Those who don't like a particular truth will always focus on us rather than God Who is the one who said these things.
I was once told that I write scripture too much and needed to think for myself.
My response was that I had no desire to think with my own mind, I prefer to think with the mind of Christ, since He commanded it.
1 Corinthians 2:15-16 "…15 The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment. 16 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ."
Those who do not think about God very often, usually when they are in trouble and in need of help, cannot obey God's principles, they have no desire for them.
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Don't Worry What Others Think, It Only Matters What God Commanded
If you are being pressured to be friends with family or others whom God has told you to avoid, don't worry what others think.
God clearly told us to avoid those who will not walk the path we have chosen, that is the narrow one with Christ.
Matthew 10:14-15 " 14 And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. 15 Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town."
1 Corinthians 15:33-34 " 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Sober up as you ought, and stop sinning; for some of you are ignorant of God. I say this to your shame."
Did you know that continuing with friends who hate God is a sin. God COMMANDED us to remove ourselves, its not suggestion but a command.
I prefer to think of "no contact" with someone as "loving them from afar." Since I still love them and pray for them, I cannot have a close relationship with those who hate our God.
We will bear the consequences of continual contact with ungodly people when they refuse to walk the path God has for believers. That does not mean we might not have occasional contact to bring the gospel, but they cannot be our continual companions.
God clearly told us to avoid those who will not walk the path we have chosen, that is the narrow one with Christ.
Matthew 10:14-15 " 14 And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. 15 Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town."
1 Corinthians 15:33-34 " 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Sober up as you ought, and stop sinning; for some of you are ignorant of God. I say this to your shame."
Did you know that continuing with friends who hate God is a sin. God COMMANDED us to remove ourselves, its not suggestion but a command.
I prefer to think of "no contact" with someone as "loving them from afar." Since I still love them and pray for them, I cannot have a close relationship with those who hate our God.
We will bear the consequences of continual contact with ungodly people when they refuse to walk the path God has for believers. That does not mean we might not have occasional contact to bring the gospel, but they cannot be our continual companions.
Friday, March 15, 2019
The Silent Treatment
Narcissists are always looking for reasons to execute the silent treatment. They will take the smallest thing and blow it into a monstrous problem when there needn't be any at all.
In order to feel superior to their target they must make problems where there are none.
Devaluing those they are jealous of, diminishes their sense of loss for not having what their target has. Jealousy is a huge part of the motivation of those who hate others to the degree that they must destroy their soul one way or another.
The devil did this in the garden and still does. He must destroy those whom God loves. His jealousy against God is what got him thrown out of heaven. He wants to destroy any good in anyone, as is also true of the narcissist.
Now the devil whispers jealous lies to people in their minds to cause them to be agitated with others. He uses their thoughts and fleshly nature to bring up the jealousy, even when there is nothing to be jealous of, he will create the thought to bring up fleshly insecurity.
Jealousy is often the reason people do mean things to others. Those who are jealous cannot stand the success or happiness of those who are their targets.
James 3:16
"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."
Jealousy ruins relationships, it is best to avoid someone who is acting jealously toward us.
James 4:2-3
"You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."
James 3:14-15
"But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic."
Jealousy is demonic and fleshly. If someone displays consistently tendencies toward jealousy, it is best not to share anything with them. If someone is jealous and realizes it, then they must pray to be delivered from it.
Remember too that "going no contact" with someone who will not change is not the same things as the silent treatment. This is self protection, knowing that we must turn someone over to God is not hatred or the silent treatment.
In order to feel superior to their target they must make problems where there are none.
Devaluing those they are jealous of, diminishes their sense of loss for not having what their target has. Jealousy is a huge part of the motivation of those who hate others to the degree that they must destroy their soul one way or another.
The devil did this in the garden and still does. He must destroy those whom God loves. His jealousy against God is what got him thrown out of heaven. He wants to destroy any good in anyone, as is also true of the narcissist.
Now the devil whispers jealous lies to people in their minds to cause them to be agitated with others. He uses their thoughts and fleshly nature to bring up the jealousy, even when there is nothing to be jealous of, he will create the thought to bring up fleshly insecurity.
Jealousy is often the reason people do mean things to others. Those who are jealous cannot stand the success or happiness of those who are their targets.
James 3:16
"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."
Jealousy ruins relationships, it is best to avoid someone who is acting jealously toward us.
James 4:2-3
"You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."
James 3:14-15
"But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic."
Jealousy is demonic and fleshly. If someone displays consistently tendencies toward jealousy, it is best not to share anything with them. If someone is jealous and realizes it, then they must pray to be delivered from it.
Has God Closed His Ears to Us?
I wonder if this might apply to our country today? Yes, I think so!
Isaiah 1:14-16 "…14 I hate your New Moons and your appointed feasts; they have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. 16 Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil!…"
How many times have we spoken truth to someone and been met with anger that we rained on their parade? Lots of times. Our country loves its pleasure and fake emotional highs.
Isaiah 1:14-16 "…14 I hate your New Moons and your appointed feasts; they have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. 16 Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil!…"
How many times have we spoken truth to someone and been met with anger that we rained on their parade? Lots of times. Our country loves its pleasure and fake emotional highs.
Flattery Destroys
Loving people means doing what is best for them spiritually.
In this day of false preachers and teachers we are going to be doing more correction than ever before. It is the correction that is encouragement to keep going the right way.
This culture sees "flattery" as encouragement, it is not. Flattery is destructive rather than helpful. It causes people to bask in vein glory instead of hitting their fault head on to improve.
Proverbs 26:24-28
"Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred be covered with deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling. A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin."
Proverbs 28:23
"Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue."
Psalm 5:9
"For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue."
Remember: The devil flattered Eve and she bought into it because she liked hearing it, look where it took her, she lost everything wonderful.
2 Timothy 4:2-3 " 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.…"
In this day of false preachers and teachers we are going to be doing more correction than ever before. It is the correction that is encouragement to keep going the right way.
This culture sees "flattery" as encouragement, it is not. Flattery is destructive rather than helpful. It causes people to bask in vein glory instead of hitting their fault head on to improve.
Proverbs 26:24-28
"Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred be covered with deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling. A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin."
Proverbs 28:23
"Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue."
Psalm 5:9
"For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue."
Remember: The devil flattered Eve and she bought into it because she liked hearing it, look where it took her, she lost everything wonderful.
2 Timothy 4:2-3 " 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.…"
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Test Ourselves!
One way to discern whether or not someone loves Christ is if they demonstrate a love of the brethren.
John 13:35
"35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”"
If there appears to be superficial religiosity without concern for others as a matter of lifestyle, that is only a clue but a very big one that this person was never born again.
A love of scripture and truth, while enjoying teaching and correction is a sign that one loves God's word so much they cannot stand the thought of violating His heart.
An uncomfortable attitude toward the Word of God may show that a person was never born again. Many people play church without any desire for Christ.
An attitude of rebellion when corrected with the Word of God is another important clue. Born again believers are not intimidated or embarrassed to hear or speak the things of God even if there is a rebuke or correction involved. Commonly those who are born again act humble and agree with those correcting. The believers I know would be more likely to confess a wrong attitude or action before anyone confronts them. They have a sensitive conscience that hates to harm anyone else.
Another clue is the attitude of dominance and intimidation to control others. When we see someone like this we are witnessing a false Christianity of power grabbing. The need to control others is not godly, in fact it is against everything Christ taught.
Matthew 10:33
"33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven."
Embarrassment at the mention of Christ shows a covert denial of Him.
2 Timothy 2:12
"If we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;"
We teach, we train, we love and we sacrifice of ourselves, this is the common lifestyle of the born again believer.
John 13:35
"35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”"
If there appears to be superficial religiosity without concern for others as a matter of lifestyle, that is only a clue but a very big one that this person was never born again.
A love of scripture and truth, while enjoying teaching and correction is a sign that one loves God's word so much they cannot stand the thought of violating His heart.
An uncomfortable attitude toward the Word of God may show that a person was never born again. Many people play church without any desire for Christ.
An attitude of rebellion when corrected with the Word of God is another important clue. Born again believers are not intimidated or embarrassed to hear or speak the things of God even if there is a rebuke or correction involved. Commonly those who are born again act humble and agree with those correcting. The believers I know would be more likely to confess a wrong attitude or action before anyone confronts them. They have a sensitive conscience that hates to harm anyone else.
Another clue is the attitude of dominance and intimidation to control others. When we see someone like this we are witnessing a false Christianity of power grabbing. The need to control others is not godly, in fact it is against everything Christ taught.
Matthew 10:33
"33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven."
Embarrassment at the mention of Christ shows a covert denial of Him.
2 Timothy 2:12
"If we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;"
We teach, we train, we love and we sacrifice of ourselves, this is the common lifestyle of the born again believer.
Don't Take it Personally, Its not against You its against God!
Eileen Heuston said this: I thought it was very good and wanted to post it where everyone could see it.
"They view GOD and Truth the way they want it to be. Their false gospel is summed up by the word "nice". "God is nice so we should be nice. Just be nice and let people believe what they want". The giveaway is ALWAYS that they don't know the Bible at all. Anyone who truly loves God and is a child of God (John 1:12-13) will love His Word. They spend time on and devour food, entertainment, their kids...cos they love them. They don't spend time on and devour the Word simply because they do not love it ("man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God")"
Gwendolyn's response:
"Yes Eileen, they love His word to find out His mind to obey. I know many people who know the bible well to be able to say they do but they twist it, taking things out of context to allow themselves to disobey it without guilt."
I know many people who are proud of how much they think they know but resistant to any correction that would bring a better understanding or greater wisdom. They just like their error and will not listen to truth.
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."
Do not be discouraged by all this, God told us it would happen in the last days. We need not take anything personally, its not about us at all, its their rebellion against Christ.
"They view GOD and Truth the way they want it to be. Their false gospel is summed up by the word "nice". "God is nice so we should be nice. Just be nice and let people believe what they want". The giveaway is ALWAYS that they don't know the Bible at all. Anyone who truly loves God and is a child of God (John 1:12-13) will love His Word. They spend time on and devour food, entertainment, their kids...cos they love them. They don't spend time on and devour the Word simply because they do not love it ("man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God")"
Gwendolyn's response:
"Yes Eileen, they love His word to find out His mind to obey. I know many people who know the bible well to be able to say they do but they twist it, taking things out of context to allow themselves to disobey it without guilt."
I know many people who are proud of how much they think they know but resistant to any correction that would bring a better understanding or greater wisdom. They just like their error and will not listen to truth.
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."
Do not be discouraged by all this, God told us it would happen in the last days. We need not take anything personally, its not about us at all, its their rebellion against Christ.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)