Jesus Christ is our security
We live in a world that is very dangerous and as a result security has enhanced to the point where big brother is very active in life. Some of it is real and some of it is for fear and control.
I hear many people talk about the good old days but now that big brother is "Big" the joy has been taken out of life in many cases but of course that issue never applies to all people.
When I was growing up government did what they had to do and society went about the business of work and personal life. Now they are intertwined almost as one. We are not quite there yet but the Bible says it is coming. This is just one more sign that Jesus is coming very soon. When I was young we never talked about this subject because it was never a problem.
Scripture tells us that Jesus Christ is our security. This is not to say that we should not have common sense in our lives about the dangers of life but without understanding some key pivotal verses in the word of God we all will be lost regarding who is our protection. This also goes for the subject of money. As you will see through the passages in the Bible I am going to show you money is destined to die.
(3) "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (4) To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. (5) Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1:3-5.
When we accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into our hearts God showed so much mercy on us that we could never measure the depth of love that was bestowed on our life and eternity. We have an inheritance in heaven but it never gets corrupted and nobody can tamper with it because it is reserved for us by the power of God.
Notice the last part of the verse ..."To be revealed in the last time." While I am on this earth do you know what verse I think of when I read these words? "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6.
We are the children of God through His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit is not giving up on us because our inheritance is in heaven. The real question is are we going to continue to abide in Jesus Christ. God will do His part but this is a relationship so we have to be willing to love, obey and have faith in Jesus Christ as we journey through life.
This makes me want to glorify God and serve Him while I am still in this flesh on earth. Our reward will be based on what we did for the Lord Jesus Christ in our life but our motives will be analyzed on the day of judgment. What we did and why we did it then what is left will be our reward.
What we worry about on earth has very little to do with eternal rewards in heaven. We need to stop worrying and start laboring for Jesus Christ. We see in the news messages to start worrying and have a little more fear. Let me make you a deal ------ you fear and I will do something constructive for Jesus Christ. Fretting over issues is not going to add one inch to my height.
There is nothing new under the sun so I would just like to express my feelings that almost every media outlet is saying there is something new under the sun. If anything they keep saying the same thing over and over again.
To be fair about this issue if something really serious happens to our country, another country or the world I will be vexed in my spirit but to blitz fear as a religion is something I will resist as a Christian because our call as believers in Jesus Christ is to have faith in God.
To be honest with you my heart is already vexed because of the evil in this world. Many readers of this article feel the same way I do but we serve a God who is our security even when demons are running all over the place. "But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." 2 Thessalonians 3:3. Jesus Christ is so faithful to us and He wants to make us strong in Him and shield us from evil so we don't fall into sin.
Some people may be asking, "What if I get caught up in some kind of evil in this world?" We don't have to travel to far for that to happen but we need to be looking to Jesus Christ." (24) Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. (25) To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." Jude 1:24-25.
Jesus Christ knows how to protect us from the evil in this world. Through Him we will be presented faultless in the presence of His glory. I am looking forward to that and I do not believe there is a whole lot of time left in this world as we know it because our Lord is coming very soon.
There will be exceeding joy and we will be able to see and experience the different attributes of God. Jude mentions glory, majesty, dominion and power but there are more described in other portions of Scripture.
We are surrounded by evil but God does not want us falling into sin. Most people do but as Christians we need to understand that we are eternally secure in Jesus Christ and we are sealed but grieving the Holy Spirit through sin in this evil world is a very dangerous position to be in so stay pure in righteousness. "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30. Don't you find the order of this verse very interesting? The more we sin the more we gradually move away from the security of Jesus Christ and blend in with the god of this world who is the devil. 2 Corinthians 4:4.
We want to stay pure in Jesus Christ because by living this way 2 Corinthians 1:22 becomes real in our life. "Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts." This is true security in Jesus Christ.
The world can not and will not give this to us because only God can give us true protection in our life. Being persecuted is a different subject for another article but I can say God will never give us more than we can handle and He will work all things for our good if we love God and are called according to His purpose. "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise." Ephesians 1:13. There are different interpretations as what this sealing means but I have enormous comfort in my heart that this is a reality in my heart.
If we want to experience our sealing Romans 8:16 says, "The Spirit Himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." What good is our "Sealing" if we can not experience this wonderful truth with the witness of the Holy Spirit in our heart.
If you do not have this testimony in your life it is healthy to question your own salvation. We need to be a little curious and ask questions because we care about our relationship with Jesus Christ. If we don't then we are obviously a little misguided. We need to be honest regarding our evaluation about ourselves regarding our redemption in Jesus Christ.
Questions are fine but if we are always asking about our salvation in Jesus Christ then something is wrong. If this is the case we need to get back to the basics with Jesus Christ ... read the Bible, pray, have fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ, witness to people about the plan of salvation and use our talents for God while there is still time. We should "Know" our security is in Jesus Christ. I empathized the word "Know" because if we don't then our life is not right with God.
If we got saved through Jesus Christ and are living for Him how could we possibly question our security before God because we are in the very presence of the Holy Spirit? Why would the Bible say, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." Psalm 2:6.
I look at this world and let me tell you something they are not giving me goodness and mercy. While I live on this earth there is always pretense that something bad will happen. I would rather go with what God says in His Word and live for Him.
I want goodness and mercy. I want to dwell in the house of the Lord on earth and forever. We should not be taking a bunch of pretense from the world and "Worry" that something bad is going to happen. If we do this then we are laboring for meat that will perish." Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for the meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed." John 6:27. We don't know what is going to happen to us in our life. As far as I'm concerned two seconds could ruin our life. The main theme is focus on the kingdom of God as opposed to fretting on earth. Worry is mediation to the devil. He does not even care about us.
As I read many passages in the Bible the one thing God does not want us to do is be slothful or lazy to inherit the promises of Him. Obedience and reward are always connected with each other. For example the Bible says, (11) "And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end. (12) That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Hebrews 6:11-12. It could not be any more clear --- we need to be working for Jesus Christ.
God knows exactly who we are because we serve an all knowing God but we also serve a mighty God who is unlimited in power. If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord God will never fail you if you accept Him into your heart today/tonight. It is built into us that we have to serve somebody so it might as well be Jesus Christ. Anything else is temporary at best. It would be wise to repent of all your sins and invite the Son of the Living God into your life. This is an eternal decision that you will never regret but rejoicing for all eternity.
If you made that decision this is a verse you may want to think about because it involves you. "Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number : He calleth them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth. Isaiah 40:26.
I am called by Jesus Christ through the greatness of His might because He is the All Powerful God. Jesus Christ not only knows your name but He wants to write it in His Lamb's book of life. This is true security in Jesus Christ as opposed to the world system that can not promise you one thing. If we do receive a promise in this world it can be taken away tomorrow.
God Bless you,
Bob D.
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Saturday, April 22, 2017
THE SEVENTY WEEKS OF DANIEL OR THE 7-- 490 YEARS ACCORDING TO JUDGES.
A BLESSED REVIEW AND A WONDERFUL GOODBYE
A blessed review and a wonderful goodbyeThis is the very last article in this verse by verse analysis in the book of Philippians. I remember I was about to start a verse by verse study on Revelation chapter one and the Lord interrupted me and directed my review to the book of Philippians. I understood that there were people on internet land that needed to understand these four chapters because there is a tremendous need for Christians to apply the principles of this particular biblical content to their lives. I hope I was able to make this precious book more clear and break down the points Paul was trying to convey in a simple way with the motive of serving you (by the way it is always my pleasure) so you can apply these truths to your life in your church and on your job or where ever you are in your path down here on earth.In the first article which was titled, "A wonderful reunion" it was quite obvious that Paul and the Philippian church went through much together and he was just so happy to be reunited with this very special body of believers even if it was just in the form of a letter. I look at some of these "Reunions" in life and some are, "Well let's get together" but there was a lot of heart and soul with true Godly affection in this come together. Did you ever just like someone or a group of people and your heart just melts at seeing them again? This is the kind of love God desires us to have for our brothers and sisters in Christ because He has tender affection for us.The second article I wrote was called, "Godly love and expansion" and the main theme here involves these two verbs. Paul desired them to have love but with knowledge and judgment. He did not want their love to be blind. For example we should be reading the Bible and making Godly conclusions for our life. When Paul was in prison while writing this letter he knew people were proclaiming Jesus Christ with the wrong motive but all the Apostle cared about was the expansion of the gospel. Right reasons, wrong reasons if people were coming to know the Lord that is all that he longed for but let this be a lesion to every one of us that our motives better be right when we endeavor for the Lord Jesus Christ because there will be no reward in heaven if why were doing what were doing is for the wrong reason.The third article I wrote was called, "To the glory of God through Jesus Christ." Paul makes a transition from examining Christian leaders and their motives because it became apparently obvious to him but not necessarily understood by the people listening to these teachers but they were still inviting Jesus Christ into their hearts. He then goes vertical with his personal relationship with God and empathies giving Jesus Christ the praise and glory. Just one word of advise because we need to be listening to Christian leaders on where their "Empathies" is first and foremost because this observation is going to determine if they are biblically sound and heading in the right direction. If they are off on some tangent with their empathies then the listeners like sheep are going to follow because Jesus Christ is not at the center of the congregation and the body of believers listening are not going to be grounded in the word of God.The forth article I wrote is called, "Should I stay or should I go." Paul goes over this dilemma on whether it would be better if he stayed on Planet Earth or went to heaven. He knew full well that there would be no more temptation of sin in heaven with much joy but he finally settled on the fact that this Apostle needed to stay because the needs of other people were great. We do not determine when we are born nor do we determine when God will take us on home to be with Him for all eternity. This was understood but he was torn between the two and I am one that much appreciated his opening up of his soul being split two different ways because I have faced the same struggle in my path on earth.In the fifth article I wrote, "How to love one another" and I would have to say this may be a good writing to review because there were enough specifics to go over because God places a high empathies on this subject. We can do something without love and as a result all kinds of bad noise comes out of our spirit and hurts other people in a bad way. The domino effect takesplace where they encounter other people and this just goes on and on until someone actually makes a conscious decision to express this type of affection to everyone around them because he or she is making the right choice by obeying God and being in His will.Article number six is called, "The essence of Jesus Christ" which has amazing content in it because Paul is reviewing the horizontal (how to love one another) to the very essence of who Jesus Christ is but notice he did not delve into this subject until he explained the horizontal and then Paul goes very deep into the heart of who Jesus Christ is especially in relation to us as Christians. What good is keeping our focus on Jesus Christ without being able to relate it to our lives? Exploring the essence of Jesus Christ is wise so if you have to review this article it is posted and Paul does get very specific in the verses. This should touch our soul when we go on a journey in understanding who Jesus Christ is and His resurrection power especially on how it relates to us in our Christian journey down here on earth.Article number seven is called, "Rejoicing and mourning" and this is so true to our lives but Paul was one of the few people I ever encountered that knew how to blend the two together into one. We will mourn in this world but to just stay there is counterproductive because rejoicing is to be incorporated with our grief. This is when we can just thank, praise and glorify God inpain and hardships. It is an expression to the Triune Godhead that in the middle of our problems we are putting our faith in God, giving praises to Jesus Christ for who He is and what He is going to do in our life because we do love Him and our called according to His purpose.Article number eight is called, "Persecuted or the persecutor." Paul describes the types of Christians that are prone to persecution because of their strong stance for Jesus Christ. They are on the right side of true faith and obedience to Jesus Christ. These individuals would never even dream of persecuting anyone because they are in a position before God to stay the course and endue for Him until the end. The persecutors are very earthy in their thoughts and rely on their own strength which produces pride and often goes to the next step into persecuting true believers in Jesus Christ. This is history and it is also what the Bible teaches will happen in the last days. We are in the general vicinity of the rapture and the seven year tribulation period which the world will soon have to go through but true believers are promised a snatching away before this time period starts so make sure you are right with Jesus Christ or you will be left behind.Article number nine is called, "Living for Jesus Christ and the hope of heaven." I can always tell if a person is living for Jesus Christ. Most decent people do not and it is sad to see them allow the cares of life rob them of their relationship with the Son of God who died for their sins. On the other hand I can always tell if a person is living for Jesus Christ. When I see this there is always the hope of heaven attached to their devotion to the Lord because we are just passing through this old world but our true hope is in heaven because that is our ultimate home. We are not staying down here but are living for Jesus Christ because this is our only true option. He is preparing us for heaven.Article number ten is called, "Reaching and pressing with hope." Paul desired to put his empathies on two words which are reaching and pressing but it was for the high calling in Jesus Christ. How serious do we take the high calling we have in Jesus Christ? It should be our number one priority but we should strive with Godly hope. People reach and press when they run a race and this is what we should be engaging in our Christian life. This high calling involves reaching and pressing to know Jesus Christ and His resurrection power. We are laboring for Him for the right reason of pointing to the Son of the Living God, not ourselves because it is all about Jesus Christ. We are just the vessels in the hands of God.Article number eleven is called, "The peace of God keeping our hearts and minds." We as Christians are granted a very special promise that if we trust in God through His Son Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The fear and anxiety will not be there because this peace will transcend over our excessive cares in life and work through our spirit by experience. I shared a very touching story of my grandmother who got saved by reading Philippians chapter four every night before she died and finally got saved through Jesus Christ. It just goes to show us we really don't know what God may use in the life of a person to bring him or her to Him.Article number twelve is called, "A special word in observation but content in Jesus Christ." I let loose in the beginning of the article explaining the main problem I was seeing in the average person I observed or talked to which is they never got the sin condition settled before God in most cases because of the cares of this world. Remember demons have about six thousand years of experience in making sure said person has apathy about the truths of God and they probably won't bother you if they know they have you in their possession. Just because everything is fine in your life does not mean you are going to heaven. Unfortunately there is only one other place and that would be hell. This is a horrible existence but if you do nothing then how can you possible expect to go to heaven?I would like to extend an invitation to you to accept Jesus Christ into your heart as your very own personal Savior and Lord by repenting of all sins and inviting the Son of the Living God into your life by living for Him. This is a decision for your life and eternity and it will be the wisest choice you ever made in your life because it will last forever.In article twelve Paul expresses how content he was in Jesus Christ. We can not feel at peace through something worldly or earthy because it is temporary and subject to change.Finally at the end of the book of Philippians Paul says his goodbyes to a wonderful body of believers. In verse twenty, "Now unto God and our Father be glory forever and ever, Amen." He just kept giving glory to God and that is what we should be doing in our life.When Paul said goodbye to this church it is obvious that he had a genuine love for all good Christians. Then of course he ends with, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen." Well I say the same thing to you so ...God Bless you until next time,Bob D.
Saturday, April 15, 2017
WHEN WE ARE FORSAKEN BY OTHERS
When we are forsaken by others
You would be surprised how many people are fearful that they will be forsaken by others in one way or another. Some dear brothers and sisters that I am writing to are presently abandoned by some friend or group that they were very close to and are taking it very hard. You gave your heart and now it is broken. The shattered pieces of your soul are all over the place and you are probably looking for someone to help you put them together so you can be whole rather than all over the place.
This has happened to me and believe this or not sometimes God is the author. If you truly know Jesus Christ He is never going to leave you. "And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. "Psalm 9:10. When we seek someone we want to get to know them. When we seek God it becomes all about a relationship with Him.
We hear the saying all the time trust in the Lord but to do this we must seek Him. It is an everyday process. Some may say, "I'm hurting" but that is all the more reason to give our heart over to the Lord. All three are intertwined with each other --- trust, seek and giving our heart over to God.
Jesus Christ is a master at taking a shattered heart and mending it together. If we try and do it we will just make it worse. I had a very serious situation in my life and was an expert at "Trying" to handle the problem. It would get worse every time. I would try and talk to God about my problem and got no answer in all petitions of prayer. The Lord was still gracious to my spirit and spoke to me about the afterlife in heaven but it was as if God was saying, "Son if you don't want to trust me then I am not going to answer your questions." Trust comes first answers come second.
I have tried to tell people ten different times the same thing and sometimes get the same hard headed response every time which is, "You don't know what you are talking about." Well after all that I just stopped and this is exactly the way God feels when we keep approaching Jesus Christ with no faith in Him. God hears us but He stops answering our questions.
If you truly know Jesus Christ God does not abandon you but He embraces your spirit. My Lord is my best friend. I really like the verse in Psalm 94:14 where the Bible says, "For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will He forsake His inheritance." God is so faithful. There is something so special about a relationship with Jesus Christ and that is why the Bible keeps keying in on this issue.
There is one truth I learned about God and that is He is very close to the brokenhearted. For example in Psalm 27:10 the Bible says, "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." Jesus Christ has such a heart of mercy and compassion. When there is a need the Lord meets that emptiness and fills it through His love. "When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. "Isaiah 41:17. "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Psalm 37:25.
Jesus not only meets the forsaken needs of His own but He is not leaving His true children. The Son of God who saved us is the one who said, "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:20. Jesus Christ is very loyal and He is the Son of God. He is so faithful to us that we are all going to be surprised at what He endured patiently in our flawed character traits.
This world is going to treat us bad even if we are not a believer in Jesus Christ. The world system is rotten to the core because the devil is the god (With a small g ) of this world but I do feel it is very interesting that the Bible says, "Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:9. As believers in Jesus Christ we are beat up in one way or another but not forsaken. A demon or two can try and cast us down but if it is not the timing of God we will not be destroyed to physical death.
If we are authentic in the Lord Jesus Christ the primary attribute that God has for us is mercy through His love. He has no interest in forsaking us nor letting us die before our time because when God makes a promise it is in stone. In the Old Testament God says," For the Lord thy God is a merciful God; He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which He sware unto them." Deuteronomy 4:31.
Our job is to have faith in Jesus Christ every day. There are different levels of faith. For example I can say, "God is going to do this in my life. I just have belief that I am in trouble and He is going to accomplish this in my journey and meet my needs." Or I can say, "It is already done." God will provide a way because my trust in Jesus Christ is so strong and He is so faithful that I am already preparing for the next victory through my Lord Jesus Christ. Both examples are faith but the second is perfect trust in God.
It does not surprise me in the least that the Bible says, "Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." Deuteronomy 31:6. This principle is all over the Word of God. We need to have strong faith and obedience in Jesus Christ. Do you know how much this honors God?
The only way we can be strong and of good courage is to have fervent faith and obedience in Our Lord and Master. Then and only then will we be able to ..."Fear not, nor be afraid of them" ... because the fear of man is a snare. How are we going to fear if we have strong and good courage in Jesus Christ?
Everywhere I go God is there and He has never failed me once and is certainly not going to forsake me. I think it is very typical of life when this part of the verse says ... "Nor be afraid of them." There is usually one person or group in our life that we fear but God does not want this for His children.
When we feel so far away from life and God we can always go back to the basics in our relationship with Jesus Christ. When the Bible says, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Psalm 43:5. This person is depressed but understands that his or her life is in the hands of God. Praise comes out of our mouth to God and what do you know our countenance changes into good health. I can usually spot a true Christian by observing this because I can see Jesus Christ coming through their spirit.
If we are abandoned in one way or another we need deliverance from God. He needs to restore our soul with His love. We need to go back up to the heavens so to speak and abide in the comforting yoke of Jesus Christ. Christians always go back to Psalm 91 for good reason. (14) "Because He hath set His love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because He hath known my name. (15) He shall call upon me, And I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him." Psalm 91:14-15.
God feels so strong about this subject with His children that he asks questions in two verses of the Bible. (15) "Can a women forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. (16) Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." Isaiah 49:15-16.
A relationship between a women and her child is really close but she can forget because that lady is only human. God never forgets His children because He has ... "Graven thee upon the palms of my hands" ... so this should comfort us but Jesus Christ still desires us to do our part because a relationship works two ways.
If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord then wherever you are today/tonight repent of all your sins and invite Him into your heart. If you made that decision just have simple faith in God as you live your life day to day. If a person or group has forsaken you read this article again so you will better understand what the Bible has to say about this subject.
Jesus Christ is coming soon. If you have accepted Him into your heart and are living for Him He is not going to forget you in the rapture of the church or forsake you but snatch you up to be with Him for all eternity. Abandonment is a real subject because it happens every day but the power and love of Jesus Christ is the alternative solution to being forsaken by the world.
God Bless you,
Bob D.
You would be surprised how many people are fearful that they will be forsaken by others in one way or another. Some dear brothers and sisters that I am writing to are presently abandoned by some friend or group that they were very close to and are taking it very hard. You gave your heart and now it is broken. The shattered pieces of your soul are all over the place and you are probably looking for someone to help you put them together so you can be whole rather than all over the place.
This has happened to me and believe this or not sometimes God is the author. If you truly know Jesus Christ He is never going to leave you. "And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. "Psalm 9:10. When we seek someone we want to get to know them. When we seek God it becomes all about a relationship with Him.
We hear the saying all the time trust in the Lord but to do this we must seek Him. It is an everyday process. Some may say, "I'm hurting" but that is all the more reason to give our heart over to the Lord. All three are intertwined with each other --- trust, seek and giving our heart over to God.
Jesus Christ is a master at taking a shattered heart and mending it together. If we try and do it we will just make it worse. I had a very serious situation in my life and was an expert at "Trying" to handle the problem. It would get worse every time. I would try and talk to God about my problem and got no answer in all petitions of prayer. The Lord was still gracious to my spirit and spoke to me about the afterlife in heaven but it was as if God was saying, "Son if you don't want to trust me then I am not going to answer your questions." Trust comes first answers come second.
I have tried to tell people ten different times the same thing and sometimes get the same hard headed response every time which is, "You don't know what you are talking about." Well after all that I just stopped and this is exactly the way God feels when we keep approaching Jesus Christ with no faith in Him. God hears us but He stops answering our questions.
If you truly know Jesus Christ God does not abandon you but He embraces your spirit. My Lord is my best friend. I really like the verse in Psalm 94:14 where the Bible says, "For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will He forsake His inheritance." God is so faithful. There is something so special about a relationship with Jesus Christ and that is why the Bible keeps keying in on this issue.
There is one truth I learned about God and that is He is very close to the brokenhearted. For example in Psalm 27:10 the Bible says, "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." Jesus Christ has such a heart of mercy and compassion. When there is a need the Lord meets that emptiness and fills it through His love. "When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. "Isaiah 41:17. "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Psalm 37:25.
Jesus not only meets the forsaken needs of His own but He is not leaving His true children. The Son of God who saved us is the one who said, "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:20. Jesus Christ is very loyal and He is the Son of God. He is so faithful to us that we are all going to be surprised at what He endured patiently in our flawed character traits.
This world is going to treat us bad even if we are not a believer in Jesus Christ. The world system is rotten to the core because the devil is the god (With a small g ) of this world but I do feel it is very interesting that the Bible says, "Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:9. As believers in Jesus Christ we are beat up in one way or another but not forsaken. A demon or two can try and cast us down but if it is not the timing of God we will not be destroyed to physical death.
If we are authentic in the Lord Jesus Christ the primary attribute that God has for us is mercy through His love. He has no interest in forsaking us nor letting us die before our time because when God makes a promise it is in stone. In the Old Testament God says," For the Lord thy God is a merciful God; He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which He sware unto them." Deuteronomy 4:31.
Our job is to have faith in Jesus Christ every day. There are different levels of faith. For example I can say, "God is going to do this in my life. I just have belief that I am in trouble and He is going to accomplish this in my journey and meet my needs." Or I can say, "It is already done." God will provide a way because my trust in Jesus Christ is so strong and He is so faithful that I am already preparing for the next victory through my Lord Jesus Christ. Both examples are faith but the second is perfect trust in God.
It does not surprise me in the least that the Bible says, "Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." Deuteronomy 31:6. This principle is all over the Word of God. We need to have strong faith and obedience in Jesus Christ. Do you know how much this honors God?
The only way we can be strong and of good courage is to have fervent faith and obedience in Our Lord and Master. Then and only then will we be able to ..."Fear not, nor be afraid of them" ... because the fear of man is a snare. How are we going to fear if we have strong and good courage in Jesus Christ?
Everywhere I go God is there and He has never failed me once and is certainly not going to forsake me. I think it is very typical of life when this part of the verse says ... "Nor be afraid of them." There is usually one person or group in our life that we fear but God does not want this for His children.
When we feel so far away from life and God we can always go back to the basics in our relationship with Jesus Christ. When the Bible says, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Psalm 43:5. This person is depressed but understands that his or her life is in the hands of God. Praise comes out of our mouth to God and what do you know our countenance changes into good health. I can usually spot a true Christian by observing this because I can see Jesus Christ coming through their spirit.
If we are abandoned in one way or another we need deliverance from God. He needs to restore our soul with His love. We need to go back up to the heavens so to speak and abide in the comforting yoke of Jesus Christ. Christians always go back to Psalm 91 for good reason. (14) "Because He hath set His love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because He hath known my name. (15) He shall call upon me, And I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him." Psalm 91:14-15.
God feels so strong about this subject with His children that he asks questions in two verses of the Bible. (15) "Can a women forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. (16) Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." Isaiah 49:15-16.
A relationship between a women and her child is really close but she can forget because that lady is only human. God never forgets His children because He has ... "Graven thee upon the palms of my hands" ... so this should comfort us but Jesus Christ still desires us to do our part because a relationship works two ways.
If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord then wherever you are today/tonight repent of all your sins and invite Him into your heart. If you made that decision just have simple faith in God as you live your life day to day. If a person or group has forsaken you read this article again so you will better understand what the Bible has to say about this subject.
Jesus Christ is coming soon. If you have accepted Him into your heart and are living for Him He is not going to forget you in the rapture of the church or forsake you but snatch you up to be with Him for all eternity. Abandonment is a real subject because it happens every day but the power and love of Jesus Christ is the alternative solution to being forsaken by the world.
God Bless you,
Bob D.
Sunday, April 09, 2017
THE BEAUTIFUL GIFT OF EVERLASTING LIFE
The beautiful gift of everlasting life
As a Christian I am so thankful that I have everlasting life through Jesus Christ. "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." 1 John 5:11. What a gift God has given us through His Son Jesus Christ. Wow! How could I thank and praise God enough for being able to abide with Jesus Christ on earth and live with Him in heaven for all eternity?
The most popular verse in the Bible says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. I appreciate every word of that verse but to be granted everlasting life through Jesus Christ is something so special to me on a personal level.
I was once dead in my sins and now I have life in Jesus Christ. The Son of God comes all the way home when He says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." John 5:24. When the Bible says ... "But is passed from death unto life" that is something we should never take lightly but understand the opposites (death or life).
Let me just move on with the subject and I think you will begin to understand the reality of the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our Savior said and is still saying, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life." John 6:47.
If one reads four verses down Jesus talks about living forever again by saying, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." John 6:51. The Bible says this living bread is straight from heaven and His name is Jesus Christ.
When John poured his heart out he spoke about Jesus Christ as being true. He referred to our Lord as being the true God who is eternal life. "And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life." 1 John 5:20. Look at how many times Jesus Christ is referred to as truth. (1) ... "That we may know Him that is true," ... (2) "And we are in Him that is true" ... (3) "This is the true God." Look at the last three words ... "And eternal life." Jesus Christ is true and we receive eternal life through Him.
God knows exactly how long you will live and if you are His child you will shine forever in heaven with Him." The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be forever." Psalm 37:18.
Relative to this subject the Bible actually encourages us to be meek. Let me just let the Bible do the talking. "The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek Him: your heart shall live for ever." Psalm 22:26.
You would think the person that postulates would be the one that is satisfied but the Bible says, "The meek shall eat and be satisfied." They are just seeking God and drawn to praise Him so of course ... "Your heart shall live forever." The prideful person is never content. That is just one of the bad fruits that inevitably come out of a person that always wants his or her own way.
One of the most popular chapters in the Bible is Psalm 23. This person is living for the Lord and can expect, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." Psalm 23:6. I often forget that God is good. I have been under so many bosses that were bad that I forget that God really does want the best for me but in a merciful way in the midst of my very trying circumstances. If He has to chip some flesh away in my life that is good but He always does this with the spirit of love.
The title of this article is, "The beautiful gift of everlasting life" and the last part of this verse comes all the way home which says ... "And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." Psalm 23:6. This gives me comfort and joy that I will be with Jesus Christ for ever in heaven.
When we got saved Jesus Christ did redeem us but He also received us. God is our Father of love. "But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave; for He shall receive me. Selah." Psalm 49:15. It is one truth not to have my sins counted against me it but it is another thing entirely to be received by Jesus Christ in His love. Don't you think it would be kind of cold if God just said you are forgiven but no relationship, no interaction or love? We don't serve a God that wants that kind of fellowship with His children. He forgives upon repentance but God is warm with His children.
Jesus Christ makes it very clear that He is the resurrection and the life. This is why we can have the beautiful gift of everlasting life through the Son of God because He said, (25) "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: (26) And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?" John 11:25-26. The Bible talks about the contrast of being dead and living when in the context of resurrection life through Jesus Christ. Then in essence the Son of God goes on to say if you believe in Me you will never die.
One of the most famous resurrection verses in the Bible is, "So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."1 Corinthians 15:54. If we are a true earnest believer in Jesus Christ we now have corruptible bodies but sometime pretty soon we will have incorruptibly bodies in heaven. If we are born again through the shed blood of Jesus Christ we are mortal (we will die) but in heaven death is against the law. We will live forever through the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.
On the opposite note those that die without Jesus Christ will live throughout eternity but there is nothing but death in the other place. The dying process takes place over and over again. I can see why the Apostle Paul was so excited about writing this passage to the Corinthians because he was fully aware of what unredeemed sinners go through in hell.
You may be one that has never given your heart over to Jesus Christ. If this is the case your bodies are corrupt but you will never experience incorruption. You are mortal but you will never live in immortality throughout eternity. The wise thing to do is accept Jesus Christ into your heart as your very own Savior and Lord by repenting of all your sins and listen to the words of Jesus Christ. "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." John 4:14.
God Bless you,
Bob D.
As a Christian I am so thankful that I have everlasting life through Jesus Christ. "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." 1 John 5:11. What a gift God has given us through His Son Jesus Christ. Wow! How could I thank and praise God enough for being able to abide with Jesus Christ on earth and live with Him in heaven for all eternity?
The most popular verse in the Bible says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. I appreciate every word of that verse but to be granted everlasting life through Jesus Christ is something so special to me on a personal level.
I was once dead in my sins and now I have life in Jesus Christ. The Son of God comes all the way home when He says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." John 5:24. When the Bible says ... "But is passed from death unto life" that is something we should never take lightly but understand the opposites (death or life).
Let me just move on with the subject and I think you will begin to understand the reality of the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our Savior said and is still saying, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life." John 6:47.
If one reads four verses down Jesus talks about living forever again by saying, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." John 6:51. The Bible says this living bread is straight from heaven and His name is Jesus Christ.
When John poured his heart out he spoke about Jesus Christ as being true. He referred to our Lord as being the true God who is eternal life. "And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life." 1 John 5:20. Look at how many times Jesus Christ is referred to as truth. (1) ... "That we may know Him that is true," ... (2) "And we are in Him that is true" ... (3) "This is the true God." Look at the last three words ... "And eternal life." Jesus Christ is true and we receive eternal life through Him.
God knows exactly how long you will live and if you are His child you will shine forever in heaven with Him." The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be forever." Psalm 37:18.
Relative to this subject the Bible actually encourages us to be meek. Let me just let the Bible do the talking. "The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek Him: your heart shall live for ever." Psalm 22:26.
You would think the person that postulates would be the one that is satisfied but the Bible says, "The meek shall eat and be satisfied." They are just seeking God and drawn to praise Him so of course ... "Your heart shall live forever." The prideful person is never content. That is just one of the bad fruits that inevitably come out of a person that always wants his or her own way.
One of the most popular chapters in the Bible is Psalm 23. This person is living for the Lord and can expect, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." Psalm 23:6. I often forget that God is good. I have been under so many bosses that were bad that I forget that God really does want the best for me but in a merciful way in the midst of my very trying circumstances. If He has to chip some flesh away in my life that is good but He always does this with the spirit of love.
The title of this article is, "The beautiful gift of everlasting life" and the last part of this verse comes all the way home which says ... "And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." Psalm 23:6. This gives me comfort and joy that I will be with Jesus Christ for ever in heaven.
When we got saved Jesus Christ did redeem us but He also received us. God is our Father of love. "But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave; for He shall receive me. Selah." Psalm 49:15. It is one truth not to have my sins counted against me it but it is another thing entirely to be received by Jesus Christ in His love. Don't you think it would be kind of cold if God just said you are forgiven but no relationship, no interaction or love? We don't serve a God that wants that kind of fellowship with His children. He forgives upon repentance but God is warm with His children.
Jesus Christ makes it very clear that He is the resurrection and the life. This is why we can have the beautiful gift of everlasting life through the Son of God because He said, (25) "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: (26) And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?" John 11:25-26. The Bible talks about the contrast of being dead and living when in the context of resurrection life through Jesus Christ. Then in essence the Son of God goes on to say if you believe in Me you will never die.
One of the most famous resurrection verses in the Bible is, "So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."1 Corinthians 15:54. If we are a true earnest believer in Jesus Christ we now have corruptible bodies but sometime pretty soon we will have incorruptibly bodies in heaven. If we are born again through the shed blood of Jesus Christ we are mortal (we will die) but in heaven death is against the law. We will live forever through the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.
On the opposite note those that die without Jesus Christ will live throughout eternity but there is nothing but death in the other place. The dying process takes place over and over again. I can see why the Apostle Paul was so excited about writing this passage to the Corinthians because he was fully aware of what unredeemed sinners go through in hell.
You may be one that has never given your heart over to Jesus Christ. If this is the case your bodies are corrupt but you will never experience incorruption. You are mortal but you will never live in immortality throughout eternity. The wise thing to do is accept Jesus Christ into your heart as your very own Savior and Lord by repenting of all your sins and listen to the words of Jesus Christ. "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." John 4:14.
God Bless you,
Bob D.
Saturday, April 01, 2017
THE CARNAL MIND
The carnal mind
I can see God, the angels and redeemed saints in heaven routing for us from heaven. Can you see an angel in heaven saying," Be spiritually minded so you can have eternal life?" How many times did they see a carnally minded person eternally separated from God for all eternity? They do not like dealing with that outcome.
We sometimes look at an unbeliever and get frustrated but according to the Bible they cannot be guided by the Holy Spirit and follow God. (6) "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (8) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:6-8.
Carnal is sinful but to be spiritually minded is to have our focus on Jesus Christ. One leads to death and unrest. The other leads to life and peace. Our sin goes against the Spirit of God but the Spirit of God goes against sin. A carnal mind is an enemy of God.
Every once in a while I will hear a person that has not accepted Jesus Christ into his or her heart say they follow the law. The Bible says in Romans 8:7," Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." The only way a person can obey God is through Jesus Christ.
Flesh is not defined in the Bible but it is that independent streak that rises up against God and desires self will in their heart. According to verse 8..."Flesh cannot please God."
There is a saying in our society called "Bad karma." It is very popular. Even unbelievers recognize this principle but the name is not correct.
The Bible refers to this as the sowing and reaping principle. "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Galatians 6:8.
Flesh leads to corruption. I have seen this in my own life. Even the unbelievers over here cannot even look at society without complaining how evil is present everywhere they turn.
The believers in Jesus Christ are vexed in their soul and understand we live in a country that has kicked God out of every arena in life. Both parties are now seeing the end result of sin or flesh which is corruption.
Thank God for the second part of this verse which says, ... "But he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Is life everlasting better than corruption? If we keep sinning are we saying we want corruption? If we do the will of God do we want everlasting Life? The answer to all three of these questions is yes.
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Proverbs 14:12. Be careful of the broad path of life. Everyone thinks this way so I will go to this direction.
This way may look great on the outside but if it is only short term then you are probably sowing to the flesh. There are so many breakups in life but I have come to learn that we should be on the path for the long term through Jesus Christ. If there is no eternal value in what you are doing let it go and move into something substantial for Jesus Christ.
One way to determine if we are on the right course in life is to examine ourselves. Ask yourself one question ... "Am I a friend of this world or do I feel uncomfortable in my journey of Life?"
We are just passing through this life." Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." 1 Peter 2:11." Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4.
Adulterers is a strong word. I look at these famous people that have so much money and power. Most of them have been propelled by the devil to get to the top. What a waste.
They are misleading so many people because the way seemed right to them but friendship with the world is enmity with God. The Bible says, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." 2 Corinthians 4:4.
Notice this verse says ..."The god of this world." Satan is the god of this world. I hope you are seeing why friendship with this world is bad and can only lead to the ways of death.
This is the question ..."How can we be friends with this world when the devil is the god of this world?" No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a solder." 2 Timothy 2:4.
Who are we following? On the one hand there is lust but on the other hand there are the characteristics of righteousness. One leads to carnality and the other leads to life and peace with a pure heart.
This is why the book of Timothy goes on to say, "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." 2 Timothy 2:22.
There are many different sins of lust but the end result will be, "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 3:7. If we pursue righteousness, faith, charity and peace we will be guided by the Holy Spirit and God will give us wisdom in His timing. Never push the timing of God. If a passenger in a car tried to steer the wheel of a car then more than likely there will be an accident.
If there were ever three verses that sum up this whole subject it would be the words of John given to him by the Holy Spirit. (15) "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world, If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." I John 2:15-17.
Maybe this is why the Bible says, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2. Where is our affection? Do we want something so bad in this world? Do we want to commit that sin? Do we want to walk around prideful in this world? Do we want our affection to be focused on the person of Jesus Christ? The first three questions should be no. The last question should be yes. It all comes down to loving Jesus Christ.
If you don't know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord now might be a good time to invite Him into your heart by sincerely repenting of all your sins. If you just made that decision then the path in your life will be very different but you must also make a decision to be spiritually minded as opposed to being earthy minded. Obviously I explained the whole subject in the article so this point that the Holy Spirit makes in the Bible should be understood. If it is not just talk to the Lord about the subject and ask Him to open up your eyes that your heart should be on the truths of heaven.
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8.
Try to read the Bible everyday because the Scripture says, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us our mind changes and we start to think the way God sees our situations. Jesus Christ loves you and He just desires us to love Him back and then our journey in life will change from carnal to spiritual.
God Bless you,
Bob D.
I can see God, the angels and redeemed saints in heaven routing for us from heaven. Can you see an angel in heaven saying," Be spiritually minded so you can have eternal life?" How many times did they see a carnally minded person eternally separated from God for all eternity? They do not like dealing with that outcome.
We sometimes look at an unbeliever and get frustrated but according to the Bible they cannot be guided by the Holy Spirit and follow God. (6) "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (8) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:6-8.
Carnal is sinful but to be spiritually minded is to have our focus on Jesus Christ. One leads to death and unrest. The other leads to life and peace. Our sin goes against the Spirit of God but the Spirit of God goes against sin. A carnal mind is an enemy of God.
Every once in a while I will hear a person that has not accepted Jesus Christ into his or her heart say they follow the law. The Bible says in Romans 8:7," Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." The only way a person can obey God is through Jesus Christ.
Flesh is not defined in the Bible but it is that independent streak that rises up against God and desires self will in their heart. According to verse 8..."Flesh cannot please God."
There is a saying in our society called "Bad karma." It is very popular. Even unbelievers recognize this principle but the name is not correct.
The Bible refers to this as the sowing and reaping principle. "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Galatians 6:8.
Flesh leads to corruption. I have seen this in my own life. Even the unbelievers over here cannot even look at society without complaining how evil is present everywhere they turn.
The believers in Jesus Christ are vexed in their soul and understand we live in a country that has kicked God out of every arena in life. Both parties are now seeing the end result of sin or flesh which is corruption.
Thank God for the second part of this verse which says, ... "But he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Is life everlasting better than corruption? If we keep sinning are we saying we want corruption? If we do the will of God do we want everlasting Life? The answer to all three of these questions is yes.
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Proverbs 14:12. Be careful of the broad path of life. Everyone thinks this way so I will go to this direction.
This way may look great on the outside but if it is only short term then you are probably sowing to the flesh. There are so many breakups in life but I have come to learn that we should be on the path for the long term through Jesus Christ. If there is no eternal value in what you are doing let it go and move into something substantial for Jesus Christ.
One way to determine if we are on the right course in life is to examine ourselves. Ask yourself one question ... "Am I a friend of this world or do I feel uncomfortable in my journey of Life?"
We are just passing through this life." Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." 1 Peter 2:11." Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4.
Adulterers is a strong word. I look at these famous people that have so much money and power. Most of them have been propelled by the devil to get to the top. What a waste.
They are misleading so many people because the way seemed right to them but friendship with the world is enmity with God. The Bible says, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." 2 Corinthians 4:4.
Notice this verse says ..."The god of this world." Satan is the god of this world. I hope you are seeing why friendship with this world is bad and can only lead to the ways of death.
This is the question ..."How can we be friends with this world when the devil is the god of this world?" No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a solder." 2 Timothy 2:4.
Who are we following? On the one hand there is lust but on the other hand there are the characteristics of righteousness. One leads to carnality and the other leads to life and peace with a pure heart.
This is why the book of Timothy goes on to say, "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." 2 Timothy 2:22.
There are many different sins of lust but the end result will be, "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 3:7. If we pursue righteousness, faith, charity and peace we will be guided by the Holy Spirit and God will give us wisdom in His timing. Never push the timing of God. If a passenger in a car tried to steer the wheel of a car then more than likely there will be an accident.
If there were ever three verses that sum up this whole subject it would be the words of John given to him by the Holy Spirit. (15) "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world, If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." I John 2:15-17.
Maybe this is why the Bible says, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2. Where is our affection? Do we want something so bad in this world? Do we want to commit that sin? Do we want to walk around prideful in this world? Do we want our affection to be focused on the person of Jesus Christ? The first three questions should be no. The last question should be yes. It all comes down to loving Jesus Christ.
If you don't know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord now might be a good time to invite Him into your heart by sincerely repenting of all your sins. If you just made that decision then the path in your life will be very different but you must also make a decision to be spiritually minded as opposed to being earthy minded. Obviously I explained the whole subject in the article so this point that the Holy Spirit makes in the Bible should be understood. If it is not just talk to the Lord about the subject and ask Him to open up your eyes that your heart should be on the truths of heaven.
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8.
Try to read the Bible everyday because the Scripture says, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us our mind changes and we start to think the way God sees our situations. Jesus Christ loves you and He just desires us to love Him back and then our journey in life will change from carnal to spiritual.
God Bless you,
Bob D.
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