He Who Believes

John‬ ‭3:36‬ ‭- He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.

Yes, ...God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ‭‭(John‬ ‭3:16‬) ... yes, God loves all people and ...is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2Peter‬ ‭3:9‬) However, He will not wait forever.

Jesus will return someday and by all the signs in today’s world, how there is much disruption, it will be sooner than later (all the more reason to seek Him now while you still have the time).

 

This is why it is important to know Jesus with all your heart, not just what your church might say about Him but what He says in His Word about who He is. 

It is important that one be familiar with the Word of God. This Book shows all aspects of Him, is filled with exciting and interesting accounts (I don’t like the word stories) of people whose lives were changed or destroyed by either knowing or rejecting Him in both the New and Old Testaments. It’s rich with history. It’s rich with encouragement and promises for true believers. It is also filled with admonishment for those who think a life without Christ is okay. God is both loving and judgmental. One will be confronted some day by one or the other.

Jesus will return as a thief in the night. But for those who understand the signs of the times and know Jesus, the Holy Spirit of God will show us in His Word these signs...and He will not come as a thief for us...only those who do not know Him.

John 5:24 - “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

A Little Leaven

Luke‬ ‭13:20-21‬ - And again He said, “To what shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.” 

I was reading in Luke 13 one day. The interesting scripture above appeared, like I’d never read it before. It got me thinking. Leaven...we’ve always learned, is good in baking bread but not at all good when it comes to false biblical teaching or preaching or churches inclined to do this. But here the Kingdom of God is likened to leaven! 

We are to read the Word of God, ingest it, if you will. Take it in, study, apply, share and treasure it that it would grow deep within self and others. In this Book are the words of life.
Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding; for I give you good doctrine: do not forsake my law.
Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.
‭‭(Proverbs‬ ‭4:1-2,5,20,22‬)

Here’s the leaven were most apt to be taught about:
‭‭...Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Therefore purge out the old leaven... (1Corinthians‬ ‭5:6-7‬)

We are to let go of the former things, the things that are against the Word of God. Those things we always thought were good and okay because it’s what we were taught or we decided on our own were right, things opposed to God’s Word. Pretty much do some unlearning!

Knowing that Jesus grows within, keep the good wisdom and knowledge protected.  Avoid those who preach a different Gospel. God‘s Word is really the only book we need for learning wisdom and gaining instruction.

Reminds me:

Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ - Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Am I Pure From My Sin?

Proverbs 20:9 - Who can say, “I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin”?

Other scriptures tell us our deeds are as filthy rags, that no one is good, not one. For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin. (Ecclesiastes 7:20) 

It's why Jesus chose to go to the cross. God so loved us and He wishes none to perish. But we have our own choice. Go to the cross as Jesus did and die to sins and ourselves...or not. One leads to life, one to death. (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Jesus made the way. He is the Way. This is the truth, and He is that Truth. He alone brings life. He is the Life. There is no other way to eternal life but through Him, through believing in His death, and knowing that death alone paid the debt. Not by our good works. Again...For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.

Some churches encourage works, drum it into a person so they feel obligated to give. Money or offering up sacrifices of time will not work. Jesus comes first, not the church, not the pastor or priest. We should do good, for God first, out of love for Him and others...not to grant us access to heaven. Jesus comes first. He's always first. Not self. ...not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:9) ...for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)

This is all scriptural and because the Bible is the truth, how can we deny it? 2Timothy 3:16, 2Peter 1:20, John 17:17. When we deny these words, we deny God. The Bible tells is this too! Mark 8:38. 

Peter denied Jesus three times in a very short period, but he grieved so deeply that he had and repented. I denied God for most of my life by immaturity, believing in God, and that Jesus was His Son who died for us and thinking that was all I needed. And not attending church. Huh, I’d even been baptized as a child. I thought I was good to go. I considered myself a good person compared to others. This could be all of us until a day comes when the right words are read or heard that touch a person's heart or conscience...and like Peter, repentance takes place. Praise God!

These words might bite: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:8-9) No one wants to believe they are sinners. But the truth is, we are and we must humble ourselves before an Almighty God, either now while we have a chance, or some day soon when He returns. Now leads to life; later leads to death. Choose Jesus now or the enemy, heaven or hell, life or death. Only He can cleanse of unrighteousness. 

By the way, why all the scriptures, you might ask. Because they point to the truth. They are direct from God, every one of them. The Bible was written so that we might know God and come into relationship with Him. If you are not ready now, will you be soon? 

2Timothy 1:9 - …who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began…

Mining God's Word

Psalm 119:162‬ - I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure.

Oh, what a marvelous study in Sunday school. Jon, our teacher, or more like a guide since there is so much excellent interaction among many other spirit-filled Bible believers, used the phrase above as we were concluding the study. It was a good word. 

We are in 1Timothy. While we were discussing the love of money being the root of all evil, we delved into what is truly important...the knowledge of Christ. How He fulfills all our desires; He is the greatest treasure. If we have Him, we have it all. It's not about the money we have or the importance of who we are in this world, but again, who we are in Christ.

In talking with a friend this morning, who was not in the study, she added to all these thoughts: we get from God what we seek. If we seek little, we will get a little. If we seek a lot, He offers more. As believers we will all get crowns. Some may get more; some may get silver, some gold or any other forms of crown. It all depends on how much we seek Him. 

Conversely, there will be no crowns, no kingdom of Heaven, for those who do not seek God at all. Oh, I could go in another direction there. I won't.

As this friend and I talked she told me what happened to her this very morning, and as was the very subject of pastor's sermon yesterday. God revealed a new truth to her that she said should couldn't believe she'd never seen...and it made so much sense to me, as if I'd known it already. This is what God does to those who seek. He reveals Himself more and more. Some will talk about it, some keep it to themselves, some write! 

He has so much He wants to share with all of us. He wants to see us become excited. I shared with her how there are times when my heart feels like it will burst just reading one verse. One verse can bring tears of sadness or joy also. He is an amazing God. Why one would not want to delve deeper...mine His Word, as Jon said, is a mystery...yet I was there myself one time. 

As Pastor suggested yesterday,  many times once one has been touched by God and knows without a doubt of this, they find it hard to pull away. We can stray sometimes, but I know for a fact there is a God who draws us back. I know for a fact that things seem to spiral out of control when we allow ourselves out of His presence...and it is we who allow the distance. 

To me there is nothing more exciting than to talk with others who share the love of Christ. Other conversations can be good and fun, but there's an excitement in sharing Christ, sharing His treasures. 

Sometimes you needn't dig deep to find a treasure. Other times you might question the meaning of scripture and He might take you deeper into it, to a place I sometimes refer to as in between the lines of scripture. It's an incredible place to be, this mining for treasure and having the Lord bring the richness.

I loved the phrase used in Sunday school yesterday...mining God's Word. Nothing can compare to the treasure of the Word of God. Not any of the riches in this world. Not fame. Not achievements. Nothing. God's Word shows who God is. It shows His love AND His justice. It shows who we were AND who we can become. It shows how He made a way when man fell to draw men back to Him. Because He loves us so much He sacrificed His Son and His Son, Jesus, became the ONLY way back to the Father. Jesus gladly chose to be the sacrifice for each of THOSE who call on His name. He beckons. Will you call...

Psalm ‭119:161‬ ‭- Princes persecute me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your word.

Can't Argue That

Mark 5:19 - ..."Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.”

"Every word (of the Bible) inspired" was a note in my Bible. Some might believe the Bible is not the inspired Word of God. They might look at it as a book of books written by men and miss the inspired part. The truth is, God worked through those men, gave them inspiration...His inspiration...that we might know.

Before those books were written, however, these men all had to have an encounter with God. 

Another note said "can't argue my testimony." I have a testimony. I remember it like it was yesterday. I know many people who have testimonies. Our church is full of them. And we should not be ashamed of that testimony. Some might not want to share how they were alcoholics, into drugs, prostitution or pornography, had anger issues, or liars or thieves. It might be too embarrassing. But that's what makes a testimony. It shows the power of God in our lives! Everyone will have a testimony, even if it's not so blatantly bad. And everyone has need of a Savior. Everyone.

The thing is, we, in our church, as well as others, all had an encounter with God. This takes us onto the subject of blind faith. There is no such thing as blind faith. Our faith comes from, and hangs on, the Word of God, those inspired words that He chose certain men to write...that we might know. A Book we have that we might know Him, His ways, commands, His character. I know I've written about this before.

Then there's Psalm 131. It's all of three verses. There are some things we read in God's Word which we just don't understand. And that's okay. We just believe it because it is in God's Word...because it is His truth. His thoughts are higher than ours. The Psalm reads:

LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, nor with things too profound for me. Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forever. 

We are to come to Christ as little children who just trust freely. He has nothing but good planned for us. As adults we think too much. As children, though, we just hear and believe, trust.

So one day Christ made Himself known to me and there was no way I could back away, no place to hide. I didn't even want to. He gained access to my heart, mind and soul. It became my testimony. I can't argue that! Even though at the time I didn't quite understand what was happening, I know that what happened, what I felt, was real.  In time I realized I was beginning to become a new creature. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2Corinthians 5:17) ...we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:20)

So God's Word is inspired. His Word becomes life to us after we have humbled ourselves before Him and allowed Him access to our hearts and minds. That change in me got me to understanding His Word. It's His Word that was probably "annoyingly" preached or heard that began the change. His Word does not return void. It is an amazing thing, His words. What's that old song? It just popped into my head: 

I heard an old, old story,

How a Savior came from glory,

How He gave His life on Calvary

To save a wretch like me...

That old story is in His Book! The history of His-story. Inspired by God Himself. And those who know this story want to share. Like suggested in the opening scripture, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you." 

He is real. His Word is real. He is life, as is His Word. His desire is for us to have a testimony of how He saved us...that He may get all the glory, since we can do nothing on our own to achieve this salvation but to receive what He has to offer. Then we share our testimony...and Him...through His Word. As we are to do. I confess this God who caused a change in me and gave me my own testimony. Something I can't argue. 

Matthew 10:32-33 - “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.”

Can't Argue That

Mark‬ ‭5:19‬ ‭- ..."Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.”

‭‭

We touched on a lot of things in Sunday school this past week. I jotted a note here and there on a slip of paper. Of course by the time I got to looking at them a lot of the meaning of those notes had slipped my mind! But God...

One thing for sure did not slip my mind. I'm not sure how we got on this subject but, as one note said, "every word (of the Bible) inspired." Some might believe the Bible is not the inspired Word of God. They might look at it as a book of books written by men and miss the inspired part. The truth is, God worked through those men, gave them inspiration...His inspiration...that we might know.

Before those books were written, however, these men all had to have an encounter with God. (And now I see where some of the other thoughts fall into place! Praise God!) 

Another note said "can't argue my testimony." I have a testimony. I remember it like it was yesterday. I know many people who have testimonies. Our church is full of them. And it was brought up we should not be ashamed of that testimony. Some might not want to share how they were alcoholics, into drugs, prostitution or pornography, had anger issues, or liars or thieves. It's embarrassing. But that's what makes a testimony. It shows the power of God in our lives! Everyone will have a testimony, even if it's not so blatantly bad. And everyone has need of a Savior. Everyone.

The thing is, we, in our Sunday school and church, as well as others, all had an encounter with God. This took us onto the subject of blind faith. It was concluded Sunday there is no such thing as blind faith. Our faith comes from, and hangs on, the Word of God, those inspired words that He chose certain men to write...that we might know. A Book we have that we might know Him, His ways, commands, His character. I wrote about this recently, I'm sure. 

Along with blind faith someone brought up Psalm 131. It's all of three verses. (And oh, more notes make sense!) There are some things we read in God's Word which we just don't understand. And that's okay. We just believe it because it is in God's Word. His thoughts are higher than ours. The Psalm reads:

LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, nor with things too profound for me. Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forever. ‭

We are to come to Christ as little children who just trust freely. He has nothing but good planned for us. As adults we think too much. As children, though, we just hear and believe, trust.

So one day Christ made Himself known to me and there was no way I could back away, no place to hide. I didn't even want to. He gained access to my heart, mind and soul. It became my testimony. I can't argue that! Even though at the time I didn't quite understand what was happening, I know that what happened, what I felt, was real.  In time I realized I was beginning to become a new creature. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2Corinthians‬ ‭5:17) ...we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. (‭‭Acts‬ ‭4:20)

So God's Word is inspired. His Word becomes life to us after we have humbled ourselves before Him and allowed Him access to our hearts and minds. That change in me got me to understanding His Word. It's His Word that was probably annoyingly preached or heard that began the change. His Word does not return void. It is an amazing thing, His words. What's that old song? It just popped into my head: 

I heard an old, old story,
How a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary
To save a wretch like me...

That old story is in His Book! The history of His-story. Inspired by God Himself. And those who know this story want to share. Like suggested in the opening scripture, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you." 

He is real. His Word is real. He is life, as is His Word. His desire is for us to have a testimony of how He saved us...that He may get all the glory, since we can do nothing on our own to achieve this salvation but to receive what He has to offer. Then we share our testimony...and Him...through His Word. As we are to do. I confess this God who caused a change in me and gave me my own testimony. Something I can't argue. 

Matthew‬ ‭10:32-33‬ ‭- “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.”

Prophecies

1Peter 1:10,12 - Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you...To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.

I've mentioned before how the Bible shows us all we need to know about God and His Son, to understand and adhere to. In the Old Testament Jesus was written about but not by this name. He was hidden, as it were. He was in the tabernacle, the temple, the feasts and suggestions all throughout Psalms. Not one book of the Old Testament goes without alluding to the One so important who would come to bring us  our salvation. Here are just a handful of examples:

He was the sacrificial Lamb in the Passover, whose blood was sprinkled over the doorposts then and over our hearts now.

There were high priests who made all the endless sacrifices for the people; Jesus has become our Great High Priest having sacrificed Himself once for all.

Jonah was in the belly of a whale for three days and delivered; as was Jesus dead for three days and resurrected.

All the materials used in building the tabernacle listed in Exodus (25-30) describe Him; in the Holy of Holies, the furniture describes Him.

Psalm 119 (176 verses) mentions Him, not by name, all throughout. Here are just three verses from the very beginning of this Psalm: 

Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart! How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. (‭Psalms‬ 119‬:‭2,9,11‬)

This Book is phenomenal. Oh, the depth of the wisdom and truth. Every time one picks it up He speaks to us and opens our eyes even more to the wonders of Him, His love, promises, judgments, His words of life to us. Again my heart feels like it will burst thinking on these things. It's exciting and glorious. This is worship to our God!

He longs to share these with anyone who desires to know Him more. That's love. He won't choose one over another or think one is more worthy to receive than another. We are all His creation and His desire is for all to know Him, to receive Him as our own, to be saved from eternal death and made righteous and holy through Him. Only He can do this. We cannot do it on our own. 

All He desires: “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. (‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭24‬)  Remember, He loves each of us with the same love. He does not relish the idea that some will perish without knowing Him.  

So prophecies from the Old Testament and the actual words of Christ in the New Testament are all available for us to see Who this Man is. Before He even existed He was being made known to any who would listen. He speaks to each of us. If you do not know this Man, ask Him to show you Who He is. He will be very accommodating. His Word is very descriptive and true. Are you in a dark place? Are you in need of encouragement? Do you not know which way to turn? Look up. Look to Jesus.

2Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭19-21 - And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of  Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. 

They Wanted to Kill Him

John 7:1,25,30,32,44 - 

After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him. 

Now some of them from Jerusalem said, “Is this not He whom they seek to kill?Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come.

The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things concerning Him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him.

Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him.

God's Word is the truth. This will never become an old subject. Why? Because it is the truth!

Jesus was in Galilee. He had been sharing about how He was the bread of life and how partaking of this bread brings life, like the manna in the desert kept Israel alive. Some of His words were just too much for His followers and they departed from Him. He even asked if the words He spoke offended them. His words brought division among the people.

Nothing has changed. Neither has God changed, nor people in general. There are some who have known Him but have departed from Him. There are still those who would like to kill Him and His Word. While He may not be here in the flesh like He was then, the truth of His Word is so offensive some want it removed from public places. 

The truth is, it never will be completely banished, no matter how anyone tries. They sought to kill Him 2,000 years ago and eventually, when His work on earth was finished, He allowed Himself to be taken and killed. God's plan.

But God...rose again after three days and He lives again today. The life they thought they could take, the powerful, offensive words He had then, could not be squelched. The words that were etched into His disciples and followers remained in their hearts. His true followers today have this same Word, same truth, same Jesus, etched into their hearts, minds and spirits. This Word will not go away, as hard as anyone tries to remove it. Praise Him that even the written Word has endured for so long. Doesn't that just prove there is an Almighty, sovereign, God? God's plan. 

Praise You God for His Word and its truth. Thank You for life. Praise You that You live in me and that Your Word also resides in me. Thank You that You gave Your life that many others might have life...if we give ours to You.

Psalm ‭119‬:‭11,15-16‬ - Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.

Do You Have a Word for Me?

Psalm 18:30 - As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. 

I purchased a used Bible in a thrift shop last year. Don't know why. Just thought it would be nice to have. It was well used. It appeared to have been owned by a young woman judging by the white cover and handwriting inside. The name Shawn was a bit tricky! I wonder what happened to her? The book was dog-eared, highlighted in various shades on almost every page, underlining, and personal notes or words she'd heard others speak littered the margins and at the top and bottom of pages. The date she got it was 2004. 

The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. (‭Psalm ‭119‬:‭130‬)
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock..." (‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭24)

2004. That's only eleven years ago. My prayer is she outgrew this Bible for another one and that she still loves the Lord. But He said, “...blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (‭Luke‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬)

When I leaf through the pages of this book, it puts my Bible to shame, although mine is pretty well marked up too. I could not give mine away for a totally new one, which might be a problem some day since it is a travel size with tiny print. So far the Lord has allowed me the ability to read it! Praise Him! Even the thought of losing it with all my own notes.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭8‬)

I have decided to put this book in the pocket of the driver's seat of my car. I had another one there but feel this is a better one. But before I do, I will spend a few days perusing her notes. I already know she and I think alike.

In looking through it, I instinctively went to John 3:16! I've included a photo of that section. As I expected, that verse is highlighted. And notes all around. Even colors code the corner. A special page for sure. To think that the Son of God, the Word of God made flesh, would say this about Himself: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬)

Oh, and I'm loving her because she has done what I do...really let any reader know when Jesus or God tells us something...she circled every I will God stated in one section. I have done something similar...the promises of God...yes and amen! 

Since we're picking apart Ecclesiastes in Sunday school, I had to see if she had delved into it also. Yup. Lots of highlights and markings. She had done some serious Bible study. The Book of Daniel, Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, the New Testament. The current condition of her heart, however, will remain a mystery. 

This is proof how the Word of God is alive. When it touches one to the extent it did for Shawn, it truly is alive. I can't help but glory in the idea that when we read this Word we find and know Jesus, the Word of God. He becomes alive in our hearts, spirits and minds if we look for Him there. He will speak to us....

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬)

I've seen others' Bibles stuffed full of flyers, sermon notes, personal notes, held together by a thick rubber band. It's good to see a well-worn Bible. Truly, it is.

Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

When All is Said and Done

Isaiah 2:17 - The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day...

It's true. The Bible tells us what it will be like. It's true! [God] has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; (‭Hebrews‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬) When all is said and done, everyone will have known what God has spoken for thousands of years was true. His glory will be revealed. All people will have no recourse but to bow before Him. 

This world, if you haven't noticed, is in turmoil which many believe will not get better. It started by seeping in, then trickling, now flowing. Soon gushing. What will it take to open people's eyes to what God has shown us in His Word to be the last days? What He has spoken to us through His Son. 

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come...(‭2Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬)

What will it take? Loftiness of man will be bowed down when they no longer are able to devise schemes against the enemy. Without strong godly leadership in families, churches and government, they truly will be brought low. The strength of nations that once looked to God but have now looked the other way will diminish. The enemy will have a foothold. Perilous times will come. If we do not have a great trust in God over man we will be in trouble. 

Churches no longer choosing to preach the truth of the Gospel will crumble. When man's agenda is greater than God's, this loftiness will be bowed. 

Families without the solid foundation, centered in God, will fail...is failing. Do not be deceived. We cannot live without strong faith in God.

Through it all, God's plan will prevail. No matter what. God will be exalted in the end. His plan is removal of all evil so that He will rule and reign forever one day...with His saints...those who have bowed before Him, followed Him to the end, have set themselves apart, and have endured these difficult days, and run the race for and toward Him. 

Lord, I pray You will grow the number of followers quickly. I ask that You keep those who follow You strong in their desire to be victorious in the end. Open eyes, ears and especially hearts to receive what You have to offer over what the world has. Your kingdom is forever; this world will fail. Let us keep our trust in You alone.

Remember, when all is said and done, God will be exalted, glorified. He has warned us. As we are going over in Ecclesiates, all is vanity, a grasping for the wind...without God. Who is ready? Who will believe? Who will heed His words?

Luke‬ ‭21‬:‭25-28‬ - And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.

Your Word

Lord God, Your Word:

Is a lamp unto my feet. Psalm 119:105

A light to my path. Psalm 119:105

Was in the beginning. John 1:1

Tests us. Psalm 105:19

Is sown. Mark 4:14

Is remembered. Luke 24:8

Was (is) spoken by God. Exodus 20:1

Brings comfort. 1Thessalonians 4:18

Is to be praised. Psalm 56:10
Is life. John 8:51

Is pure. Psalm 119:140

Is truth. John 17:17

Is right. Psalm 33:4

Sanctifies. John 17:17

Is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89

Pierces hearts and souls. Hebrews 4:12

Judges those who reject them. John 12:48

Can be near in mouth and heart. Romans 10:8

Endures forever. (Amen!) 1Peter 1:25

Was covenanted. 1Chronicles 16:15, Psalm 105:8

Instructs. Job 22:22

Is wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6

Cleanses. Psalm 119:9

Revives, strengthens. Psalm 119:25,28

Brings life. Psalm 119:50

Brings hope. Psalm 119:81

Is sweet like honey. Psalm 119:103

Is righteous. Psalm 119:123

Is a great treasure. Psalm 119:162

Brings freedom. John 8:30

Brings faith. Romans 10:17

Sanctifies. Ephesians 5:26

Brings joy. Jeremiah 15:16

Brings prosperity (spiritual). Deuteronomy 29:9

Will not be altered. Psalm 89:34

Brings praise. Psalm 138:4

Is power. Psalm 147:18

Is a sword. Ephesians 6:17

Is proven. 2Samuel 22:31

Brings blessing. Luke 11:28

Became flesh. John 1:14

Is faithful. Titus 1:9

Is Gospel. 1Corinthians 1:18, Romans 1:16

Brings salvation. Ephesians 1:13

Will be preached throughout the world. Matthew 24:14

We praise You for Your Word, O God. All these attributes and more are the life of Your Word. May we seek them diligently. May we receive what we need from them. They have all we need. Thank You, Jesus, for becoming the flesh of Your Word that we might know You. In Your name, in Your Word, I pray. Amen. 

The Sword...The Word

I decided to continue where I left off yesterday. I just wanted to show how the Word of God can also be known as the sword. The sword is the Word of God, is Jesus, the Word (from God). All represent one Person.

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

        Psalm 107:20 - He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. 

        Psalm 30:2 - O LORD my God, I cried out to You, and You healed me.

Jesus is alive and His word has shown us how the sword of the Spirit, His Word, still strikes the innermost parts to reveal sin and the need of a Savior. When we receive Jesus (cry out to God) and receive the Word, that sword, has done its job of piercing our souls with the truth. If we receive this as the truth we are, therefore, spiritually healed and have eternal life. Either we believe this or we don't. 

Ephesians 6:17 - And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. There you have it! The proof! There scripture tells us. The sword which is the Word of God. The sword that divides, kills or brings life depending on what you believe. The sword...the Word of God...Jesus...the truth. You believe or you do not.

Matthew 10:34 - Do not think that I come to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. Jesus was controversial as were these and other words He spoke. We either believe or we do not. 

Revelation 19:15 - Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

        Isaiah 11:4 - ...He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth...

Not only do His words bring life, they bring judgment and death. Out of His mouth came all the words of life or death. Though this speaks of nations, it speaks of us. He will rule and reign someday. Does He rule and reign in our hearts today? Do we want life or death? We either choose to believe or we don't. 

The sword of God, the Word of God, is the most powerful thing we have. It contains all truth. It gives us directions about finding this truth (Jesus). When we have this truth (Jesus) we are strengthened. This truth gives us discernment. This truth does our spiritual battles like having a sword in our hand when we recite, shout, declare or share it. This Word is the most powerful weapon we have against our enemies. It brings us life as we cling to it. Cling to the words and the Word, Jesus. The good words and the words of judgment are promises, for life or death, no matter whether we choose to believe or not. 

All we need to do is trust in these words. Trust in Jesus. The world may grow dark and ominous but we can cling to Him and His words for life. 

Isaiah 55:11-12 - So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. “For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands."

Endurance

Matthew 24:7,9-10,12-13 - For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 

How does one endure? It is only through the saving knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ. We cannot save ourselves from the ugliness of this world or death. We cannot truly endure without Him. When push comes to shove I want to know that my strength comes from the Lord. Government can't save, my spouse can't save, friends can't save. In trials no one can endure without the Lord Jesus Christ by one's side. Only He has been through the most difficult of trials. Only He can save. 

War, illness, diseases, persecution. All these things can come upon us. But we do not need to fear these if we know the Lord. We can know how to endure because He tells us throughout His Word. We see bits and pieces of these things occurring and even though they may not be that severe in our lives doesn't mean it can't happen. Terrorism is enlarging, persecution of Christians abounding, pride, power and destruction happen daily, and many other issues that God deems as sin run rampant. 

I personally would not want to go through a severe illness without, no matter whether I live or die because of it, His being by my side strengthening me throughout. I know person after person who, in their last days, were able to worship God in the midst of illness because they knew He would either see them through or take them to be with Him. Hands raised in worship! I want that. I like the idea of having the One who created me greet me in the end. 

That's why I write these blogs. I hope that in some way I am able to show Christ to others or to use His Word as encouragement. His Word alone speaks volumes. It's the living Word. It's the truth, the living water. It's the bread that sustains. Taste and see that the Lord is good! His Word also endures forever. And he who grasps this enduring Word, who will learn the truth, will also endure to the end.

1Peter 1:24-25 - ...because “All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the LORD endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you. 

Hear the Voice?

Matthew 3:11 - I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

I just wanted to see how something from the Word would progress. I had no subject or plan. I decided to start in the New Testament for a subject. And the first scripture I read was Matthew 3:11. It was quite evident that the main point was the Holy Spirit. I wanted to see where this would take me. Where I thought I would go, I didn't!

The scripture above came from the voice of one crying in the wilderness, John the Baptist. He was crying out that a Messiah was coming soon. He was crying out that repentance for remission of sins among the people. He could only proclaim this but this Man who was to come would give even more.

John the Baptist...the first to begin to preach...about a Man he thought he didn't know. From this one man's obedience to do the will of the Father... ...the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness (Luke 3:2). How did that word come? Through the power of the Holy Spirit.

John the Baptist proclaimed the Christ. He did it by faith in God. He did it in obedience and in the power of the Holy Spirit, which had filled him before he was born. Referring to John: For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. (Luke 1:15) John didn't know it would be his own cousin! Later he would be directed by God. He became "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken." (Isaiah 40:3,5)

We need the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It guides us to truth. By what I see in this world, very little of God's Spirit exists. (Probably why we are told following Christ is a narrow road with few people on it.) We would not have the violence, hatred, anger, disagreements if it did. And the fact that anything related to God is met with opposition means people don't want to know truth. It amazes me that people can think if they don't believe in or commit themselves to God He will just go away and life will be fine. That ain't ever gonna happen. Let's move on...

Joel 2:28-29 - "And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall have visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days." God is still using His Holy Spirit in the lives of people. When we come to Christ we are filled with His Spirit. Evidence is a change in our lifestyles. What once was so important has been replaced with what God deems important, like wanting to read the Bible, hearing God speak, learning what truth is, what sin is...and opting to believe what the Word says hands down. And Jesus tells us that we "shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

Jesus came, as John has already shown us, to seek and save the lost. John preached repentance. Jesus offered forgiveness based on that repentance. He also offered eternal life, in Him. It's all about Him. That's why it is important, necessary, to understand whether one has a true knowledge of who Jesus is. He is not just Someone who died 2,000 years ago so all would have eternal life. That is false preaching. He came for all...but only for all who would receive Him. Remember, it's all about Him.

When one has received Him it is natural for one to want to share this Savior, what He has done for us, how He has changed us. It is our responsibility to share Christ with others...we are now His disciples. We are commanded by Christ, as the early disciples were, to: Go therefore and make disciples of all 
the nations... (Matthew 28:19)

We are to share the gospel, in love and truth and through what the power of the Holy Spirit has shown us. The truth is in the words of Christ. We are to show others Who He is, what He has done and what He has to offer. I know that not everyone will listen. I try to do my part. My wish is that all would understand where I come from. I have heard the truth. ...of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth... (Colossians 1:5-6) This word came to me and brought the hope and grace mentioned.

We already know that the truth of God's Word is being preached...and that even in our own country is  being despised...but it will continue at any cost. Jesus told us: And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)  And then the end will come...the more God's word is despised these days, the sooner He may return.

All I know is what I believe. The power of the Holy Spirit has given me this knowledge. Like John the Baptist cried out in the wilderness, we who know Christ are to cry out in the wilderness to the lost souls in this world. We can all have this power. John didn't know Jesus, his own cousin, was this Man. He just knew there was Someone coming. Well, people, He has come and He still lives. I have not met this Man face to face, but I know Him because my spirit has met His. And that is an amazing thing.

If you have not had this experience, heed the words of those crying out in the wilderness who tell the truth based on God's Word. They may be preparing your way to Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit you, too, might receive.

Romans 10:16-18 - ...For Isaiah says, "LORD, who has believed our report?" So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: Their sound has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.
Isaiah 40:8 - The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.