"…24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “Only by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons, does this man drive out demons.” 25 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand."
Saturday, September 9, 2017
The Devil is the Culprit
Keeping this in mind when people come against us for our walk with Christ, they are merely pawns being used by the father of lies himself.
Ephesians 6:12-13
"12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
Ephesians 6:12-13
"12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
Lack of Leadership is Ruinous
Lack of leadership in families, church and government has been the element that has brought us to the place we are in this country and around the world.
False leaders are concerned with others following them, rather than others following Christ. Their oppressive style manipulates and intimidates those under them, rather than encouraging spiritual growth and acknowledgment of the giftedness in each person.
False leaders love to be served rather than to serve.
Mark 10:42-45
"And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Philippians 2:3-8
"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. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ..."
In the secular world, while the anarchists are pushing over statues and removing plaques, the leaders are winking rather than disciplining. They are more concerned about their own power than they are about the needs and safety of law abiding citizens.
Righteous and wise people are being demeaned, mocked and dismissed as "radical", while the anarchists control the media, the houses of government and the communities as a whole.
And you think things are going to get better, merely by wishing it so?
All this lack of leadership has caused serious division everywhere. Again, in our churches, our families, our country and the world, division reigns supreme.
Individualism and self exaltation have been the most divisive factors of anything in the past few years. Our younger culture is obsessed with personal accomplishment far more than service, to be an asset to the group. No one should be seen as special above another, everyone should work together for the common good, in the case of the believer that good is to serve and glorify Christ.
1 Timothy 3:1-13
1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.
2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,
5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?
6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.
11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.
13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus."
False leaders are concerned with others following them, rather than others following Christ. Their oppressive style manipulates and intimidates those under them, rather than encouraging spiritual growth and acknowledgment of the giftedness in each person.
False leaders love to be served rather than to serve.
Mark 10:42-45
"And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Philippians 2:3-8
"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. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ..."
In the secular world, while the anarchists are pushing over statues and removing plaques, the leaders are winking rather than disciplining. They are more concerned about their own power than they are about the needs and safety of law abiding citizens.
Righteous and wise people are being demeaned, mocked and dismissed as "radical", while the anarchists control the media, the houses of government and the communities as a whole.
And you think things are going to get better, merely by wishing it so?
All this lack of leadership has caused serious division everywhere. Again, in our churches, our families, our country and the world, division reigns supreme.
Individualism and self exaltation have been the most divisive factors of anything in the past few years. Our younger culture is obsessed with personal accomplishment far more than service, to be an asset to the group. No one should be seen as special above another, everyone should work together for the common good, in the case of the believer that good is to serve and glorify Christ.
1 Timothy 3:1-13
1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.
2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,
5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?
6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.
11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.
13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus."
Ask God if You Have Been Changed
The eternal security of the believer is truth from the Bible. However there are many who are confused because they believe everyone who "says" they are a Christian are saved.
The reality is that many who claim to be "Christian" have never been born again, this is why we see them walking away, nothing changes in their actions or attitudes and they even fight to defend their sin. We experience in our country a "psudo-Christianity" based on cultural standards, we are seeing even this diminish as the culture becomes more and more rebellious while being rewarded for their rebellion.
Matthew 7:21-23 is quite clear on this matter of "false conversion."
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.’"
God says we shall know them by their fruit or lack of fruit:
Matthew 7:17 "…16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.…"
What is this fruit we are suppose to see? It's not works, it is clearly evident, that the fruit are character qualities, the very nature of God, although imperfect in our flesh, perfect in the Holy Spirit that lives in us.
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."
When we see an arrogance demonstrating a superiority to others on a sustained level continually, it is quite likely that the person we are watching is not born again.
No one who has been delivered from their sinful nature will be deeply prideful, they know from whence they came. Even though they no longer feel shame because they have been forgiven, they are deeply aware of the depth at which Christ went to save us and are grateful, leaving no room for superiority or self aggrandizement.
2 Timothy 3:2-3 "1 But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good,…"
Self righteous people love to negate and mock those they feel superior to, they cannot see their own flaws and become enraged when anyone attempts to show them. Spiritual and emotional growth is not possible in those who elevate themselves. It is only serious discipline that may bring them to the end of themselves, causing them to seek Christ when their own strength is no longer working for them.
Those who will not submit to God no matter how much misery their own life has brought, are the ones who end up in the fires of hell. They are the ones who will be gnashing their teeth in anger as they are thrown into the fires. Such arrogance doesn't save them, it doesn't do anything for them, but they will do it anyway because the stubbornness is so great they will rage at the Holy God that made them and Who can destroy them, simply to "feel" powerful, even though they have no power, I call this irrational.
How do we spell......foolishness and arrogance! It gets them nothing, even worse it gets them hell, but they will remain as they are, even knowing their demise is in progress.
The only hope for these rebellious types is to pray that the Lord bring about circumstances that help them see themselves in truth. The only way we can repent is if we can admit what we are and that we are hopeless without Christ.
Often in our culture the idols are not statues but the idol of self is prominent for the discerning to be able to see. And even more than that, God sees it all, even if people do not.
1 Corinthians 8:5-7 "…5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords), 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist. 7 But not everyone has this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that they eat such food as if it were sacrificed to an idol. And since their conscience is weak, it is defiled.…"
The reality is that many who claim to be "Christian" have never been born again, this is why we see them walking away, nothing changes in their actions or attitudes and they even fight to defend their sin. We experience in our country a "psudo-Christianity" based on cultural standards, we are seeing even this diminish as the culture becomes more and more rebellious while being rewarded for their rebellion.
Matthew 7:21-23 is quite clear on this matter of "false conversion."
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.’"
God says we shall know them by their fruit or lack of fruit:
Matthew 7:17 "…16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.…"
What is this fruit we are suppose to see? It's not works, it is clearly evident, that the fruit are character qualities, the very nature of God, although imperfect in our flesh, perfect in the Holy Spirit that lives in us.
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."
When we see an arrogance demonstrating a superiority to others on a sustained level continually, it is quite likely that the person we are watching is not born again.
No one who has been delivered from their sinful nature will be deeply prideful, they know from whence they came. Even though they no longer feel shame because they have been forgiven, they are deeply aware of the depth at which Christ went to save us and are grateful, leaving no room for superiority or self aggrandizement.
2 Timothy 3:2-3 "1 But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good,…"
Self righteous people love to negate and mock those they feel superior to, they cannot see their own flaws and become enraged when anyone attempts to show them. Spiritual and emotional growth is not possible in those who elevate themselves. It is only serious discipline that may bring them to the end of themselves, causing them to seek Christ when their own strength is no longer working for them.
Those who will not submit to God no matter how much misery their own life has brought, are the ones who end up in the fires of hell. They are the ones who will be gnashing their teeth in anger as they are thrown into the fires. Such arrogance doesn't save them, it doesn't do anything for them, but they will do it anyway because the stubbornness is so great they will rage at the Holy God that made them and Who can destroy them, simply to "feel" powerful, even though they have no power, I call this irrational.
How do we spell......foolishness and arrogance! It gets them nothing, even worse it gets them hell, but they will remain as they are, even knowing their demise is in progress.
The only hope for these rebellious types is to pray that the Lord bring about circumstances that help them see themselves in truth. The only way we can repent is if we can admit what we are and that we are hopeless without Christ.
Often in our culture the idols are not statues but the idol of self is prominent for the discerning to be able to see. And even more than that, God sees it all, even if people do not.
1 Corinthians 8:5-7 "…5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords), 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist. 7 But not everyone has this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that they eat such food as if it were sacrificed to an idol. And since their conscience is weak, it is defiled.…"
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Misuse of Decimate and Less
When we are counting apples we say: "There are fewer apples in the bowl."
When we are measuring flour we say: "There is less flour in the container."
"Fewer" is used when we can count what we are talking about and "Less" is used when we cannot count but have to measure what we are talking about.
Even the news media is misusing these words constantly. It sort of grates on our nerves. LOL
Another misused word in our culture right now is "decimated." This word is being used to mean "destroyed", but that is an improper use.
Destroyed is a much stronger word than "decimated." Destroy means to "put an end to", completely eliminate is far greater destruction than decimate.
"Decimated" means to reduce by one tenth, which means that whatever was damaged was only damaged by a tenth, that means that 90% of the whatever was damaged is untouched.
"Deci" means a factor of one tenth.
Just sayin!!! LOL
When we are measuring flour we say: "There is less flour in the container."
"Fewer" is used when we can count what we are talking about and "Less" is used when we cannot count but have to measure what we are talking about.
Even the news media is misusing these words constantly. It sort of grates on our nerves. LOL
Another misused word in our culture right now is "decimated." This word is being used to mean "destroyed", but that is an improper use.
Destroyed is a much stronger word than "decimated." Destroy means to "put an end to", completely eliminate is far greater destruction than decimate.
"Decimated" means to reduce by one tenth, which means that whatever was damaged was only damaged by a tenth, that means that 90% of the whatever was damaged is untouched.
"Deci" means a factor of one tenth.
Just sayin!!! LOL
It's not the Cholesterol!
I do not believe cholesterol causes heart disease. Everyone's cholesterol is different, the amount is not very important. It's about the lack of stress. Stress is what causes cholesterol to stick to the arteries when the arteries inflame. When the arteries do not inflame the cholesterol flows right on through without sticking. Food does not affect the heart, it is the inflamed arteries that allow the cholesterol to stick and build up over time.
I am not a doctor, but I do know that often the medical community pays more attention to the symptoms than the causes.
I have known people who ate fat all their lives and lived to be old, but they were also people who were "easy going", not taking things too seriously and not workaholics.
I'm not a doctor, but have had some life observations that seem to make sense to me.
Here's what God says causes a long life, It's not the food, but it is the lack of stress from trusting Christ.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 "7"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. 8"For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit.…"
Psalm 40:4 "How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood."
Proverbs 3:1-3 "1 My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; 2 For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.…"
Our length of life has little to do with food, it has to do with our stress level, if we trust in the Lord our stress is far less. We have also been given a certain number of days, no more no less, God's in charge of that.
I am not a doctor, but I do know that often the medical community pays more attention to the symptoms than the causes.
I have known people who ate fat all their lives and lived to be old, but they were also people who were "easy going", not taking things too seriously and not workaholics.
I'm not a doctor, but have had some life observations that seem to make sense to me.
Here's what God says causes a long life, It's not the food, but it is the lack of stress from trusting Christ.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 "7"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. 8"For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit.…"
Psalm 40:4 "How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood."
Proverbs 3:1-3 "1 My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; 2 For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.…"
Our length of life has little to do with food, it has to do with our stress level, if we trust in the Lord our stress is far less. We have also been given a certain number of days, no more no less, God's in charge of that.
Foolishness of this World
Just noticing, the use of the term "hogwash" can be very offensive when used to describe foolishness to those who spout it. LOL
Sometimes the statements of rebellious people are so ridiculous that words fail us, then out pops, "hogwash", just can't help myself because any discussion with these people is impossible.
We are living in times when rational thinking is actually on the fringe, just one generation ago we all knew what was rational and sensible, but no longer is this true.
1 Corinthians 3:19
"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God For it is written, "He is THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR CRAFTINESS";"
Romans 1:28-32
"28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,
29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,
30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;
32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them."
Sadly, we not only see this foolishness in the world we are now seeing it in the church. We are living in the days of the "Laodicean" church as described in Revelation.
1 Corinthians 1:20
"Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?"
Revelation 3:14-17 Message to Laodicea
14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:
15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.
16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.
17 Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,"
(Cold: a refreshing drink of cold water or Hot: on fire for Christ. Both cold and hot are for Christ, but the lukewarm are indifferent to Him, which translates into a form of hate.)
Sometimes the statements of rebellious people are so ridiculous that words fail us, then out pops, "hogwash", just can't help myself because any discussion with these people is impossible.
We are living in times when rational thinking is actually on the fringe, just one generation ago we all knew what was rational and sensible, but no longer is this true.
1 Corinthians 3:19
"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God For it is written, "He is THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR CRAFTINESS";"
Romans 1:28-32
"28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,
29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,
30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;
32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them."
Sadly, we not only see this foolishness in the world we are now seeing it in the church. We are living in the days of the "Laodicean" church as described in Revelation.
1 Corinthians 1:20
"Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?"
Revelation 3:14-17 Message to Laodicea
14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:
15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.
16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.
17 Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,"
(Cold: a refreshing drink of cold water or Hot: on fire for Christ. Both cold and hot are for Christ, but the lukewarm are indifferent to Him, which translates into a form of hate.)
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