"Accepting And Denying"

"For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:  And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again."  2 Corinthians 5:14,15

When we receive Christ Jesus as our Savior and Lord, there is an "accepting" that takes place.  We accept the fact that we are sinners.  We accept the fact that there is an eternal punishment that awaits us because of our sins.  We accept the fact that there is nothing we can do to save ourselves from that punishment.  We accept the fact that Jesus came, died and rose again to save us from our sins and take our punishment.  We accept the fact that faith in what He did is the only way to receive forgiveness and eternal life. 

There is also a "denying" that takes place.  We then deny ourselves.  We no longer rule our own lives.  We don't live the way we want to live.  We don't follow our own fleshly lustful desires.  We aren't the head of our own lives anymore.  We surrender our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and then follow Him-- His will, His plan, and His desire for our lives. 

This is where many people have an issue.  They want to be the "lord" of their own lives.  They want to do what they want to do.  They don't want to have to deny their own agenda.  They don't want someone else telling them what they can and can't do.  They want to be their own "boss". 

Salvation and Christianity just doesn't work like that.  You can't have Jesus as Lord and yourself as Lord.  The two of you can't govern your life at the same time.  You can't serve Him and your flesh.  You can't follow Him and self both just as you can't be hot and cold at the same time. 

Is it too selfish of a request, is it too demanding, is it too unreasonable for the One who gave His life for you to ask you to give your life to Him?  He was beaten for you.  He was punished for you.  He was mocked for you.  He DIED for you!  If He died for you and purchased you from eternal punishment with the price of His own blood, it is only reasonable that you "should not henceforth live for yourself, but for the One Who died for you." 

Have a great day.  Jesus died for you.  It is only reasonable that you should live for Him. 

 

"The Sign Of Deception"

"And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you."  Matthew 24:3,4

When the disciples asked Jesus what would be the sign of His coming (return), the first sign He listed was deception.  Then He went a step further in defining the deception.  "For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many."  The first sign would be spiritual deception. 

Aren't we seeing this already?  Spiritual deception is abounding throughout the world and even in the church.  It comes through the teaching that many and all ways lead to God.  It is all right to believe what you want to believe as long as you are not hurting anyone.  Just be good and that is good enough.  Good works, or even having good intentions, will save you.  There is no heaven and there is no hell, it is all a state of mind.  Humanism, philosophy, enlightenment, education, reincarnation, etc.  These are only a few of the teachings that are being propagated.     

Spiritual deception was the first weapon the devil used on mankind, and it will be one of the last.  Therefore, we must heed the warning of Jesus that we are not deceived.  If it were possible even the very elect would be deceived.  How do we keep from being deceived? 

In order to keep from being deceived, be like the wise man who built his house upon the rock.  Jesus is often called the Rock.  Build your life upon Him.  He told Peter that upon this rock He would build His church.  That rock was the revelation of who Jesus is-- the Christ, the Son of the Living God.  Know what you believe about Him according to the teaching of the Bible, hold firm to the truth about who Jesus is and don't be persuaded otherwise.   Know His Word.  Don't believe everything you hear, or see, no matter who it comes through, but try the spirits.  Search the scriptures for yourself.  Don't depend on someone else to tell you what they say.  Stay close to the Holy Spirit-- He is the revealer of truth and will warn you when deception comes. 

If you will know Jesus, know the truth about who He is, know His word, stay rooted and grounded in it, listen to the voice of His Spirit, then you will stand when the floods of deception, error and false doctrine come.  If you don't, you will be like the foolish man and you will be swept away by the flood of false religious deception.   

Have a great day.  The best way to keep from being deceived is by knowing the truth.

For further reading:
Genesis 3:1,5
Mark 13:22
Matthew 7:24-27; 16:18
1 John 4:1
John 5:39

"Zacchaeus"

"And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.  And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature." Luke 19:2,3

As children we learned the story of Zacchaeus who "climbed up in the Sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see".  We learned that he did this because he was a "wee little man"-- he was little of statue. 

Allow me a little license here to give my opinion about Zacchaeus.  The Bible tells us a few things about him.  It says that he was a little man.  He says that he was a tax collector.  It says he was rich.  I believe that because of his size he felt intimidated and inferior.  He was probably the blunt of many "short" jokes.  He was probably made fun of and laughed at.  He may have been bullied and picked on.  Being a tax collector made him feel powerful.  Being rich made him feel superior.  His position gave him pride.  It probably made him arrogant.  He was no longer the laughingstock but had the "last laugh" because he had the authority to legally take money from the people, however much he chose to take, and could punish those who did not comply. His word was law.  He "worked" for the Roman government so that meant he was a "big fish in a big pond".  In short (no pun intended), he thought his position and possessions would give him value, prestige, riches, a comfortable life and honor-- it would make him "somebody". 

But one day he heard Jesus was coming.  Zacchaeus swallowed his pride and climbed up a tree so he could see Jesus when He passed by.  One of the lessons we learn from this story of Zacchaeus is that our worth and our value (that which makes us "somebody") is not in what we possess, in who we are, in our reputation, in our popularity, in our accolades, or in our position.  I believe he learned this lesson himself.  He was made fun of by the people because of his statue.  He was hated by the people because of his position as a tax collector.  People will never make us feel as special and as valued as we really are.  Our positions and riches will never give us that security either.  But Jesus loved and accepted him.  Jesus is who made Zacchaeus somebody.  Jesus is who makes us somebody. 

Have a great day.  Your worth and value is not measured by any external thing you possess or title you hold, but by the fact that Jesus loves you. 

"He's Still Faithful"

"If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself."  2 Timothy 2:13

The word for faithful here is defined:  of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties; that can be relied on.

The scriptures tell us that God is faithful.  He is even called Faithful.  He is faithful to do what He says He will do.  He is faithful to keep His promises.  He has always been faithful, and He will always be faithful. 

The faithfulness of God is not based, or contingent, upon our faithfulness.  God's faithfulness is based on His own nature and character.  His faithfulness is based on who He is, not on what we do.

Even if we are unfaithful, it does not change God's faithfulness.  Even if we don't believe His Word, it does not change His faithfulness.  Even if we don't obey His commands, it doesn't change His faithfulness.  Even if we don't appropriate His promises, it doesn't change His faithfulness.  Even if we rebel against Him and go our own way, it doesn't change His faithfulness.  Even if we accuse Him of being unfaithful, it does not change His faithfulness.  Even if we deny Him, it does not change His faithfulness.

He is a faithful.  He will do what He says.  If He says He will bless the righteous, He will bless the righteous.  If He says He will punish the wicked, He will punish them.  If He says He will be with you, He will be with you.  If He says He will meet your need, He will meet it.  If He says He chastens those He loves, He chastens them.  He is faithful to do what He says He will do even if you don't believe in Him.  He is God and cannot deny Himself.

If you are wrestling with believing that He is faithful, then stop.  He is... period!  What you do or don't do, what you believe or don't believe doesn't change His faithfulness.  He is going to be faithful to what He says even if you aren't faithful to Him or to believe Him.    

Have a great day.  God's faithfulness is not based on your faithfulness; it is based on His nature.   

"Different Kind Of Need"

"The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name."  Psalm 89:12

God created the north and the south, the east and the west.  How far can you travel in the direction of north and you no longer be going north?  How far can you travel south and are no longer traveling south?  What about east and west?  If you start traveling toward the east and continue, will you automatically be heading in a different direction?  Or will you continue to be traveling east?  If you start at one point on the map and from there head east, you can travel the whole globe and still never change directions.  Unless you turn around you will always be heading east.  There is no dividing line that says, "now you are traveling west".  This works the same regardless of which direction you go-- north, south, east or west.   

My point is this-- God created all points on the compass and no matter where and which direction you go, you will never come to the end of the creation of God.  That is why the Psalmist said, "The earth and all its fullness is the Lord's". 

He created the high mountains, the small mountains, the hills, the valleys, the rivers, the streams, the continents to the east and the ones to the west.  He created the continents to the north and to the south.  He created the poles.  He created the islands.  Everywhere you look, everywhere you go, God has created it. 

This amazing God who created direction, land mass, different terrains, is the same God who loves you and is able to create anything that you need.  He doesn't just create one thing or one kind of a thing, He creates a variety of each thing.  It says to me that whatever my need is, even if it is something that is "special" or "out of the ordinary" He is well able to meet that need.  He is well able to meet your need today.

Have a great day.  It doesn't matter how "unusual" your need may be, God can still meet it.

"He Cheerfully Gives"

"The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them."  Psalm 89:11 

The heavens are the Lord's.  The earth is the Lord's.  The world and all that is in it are His also.  Every tree, every blade of grass, every bird, every star, every drop of water, every breath of air, etc.  Why is it then that we act like it "belongs" to us?  We act like it is all ours. 

 

When we have the attitude that it is ours, and forget whose it really is, we tend to hoard it and get stingy with what "we" have.  There is a reason why the Lord said that He loves a "cheerful giver".  It is because He Himself is a cheerful giver.  He so graciously gives us all things that pertain to life and godliness.  He so freely gives us everything we need out of His vast storehouse, wealth and creation.  He loads us with benefits from His own possessions.  He doesn't deal with us with a tight fist and make us have to "pry" it all from His clutches.  He deals with us with an open hand. 

 

How do you treat that which God allows you to have?  Do you remember who it actually belongs to?  Are you a cheerful giver?  Are you a giver at all? 

 

What do you need this morning?  What are you lacking in?  Whatever it is, God has it.  He owns it.  And He is ready and willing to share it with you.  And He does not deal with a slack hand.  This is why the verse says that He will supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  He will-- because it all belongs to Him.  He will supply-- because He isn't stingy with what He has.  According to His riches-- because He has everything and more than enough.  In glory-- because He supplies supernaturally according to what He has and not just what we need.  By Christ Jesus-- because He already gave the best He had, His Son, for us; won't He also give us freely everything else we need.

 

Have a great day.  The Lord owns it all and He freely gives us what we need from His vast supply.    

 

For further reading:

2 Corinthians 9:7  

Philippians 4:19

"Troops And Walls"

"For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall."  Psalm 18:29  

When I read this verse, my thoughts wonder to movies that I have seen.  The movies where there is a castle and two opposing armies.  One army is trying to get to the castle and take possession of it and the other army is trying to defend it and stop them.  You have all seen these scenes portrayed. 

 

Between the one army and their takeover of the castle are many opponents and obstacles.  Each one has to be fought and defeated.  Often life is like that.  In order to receive "possession" of what the Lord has provided for us; we have to fight battles.  There are "armies" to defeat and "walls" to scale.  Those armies may be such things as fear, bitterness, anger, greed, past mistakes, condemnation, pride and so on.  Sometimes we have to scale the wall of discouragement, regrets, opinions of others, weariness or shame.  They all try to stand in the way of us receiving the "prize". 

 

Unlike the battles that have been fought throughout history and on the movies, we already know the outcome of the battles we face.  We win!  There is no reason for us to be defeated because 1) Jesus has already won the victory for us; 2) we don't fight them alone-- God is with us.  "By God I can run through a troop, by God I can leap over a wall."  I can go through the strongest troop and not only scale the highest wall but leap over it. 

 

Are you facing a troop of enemies today?  Are you standing before a high wall?  Does it look like the odds are against you?  Does it look impossible?  Does it look like you won't win this one?  Take heart and go forth through it in the Lord and the power of His might. 

 

Have a great day.  The strongest opponents and greatest obstacles can't stop us from being victorious because the Lord gives us the victory. 

"Talking Face To Face"

"And the Lord said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven."  Exodus 20:22

The Lord literally talked with His people from heaven.  He talked with His people from the mountain.  The inhabitants of the surrounding lands knew that their God talked with them face to face.  He talked to Moses face to face as one does to a friend.  How amazing is that!

He does talk to us, if we are listening.  He has always desired to talk with His people.  In the very beginning He talked with Adam each day.  He hasn't changed His mind or His desire to communicate with us.  When He spoke with Moses, Abraham, Noah, King David, Gideon, etc. it was under the Old Covenant.  How much more will He speak to us under the New Covenant-- which is called a better covenant. 

How does He talk to us?  In various ways.  He speaks through natural things and creation.  He speaks through other people.  But mostly He speaks through His Son.  "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds." (Hebrews 1:1,2)  "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1)  This verse is speaking of Jesus-- He is the Word.  A friend recently pointed out that there was no Bible when John 1:1 was written.  Therefore, He speaks to us Himself.  Because He is the Word, when we do read the Bible, He is speaking to us.  But the main way He desires to speak to us is personally "face to face".  He does this by His Holy Spirit.  His Spirit communicates to us His will, His plans, His desire, and so on. 

Do you want to hear from Him?  He wants and desires to speak to you.  Enter into a personal relationship with Him.  Cultivate a relationship with His Spirit.  Set your heart to commune with Him.  Set your heart to love Him.  Learn His voice by spending time alone with Him.  Listen to what He is saying, don't ignore and don't neglect it. 

Have a great day.  The Lord desires to speak to you "face to face". 

For further reading:
Romans 1:20 
Exodus 33:11
Deuteronomy 5:4; 34:10
Numbers 14:14

"Praising A Good God"

"O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."  Psalm 118:29

Sometimes it seems hard to praise the Lord and give thanks when so much devastation is going on around you.  When the world seems to be spinning out of control.  When evil appears to be winning.  When you are suffering the loss of many things.  When you hear one bad report after another.  When chaos and confusion are everywhere.  When those you trust betray you.  When those you respect take advantage of you.  When people seem bent on causing trouble.  When the skies continue to stay dark and you see no ray of sunshine.  When all hope seems lost.  

Granted things may be bad, but it doesn't change the fact that the Lord is good.  And because God is good, we do have a reason to praise and give thanks.  When Job got the report that he had lost everything, he went out and worshipped.  He didn't worship the tragedy.  He didn't worship because bad had happened.  He worshipped God.  He set His praise on God.  He knew that regardless of the bad that was happening, God was still good.

Nothing changes the goodness of God-- not even a bad situation, a bad report, bad people, or bad news.  God is still good!  He has always been good and will always continue to be good.  You may not think you can find anything to be thankful for because your world may be falling apart in front of your very eyes.  But if you want to see something good, look to God and you will find plenty enough to give thanks for. 

Have a great day.  The fact that God is good is more than enough reason to give thanks.

For further reading:
Job 1:20

 

"You're Not Forsaken"

"And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"  Matthew 27:46

This morning the Lord reminded me of a particular time when my granddaughter was little and spent the night with me. (I know He reminded me because He wants to encourage you through this.)  That night, as always, I gave her a bath before she went to bed. On the side of the tub there were small toys lined up for her to play with.  Among them were a fish, a horse, a pig, a cow, a lamb, etc.  One by one she placed the toys in the tub with her.  She put them all in the water except the lamb.  She left it on the side of the tub.  I said to her, after a while of playing, "Poor little lonely lamb.  He is alone all by himself."  At that moment the Holy Spirit spoke to me. 

Jesus was the Lamb of God who came to take away our sins.  When He hung on the cross, He hung there alone.  He was left by Himself.  His disciples had abandoned Him.  The Heavenly Father had forsaken Him and turned His back on Him.  He faced His most trying time alone.  He faced the enemy by Himself.  He faced the torment, the persecution, the pain, the rejection by Himself.  No one was there holding His hand.  No one was comforting Him.  No one was reaching out and embracing Him.  No one gave Him a shoulder to cry on.  No one held Him in their arms.  He was totally alone. 

While on the cross, Jesus defeated sin.  He gave us freedom from the power of sin.  He reconciled our relationship back to the Father.  He made a way of forgiveness so that we could have eternal life.  But He did so much more for us as well.  He was forsaken so that we would never have to be.  In His "aloneness" He made the provision that we would never have to be alone.  When we walk through dark places, trying times, raging storms, temptations of life, the attacks of the enemy, persecution, trials, times of grief and anguish, we are never alone.  Man may not be there with us.  People may abandon us.  Friends and family may forsake us, but we can rest assured that the Heavenly Father will never leave us nor forsake us.  He placed that on Jesus so that we never have to experience it.  Because of what Jesus went through for us, we never have to ask the question, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"  Because He never will.

Have a great day.  Jesus was forsaken so that you and I never have to be. 

"The Underdogs"

"The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people."  Deuteronomy 7:7

A pastor once told me that I was always for the "underdog".  By the way he said it, I wasn't sure if he meant it as a compliment or a criticism.  I personally took it as a compliment.  Why?  Because Jesus was for the "underdog".  When He walked the earth, He went to those who society had made outcasts.  He went to those who were belittled by the religious crowd.  He went to the lowly, the uneducated, the poor, the down cast, the down and out, those who had been forgotten, rejected and ignored.

Jesus was the Champion of the "underdog".  He rebuked the Pharisees for condemning the woman caught in the act of adultery.  He told the disciples and all who were in the room to leave the woman who was anointing His feet alone, though she had a reputation.  He told the disciples that a memorial would be remembered for the widow who gave her last money.  He touched and healed the lepers.  He held the children in His arms, after the disciples tried to send them away. 

The whole reason Jesus came to earth was to reach the "underdog".  Because we all were under dogs.  We were all wretched and lost in trespasses and sin.  We were helpless to save ourselves.  We needed a champion to come and plead our case because we were powerless to do it for ourselves.  Jesus was not just the champion of those whose lives He touched while He was on earth.  He is today the Champion of our salvation.  He is the Victor.  He defeated sin which had robbed us and made us inferior.  He restored us back to a place of acceptance, a place of power, a place of honor.  He has made us victorious through Himself.  We are no longer underdogs, but heirs of God, kings and priests unto our God.  We are now the head and not the tail, above and not beneath, the first and not the last!  I don't know about you, but I am thankful that Jesus did not ignore and forget about the underdog... because I was one of them.

Have a great day.  Jesus is for the underdog. 

 

"Legalistic Or Holy?"

"Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord."  Isaiah 52:11

When I was growing up, I understood that being a Christian meant that there were certain things I did not do.  I did not drink.  I did not smoke.  I did not do drugs.  I did not cuss.  I dressed modestly.  I didn't "shack up" and live with someone that I was not married to.  It meant there were certain places I did not go.  I did not go hang out at the bars.  I did not go spend my money at the casinos.  I did not hang out with thugs.  I did not watch indecent movies.   

Now days I see everything that I named, plus more, in the lives of those who profess to be Christians.  "These things ought not be." (James 3:10)  But they have become an accepted lifestyle and the norm.  To say anything about, or against, this behavior is to be accused of "judging" or being "legalistic".  I want to clarify this morning that it is neither. 

Oh, but we are under grace, you may say.  Yes, but grace is not a license to sin.  And grace is more than unmerited favor.  It is also God's divine influence upon the heart.  If He has no influence in your life-- what you do, what you wear, where you go, how you live, or your attitude-- then your salvation is doubtful.  We are saved by grace through faith.  When grace is appropriated to our lives, though it is unearned and not "worked for", it is to be "worked out".  That means we walk in and live in that Divine influence of God that is now in our lives.

I am not talking about legalism I am talking about holiness.  "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15,16)  Holy lives are a reflection of the Father and evidence of His work of transformation taking place in us.  When He saves us, He doesn't leave us like we are.  He changes us.  Continuing in the things we have always done, indulging in the same fleshly desires we have always fulfilled, living the same old lifestyle we have always led shows no evidence of any transformation taking place in us.  "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) Does your life reflect God's grace and holiness? 

Have a great day.  What does your lifestyle say about you?  Does it line up with your profession of being a Christian?

For further reading:
Ephesians 5:1-6; 2:8,9

"Keep Your Word"

"Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice."  John 13:38

During the Last Supper Jesus begins to tell His disciples that He would be leaving them and that where He was going they could not come.  Peter spoke up and said, "Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake." (verse 37) Our opening scripture is Jesus' reply to his question. 

How many times have we done the same thing as Peter?  How many times have we made a "vow", so to speak, that we would follow Him all the days of our lives?  How many times have we told Him that if He will just do this or that for us that we will live for Him?  How many promises have we made to Him?  How many "deals" have we tried to work out with Him?  The real question is not how many, but how many have we actually kept. 

It is easy when we are in need to make these kinds of statements.  But what about when the emergency/problem/need is over?  It is easy to make them when He is blessing us abundantly.  But what about when it is put to the test?  Peter's profession to be willing to lay down his life for Jesus was put to the test.  He failed it-- he denied Jesus three times when the very thing he professed he would do, lay down his life, looked like it might become a reality.  

Peter made the profession because he thought he could really do it.  He made it in the "heat of the moment".  He made it out of pride.  Have you made some profession or vow to the Lord but when it came to fulfilling it, you recanted, or was afraid to do it?  The Bible says that it is better not to make a vow to God than to make it and not keep it.  Jesus knew Peter wouldn't keep it, but He loved him anyway.  After the resurrection, Jesus restored Peter and Peter did actually lay down his life for Jesus.  It is time for you to keep your vow to Him as well.

Have a great day.  Have you told the Lord you would do something but haven't kept your word to Him? 

For further reading:
Ecclesiastes 5:4,5  

"Hold Fast To God's Word"

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)."  Hebrews 10:23

Where does the profession of our faith come from?  It comes from God's Word.  "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)  How did we come to believe what we believe about Jesus Christ the Son of God?  Through the preaching of God's Word.  How did we receive eternal life?  By responding to what we heard when we heard the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

The Lord uses the foolishness of preaching (His Word) to save the lost.  He uses His Word to guide and instruct us through our journey of life.  He uses His Word to enlighten our pathway so that we can see clearly how to walk through life.  He uses His Word to convict and convince us of sin.  He uses His Word to give us hope, joy, peace and strength.  His Word is such a vital part of our Christian life.  So vital that we can't afford to neglect it.  So vital that we can't live without it.  It is food to our spirits.  It is life and health to our flesh. 

The enemy knows how "important" the Word of God is in bringing the lost to Christ, in the saving of a person's soul, in establishing us in our spiritual growth, in equipping us in how to face life's problems and situations, in revealing God the Father's will in our lives and in keeping us from falling.  Therefore, He tries to steal the Word from us.  How?  By twisting it to mean what we want it to mean.  By watering it down.  By deceiving us into believing that we don't really need it.  By lying to us and telling us that it is not relevant for today and it is out dated.  By mixing it with man's philosophies, humanistic wisdom, cultural traditions, old wives-tales, misguided interpretation and by deceiving us into believing there are no absolutes. 

Because of this, we must hold fast to God's Word and don't waver from it no matter what society tells us about it, no matter what the consensus of the world is, no matter what anyone else tells us or teaches including misguided churches, or even an angel.  We have to hold fast our profession of God's Word.  His Words are life and eternal life to us.       

Have a great day.  Hold fast to the truth of God's Word no matter what anyone else says about it.

For further reading:
2 Timothy 1:13; 3:15
Romans 10:14

 

"Established In My Heart?"

"Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear."  Psalm 119:38

The word establish in the dictionary means:  set up (an organization, system, or set of rules) on a firm or permanent basis.  The word established means:  having been in existence for a long time and therefore recognized and generally accepted.

God's word has been set up/established from the beginning.  It is permanent and to be recognized and accepted as the truth.  Its instructions, its councils, its commands have always been accepted as the absolute truth-- because it is.  Nations were formed on its principals.  Businesses were governed by its precepts.  Lives have been forever changed by the peace it gives.  Hope has been restored because of its promises.  Dreams have been accomplished because of its guidance.  Nations have fallen because they refused to be governed by it.  Lives have resulted in ruin because they ignored it.  

God's word has been established forever-- from the beginning until the end.  Yet, sadly, now days it is being put in question.  It is being rejected.  It is being mocked.  It is being ignored.  Even in the church it is being watered down, compromised, reinterpreted, and rejected as the first and final authority.  It is being replaced by philosophy; by educated wisdom; by humanistic thinking.  Do we really think we know better?  Do we really think we can build our lives, our homes, our businesses, our nations, upon our own wisdom and council?   

Only a house that is built upon a firm foundation can stand the test of time and the elements.  Only a life that is built upon a firm foundation can stand and withstand life in general.  "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock." (Matthew 7:24,25)

While the world is degrading the word of God, while the church is compromising it, and while multitudes are ignoring it, you and I must individually live by it, let it govern our actions and attitudes, and have its truths firmly established in our hearts. 

Have a great day.  God's word is forever established.  Is it established in your heart?

"Greater Righteousness"

"For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."  Matthew 5:20

The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees was dependent upon their works, deeds and religious intellect.  It was a self-righteousness.  Jesus tells His disciples, and us, that unless our righteousness exceeds theirs, we will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.  How can ours exceed theirs?  We are all born with the same righteousness-- or rather lack of.  Our righteousness is as "filthy rags".  So was theirs.  We are all in the same boat with the scribes and Pharisees.  All our righteousness is "filthy" no matter how many good deeds we do or religious acts we perform. 

The only way our righteousness can exceed this "self-righteousness" of the scribes and Pharisees is by our righteousness being transformed.  The only way it can be transformed is through Jesus Christ.  In order for our righteousness to exceed this filthy righteousness we must be a partaker of Jesus Christ's righteousness.  We must have His righteousness applied to our lives.  "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:21) This happens when we receive Him as our Savior.

Does your righteousness "exceed" that of the scribes and Pharisees?  Is it greater?  Is it great enough to cause you to be able to enter into the Kingdom of heaven?  If it's your own, it won't be.  Yours is filthy, therefore, it is unacceptable to God.  Nothing "filthy" will enter into His Kingdom.  But God has provided a righteousness that exceeds all our righteousness.  It is provided through Jesus Christ and is available to all who will receive it.

Have a great day.  Whose righteousness do you have?  The same as the scribes and Pharisees?  Or the righteousness of Jesus? 

For further reading:
Romans 3:22
Isaiah 64:6