Blah, Blah, Blah

1John‬ ‭4:4-6‬ ‭- You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

It is very important to have fellowship with like-minded people, especially among believers. A good, Bible-believing church is an excellent start. The church I attend is just that and considers itself a safe place! Safe in that any trouble, concern or sin confession is looked upon not in disgust or shock but with compassion. Some great testimonies of God’s greatness are revealed in the lives of our congregation! It is evident at our baptisms.

When one receives Christ, is born again according to scripture, has confessed Jesus as Lord and taken Him seriously, turned from old ways (though forever in a process of change), he has become that child of God. 

We are all created by God but we cannot call ourselves His children until we have become born again. These are not MY words. It is then that Christ lives in us spiritually. That Spirit of God is constantly teaching, admonishing, convicting, encouraging, strengthening. It is He who lives in us that is greater than those who have not received Him. 

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians‬ ‭3:26-27‬)

Receiving Christ brings a change in one’s mind. Jesus is not an offense anymore. His name is not difficult to hear or speak because He is like a brother, yet God! He is someone we want to talk about, love, worship and praise! 

So there is a difference between believers and non-believers, those who are born again and those who are not. Those who do not believe find discussing or hearing anything about God difficult. It doesn’t compute. It’s like hearing, “blah, blah, blah!”

THIS is why it is important for believers to be in fellowship with like-minded people. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. Blah, blah, blah.

As the verses above also state, with the Spirit of God in us, we know the difference between godly truth and worldly error. Those who do not know Jesus do not know the absolute truth that only Jesus saves. The world, even some (false) religions, teach all go to heaven based on their kindness or good works. It’s not about what we can do to please God and enter heaven but only what Jesus did on the cross. It’s faith alone in Jesus. He is the only One who died for you. He is the only One who can save you. You cannot save yourself. 

I urge you to call on the Lord for His forgiveness of your sins and yes, you have sin. I still sin, but He is faithful and just to forgive me when I repent and turn from that sin...even if it has to be multiple times. I am not perfect and neither are you. But I am forgiven because I have received Christ. 

John‬ ‭1:12‬ ‭ - But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name...

Nothing But a Vapor

Psalm 35:9 - Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You; certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Selah

None of us as adults want to be thought of as a child but God sees us only as His children. We can be called, sons, daughters, kings priests of the Most High God, but we are still just His children. This was a statement similarly said a few times one Sunday at separate, unrelated  times. It struck me, though, how it’s as if God wanted a point to be made and instilled within me. Praise Him!

The Bible tells us more than once we are no more than a vapor in time. In the grand scheme of eternal life, we occupy very, very little space. We also tend to think we are really something, important pieces in this space we occupy. And in a way some are...if one is in Christ. However, we are not to think more highly of ourselves...God says we are nothing apart from Him! So there you have it! David and Job knew their place when they said they were but worms. 

But I am a worm, and no man... (‭‭Psalm‬ ‭22:6‬a)

How much less man, who is a maggot, and a son of man, who is a worm? (Job‬ ‭25:6‬)

Do a search on these two men to explain how devoted to God they were, yet one sinned greatly and one endured huge loss. Their trust had to be in God.

This puts substance to times when we think highly of our roles, how much we can puff ourselves up to feel important. It’s why we are told humility is a good thing, not pride. Man’s nature is all about pride. God shows us the truth, though, often why some opt not to follow Him but self or the ways of man. 

...whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

‭‭(James‬ ‭4:14‬)

Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.(Psalm‬ ‭144:4‬)

No matter how successful or good or kind one is, we are but worms in the grand scheme of things. It’s good to remain humble.

So, being a child of God...like I said, none of us as adults like being considered children. We’re big and “important” now. But where is our trust? Do we trust in selves, jobs, money, prestige, goodness? We are still worms!! God is still and always will be greater than any man. He is called the Ancient of Days. 

I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire; ‭‭(Daniel‬ ‭7:9‬)

He has been around since before the beginning of time. His wisdom is far greater; His will and plans will always win out. We don’t always want to believe this, but: 

A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. (Proverbs‬ ‭16:9‬)

He cannot be swayed by our decisions, though if we are humble, seek Him, and allow ourselves to be guided by Him, we will be rewarded greatly someday, but not on earth. 

If we are His and humble ourselves, seek His face, scripture tells us, He will forgive and heal (the land). (2Chronicles 7:14) Walk in His ways as His children, trust Him. We may have setbacks or failures along the way, but He will see us through. He is the Ancient of Days. He knows what we need. 

Psalm 90:2 - Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.

Children of God

‭‭1John‬ ‭3:1‬ ‭- Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

This is a good thing and a sad thing. I read this just after I had recalled a comment someone pasted on Facebook. The comment was something like this: You can pray all you want for someone but it’s still up to them to make the decision (for Christ).

When we have received Christ then we become children of God. We are enemies of God until then. Yes, that’s true! 

“For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. (Romans‬ ‭5:10‬)

 ...Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (James‬ ‭4:4‬)

A friend of the world discounts the things of God. If we are in Christ, those who are not do not understand what we know. Hearts are not in tune. 

This is hard sometimes. Can we truly wrap our heads around this concept of being in Christ and being a child, no longer an enemy, of God the Father?! 

Picture the rejection Jesus went through because people didn’t agree with the hard things He had to say or rejected Him because He required submission and humility. He went on to die, without a word to defend Himself, for those who hated Him and all others who would believe in Him, trust in Him and call on Him. Believe here is not just knowing who He is. It’s a deep, heartfelt belief. You will know the difference when (if) it happens. Good things await those who choose Christ. Don’t count on your good works or kindness or giving attitude. Those are good, but it’s through Christ alone we receive our eternal life. 

But the good news is, Jesus waits and longs for all to believe. It's a matter of the heart. Hardened hearts can become softened. Jesus waits. Jesus calls. 

John‬ ‭1:12‬ - But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name...

‭‭

Little Children

Jesus can touch the hearts of little children. Do not forbid them to come to Him. He can also touch the hearts of those who will come to Him AS a little child. Do not think that you are too old to be as a child to learn of Christ. He loves children of any age! 

...Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.

‭‭(Matthew‬ ‭18:3,5‬)

Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

‭‭(Matthew‬ ‭19:13-14‬)

Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

‭‭(Mark‬ ‭10:13-16‬)

Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”

‭‭(Luke‬ ‭18:15-17‬)

When God wants to make a point, He brings it up more than once. In His eyes we will always be little children. But we are either children of the world or children of God. He has said He loves all. He loved all so much that He gave His own and only Son to die that we might be made His children and have eternal life. Come as a child...receive Christ.

He Is Mindful

Psalm ‭8:1,3-4,9 - O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, who have set Your glory above the heavens! When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!

As I feel the effects of yesterday's very early morning travel, time zones, last night's early bedtime and finally awaking at four in the morning, I stepped outside into the early morning darkness. Oh, what I saw! A bazillion stars. I thought of God's promise to Abraham to be the father of many nations and descendants, and how God ...brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” (Genesis‬ ‭15:5)

And then later in the morning my husband and I took a drive to view mountain after Arizona mountain. The amazing beauty of range after range heading off into the distance. Who can fathom the greatness of it all? 

Sometimes it's all I can do, this praising God for all He is, what He has created, what He has done and will do, to think on His authority and sovereignty. How excellent is His name!

As this psalm says, what is man that He is mindful of him, that He visits us? When we take the time to see just the early morning stars, I believe even if one does not consciously think of Him, He is visiting us. He is showing us His glory. He is longing for all to recognize Him and His creation and power and sovereignty. Oh, He doesn't need us...but He desires that we recognize our need for Him. 

He created all things...try to wrap your head around that. Really, try it. The stars hang in the sky because He has ordained it. The sun rises and sets, as does the moon, at His will. There is a purpose, as Ecclesiastes says, a time and a season for all things. And all things are under His will. Who can comprehend this? 

And yet, He is mindful of us. Of us! He created us for His pleasure...that He could bless us with so much of what truly counts...most importantly eternal life. So why shouldn't we recognize Him fully in our lives? It's what He desires. More than all these things, He wants us to know Him. Job asks, What is man, that You should exalt him, that You should set Your heart on him, that You should visit him every morning, and test him every moment? I think anyone who has known God has wondered this. And, yes, He does test us. He tests us to see if we will trust in Him, will continue to follow Him in our trials.

I can't wrap my head around all He has created or how. I come to Him in that childlike faith, acknowledging His greatness. How else can one come to Him with humility for who He is? But get this: not all these descendants God promised Abraham will become children of God. Galatians 3:29 tells us that. We must belong to Christ or we will not become part of that seed of promise. What a privilege to become one of those descendants from Genesis!

In the Book of Revelation study I am doing, in Chapter 1 it states that John, the disciple who wrote the book, per God's instruction, saw One like the Son of God...and fell on his face as if dead for the incredible vision of who He was. I seriously doubt that we will be able to do anything else but fall to our feet before Him some day. Scripture says every knee will bow...and every refers to those who have received Him and those who have not. Yet, here in Revelation, it also states that Jesus placed His hand on John and told him not to be afraid. While He is Alpha and Omega, First and Last, if we have humbly given our lives to Him and trusted Him, we need not fear because He is also our Beginning and End, the Almighty.

Jesus counts those who have received Him, who have been born again in the Spirit, as part of the numerous stars in the sky. We are part of the great inheritance. We are sinners yet we are His friends, bought by His blood. To think that in the beginning, even before then, when He created all things, He knew us, He knew who would follow and who would not. It's a mystery to be sure. 

How excellent is His name. Do you know this amazing God? This God who knows you...and is mindful of all His creation.

Psalm 111:2-5,9-10 - The works of the LORD are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever. He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant. He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: holy and awesome is His name. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.

God Given Right

1John 4:17 - Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.

In God's Transformations on April 15 I showed how God uses the base and foolish to show His glory, to show how He can transform people's lives.

We are considered base and foolish before entering a relationship with God. Once we are in that relationship He no longer sees us that way. We have been given a new nature; we are being transformed into the likeness of Christ.

We now are able to "discover our rights and privileges of being sons and daughters of God" as the subtitle to a book (The Supernatural Ways of Royalty by Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton) I'm reading states. This may sound like a whole new language to you but it's how our thinking can change and develop after God has gotten hold of us.

I've mentioned before that some Christians can appear to be arrogant in their thinking. Some might be. But there is a certain kind of pride we are allowed to have as children of God.

A relationship with Jesus does change us. We are dead to our past life and alive in our life in Christ. We are able to boast about our talents and gifts because we know now that it never was about me and what I did to achieve such things as I am good at. I now know that it is what God has created in me.

In the book I'm reading it mentions (as well as the Bible) in one chapter that "we were made in God's image and in His likeness. We didn't create ourselves. We are the work of His hands. When we tear ourselves down we aren't being humble, we are being stupid!" Genesis 1:27 confirms this: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

The book goes on to explain that if we don't recognize our goodness and strengths we aren't being humble at all. We are allowed to be proud of our strengths because of God and our relationship with Him. "When Jesus died on the cross, He didn't just die so He could forgive our sins. He died so we could be restored to our original purpose." I would say it this way--He died so His original purpose for each of us would be restored. We are nothing apart from Him. Remember, we are base and foolish until He gets His hands on us! Ephesians 1:4 shows us: ...He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

We should already know what we're good at. We know our strengths and weaknesses. God does too since He put them there and most likely we're all doing something we enjoy, something were good at. However, are we giving the glory to God? Or are we exalting ourselves?

Further in the chapter the writer says because we are made in His image we are made to glorify God. Do we glorify Him if we are weak and seemingly humble or do we glorify Him when we are confident of ourselves and take pride in the accomplishments He has given to us through His wisdom and knowledge? "...as long as we acknowledge where our greatness comes from, we're not in danger of pride...Unfortunately, confidence always looks like arrogance to the insecure." Our new lives in Christ may appear to be arrogance to some, but it is God working through us, changing us, giving us a different perspective on everything. He doesn't want wimpy followers. He wants to be proud of the changes He's made. Do we carry that in our lives or do we still hang on to the "I'm not good enough, I'm not smart enough, I'm not thin enough, I'm not rich enough" syndromes? I'm guilty sometimes! And that has got to change if I want God's approval.

First we have to understand that God does not want human pride to get in our way. We first need to humble ourselves before God--before He humbles us. Ouch. It's time for all Christians to stand up and be noticed for who God has created us to be. We are, after all, His children. Parents chasten their children that they might gain wisdom and become better...and proud...because of it. What parent doesn't want to be proud of his children?

Titus 2:14 - [Christ] who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.