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*Light*

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Sermon Comments posted by *Light*

    Seventy Times Seven

    "For it is impossible for those who were once [enlightened], and have [tasted of the heavenly gift], and were made [partakers of the Holy Ghost], And have [tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come], If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame." (Hebrews 6:4-6)

    There will come a point in every person's heart where they will NEVER repent and accept the message of the Gospel, and we see an example of this in the above passage when Jesus condemned the religious hypocrites for accusing Him of working miracles on behalf of Satan. Anyone who is willing to stoop that far shows that their heart may have been hardened; we see a parallel passage in Hebrews 6-46 and 10:26, where all available information is given to where there can be no further proof to convince such people to accept the Gospel message. The Pharisees had:

    1. Been Enlightened: (Jesus's fulfillment of the Old Testament through His preaching and teaching. cf. Lk. 4:15-21; Jn. 1:9-10; 8:24)
    2. Tasted of the heavenly gift: (Jesus tasted death for every man on the Cross; but this death does NOT continue on to this day as it was accomplished at Calvary).
    3. Been Partakers of the Holy Ghost: (The ministry of Jesus through healing, casting out demons, feeding the multitudes miraculously, etc., and then accused Jesus of being possessed by Satan and demons. cf. Matt. 12:22-32).
    4. Tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come: (Seen the undeniable miracles through the power and working of the Holy Spirit. cf. Matt. 13:3-9; Jn. 6:60-66; Acts 8:9-24).

    Such men and women cannot be brought to a state of repentance leading to Salvation if all of the above is rejected; Jesus illustrated this point in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31), where even if someone were to be raised from the dead to warn the unrepentant of the dangers of Hell and the Eternal Lake of Fire, they will not be persuaded (v. 31). These unrepentant sinners will NOT be forgiven even in the age to come because nothing more can convince or persuade them to a state of genuine repentance, and therefore there remains NO more sacrifice for sins if rejected since only Christ can atone for the sins of the World (Matt. 11:21; 12:32; Heb. 6:6; 10:26).

    "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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is [CONDEMNED ALREADY], because he hath [NOT BELIEVED] in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:16-18)

     

  1. It is the ignorance of human reasoning that has led many to reinvent God according to their "man-made" concepts and ideologies (e.g., "how can Two or Three persons possibly be One?"). God is not obligated to respond to anyone with a finite mind, but He already has silenced the ignorance on man's part so it may not be repeated. He Answers Job with Questions . . . seems odd, right? or is it? Job was the most righteous man in his time, but even faithful men who draw near to God find themselves asking, Why?  

    1. Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
    2. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast UNDERSTANDING.
    3. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
    4. Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof?
    5. Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?
    6. Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?
    7. Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth?
    8. Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?
    9. Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all.
    10. Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof, That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof?
    11. Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great?
    12. Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?
    13. By what way is the light parted, which scattereth the east wind upon the earth?
    14. Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder; To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man; To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?
    15. Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew?
    16. Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it?
    17. Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?
    18. Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?
    19. Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?
    20. Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee?
    21. Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go and say unto thee, Here we are?
    22. Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?
    23. Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven, When the dust groweth into hardness, and the clods cleave fast together?
    24. Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions, When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait
    25. Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.
    26. Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? or canst thou mark when the hinds do calve?
    27. Canst thou number the months that they fulfil? or knowest thou the time when they bring forth?
    28. Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?
    29. Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich? 

    Seems quite redundant, right? Apparently not, because we still have atheists and doubters of Christianity who stubbornly refuse to accept the Truth for what it's Worth. There are many Christians who accuse the Eternal God and His actions as "unreasonable" (e.g., "the why and why not?"), and yet none of the questions from God can be applied to the one who questions the Eternal Mind of God. 

    "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9) 

    Where did the idea that God is One in Being AND person? The idea that God MUST be One Person is a concept invented by evil entities, who then put it in the mind of men and women who do not know the True God REVEALED in Holy Scripture. Interestingly enough, it is the enemy who have persuaded and deceived many to believe that God is NOT Triune, but Unipersonal. He has it backwards (deliberately), and sadly, this false assumption that God is one person has crept into the minds of willing victims who act as a mouthpiece for the enemy. If we have three distinct persons who share the same unchanging and Divine Attributes, then they are ONE in BEING, and [ETERNAL IN THE PAST AND FOREVERMORE] (cf. Mic. 5:2; Jn. 8:58; 10:30; 17:5,24; Heb. 13:8; Rev. 1:8,18; 22:13).

    "These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." (Proverbs 6:16-19) 

    If God is your heavenly Father, then the things in which God hates, you ought to hate also. So what does God detest? 

    "These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." (Proverbs 6:16-19) 

    1. Haughty Eyes (Winking)
    2. A Lying Tongue (Crooked Speech)
    3. Hands (Finger Pointing)
    4. Heart (Devising Evil)
    5. Feet (e.g., cf. Job 1:7)
    6. False Witness
    7. Discord (Division within the Body of Christ)

    God Bless

    Eternal Life

    God is Invisible, and He has revealed Himself in Holy Scriptures, and to a greater extent by the Incarnate Word. Faith is a MUST in order for True Worshipers to Worship God in Spirit and in Truth; and this not only includes the correct understanding concerning the Person and Deity of Christ, but to accept the Inerrancy of all Scripture as Divine Inspiration. There is "external" evidence which points to "Inescapable" FACTS that cannot be denied (e.g., "incriminating or [INDISPUTABLE EVIDENCE]" before a judicial system); then there is Faith, which is the Hope which True Believers know will be fulfilled; and the EVIDENCE of that which cannot be seen with the human eye alone. To claim to have "faith" in God and yet waver in your belief concerning God is deficient faith since Biblical [Faith] is [Evidence] (i.e., "they are indisputable FACTS"; cf. Mk. 9:23-24; Heb. 11:1; Jas. 1:6). Not only that, this "unseen" EVIDENCE is GREATER in power than that which is external, because this power source comes from the One who yields ALL POWER (Matt. 17:19-20; Phil. 4:13; 1 Jn. 4:4; 5:5).
     
    "He that [believeth on him] is [NOT CONDEMNED]: but he that [believeth not] is [CONDEMNED ALREADY], because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:18)
     
    Only the Lord knows His own, and He knows who truly believes in Him or not. Those who [SAY IN THEIR HEART] (cf. Ps. 14:1; Prov. 4:23; 10:11; 24:12; Matt. 12:34; Lk. 6:45; Heb. 4:12) are those who either Truly Believes or Believes NOT. There is NO once having Truly Believed in the Gospel Message, and at a later time in their lives no longer believes (i.e., "to say or NOT to say in one's HEART"). This is found all throughout Holy Scripture, because it is the internal and immaterial aspect of man which "reveals" what such person "believes" in their heart (Gen 17:17; Ps. 15:2; Jer. 5:24; Obad. 1:3; Mk. 11:23). Furthermore, such denials stemming from the heart of a person leads to a hardening of their heart; this is why the Word of God warns those who refuse and reject the Gospel Message to repent of their sins and surrender their lives to the Lord (Isa. 6:10; Jn. 12:40; Rom. 2:5; Eph 4:17-19; Heb. 3:7-9; 4:5-7).
     
    "For [by thy words] thou shalt [be justified], and [by thy words] thou shalt [be condemned]." (Matthew 12:37)
     
    "But and if that evil servant shall [SAY IN HIS HEART], My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 24:48-51)
     
    "And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of [one pearl]: and [the street] (Grk. ha plateia) of the city was [PURE GOLD], as it were [transparent glass]." (Revelation 21:21)
     
    The noun "street", although in the nominative singular form, is used in the plural in other passages in Scripture (cf. Matt. 6:5; 12:19; Lk. 10:10; Acts 5:15). The "street" mentioned in the above verse cited is describing the Principal street of The Eternal City. The gates of the City are not to be interpreted as "pearly" gates, rather the gates themselves ARE 1,500 mile high pearls according to the measure of man.
     
    "Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because [your names are written in heaven]." (Luke 10:20)
     
    "And the wall of the city had [TWELVE FOUNDATIONS], and in them [the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb]." (Revelation 21:14)
     
    Several notable theologians have actually considered that even the name of Judas the Treacherous Betrayer may be one of the names written on one of the foundations of the Eternal City. This is an impossibility, because NOTHING defiling, abominable, or anything considered impure in any way will exist in the Eternal City of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:5; 2 Tim. 1:9; Heb. 12:14; Rev. 21:27; 22:15). These are the twelve apostles OF THE LAMB; and Judas did NOT belong to Jesus, nor was He ever saved (Jn. 17:12). Judas had [NO FOUNDATION] as he built his house on SAND, and the consequences led him to an irreparable disaster as he crumbled under the weight of his sinful desires (Matt. 6:24; 7:26-27; 1 Tim. 6:9-12; 1 Jn. 2:15-17; et al).
     
    "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone [A NEW NAME WRITTEN] (Grk. onoma kainon gegrammenon [perfect passive participle] -- i.e., "") which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." (Revelation 2:17)
     
    "Let [NOT] your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. [I go to PREPARE A PLACE for you]. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:1-3)
     
    These mansions (Grk. monai -- i.e., "dwelling places or abodes") are being prepared (Grk. hetoimasai -- aorist infinitive; i.e., "to make ready") as a Bride who is to be married to her Husband (cf. Rev. 21:2). God the Father will send forth His Son to gather His Bride and take her to the Father's House (i.e., "The New Jerusalem"), and the Holy Spirit is purifying the saints so that the Bride will be preserved spotless and blameless upon the Bridegroom's Return (cf. 1 Thess. 5:23; Jude 1:24; 2 Pet. 3:14; 1 Jn. 3:3). The Eternal City is described as a Radiant GEM with the Glory of God (e.g., "a Pure Diamond"). This marriage vow from the Bridegroom to His PURE BRIDE is Eternally Secured with a PURE GEM likened unto the Purest Diamond (i.e., "The Multifaceted Eternal City").
     
    [END OF PART 2]
    The Bible uses "gold" in reference to a refiners fire. The purification of gold is through the process of burning off the dross through intense heat or by fire, and the results are that the impurities are removed (Zech. 13:8-9; Mal. 3:3; 1 Pet. 1:7; Rev. 3:18). If the impurities are not removed, then there can be traces of lead or copper, among other unwanted dross; and no one needs lead poisoning in their lives (cf. Ps. 12:6; Isa. 1:25; Jer. 6:29-30; 9:7; Dan. 12:10; 1 Cor. 3:13; Jas. 1:12; 1 Pet. 4:12-13). Even the gold found here on this Earth is not "pure" in the most absolute sense of the word; this is why there has to be a NEW heaven and a NEW Earth, so there will be no trace of sin or corruption ever again. Satan and his minions have not only polluted and corrupted this world, but he has defiled even the cosmic regions (cf. Rom. 8:22; Eph. 6:12).
     
    Not only are the appearance of the streets in the Eternal City pure gold, they are transparent and not opaque. Many Bible commentators and theologians have surmised that this is mere symbolism, and the golden streets with the appearance of transparent glass is not to be taken literally. The Eternal City is not fully understood by the mind of fallen man; nor can "flesh and blood" inherit the Kingdom of God (Rom. 8:23; 1 Cor. 15:50). The streets are transparent, and so is The River of The Water of Life, which Source and Sustainer is both God and the Lamb (cf. Matt. 5:6; Jn. 4:13-14; 7:37; Rev. 7:17; 22:17).
     
    "Blessed are the [PURE in heart]: for they shall [SEE GOD]." (Matthew 5:8)
     
    No human being can stand in the Presence of the Lord God Almighty; for to do so would result in death (cf. Ex. 33:20; Judg. 13:22; 1 Cor. 15:50). God cannot look upon sin, and His Holiness demands retribution for all sins committed against Him, and the wages of sin is death (Hab. 1:13). Now this is not to say that because God cannot "look" upon sin, that He is not cognizant of the wicked deeds of sinful men and women (Jer. 23:23-24; Heb. 4:13). Satan himself had a "meeting" with God so that he might accuse Job as being obedient only because of the Divine Favor God has bestowed upon (Job 1:6). To "look upon sin" is not to be taken literally; otherwise you would have a direct contradiction, because Jesus most assuredly in the "Presence" of sinners (Isa. 7:14; 8:8,10; Matt. 1:23; Jn. 1:14), and most of us should know that there are NO contradictions in Holy Scripture.
     
    It is ONLY through the precious shed blood of Christ Jesus are we able to come boldly to the Throne of God and petition Him concerning our spiritual needs (Dan. 12:10; Acts 20:28; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:20; Heb. 9:14,22; 10:19; 13:12; 1 Jn. 1:7). Jesus is God Incarnate, and yet He dwelt among sinners of all sorts; but He never refused those who came to Him in Faith in what He was able to accomplish in their lives. Understand that no mortal creature can enter into the Third Heaven, let alone stand in the presence of God; and it is only through the glorification of the bodies of the redeemed are they able to enter the Eternal City. This is one of the reasons why Paul wrote:
     
    "But as it is written, [Eye] hath not seen, nor [ear] heard, neither have entered into the [heart] of man, the things which God hath [prepared for THEM THAT LOVE HIM]." (1 Corinthians 2:9)
     
    "For as [the Father hath LIFE IN HIMSELF]; so hath he given to [the Son to have LIFE IN HIMSELF]; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. [MARVEL NOT AT THIS]: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." (John 5:26-29)
     
    Only the Living ONE who IS LIFE can GIVE LIFE to ALL whom He Chooses. Are you living for LIFE ETERNAL? Those who are cleansed by the Blood of the Lamb are ALIVE NOW as we speak, and will rise to ETERNAL LIFE, then shall they behold the meaning of LIFE to its fullest. Do not grow weary, and take HOLD of Eternal Life (Rom. 2:7; Gal. 6:9; 1 Tim. 6:12).
     
    "And [THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL] (Eternal is the duration, and Life is the quality), that [they might know] thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3)
     
    [END OF PART 3]
     
    In Closing:
     
    "And there shall be [no night there]; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for [the Lord God GIVETH them light]: and they shall reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 22:5)
     
    The face of Moses was Illumed as he returned from Mount Sinai after his meeting with the LORD (Ex. 34:29-30; Matt. 17:1-3). The fullest manifestation of the shared Glory of the Father and the Son will no longer be veiled in the Eternal State, and this Glory which proceeds from the Father and the Son will give Light to the redeemed with blazing radiance as God and the Lamb will be their Light for All of Eternity. The Family of God will walk in the Light (i.e., "in Truth and Holiness"; cf. 1 Jn. 1:5-7), and the Light of God and the Lamb will [literally shine] throughout, as the redeemed of all the ages will also shine forth from the Light that God and the Lamb will Give to them (Dan. 12:3). The gates of the Eternal City will remain open for all of Eternity, for all evil will have been done away with. No more threat of evil as Satan and his children will be in the Eternal Lake of Fire, and they will Forever be banished for all of Eternity.
     
    "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for [the glory of God did lighten it], and [the Lamb is the light thereof]. And the nations of them which are saved shall [walk in the light] of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be [NO NIGHT THERE]. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." (Revelation 21:23-27)
     
    The Lord God will be their Light as they also [walk in the Light] of the Eternal City (cf. Dan. 12:3; 1 Jn. 1:7; Rev. 21:24). The glorified body is not merely flesh and bones, it is a SPIRIT BODY. That is, the Spirit of God will give LIFE to the redeemed (at the Resurrection of the Just) who are sealed by Him, and these shall rise to Immortality, and it will be designed for perfect praise, honor, and worship to the Lord for all of Eternity (1 Cor. 15:44-49; 2 Cor. 5:1; Eph. 1:13; Phil. 3:20-21; Col. 3:4; 1 Jn. 3:2). 
     
    "And he shewed me a [PURE river of water of LIFE], [CLEAR AS CRYSTAL], proceeding [out of the throne] of God and of the Lamb." (Revelation 22:1)
     
    This PURE river of the water of LIFE not only symbolizes purity and a new quality of life, it gives drink to the redeemed. This LIVING water flows from the Source and Giver of All Life, and this flows endlessly from the throne of God and of the Lamb. The Glorified Spirit body is required to fully comprehend this higher level of reality in the Eternal State (1 Cor. 2:9; 13:12). The Lamb's Book of Life contains the names of all the redeemed throughout all the ages who have washed their robes in the Blood of The Lamb.
  2. Thanks for the devotional, Jim! And I stand by every word you have said.

    Anyone who has truly been born-again through the shed blood of Jesus Christ will in no doubt have the light of life dwelling within them -- and that light can be seen among those who they come in contact with. What grieves me is that there are so many false converts who have prayed a prayer so that they might be saved; but their sole reason for calling upon the Lord was so that they might escape hell; or they simply desired Eternal life. And what these false converts miss is genuine repentance; and turning to the Lord with a true broken and contrite spirit. Their tree is barren of any fruits of the Spirit, and completely devoid of any sort of conformity to the image of Christ. Christians are supposed to stand out above the rest of the world by their new nature being manifest in their actions; and sadly . . . there are MANY professing Christians who continue to walk in darkness and are no different than the rest of the unbelieving world -- and sometimes even worse. All of us need to do a spiritual inventory and examine ourselves if we have truly been born again (2 Cor. 13:5; 2 Pet. 1:10-11). If we don't express Divine love, then all the "good deeds" amount to nothing -- and are done in vain; because they are not done through the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 13:2).

    God Bless!

    The Kindness of God

    There are always unbelievers who attack the God of the Old Testament, and accusing Him of being some sort of tyrant. What they fail to realize is that the God of the OT is the SAME God of the NT. God's righteous indignation was poured out on those who hated God and despise His ways. Furthermore, we find that the more sin abounded, God's Grace also flourished (cf. Rom. 5:20) -- especially in the Incarnation of the Son of God.

    God less!

  3. Thank you for posting this, Jim! We know that TRUE Christianity is the ONLY "religion" that is not based on "human achievement" -- but through the imputed righteousness from Christ as you pointed out very well. I am exasperated by all these "cults" that attempt to attain a righteous standing before God on their own merit; not knowing that their "righteousness" is nothing more than a menstrual cloth in God's sight. Matthew 7:21-23 gives an example of those who call Jesus lord, and then "boast" about their works (v.22); such false converts like SDA's, Jehovah's Witness, and Mormons will be in for a rude awakening on that day. Their "works" are nothing more than an "abomination" unto our Lord and God -- and a stench in His nostrils.

    God Bless!

    Be Ye Followers Of Christ

    The more often we submit ourselves to the will of God, the more we become sanctified through His truth. This brings about spiritual growth and obedience to His commandments -- and separation from the world. This also draws us nearer to Him -- and as a result, we become conformed and transformed to His likeness and treasure the things which He loves -- and despise the things that He despises.

  4. The humility of a child and their reliance upon others is what places them in a different category than adults. Most Christian adults have been polluted by their past sins and can't seem to let go of them; and as a result . . . they fail to humble themselves as a child by putting their dependence upon God alone for direction in life and spiritual growth.

    Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:4)

    God Bless!

    Peace in the Midst of the Storm

    I think that so many Christians get caught up in their daily mundane activities that they fail to hear the voice of God. If God is our primary focus, and knowing that He is in control of all our circumstances and trials in our lives, then we can rejoice and experience the joy of the Lord even in the midst of all hardship and persecution.

  5. On 8/12/2017 at 7:12 AM, Alan said:

    Brethren,

    I had a request for the song, "I Come to the Garden Alone." I hope that it will bless you soul.

     

    May the Lord bless your walk with Him.

    Alan

    That picture resembles the same type of flowers that surrounds my home. It started out as a few of those flowers; but then they began to spread and blossom to other areas of my home. 

    Glory in Heaven

    Our little blue planet (not green) is not even a speck of dust in the vastness of the Universe; something which is virtually unseen. I find it utterly amazing that a being with such grandeur and awe would stoop to our level to express just how much He loves us. The heavens truly do declare the Glory of God; and the firmament His handiwork. We look forward to the new heavens and the new earth which will be more glorious than our present one. The gates of the eternal city of God will never be shut; and we will zip across the infinite Universe recreated with splendor and majesty far beyond anything we can possibly comprehend at the present time.

    God Bless!

    Trust in the Lord

    On 5/21/2017 at 4:48 PM, Alan said:

    Brethren,

    "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:4 & 5

    As we trust in the Lord, delight ourselves in Him, commit our ways of life, our way of living, ourselves to the Lord; the Lord can mold us, change us, and restore us to a thing of usefulness. The Lord can change the evil desires of our hearts for good; and then bring to pass those good desires of our heart.

    My friend, brother Stafford, "Faithfully Restored," made another video on the restoration of a 1940's Lowboy Chest. The video gives a graphic illustration of how God, the master craftsman, can restore a person from a life of decay and mis-use, to a life of usefulness, purpose, and beauty. The video is a blessing to my heart and I hope to your heart as well. I do want to thank brother Stafford for sending me the video for my devotion.

    Here is the link to brother Stafford's website for videos on his furniture restoration with biblical applications.

      https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV5HTN_favhjRSX5Ttxm77w/videos

    May the Lord bless all of you.

    Alan

     

     

    The amount of times that Psalm 37:4 & 5 have been taken out of context by well-meaning bible teachers is astounding -- especially by the WOF prosperity teachers. It's not that God will give us a private jet with our own airport, or having figurines of biblical figures that cost more than some people's homes; it is all about receiving the good gifts that comes down from the Father of Lights (Jas.1:17). If we delight ourselves in the LORD, then naturally our "desires" will be in accordance with God's will (cf.Matt. 7:10); gifts such as the means to start a ministry, or our desire to bring the lost to Christ so that He may be glorified through us. God is not a "genie" . . . and I am grieved that the reason why so many people become "Christians" is, "what can God do for me? rather than what can I do for God as a living sacrifice?"

    God Bless!

    The Characteristics Of Love

    TRUE Love for the LORD is accompanied by absolute devotion and commitment. Peter's claim to love the LORD was not supported by his past actions. Peter went to the shores of Galilee to await Jesus' command to meet Him there. Fishing was their livelihood, but now Jesus demanded that their absolute devotion to Him would lead them to be fishers of men. Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him more than the fish, and Peter answered, Yes! Whenever there are two synonyms which are placed closely together in context (e.g.,"love"), and has different meanings; it is placed there for emphasis (Jn. 21:15-17).  Peter TRULY did love the LORD, and used the Greek word *phileo" instead of *agapao* because he had denied the LORD in the past and was most likely reluctant in choosing his words for that matter. Jesus knew Peter's heart . . . and knew that Peter did indeed love the LORD, but that there was a lack of absolute devotion and commitment. Jesus demands our love for Him to be sacrificial and from the heart; anything less than that is not worthy of the LORD.


    God Bless!

    The Characteristics Of Love

    The bible says that "He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him." (1 John 3:14b-15) I came across a Christian website today where "Christians" were speaking horrible things about another Christian brother because this man's children had cancer and his wife was dying. The had the audacity to say that the reason why this Christian brother's wife and child had cancer was because it MUST have been that he had sinned and that he is in hell right now. This behavior disgusted me to the core. It is a shame that such people who call themselves Christians can behave in such manner. This angers the Lord and He will NOT answer their prayers because God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.

    God Bless!

    Psalm 19:1 Integrity

    Thanks for sharing your devotionals as they have benefited me greatly. We often don't hear or see integrity on display, even among Christians. Jesus said, "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" And, "be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." The lack of discipline and unchristlike behavior is monumental and unprecedented in Christendom today -- which is a sign leading to the Greate Apostasy spoken of in scripture. It is almost as if "Christians" go out of their way to behave worse than the unbelieving world, and keep NOT the commandments of God out of love for Him. The Lord will separate the sheep from the goats, and the wheat from the tares at the harvest. Just keeping the commandments alone does NOT prove oneself to be a Christian; it is the outward manifestation of the inward man/woman which shows what is truly in their hearts (Matt.12 :34-37). It is our "desire" to  "please" the Lord with our obedience which is the correct beatitude attitude. Anything other than that is wood, hay, and stubble.

    God Bless!

    Biblical Repentance

    What disturbs me is the vast amount of "Christians" who profess to *know* the Lord and live a life no different than the rest of the unbelieving world -- if not worse; and there is absolutely no disparity between the two. This is one of the reasons why so much of the unbelieving world DO NOT want to become Christians; because most people who profess to be in Christ are hypocrites. We're supposed to love one another -- even those who are behaving in an ungodly manner. We are to pray for these people so that they may repent and turn their life over to Christ as their Lord and Savior. But if the unbelieving world sees us as NO DIFFERENT than the rest of the world . . . then how is our light shining? Has the salt lost its flavor? Paul had to be knocked off of his "high horse" to realize that he was no better than the rest of the world -- even worse. The LORD had to humble him and bring him to his knees for him to realize that he, like the rest of the world, was in danger of hellfire. Stubbornness, and refusal to submit to the will of God only stunts a "Christian's" growth, and as a result, they will bring forth NO fruits and will be cast as a branch into the fire to be burned by men (cf. Jn. 15).

    God Bless!

  6. I would often sing the song "O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E" as a small child, and now that I think about it; it is a true reflection of our love for Christ and His commandments. Jesus said:


    He that hath my commandments, and [keepeth them], he it is that [loveth me]: and [he that loveth] me shall be [loved of my Father], and [I will love him], and will [manifest myself] to him. (John 14:21)

    Those who keep the commandments of God fall into two camps: Those who keep it out of LOVE for Christ; and those who keep it out of a feeling of obligation (e.g., Catholics, Jehovah's Witnesses). For US who keep the commandments because we want to PLEASE the Lord (cf. Jn.8:29) . . . God will *reveal* Himself to us in an a way far beyond any human relationship or bond. I can testify of this as He is literally by my side each and every moment of my life -- more than any man or woman can EVER BE.

    God Bless!

  7. Those who are unwilling to forgive others is a SURE SIGN that they themselves have NOT been forgiven. Someone who has been forgiven is also forgiving because he/she is a "new creation" in Christ. Jesus gives a STERN WARNING against those who refuse to repent; to those who choose to behave like the rest of the world.

    Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, [and delivered him to THE TORMENTORS], till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. (Matthew 18:32-35)

    I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: (Deuteronomy 30:19)

    God Bless!

  8. I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not [fulfill] the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)

    And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be [filled with the Spirit]; (Ephesians 5:18)

    In Ephesians 5:18, the Greek verb *pleroo* (πληρόω) means to "accomplish"; that verse and other such "filling" passages are speaking of the Spirit's influence which in turn corresponds to the believer's response. While there are times in the book of Acts, the time of the unique transition between the Old and the New Testament where the Spirit more or less "takes over" regardless of the person's response; today would be more "filled", that is, more directly influenced and more closely guided by the Spirit, the requires long term and short term obedience: long term, because unless we are growing in the truth we are offering the Spirit very little to work with; short term, because at any given moment we either are or are not responding to the Spirit's still, small voice and obeying Him.  He works with us in our hearts through the truth therein.

    God Bless!

  9. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: (Romans 9:3)

    Paul was zealous of his brethren to the point that he had wished himself to suffer eternal punishment on behalf of countrymen. Of course this is an example of his heart following the desires of his own will.

    This is one of those times. For on the one hand, Paul wrote what he wrote -- and it is put in scripture by the Holy Spirit; on the other hand, it is clearly an impossibility (since only unbelievers are condemned) and would make no difference even if it were possible (since only the blood of Christ, His death in being judged for sin) can avail to expiate sin.  And all sin HAS been paid for by Jesus Christ.  So the only thing that will save unbelievers of any stripe must come from their own heart: repenting of their dead works and turning to Christ.  He has already paid for their salvation in each and every case; all they have to do is accept it by faith. Paul certainly was very emotional on this issue and very zealous for his countrymen to be saved.  It's good to be zealous and emotional about the truth, but things can easily be pressed too far in both regards.  After all, it was just this sort of imprudent and zealous disregard for the plan of God that prompted Paul to go up to Jerusalem the last time contrary to what the Spirit was explicitly telling him.

    God Bless!

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