should take special note of that last verse "34."
"34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Friday, May 8, 2015
Speaking Truth Openly
Speaking the truth plainly is the new evil. The powers that be, cannot stop our thoughts nor can they remove our brains, so they are working feverishly to control our speech through intimidation, manipulation and punitive actions.
We can be sure this method of controlling speech will work for most people, even believers. In the past believers were choosing to withhold judgment and speech in favor of fitting in to be accepted by the world, why would we think they would display greater strength in the face of stricter more devastating rejection?
For years I have spoken boldly on matters of morals and God's principles. In most cases the declaration of God's view of the matters of life, have been met with hostility and judgments against my character, such as "mean spirited", "hateful", and other superlatives to describe a character that would seek to harm instead of to help, mostly by those who claim to be believers. Not only was my speech openly opposed, I was isolated and set apart for dismissiveness to minimize my views in the presence of others.
When I spoke against the sin of "self esteem" some 30 years ago, even as a fairly new believer, I was chastised and shouted down by those who were suppose to know the Word better than I did. They had been indoctrinated into believing that loving one's self was very important to our existence, when in fact, God told us that we are born loving ourselves too much, to the level of godlike status, the goal was to love our neighbor as much as we already love ourselves. God told us to deny self, serve others and worship God above any and all other things and people. When I would attempt to bring the Word of God into the discussion I was quickly shouted down and mocked.
Self esteem teaching is one of the modern sacred cows one is never suppose to touch. Messing with someone's personal choices through preaching or teaching has become a hanging offense, at least among pretenders and the world.
Let me add to all this, if we walk in fear that we may possibly chase someone off because we have addressed sin in the heart of the rebellious, then those same rebellious hearts are not ready to be taught by Christ through those He sent to instruct. If speaking truth causes anger and hostility in a heart, then that heart is not seeking Christ, the problem is not with the messenger of God, but with the rebellious heart that refuses to listen to a rebuke or correction.
When we reject the messengers of God who read the Word and speak of it and is met with rejection, then God will not speak to them personally. God speaks to those who belong to Him and they know Him when He does.
John 10:27-28 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand."
Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Luke 6:46 "“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?"
1 John 1:3 "That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ."
Romans 8:7 "For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot."
Those who have been intimidated into silence by others, walk in fear of man rather than love and fear of God. Whenever we place man above God we have an idol and that idol includes ourselves as well as other we elevate.
Proverbs 29:25 "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe."
Hebrews 13:6 "So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
Galatians 1:10 "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
The more time we spend with Christ and His Word in prayer, the greater discernment we develop and much less likely to fall into worldly thinking. Everything worldly we encounter will be quickly exposed through the principles of God's Word as they come to mind. The more we meditate on Christ and His Word, the greater discernment.
1 John 4:1 "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."
Philippians 1:9-10 "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,"
Proverbs 3:1-6:35 "My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. ..."
Proverbs 2:1-5 "My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."
We can be sure this method of controlling speech will work for most people, even believers. In the past believers were choosing to withhold judgment and speech in favor of fitting in to be accepted by the world, why would we think they would display greater strength in the face of stricter more devastating rejection?
For years I have spoken boldly on matters of morals and God's principles. In most cases the declaration of God's view of the matters of life, have been met with hostility and judgments against my character, such as "mean spirited", "hateful", and other superlatives to describe a character that would seek to harm instead of to help, mostly by those who claim to be believers. Not only was my speech openly opposed, I was isolated and set apart for dismissiveness to minimize my views in the presence of others.
When I spoke against the sin of "self esteem" some 30 years ago, even as a fairly new believer, I was chastised and shouted down by those who were suppose to know the Word better than I did. They had been indoctrinated into believing that loving one's self was very important to our existence, when in fact, God told us that we are born loving ourselves too much, to the level of godlike status, the goal was to love our neighbor as much as we already love ourselves. God told us to deny self, serve others and worship God above any and all other things and people. When I would attempt to bring the Word of God into the discussion I was quickly shouted down and mocked.
Self esteem teaching is one of the modern sacred cows one is never suppose to touch. Messing with someone's personal choices through preaching or teaching has become a hanging offense, at least among pretenders and the world.
Let me add to all this, if we walk in fear that we may possibly chase someone off because we have addressed sin in the heart of the rebellious, then those same rebellious hearts are not ready to be taught by Christ through those He sent to instruct. If speaking truth causes anger and hostility in a heart, then that heart is not seeking Christ, the problem is not with the messenger of God, but with the rebellious heart that refuses to listen to a rebuke or correction.
When we reject the messengers of God who read the Word and speak of it and is met with rejection, then God will not speak to them personally. God speaks to those who belong to Him and they know Him when He does.
John 10:27-28 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand."
Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Luke 6:46 "“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?"
1 John 1:3 "That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ."
Romans 8:7 "For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot."
Those who have been intimidated into silence by others, walk in fear of man rather than love and fear of God. Whenever we place man above God we have an idol and that idol includes ourselves as well as other we elevate.
Proverbs 29:25 "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe."
Hebrews 13:6 "So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
Galatians 1:10 "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
The more time we spend with Christ and His Word in prayer, the greater discernment we develop and much less likely to fall into worldly thinking. Everything worldly we encounter will be quickly exposed through the principles of God's Word as they come to mind. The more we meditate on Christ and His Word, the greater discernment.
1 John 4:1 "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."
Philippians 1:9-10 "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,"
Proverbs 3:1-6:35 "My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. ..."
Proverbs 2:1-5 "My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."
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