Judges 20
War comes for a variety of reasons,but one reason alot of people don't like to realize or admit is for perversion.I don't think there is a nation on this earth that will admit they are perverse.We all like to think we're fine and it is the other nations that have a problem.That may be true.If you read the entire book of Judges,you'll see that when Israel didn't have a judge they fell into sin again.That may be God's reason for letting Israel lose the first two battles with the Benjaminites.He may have been trying to get them to realize,that even though they weren't downright perverse like the Benjaminites,they weren't completely innocent either.It was like a warning to them that they don't fall into sin,like the Benjaminites.Yet,I believe God was also trying to warn the Benjaminites that their destruction was imminent,if they didn't repent.God doesn't want to see anyone perish,but He won't let sin and downright perversion go unpunished.Our pride and thinking we're innocent,or not as bad,hinders us from examining ourselves and realizing we're in wars of warning.For centuries God has brought wars of warning upon us,and I think for the most part we have been prideful and missed the warnings.One day our warnings will be over,and we will experience total destruction just like the Benjaminites,if we don't humble ourselves,repent and renounce our sin,and start following God as the ultimate authority.
However,there is one bright spot.Just like God left a remnant of Benjaminites,there will be a remnant left even after our total destruction.The question is,will we be in that remnant?Will we realize these wars of warning and get right with God before it is too late? It is my hope and prayer we will and that more people will be in that remnant,after our total destruction comes.
"Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." Prov.16:18
"And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars.See that you are not troubled;for all these things must come to pass,but the end is not yet." Matt.24:6
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Uncompassionate People,A Compassionate Judge
John 8:1-30
She had ruined her life and now her life would soon be over.The prosecution is angry.They want her dead.Her Judge is chosen and she is set before Him.Surely He will agree with the prosecution and sentence her to death by stoning.She has no defense.Yet,the Judge doesn't seem to be listening to the prosecution.In fact,they have to keep asking Him to judge and sentence her.Finally He speaks,but instead of focusing on her crime and ruined life,He focuses on theirs.He tells them the one without sin in the prosecution can begin the stoning.She waits to feel the pain from the first stone as it hits,but slowly the prosecution leaves,until she is alone with the Judge.All of them are just as guilty and ruined as she is! Though surely the Judge will stone her Himself.He rises to His feet,and she can feel the fear rise within her.However,He asks her where the prosecution went and if there was anyone who still accused her.There is no one except Him.Then He says the most unbelievable words,"I don't condemn you.Go and sin no more."The Judge has wiped her record clean and is giving her another chance at a beautiful life.
This world is filled with prosecutors.People are all of the time suing other people and/or bringing charges against them.That's not necessarily wrong.We'd have chaos without right and wrong.Yet,people prosecute others not for justice,but vengeance.Their attitude is,"You've ruined your life,but you've also ruined mine and now you must pay."May I make an observation?All of our lives are ruined before anyone else has the chance to ruin them further.Sin ruins and can destroy our lives before anyone or anything else can have a chance to ruin them.We're just like this woman's prosecutors,pointing out people's guilt and condemning,when we're just as guilty as they.
Though the Judge is standing before us all right now,not to judge and sentence us,but to extend mercy.Jesus wants to wipe our records clean with the blood that He shed for us.The Judge paid our penalty! However,we have to accept Him as our Lord and Savior and His free gift of salvation.That's the only way He won't condemn us,and we can follow His command to go and sin no more,keeping our records clean before Him.
There has never been a Judge like Jesus,nor will there ever be one.He is the only Judge that has paid the penalty for the defendents,that will be brought to Him,and made a way for them to keep their records clean.Judgment day is coming for all of us one day,but we have the choice whether we'll stand before the Judge with a clean record or a record of crimes.It's not His desire to judge and sentence anyone.He created us,and therefore,loves us more than anyone or anything else can love us,but if we don't choose Him and His way of salvation there will be nothing He can do when we reach our judgment day.He'll be forced to judge and sentence.Sin can not be in the presence of a Holy God.That's why it has to go and we have to be holy as God is holy.Through him we can live a life of holiness and be declared innocent on judgment day.It is our choice to make.We decide the outcome of our trial.
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,but that the world through Him might be saved."John 3:17
"But as He who called you is holy you also be holy in all your conduct,because it is written,"Be holy,for I am holy."1Pet.1:15,16
Also,check out Lev.11:44,45;19:2;20:7,26.Seven times God's Word tells us to be holy as He is holy.The number seven is the number symbolizing perfection or completion.This signifies to me that if we want to be perfect or complete before God,we must be holy as He is.
She had ruined her life and now her life would soon be over.The prosecution is angry.They want her dead.Her Judge is chosen and she is set before Him.Surely He will agree with the prosecution and sentence her to death by stoning.She has no defense.Yet,the Judge doesn't seem to be listening to the prosecution.In fact,they have to keep asking Him to judge and sentence her.Finally He speaks,but instead of focusing on her crime and ruined life,He focuses on theirs.He tells them the one without sin in the prosecution can begin the stoning.She waits to feel the pain from the first stone as it hits,but slowly the prosecution leaves,until she is alone with the Judge.All of them are just as guilty and ruined as she is! Though surely the Judge will stone her Himself.He rises to His feet,and she can feel the fear rise within her.However,He asks her where the prosecution went and if there was anyone who still accused her.There is no one except Him.Then He says the most unbelievable words,"I don't condemn you.Go and sin no more."The Judge has wiped her record clean and is giving her another chance at a beautiful life.
This world is filled with prosecutors.People are all of the time suing other people and/or bringing charges against them.That's not necessarily wrong.We'd have chaos without right and wrong.Yet,people prosecute others not for justice,but vengeance.Their attitude is,"You've ruined your life,but you've also ruined mine and now you must pay."May I make an observation?All of our lives are ruined before anyone else has the chance to ruin them further.Sin ruins and can destroy our lives before anyone or anything else can have a chance to ruin them.We're just like this woman's prosecutors,pointing out people's guilt and condemning,when we're just as guilty as they.
Though the Judge is standing before us all right now,not to judge and sentence us,but to extend mercy.Jesus wants to wipe our records clean with the blood that He shed for us.The Judge paid our penalty! However,we have to accept Him as our Lord and Savior and His free gift of salvation.That's the only way He won't condemn us,and we can follow His command to go and sin no more,keeping our records clean before Him.
There has never been a Judge like Jesus,nor will there ever be one.He is the only Judge that has paid the penalty for the defendents,that will be brought to Him,and made a way for them to keep their records clean.Judgment day is coming for all of us one day,but we have the choice whether we'll stand before the Judge with a clean record or a record of crimes.It's not His desire to judge and sentence anyone.He created us,and therefore,loves us more than anyone or anything else can love us,but if we don't choose Him and His way of salvation there will be nothing He can do when we reach our judgment day.He'll be forced to judge and sentence.Sin can not be in the presence of a Holy God.That's why it has to go and we have to be holy as God is holy.Through him we can live a life of holiness and be declared innocent on judgment day.It is our choice to make.We decide the outcome of our trial.
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,but that the world through Him might be saved."John 3:17
"But as He who called you is holy you also be holy in all your conduct,because it is written,"Be holy,for I am holy."1Pet.1:15,16
Also,check out Lev.11:44,45;19:2;20:7,26.Seven times God's Word tells us to be holy as He is holy.The number seven is the number symbolizing perfection or completion.This signifies to me that if we want to be perfect or complete before God,we must be holy as He is.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Restoration After Repentance
Joel 2:12-32
Just like at this time in Joel,the church and countries of this world need to truly repent and turn back to God.We have seen the Lord's wrath already poured out and still being poured out in this country and all over the world.So often God is like a passive thought,if we even think of Him at all.We pray only when we're in trouble,if even then.Yet,if we want God's restoration in our lives,churches and countries,we have to come to God in true repentance.True repentance is coming to God with all of our hearts in complete brokenness with fasting,weeping,and mourning,allowing God to change our purpose and way of life.Then true restoration will come.God doesn't take pleasure in seeing lives,churches and countries ruined because of sin.It is His pleasure to restore and make beautiful again.
It is our job as Christians to sound out the call for revival and share the beautiful message of God's restoration with all people.Then and only then will we see God showing mercy on us and His wrath will be appeased.Our enemies will be stopped,the economy will improve,and things will get better in all areas.Now is the time to sound out the call for revival,Christians,no matter who you are.This passage of scripture ends with the prophecy that God will use all Christians to preach the Gospel to all nations.It is time for us to ban together and get the Gospel out.Only when people truly repent to God will we have the restoration we,our churches,and countries need.
"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face,and turn from their wicked ways,then I will hear from heaven,and will forgive their sin,and heal their land." 2 Chron.7:14
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;and lo,I am with you always,even to the end of the age." Matt.28:19,20
Just like at this time in Joel,the church and countries of this world need to truly repent and turn back to God.We have seen the Lord's wrath already poured out and still being poured out in this country and all over the world.So often God is like a passive thought,if we even think of Him at all.We pray only when we're in trouble,if even then.Yet,if we want God's restoration in our lives,churches and countries,we have to come to God in true repentance.True repentance is coming to God with all of our hearts in complete brokenness with fasting,weeping,and mourning,allowing God to change our purpose and way of life.Then true restoration will come.God doesn't take pleasure in seeing lives,churches and countries ruined because of sin.It is His pleasure to restore and make beautiful again.
It is our job as Christians to sound out the call for revival and share the beautiful message of God's restoration with all people.Then and only then will we see God showing mercy on us and His wrath will be appeased.Our enemies will be stopped,the economy will improve,and things will get better in all areas.Now is the time to sound out the call for revival,Christians,no matter who you are.This passage of scripture ends with the prophecy that God will use all Christians to preach the Gospel to all nations.It is time for us to ban together and get the Gospel out.Only when people truly repent to God will we have the restoration we,our churches,and countries need.
"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face,and turn from their wicked ways,then I will hear from heaven,and will forgive their sin,and heal their land." 2 Chron.7:14
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;and lo,I am with you always,even to the end of the age." Matt.28:19,20
Friday, February 6, 2009
The Passing Of The Mantle
2 Kings 2:1-18
Elijah's ministry was about over and he and Elisha knew it,along with many of the sons of the prophets.Despite Elijah's requests for Elisha to leave him,Elisha remained faithful by his master's side and didn't want the sons of the prophets to keep reminding him Elijah would soon be gone.It is uncertain why Elijah wanted Elisha to leave him and why Elisha didn't want to be reminded of Elijah's soon transportation to Heaven.Possibly Elisha was dreading Elijah's soon departure.Though he knew Elijah had served God long and hard and deserved to enter into rest,he still hated to see him go and would terribly miss him.Finally Elijah turns to Elisha asks him what is one thing he could do for him before he left for Heaven.Elisha's request was for a double portion of Elijah's spirit to fall upon him.That was a difficult request,but it was fulfilled when Elisha saw Elijah being transported.As he went up,Elijah dropped his mantle ,which was a sheepskin,sleeveless outer garment,at Elisha's feet.Not only did Elisha receive the double portion of Elijah's spirit,but also his mantle,to carry on Elijah's ministry.
This past weekend a mantle was placed in front of me as I said see-you-later to one of the strongest Christians I know.Grandma didn't just share the Gospel with people,but she lived it before them.Even before she died I knew it was possible that God would be calling her home in the near future.Though,like Elisha,I didn't like people telling me her time of departure for heaven was near.I believed God could still heal her on this earth,if it was His will.God made the right choice to take her.She deserved to enter into rest.However,her ministry doesn't have to end.She made a huge impact on my life and the lives of so many family members,friends and people she came into contact with.With her death the mantle of her ministry has dropped before us.Now we have the choice to pick it up and carry it on,not allowing her ministry to die.I have determined in my mind and heart to carry her mantle.
However,before I could carry her mantle,I had to accept Christ,receive the Holy Spirit in my life,and take up Christ's mantle,which is His cross.I did this when I was thirteen.So many people are trying to carry Christ's mantle or the mantles of dear Christians gone to Heaven,but without accepting Christ or His Spirit.Maybe at one time they had accepted Christ and His Spirit,but fell away and think they are still qualified to carry Christ's mantle and the mantles of others.Without Christ and His Holy Spirit,we are unworthy and unqualified to carry any mantles,including our own.So decide to accept Christ and His Holy Spirit today,if you haven't already done so,and pick up His mantle,the cross,dailyand follow Him.Then we are worthy and qualified by Him to pick up our mantle and the mantles of others He passes onto us.Though we must be careful never to put down His mantle,our mantle and the mantles of others He asks us to carry on,until we reach our heavenly reward.Then we will hear Him say the most glorious words,"Well done good and faithful servant.Enter into the joy of the Lord."(Matt.25:21,23)
"Then He said to them all,'If anyone desires to come after Me,let him deny himself,and take up his cross daily,and follow Me.For whoever desires to save his life will lose it,but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it." Luke 9:23,24
"Imitate me,just as I also imitate Christ." 1 Cor.11:1
Elijah's ministry was about over and he and Elisha knew it,along with many of the sons of the prophets.Despite Elijah's requests for Elisha to leave him,Elisha remained faithful by his master's side and didn't want the sons of the prophets to keep reminding him Elijah would soon be gone.It is uncertain why Elijah wanted Elisha to leave him and why Elisha didn't want to be reminded of Elijah's soon transportation to Heaven.Possibly Elisha was dreading Elijah's soon departure.Though he knew Elijah had served God long and hard and deserved to enter into rest,he still hated to see him go and would terribly miss him.Finally Elijah turns to Elisha asks him what is one thing he could do for him before he left for Heaven.Elisha's request was for a double portion of Elijah's spirit to fall upon him.That was a difficult request,but it was fulfilled when Elisha saw Elijah being transported.As he went up,Elijah dropped his mantle ,which was a sheepskin,sleeveless outer garment,at Elisha's feet.Not only did Elisha receive the double portion of Elijah's spirit,but also his mantle,to carry on Elijah's ministry.
This past weekend a mantle was placed in front of me as I said see-you-later to one of the strongest Christians I know.Grandma didn't just share the Gospel with people,but she lived it before them.Even before she died I knew it was possible that God would be calling her home in the near future.Though,like Elisha,I didn't like people telling me her time of departure for heaven was near.I believed God could still heal her on this earth,if it was His will.God made the right choice to take her.She deserved to enter into rest.However,her ministry doesn't have to end.She made a huge impact on my life and the lives of so many family members,friends and people she came into contact with.With her death the mantle of her ministry has dropped before us.Now we have the choice to pick it up and carry it on,not allowing her ministry to die.I have determined in my mind and heart to carry her mantle.
However,before I could carry her mantle,I had to accept Christ,receive the Holy Spirit in my life,and take up Christ's mantle,which is His cross.I did this when I was thirteen.So many people are trying to carry Christ's mantle or the mantles of dear Christians gone to Heaven,but without accepting Christ or His Spirit.Maybe at one time they had accepted Christ and His Spirit,but fell away and think they are still qualified to carry Christ's mantle and the mantles of others.Without Christ and His Holy Spirit,we are unworthy and unqualified to carry any mantles,including our own.So decide to accept Christ and His Holy Spirit today,if you haven't already done so,and pick up His mantle,the cross,dailyand follow Him.Then we are worthy and qualified by Him to pick up our mantle and the mantles of others He passes onto us.Though we must be careful never to put down His mantle,our mantle and the mantles of others He asks us to carry on,until we reach our heavenly reward.Then we will hear Him say the most glorious words,"Well done good and faithful servant.Enter into the joy of the Lord."(Matt.25:21,23)
"Then He said to them all,'If anyone desires to come after Me,let him deny himself,and take up his cross daily,and follow Me.For whoever desires to save his life will lose it,but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it." Luke 9:23,24
"Imitate me,just as I also imitate Christ." 1 Cor.11:1
Thursday, January 29, 2009
A Personal Note
There won't be any weekly devotional this week.My grandma passed away yesterday morning and I haven't had time to get one put together.Though I don't think I'll be able to think to put one together even if I had the time.I'll get a devotional up as soon as I can next week.Thank you for your understanding.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
What Seems To Be May Not Be.
Deut.13
At times in life we will encounter some pretty amazing people.They'll do and/or say some pretty amazing things,not to draw us toward God,but away from Him.Sometimes these people are really subtle,claiming that what they said or did came from God when really it didn't.It's possible they are deceived themselves.However,alot of them realize that if they aren't deceptive,then people won't follow them and/or their gods.
God brings people like that to our attention for a couple of reasons.1.To test us.God wants to see that we truly love Him with all of our heart and soul and will be obedient to Him.2.To take a stand.God did not want His children to sit back and not do anything.He knew if these enticers and deceivers were allowed to continue,some would be enticed and drawn away.That would make all of Israel corrupt.They were instructed to kill the corrupt people in their midst,who were deceiving and enticing.Today we are not to kill them or anyone for that matter.God will deal with them.(Jude 14-19) However,we still are not suppose to sit back and not do anything.First,we need to at least try to get these people to see the truth and come to their senses.Yet,without disputing.(2 Tim.2:23-26,2 Thess.3:14-15) However,if they won't see or accept the truth,then we mustn't keep company with them,in order to keep ourselves from being pulled away or joining in their deception.(2 John 10-11)
Sadly,many churches have not followed scripture in doing this.As a result,many churches are being deceived,drawn away from God,and losing their holiness.That is why it is so important as Christians we study the Bible for ourselves,asking God what He is saying in it.
There are so many people in this world teaching and preaching so many doctrines and religions,claiming what they believe,say and do comes from God.These people can be very convincing,causing us to forget that what seems to be may not be.Eternity is too long for us to be wrong.We must be sure today that we follow God's way and what He say.
"Beloved,do not believe every spirit,but test the spirits,whether they are of God;because many false prophets have gone out into the world." 1 John 4:11
"Beware of false prophets,who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.You will know them by their fruit." Matt. 7:15-16a
At times in life we will encounter some pretty amazing people.They'll do and/or say some pretty amazing things,not to draw us toward God,but away from Him.Sometimes these people are really subtle,claiming that what they said or did came from God when really it didn't.It's possible they are deceived themselves.However,alot of them realize that if they aren't deceptive,then people won't follow them and/or their gods.
God brings people like that to our attention for a couple of reasons.1.To test us.God wants to see that we truly love Him with all of our heart and soul and will be obedient to Him.2.To take a stand.God did not want His children to sit back and not do anything.He knew if these enticers and deceivers were allowed to continue,some would be enticed and drawn away.That would make all of Israel corrupt.They were instructed to kill the corrupt people in their midst,who were deceiving and enticing.Today we are not to kill them or anyone for that matter.God will deal with them.(Jude 14-19) However,we still are not suppose to sit back and not do anything.First,we need to at least try to get these people to see the truth and come to their senses.Yet,without disputing.(2 Tim.2:23-26,2 Thess.3:14-15) However,if they won't see or accept the truth,then we mustn't keep company with them,in order to keep ourselves from being pulled away or joining in their deception.(2 John 10-11)
Sadly,many churches have not followed scripture in doing this.As a result,many churches are being deceived,drawn away from God,and losing their holiness.That is why it is so important as Christians we study the Bible for ourselves,asking God what He is saying in it.
There are so many people in this world teaching and preaching so many doctrines and religions,claiming what they believe,say and do comes from God.These people can be very convincing,causing us to forget that what seems to be may not be.Eternity is too long for us to be wrong.We must be sure today that we follow God's way and what He say.
"Beloved,do not believe every spirit,but test the spirits,whether they are of God;because many false prophets have gone out into the world." 1 John 4:11
"Beware of false prophets,who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.You will know them by their fruit." Matt. 7:15-16a
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Would He Know Of Your Love?
John 21:15-19
After Jesus'death on the cross,all of the disciples felt great sadness and loss,but I think Peter felt it most.He had promised Jesus He wouldn't deny Him and would even die with Him.Peter had failed miserably on both counts and then Jesus was crucified before he could even try to make things right.However,the disciples didn't seem to grasp that this wasn't the end until they saw Jesus risen from the dead.In this passage,Jesus is restoring Peter and giving him a second chance to not just say that he loved Him,but to show Him.Notice after each time Peter confirms his love for Jesus,Jesus gives him a command.
A couple years ago my grandma had a massive stroke and it looked like she would die.I prayed as hard as I could that God would breathe the life back into her and reverse the brain damage.All I could think of was how I was in such a hurry to leave after my last visit,that I didn't tell her I love her and give her a hug or kiss.God performed a miracle by breathing the life back into her and reversing the damage.It was truly amazing and I made a point,that before I leave from visiting her,I would tell her I love her and either hug and/or kiss her.Shortly before this past Thanksgiving Grandma had another massive stroke,which did great damage and she is now dying in a nursing home,unless God performs another huge miracle.Last Saturday we went to see her.Her mind and speech are terrible.There wasn't much she said that we could understand and I don't think there was much she understood of what we said.Several times I told her I loved her and kissed her forehead.After one of those times,she said as plain as day,"I know you do."
When a loved one is dying,how desperate we are to make sure they know we love them.How much more should we be striving to make sure that God knows of our love.If you were to die today or if the rapture would happen,would He know of your love?I'm not talking about just telling God we love Him,but also showing Him.It is so easy to say,"I love You",to God,and even people,but so much harder to show it.Love requires action.Often times we're like Peter was,promising God we'll remain true to Him and even follow Him to death,but then we fail.God is merciful,willing to restore us,and give us chances until we get it right.However,when we fail,we need to go to Him for restoration and another chance,not be like Judas Iscariot,who killed himself after failing (Matt 27:3-5).No one is a failure unless they stay down after failing.
Though life on this earth will not last forever.When we reach the end,will He know of our love or will we be cast off like Judas?Even chances will have to come to an end.It is so important that we make it a point that He knows of our love by telling and showing Him each and every day.That way when we reach the end and say to Him,"I love You",He'll reply,"I know you do."
"If you love Me,keep My commandments." John 14:15
"Jesus said to him," 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart,with all your soul and with all your mind.'This is the first and great commandment.And the second is like it.'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." Matt.22:37-40
After Jesus'death on the cross,all of the disciples felt great sadness and loss,but I think Peter felt it most.He had promised Jesus He wouldn't deny Him and would even die with Him.Peter had failed miserably on both counts and then Jesus was crucified before he could even try to make things right.However,the disciples didn't seem to grasp that this wasn't the end until they saw Jesus risen from the dead.In this passage,Jesus is restoring Peter and giving him a second chance to not just say that he loved Him,but to show Him.Notice after each time Peter confirms his love for Jesus,Jesus gives him a command.
A couple years ago my grandma had a massive stroke and it looked like she would die.I prayed as hard as I could that God would breathe the life back into her and reverse the brain damage.All I could think of was how I was in such a hurry to leave after my last visit,that I didn't tell her I love her and give her a hug or kiss.God performed a miracle by breathing the life back into her and reversing the damage.It was truly amazing and I made a point,that before I leave from visiting her,I would tell her I love her and either hug and/or kiss her.Shortly before this past Thanksgiving Grandma had another massive stroke,which did great damage and she is now dying in a nursing home,unless God performs another huge miracle.Last Saturday we went to see her.Her mind and speech are terrible.There wasn't much she said that we could understand and I don't think there was much she understood of what we said.Several times I told her I loved her and kissed her forehead.After one of those times,she said as plain as day,"I know you do."
When a loved one is dying,how desperate we are to make sure they know we love them.How much more should we be striving to make sure that God knows of our love.If you were to die today or if the rapture would happen,would He know of your love?I'm not talking about just telling God we love Him,but also showing Him.It is so easy to say,"I love You",to God,and even people,but so much harder to show it.Love requires action.Often times we're like Peter was,promising God we'll remain true to Him and even follow Him to death,but then we fail.God is merciful,willing to restore us,and give us chances until we get it right.However,when we fail,we need to go to Him for restoration and another chance,not be like Judas Iscariot,who killed himself after failing (Matt 27:3-5).No one is a failure unless they stay down after failing.
Though life on this earth will not last forever.When we reach the end,will He know of our love or will we be cast off like Judas?Even chances will have to come to an end.It is so important that we make it a point that He knows of our love by telling and showing Him each and every day.That way when we reach the end and say to Him,"I love You",He'll reply,"I know you do."
"If you love Me,keep My commandments." John 14:15
"Jesus said to him," 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart,with all your soul and with all your mind.'This is the first and great commandment.And the second is like it.'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." Matt.22:37-40
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Count The Cost
Luke 14:26-35
Alot of people have come to Christ without counting the cost first.They start out well,but it is only a matter of time before they walk away from God.God never promised us that the Christian walk would be an easy walk or that He wouldn't ask us to do difficult things.A Christian must not love anything on this earth,including themself,more than Christ.The time may come when God will ask a Christian to walk away from someone or something,or lay down their life.If we,as Christians,love that person,thing,and even life itself more than God,we won't be able to give it up,if and when He asks.
Though not counting the cost,doesn't just affect the Christian's relationship with God,but also other people's relationships to God.People will be watching you,once they realize you are a Christian.If they see you fall away from Christ,when God asks of you more than you want to give,then they may fall away too,be disappointed in you,or worse never come to Christ in the first place.
What so many fail to realize is that when you accept Christ,you're giving everything to Him for Him to use and do with as He sees fit.Surrender to Christ involves sacrifice,sacrifice of ourselves,our things,and at times even people in our lives.It comes at a cost and we must be willing at all times to pay that cost,no matter how high the cost might be.In the end we will receive our great reward,if we remain faithful to Him.
"I beseech you therefore,brethren,by the mercies of God,that you present your bodies a living sacrifice,holy acceptable to God,which is your reasonable service." Rom.12:1
"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you,whom you have from God,and you are not your own?For you were bought at a price;therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit,which are God's." 1 Cor.6:19-20
"And they over came him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony,and they did not love their lives to the death." Rev.12:11
Alot of people have come to Christ without counting the cost first.They start out well,but it is only a matter of time before they walk away from God.God never promised us that the Christian walk would be an easy walk or that He wouldn't ask us to do difficult things.A Christian must not love anything on this earth,including themself,more than Christ.The time may come when God will ask a Christian to walk away from someone or something,or lay down their life.If we,as Christians,love that person,thing,and even life itself more than God,we won't be able to give it up,if and when He asks.
Though not counting the cost,doesn't just affect the Christian's relationship with God,but also other people's relationships to God.People will be watching you,once they realize you are a Christian.If they see you fall away from Christ,when God asks of you more than you want to give,then they may fall away too,be disappointed in you,or worse never come to Christ in the first place.
What so many fail to realize is that when you accept Christ,you're giving everything to Him for Him to use and do with as He sees fit.Surrender to Christ involves sacrifice,sacrifice of ourselves,our things,and at times even people in our lives.It comes at a cost and we must be willing at all times to pay that cost,no matter how high the cost might be.In the end we will receive our great reward,if we remain faithful to Him.
"I beseech you therefore,brethren,by the mercies of God,that you present your bodies a living sacrifice,holy acceptable to God,which is your reasonable service." Rom.12:1
"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you,whom you have from God,and you are not your own?For you were bought at a price;therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit,which are God's." 1 Cor.6:19-20
"And they over came him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony,and they did not love their lives to the death." Rev.12:11
Thursday, January 1, 2009
God's Wrath on Homosexuality
Gen.19:1-29
Often times when people try to use God's Word to justify homosexuality they fail to look at this account when God really poured out His wrath against homosexuality.Now I personally don't think homosexuality was the only sin Sodom and Gomorrah was committing at this time,but it looks to me like it was the sin that really broke out God's wrath.
Why does homosexuality seem to be the sin that makes God so angry? We know God hates all sin,but loves the sinner.That's why He gave His life for all of us,not just to free us from the penalty of sin,but also from sin itself.Back in the O.T.there was polygamy and incest among God's people.Yet,they still found favor with God.Why? I thought of four reasons: 1.Tradition.2.They weren't going against God's natural design for man.The men were having romantic relations with the women.3.Jesus hadn't come and laid down His life yet.The animal sacrifices made atonement(paid the penalty) for their sins,but they couldn't free them from sin itself.They still had the desire to sin,but didn't possess the Power to resist.4.Their hearts were in the right place when they made their sacrifices.
I believe the main reason why homosexuality breaks out the wrath of God,to where God has had enough with our sin,is because the homosexuals exchange the natural (sex between a man and woman) for what isn't natual (sex between man and man or woman and woman).From the very start of creation God designed sex to be between a man and woman.I'm not saying polygamy and incest were right for God's people to do.It wasn't.Yet,they did make atonement on a regular basis and they weren't exchanging the natural for the unnatural.
People I've been concerned not just for America because of the debate on homosexuality,but also for the churchs that are saying it is okay.Look at Lot's son-in-laws.They thought Lot was joking about God's wrath soon to be poured out.They were heterosexual.Yet,by not believing what Lot said and staying,they showed that they believed homosexuality wasn't that serious,perhaps even okay.They and Lot's daughters,who were married to them,perished when God's wrath was poured out.Even Lot's wife,by looking back,showed she didn't understand the seriousness either and became a pillar of salt.When God pours His wrath out,and it's coming,it won't be just on those living lives of sin,but also on those"Christians" who say certain sins are okay or even acceptable.We're walking a fine line with God and it's time for the sinner to repent and let God deliver him/her and for all Christians to abhor all sin,not just homosexuality.
"So Adam gave names to all cattle,to the birds of the air,and to every beast of the field.But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam,and he slept; and He took one of his ribs,and closed up the flesh in its place.Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman,and He brought her to man.And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh;she shall be called Woman,because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,and they shall become one flesh." Gen.2:20-24
Also,Read Romans 1:18-32
This passage talks about God's wrath being poured out.It shows how homosexuality is a choice,just like any other sin,and goes against nature.For the sake of time and space I won't write this scripture out,but I strongly encourage anyone reading my blog to read this passage as well.
Often times when people try to use God's Word to justify homosexuality they fail to look at this account when God really poured out His wrath against homosexuality.Now I personally don't think homosexuality was the only sin Sodom and Gomorrah was committing at this time,but it looks to me like it was the sin that really broke out God's wrath.
Why does homosexuality seem to be the sin that makes God so angry? We know God hates all sin,but loves the sinner.That's why He gave His life for all of us,not just to free us from the penalty of sin,but also from sin itself.Back in the O.T.there was polygamy and incest among God's people.Yet,they still found favor with God.Why? I thought of four reasons: 1.Tradition.2.They weren't going against God's natural design for man.The men were having romantic relations with the women.3.Jesus hadn't come and laid down His life yet.The animal sacrifices made atonement(paid the penalty) for their sins,but they couldn't free them from sin itself.They still had the desire to sin,but didn't possess the Power to resist.4.Their hearts were in the right place when they made their sacrifices.
I believe the main reason why homosexuality breaks out the wrath of God,to where God has had enough with our sin,is because the homosexuals exchange the natural (sex between a man and woman) for what isn't natual (sex between man and man or woman and woman).From the very start of creation God designed sex to be between a man and woman.I'm not saying polygamy and incest were right for God's people to do.It wasn't.Yet,they did make atonement on a regular basis and they weren't exchanging the natural for the unnatural.
People I've been concerned not just for America because of the debate on homosexuality,but also for the churchs that are saying it is okay.Look at Lot's son-in-laws.They thought Lot was joking about God's wrath soon to be poured out.They were heterosexual.Yet,by not believing what Lot said and staying,they showed that they believed homosexuality wasn't that serious,perhaps even okay.They and Lot's daughters,who were married to them,perished when God's wrath was poured out.Even Lot's wife,by looking back,showed she didn't understand the seriousness either and became a pillar of salt.When God pours His wrath out,and it's coming,it won't be just on those living lives of sin,but also on those"Christians" who say certain sins are okay or even acceptable.We're walking a fine line with God and it's time for the sinner to repent and let God deliver him/her and for all Christians to abhor all sin,not just homosexuality.
"So Adam gave names to all cattle,to the birds of the air,and to every beast of the field.But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam,and he slept; and He took one of his ribs,and closed up the flesh in its place.Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman,and He brought her to man.And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh;she shall be called Woman,because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,and they shall become one flesh." Gen.2:20-24
Also,Read Romans 1:18-32
This passage talks about God's wrath being poured out.It shows how homosexuality is a choice,just like any other sin,and goes against nature.For the sake of time and space I won't write this scripture out,but I strongly encourage anyone reading my blog to read this passage as well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)