In The Manger

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." Matthew 1:23

Yes, this great event in history really did happen. You may not read about it in the secular texts or even hear much about it in the mainstream media but it did happen and it happened as Isaiah said it would about 600 years prior. Mary was a virgin as the Christ child was conceived by the Holy Ghost. "But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost." Matthey 1:20 The King of Kings was born in a manger as he became "God with us." One must believe that the Son of God came to earth as God's son, born of a virgin else he can't be a Christian. To deny the virgin birth is to deny his diety, thus denying his death on the cross for mankind.

Mary was a virgin when Christ was born. Mary was blessed but in no place does the scripture tell us to pray to her or worship her. She does say to her cousin Elizabeth, "For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed." Luke 1:48 The word blessed means "happy." That she was. We know that Mary followed Christ even to the cross and was a follower after his resurrection. She was a wonderful woman.

The Jews, in all of their intellect seemed to miss him completely. The Priests knew the scriptures and the prophets well. They even told Herod where the Christ child would be born but somehow they missed it. Even though the scripture told about a servant King and suffering King, they preferred the prophecies the depicted him as a reigning King. They were looking for him to establish world rule then and get the nation of Israel out from under the hand of the Romans. Even the disciples were looking for it. "When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." Acts 1:6-7 The Jews as a whole were not looking for inward salvation nor did they feel they needed to examine themselves. They were people of fasting but for the wrong pretenses. They gave many alms to support the poor but only for show. They were intellectuals and studied much but couldn't humble themselves to let Jesus in.

Let him in your hear this Christmas. Let him be your Lord and follow him. Read his word and yield yourself to him. John 4:23 says, "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." We cannot keep his words without his continual help, but with him, all things are possible.

Merry Christmas and may God find your soul in peace with him.

Working Together for the Good

" And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

That scripture has been quoted over and over again by many, and myself included, without real consideration as to the conditions thereof. It is true that all things do work together for the good for some people, but who are they? They are those who "love God" and then are "called according to his purpose," or doing his will. So there is a condition to the promise above as there are conditions to all promises in the Word of God. We have to love God, than do his will.

To love God is to love his son and abide in him, or live with him. To live with him is to live with his Word and have the same purposes as he has. Even in this sinful world that seems to captivate our attention just by living and performing the necessary tasks to survive in it, we are called upon to abide in him. "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." John 15:5 It takes an effort on our behalf to live or abide in him because of the prince of the power of the air, or the devil, therefore we must put forth effort if we are to inherit his blessing and eternal life. Following several "do's and don'ts" will not make us abide in him but to have him in our hearts and lives will. We must keep him and love him and guard against the constant attempts of Satan to intrude.

To love him is to follow and keep his Word. We often try to lay up our own commandments and rules of righteousness but it is in the Bible, the Word of Life that we find truth and are given the proper information for maintaining our love with him. Jesus told his disciples shortly before going to the cross that he would manifest himself to them but not the world. This sounded strange to them and one of them asked as follows: "Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." John 14:22-23 So we are to keep his word. Since that is essential, we must know what it is that we are to keep, so the only way to know is to read his Word, not once, nor twice, nor three times, but over and over again. We are put to shame by the cults and other religions. Children are taught to memorize several passages of the Quran even written in a foreign tongue but it is doubtful if many can quote five verses in the Bible.

At the workplace we may spend hours discussing methods, procedures and rules only to have everything change within the next few months. We'll spend hours on a paper that will be irrelevant within weeks and work ourselves into a frenzy about procedures that will change almost as soon as the ink is dried in the rule book. While these things may be important at the time, we take great notice of them but forget the book that does not change and the only one that can give use the past, present, and future, the Bible.

It is impossible to love Christ without loving his Word. It is impossible to follow his will without reading his word. It is impossible to get the true meaning of scripture without Christ and his spirit. "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14

There is much more to this verse but in my effort to keep these blogs fairly short, I'll only be brief. We are lead to believe that when he says "all things work together for the good," is is meant that nothing but good can happen to us as far as we are concerned That's not what it really says. It says, "for the good," meaning that it will work for our good. While me may not see anything good out of what we are in now, God does. It is like a parent spanking their child for misbehaving (I still believe in spanking if done in love) and them saying to the child that it is for their good. The child won't believe them at the time but later in life he will. Are you in a distressful situation? Give yourself to more reading of God's Word and strive to draw closer to the Lamb of Life. Make sure everything's OK between you and him. He loves you and wants to help you through all situations and will help you here as well.

P.S.

I covet your prayers.

The Battle

" No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." 2Timothy 2:4

Let me just talk freely a bit as I've not posted for several weeks. I've spent most of my time out of town doing various things that are job related. You probably know, that when one travels and is gone, routines are broken, and things that usually are done on a daily basis are not achieved due to schedule changes, different environments, etc. It is Satan's business to get the child of God entangled in this world's affairs so he is not effective in battling the powers of the air, the principalities of darkness, and the god of this world. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12 We are not effective in prayer, souls that constantly need comforted or strength are left in danger. Those who need the conviction of the Holy Ghost on their lives so they will do right or repent are left open to Satan's demise. And most important, we ourselves are more venerable for Satan's attacks on our souls. I say this is most important because if we are not strong, how can we help others. "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." 1Corinthians 9:27

The word "entangleth" or "entangle" means "to inweave, entrap, or twist together in a confusing mess." This is the art of Satan and we allow it to happen, especially in our effluent society. We have become the church of Laodicea as our Lord describes them as follows: "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot." We justify our activity in a Christian humanism way in that we focus on ourselves instead of trying to gain the closeness of Christ and fellowship of the Holy Ghost in our lives. So if we are not careful, we continue down the path as he goes on and admonishes that church. "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:" We think we have arrived only to find that our faith is wanting and we are powerless. We fail to see ourselves as we really are. We refuse to take time to examine ourselves in line with the Word of God and spend time afflicting our souls but would rather go on our way. The but consequences are devastating as Christ will vomit a church like this out of his mouth. His advise is as follows: "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." He wants us to have real faith that we can trust in him, holiness that will separate us from the world and identify us as those whose citizenship is in heaven, and have enlightment of the spirit of God in that we may rightly divide the Word of God. "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1Corinthians 2:14

We are in this world to be a blessing and to yet to also help the wayward come to Christ and live for him. We are salt in this world. Salt can add a good taste in food, can preserve, and is also used in judgment "And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:" Deuteronomy 29:23 But, if our salt loses is savor, it is good for nothing. "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." Matthew 5:13 While we must continue to work in this world, we must always guard our relationship with Christ and cherish it, for it is our life and can have a big difference in the lives of those around us, and even our nation. May the Lord bless you as you seek him.

Ask and It Shall Be Given

"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Luke 11:9

Our Lord wants us to ask, seek and knock. When we ask, we are simply asking him for something or making a request like a child would ask a parent for a piece of bread. We should be reverent in our asking as he is our God and we are his creation. None of this "Hey God" stuff, that's for beginners. Mature Christians don't pray that way.

Then we must seek, which means to investigate. When you seek for something, you look for it or "Try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of." The Bible, or God's Holy Word, is the logical place we would seek for an answer. We don't seek for an answer in the newspapers or media although I don't think we should be completely shut out as we are living in times that may be on the brink of the tribulation period. We don't seek the books sold in the Christian bookstores as most of the books published today lack a lot of sound Biblical doctrine. The Bible tells us what God thinks and is saying.

We then must knock. That takes more effort. Continually asking is knocking as well as fasting. Just because we don't hear or get the answer the first time doesn't mean we give up. There are numerous passages in the scriptures that state otherwise. Here is just one found in Luke 18: 1-7.

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

The judge didn't fear God nor did he care anything about man but was so tired of her coming that he finally gave her what she asked. God is the same although, unlike the unjust judge, he does love us and cares for us so how much more will he answer if we ask.

We must beware lest we ask for things that are not his will. James 4:3 says, "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts."

Later, Jesus said the following in verse 13. "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" While the Holy Ghost had not fallen yet, it was a promise that it would and that it would be given to all who ask. This has not changed and God will fill a holy vessel with the Holy Ghost today with the evidence of speaking in other tongues as they haven't ceased yet. See I Corinthians 13:8. "Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away." If tongues shall cease, so has knowledge. Tongues are not the only manifestation of the Holy Ghost but it is proof of one receiving the baptism. "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Acts 2:4

Lastly, we must pray for our nation. I'm afraid we will be in very serious trouble if we head the way things are looking. It's time for the church to fast and pray either that God would show his hand of mercy on us for a little longer, or that we may endure and stand for Christ to the end.

Keep Your Faith

"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." Hebrews 3:12

Can you be lost after once tasting the goodness of eternal life? You certainly can! The above scripture is enough to show anyone that, even though they have once prayed and asked Christ into their heart, they can be cast away because of unbelief. Notice it says "in departing from the living God." You can't depart from something you first aren't a part of. So what causes someone to be lost?

"But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Hebrews 3:13

The answer is in the verse above – sin! We are told to exhort, beseech, or entreat each other not to fall back into sin and to watch out for the traps that Satan may be trying to lay for us. We are in a battle and, even though our Lord Jesus Christ has paid the price, we are still warring against the devil and the flesh.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8

"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." Galatians 5:17

From the above two verses we plainly see that we are fighting the devil and our flesh. Unfortunately most in the church do not realize that this is a warfare and not just something for us to "feel good" or "make us rich." Of course, in this free and easy, self-centered culture that we live in today that is not popular, but true. However, we do have a promise.

"For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;" Hebrews 3:14

We can continue fellowship with him if we hold our confidence and faith in him.

If we keep from falling into a sinful state of unbelief and our love wax cold. "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." Matthew 24:12

If we keep in fellowship with him, each other, and walk in the light we can continue in the faith. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7

If we bear fruit and abide in him we will not be cut off but our prayers can be answered. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." John 15:2-4,16

It is essential that we keep fellowship with Christ by daily prayer and study. While Satan will do everything to take this from you, you must fight him and your flesh to maintain a life that is close to the Master. Yes, there are times when the heavens seem like brass and the earth as iron but if you and I continue to hold on to the truth and fight the good fight of faith, not only for ourselves but for others, we will be victorious in Him. Remember this one thing, that Christ can help you through any temptation if you let him as he is the faithful high priest.

"Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted." Hebrews 2:17-18

Opposites of the world and the Church:

The world says "live" but Christ says we are "dead".

Colossians 3: 1 ¶ If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

The world looks on gray hair as a bad thing and people spend lots of money to hide it. The Bible says that gray hair is a blessing if it is found with wisdom.

Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head. 16:31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

The world fosters self-exaltation but God looks for those of a contrite spirit.

Psalm 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

The world teaches to be proud but Christ's teaches us to have a humble heart.

Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

The world counsels to "look out for number One" but Christ says to "Love others as I have loved you." He went to the cross for us.

John 15: 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

The world measures one's worth on their financial gains but Paul says that "The love of money is the root of all evil."

I Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

The world says that our joys are gotten by prosperity, good times, partying, etc. while only Christ can give us the real joy.

1Peter 1: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Psalm 101 IV

“ He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.” Psalm 101:7-8
I must finish my comments on Psalm 101 so I can move onto other matters. First, this is a wonderful psalm and is worth committing to memory as most scripture is. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11 We should remember that when we read this, it is not just David that is saying this, but God.
“ He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house:”
We have the house of God on earth which is the church, but we will have his house in heaven. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:1-2 While many dwell in the church working deceit now, it won’t happen in heaven. Deceit is defined as “a misleading falsehood” or “the quality of being fraudulent.” Another words, it is trying to appear as something that one is not. Is this happening in the church today? Well, it did in the early church and is much more prevalent now. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” II Corinthians 11:13-15 We must have our loins gird about in truth and keep on the breastplate of righteousness.
“he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.”
A lie is simply something that is not true. That may have seemed like a very shallow statement to some but now days we have to define almost everything. “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44 Satan lied to Eve in that while he told part of the truth, he did not tell her all but distorted it. “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5 He lied in that they would not die for they did as well as all of mankind since then except for Elijah and Enoch who were taken up to heaven. Even Jesus had to die for the sins of mankind that started that day of deception by Satan in the garden of Eden, but he has risen! Thank God! There will be no liars in heaven. “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8
“I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.”
Christ is coming back to judge the earth and will rule with a rod of iron. “And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” Revelation 19:15 The deceiver of the brethren shall be cast out. “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.” John 12:31 One day all shall bow before our Lord and Savior. “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:9-12

Psalm 101 –Part III

We continue comments on Psalm 101. First, here it is in its entirety.

1 ¶ A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.

2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.

5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.

7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.

Now let's l 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.ook at verses 5-6.

5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. 6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.

"Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off:" The word "slander" means, "Words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another" or "An abusive attack on a person's character or good name." This is familiar and the political arena but it should not be done with Christians. Our tongues are so hard to control, especially when we are upset with someone for any given reason. James 3:6 says, "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell." We must not be of those that were written about in Psalm 12:3-4 "The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?" Here we must continually examine ourselves.

"him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer" When we read scripture such as this, it is like a mirror and we should examine ourselves before examining others. God hates pride, in fact it is one of the seven things he hates as we see in Proverbs 6:16-17. "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood," Satan fell because of pride. " How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." Isaiah 11:12-15 It is too lengthy of a subject to continue in here but be certain that there is no place for earthly pride in the Kingdom of God.

"Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me."

We should have our eyes on those who we know are living godly lives and who can be a good influence to us and our children, not the Hollywood stars or the loose talkers and livers in the world. Our eyes should be on those who are faithful to God and his Word, not on them who are only asking for money and who say gain is Godliness. "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain." I Timothy 6:3-6 While God can and will prosper his people, it is not an end to itself, but the end is to obey and love hime.

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

 

 

The Influence of the Wicked

"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person." Psalm 101:3-4

Before I continue, let me say that the reasons I've not posted lately is due to several things, but chiefly because of my having to get another computer with Vista. My daughter needed one for college so I gave her my other one which I had just upgraded to 2 GB of RAM. I took the Vista machine so I could learn it as my job currently requires some technical knowledge to that effect. Needless to say, it has been a learning process and I have truly needed the Lord's patience. We should remember to call upon the Lord for everything, including when encountering technical problems. He's smarter than Microsoft and all the rest and he'll either give you the knowledge, provide someone to give you the knowledge, or help you. Remember the scripture in James 5:1-8. " If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." Enough said about that. I am thinking of starting a technical blog with a Christian prospective but I'm only praying about it as currently I have enough trouble keeping up with this one.

Now to Psalm 101:3-4

"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:" David didn't have TV or the other modern snares we have today. Lucky fellow. But he did have things that were wicked. Those could have been pictures of laud women, idols, and other things that could cause a snare. We have them and more today. This scripture has been used commonly for preaching against television and while I don't have a television in my home, it goes much farther. Those who claim to have Christ need to keep their eyes clear of evil as much as possible. There's enough that will come your way without going after it. The Internet can also be a snare. It would be better for you to unplug it if you can't keep off the porn sites although if you are hooked on porn, just staying off the Net won't completely cure you. You need deliverance! The books that we read, the things we fix our eyes on, and all the rest are important to God. Jesus said in Luke 11:34, "The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness." While we can't always control what passes before us, we can control what we dwell on.

"I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me." Watching people act out murders, adultery, and all the other sins outlined in the Bible will cause us to pick up these sins. "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." 1 Cor. 15:33 The people we hang out with, the friends we pick, and the places we desire to go are all important. While Christ did eat with sinners and publicans, he did it to evangelize them but not to stay for a long period of time. The Apostle Paul said that we would have to keep some company with fornicators else we would have to go out of the world but we gravitate to whom and what is our best interests.

"A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person."

The word "forward" means "crooked" or "perverse." It relates to disobedience and opposition. It's like this: We are Christ's or we're not. You're either all his or none, he won't have half and half. Yes, at times we fight the flesh but it is our job, with his help, to keep the flesh under subjection. See 1 John 2:15-17. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." We have to live and work in this world but we must strive to be sanctified through him. "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:15-17 Those were some of the last words of Jesus said in prayer before he went to the garden of Gethsemane. Gethsemane

 

Psalm 101, Verses 1-2

1 A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. 2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

God is a God of mercy and judgment. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees in their over emphasis of tithes and gifts when he said, “But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” Luke 11:42 Here he shows that God is a loving God showing mercy to those who seek it with a humble heart as well as to those who show mercy themselves as Jesus said in Matthew 5: 7, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” James also wrote the following in James 2:13, “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” But judgment is also the other side of God. Read what the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ”.

David also said he would sing of mercy and judgment “unto thee, O LORD.” Christian songs need to be those that glorify God and tell of his grace. They should have a clear message and one should not have to guess who the artist is singing about or to. I’m afraid in much of the genres of “Christian” music today that’s not the case. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 The word “admonishing” or “admonish” means “to caution or reprove” or to warn. We sing songs to the Lord glorifying Him but we also sing to others, telling of his grace and his judgment that will come upon the earth.

2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

Our behavior is important. How we behave reflects our testimony as a Christian. Many times we become flippant and sensual attitudes and actions are displayed before we realize and our testimony is jeopardized. Paul told the young evangelist Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 Men did not despise Timothy’s youth if he were an example of the things that Paul mentioned, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. David “behaved himself wisely” when he was among the soldiers of King Saul and therefore Saul could not find anything against him. Many times the church suffers reproach but that reproach is brought on by us and not always the Lord in that our actions are not in agreement to God’s Word. The Lord uses men to punish as we read in Psalm 17:13b, “deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:”

Then he asks the question, “O when wilt thou come unto me?” Do we desire God’s presence in our lives? Do we hunger after his word and spirit or is our desires really in another area or our life? I will tell you that you must continually stir yourself up by praying, fasting, and reading his Word or the devil will be sure to get you cooled off in Christ. It is a constant battle and we will never fully win until we are with him in heaven so get with it and press in! Remember what Christ told the thriving church in Ephesus: “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:2-5 I believe that I am correct in saying that the church of Ephesus, although then seemingly a powerhouse for God is no longer. I don’t know about you but this causes me concern. America has lost its first love for the gospel, the church in America has lost its first love for the gospel, and it frightens me to thing that many of us have to. We must go back and “do the first works over again!’

The third thing he says in verse two is that “I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.” The home seems to be the battleground in America. Almost every day we hear on the news about a killing taking place within a family. The number of families still in their first marriages now are less than 50% of the total households in America. How we act in the home will reflect on how we act in public. How we act with our own reflects on how we fare with God. I know the Jesus said “For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.” Matthew 10:35-36 But here, he was talking about division because of some believing the gospel and some not. He was trying to tell his listeners that the ones who may try to stop them from serving Christ the most would be those of their own family. But if our actions are base and we treat our family with hatred, that’s a different story. “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” Proverbs 14:1 This can apply to men as well. How we act in our homes tells what kind of faith we really have.

Because I try to make these blogs somewhat short, I’ll stop here and will go on next time to verse three.

Harry Potter???

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Ephesians 5:11

At midnight, Saturday July 21, 2007 the final Harry Potter book was released. People stood in line for hours just to be there when the 12th hour struck so they could get their copy. I hope you weren’t in the line! This book, nor any of the Harry Potter series that have been so widely read and used have no place in the Church of Jesus Christ. We have no fellowship with darkness. One reviewer wrote the following, “Overall, this book was the darkest in series, which makes sense because it's time for the final showdown.” While this is thankfully the last of this series, one wonders what will come next. Titles such as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – the latest book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire should be enough to indicate what’s inside.

If you are a disciple of Christ you should not even consider reading such things. Sound old fashioned? Perhaps, but remember this, we make our entrance into heaven not on new ideas and how our world changes but by obeying the Bible, God’s Word. I realize that this is a little scathing but this should be very obvious to a true Bible believing Christian. I wasn’t going to mention this on the blog but God dealt with me to do so as I know the climate of the “church.” I have encountered those who claim to be “Christian” but read this trash! We, has Christians, have NOTHING to do with witchcraft, sorcery, or anything else that is pushed by the devil. This is not the time of reason but a time to obey God’s Word and proclaim his promises for all those who will serve him.

In Psalm 101, David writes the following: “I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.” There are two sides to God, one of mercy, and one of judgment. Which side will you be on?

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Rev. 21”8 (underline mine)

The apostle Paul writes the following in Galatians: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 19-21 That’s a bad lot and sounds like a pretty unpleasant bunch to be around. So how would you like to be around this group?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 Doesn’t the second group sound better? Then why do some constantly want to read material that flaunts the first when they can have the second? The answer is one of two reasons. They have never really become Christ’s, or they have given back over to the flesh and have lost out with him.

Friend, if you in either of these groups, come to Christ. Give your life to him and he’ll give you that peace that passes all understanding.

America! America!

Oh beautiful, for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.

Oh beautiful, for pilgrims' feet
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America! God mend thine ev'ry flaw;
Confirm thy soul in self control, thy liberty in law!

Oh beautiful, for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine,
'Til all success be nobleness, and ev'ry gain divine!

Oh beautiful, for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years,
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea!
Samuel Ward: From wikipedia.com

I love our country. I was born here, grew up here, and will probably die or ascend into heaven (the rapture) from here. My memory stretches back about fifty years to this date and I can’t help seeing what has become of our nation. What was only a whisper and kept in closets for shame is now openly supported and taunted nation wide. But it is not my intent here to show forth our nation’s sins but to exhort those who believe in the power of prayer and who will do so to pray for our nation, not only today on this Independence Day, but on a daily basis.

Pray for our leaders:
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 1-4

We should pray for them for the obvious reason stated, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” This means we should pray for them so we can have peace in our streets; peace in our homes; the privilege of free speech, the right to preach and teach the whole Word of God without government harassment or their “framing mischief by a law” “Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?” Psalm 94:20

A ruler’s heart can be changed and turned as mentioned in Proverbs 21:1: “ The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” The “rivers of water” mentioned here are small channels of water as used in irrigation which can sometimes be changed with just the moving of dirt with the foot.

Seek the peace of the city:
Jeremiah wrote to those who were in captivity in Babylon the following: “Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. ” Jeremiah 29: 5-6 This is like the first admonition but it is here up to us to try to seek the peace of the city and live peaceable lives. Sometimes, doing the work of God is anything but peaceful in that we fight Satan and his followers but in general terms, we are to live peaceably and treat others as we want them to treat us. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14

Do our best to obey the laws of the land:
We are exhorted to obey the laws that we are under. I feel that this should be done as long as Biblical teachings teach otherwise, but this is rare. An example would be if there was a law forbidding Bible reading, then we would have to stand for Christ and read our Bibles or find another solution. This is my opinion and this also comes with conviction but let me make it very clear that many use the Bible as an excuse to disobey the law when in fact it is not so.

“ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” Romans 13:1-4

By reading the above scripture, it should be very clear why we need to pray for our rules. We should pray for the elections that will be coming up in 2008. It is important who will be ruling us. I’m not on a political soap box because right now I don’t know who I’d vote for….it’s more who I wouldn’t. But we, as a church, as a nation, need to pray. We get who we ask for according as to who God ordains. God is the judge but he makes judgment in light of what we are as a nation.

“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.” Psalm 75:6-8

One more scripture that many are very familiar with……and it is true!

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Homosexuality

Let’s get right to the point.

Is homosexuality a sin according to God’s word? Yes. (By using the word “homosexual” we are talking about “gays” and “lesbians.”)

Does that mean that we hate the homosexual? Absolutely not! Even though we live in a day that we are accused of being hate mongers by anyone who may not like our viewpoint, we do NOT HATE THEM NOR SHOULD WE, in fact, our heart should go out to them. But again, let’s be VERY clear on this. WE DO NOT HATE HOMOSEXUALS!!!

Let me also say that I know some who hold this lifestyle who I think very highly of in other areas. Most are not the militant type that you would see on TV but are polite, peace loving people. But if God’s word does not OK this lifestyle, are we, as a church, justified by condoning this practice? Is it fair to them? No. Will some be offended? Yes, they will but just because someone is offended doesn’t make the truth of God’s word wrong. There is a law snaking its way through congress that poses strict panatelas against hate crimes. While this may seem good on the surface, it only paves the way to stop the church from preaching the unadulterated Word of God which should be the right of the church. It is not the mission of the church to always make people happy but to get them to heaven.

Let look at the scripture.

Romans 1: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

A simple reading of the above text can show that God is not in favor and will judge this type of behavior. Also, it does not support the fact that one is naturally born a homosexual. GOD IS SMARTER THAN SCIENCE!

1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

That seems clear to me.

1 Timothy 1: 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

The word “whoremongers” is taken from the Greek word “por’nos” meaning a prostitute bus specifically a “male” prostitute. It is derived from the Greek word “pop-ras”-ko” meaning “to sell.” This same “whoremonger” is used in Revelation 21:8 which says, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

This was also forbidden in the Old Testament as we read in the following scriptures.

Deuteronomy 23:17 There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.

1 Kings 14:24 And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

This does not take in account the judgment of Sodom for this sin as well. See Genesis chapter 19.

This is very clear in the Word of God and leaves little to argue with when rightly dividing the word of truth. While it may be argued that empowers in Rome and some Greek philosophers favored and even practiced this, it doesn’t validate in light of the Word of God. While we are not the final judge, we do have the obligation of bringing out the truth of God’s Word. Acts 20:27 “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” We must do it in love and not in malice, reaching for their souls so they may have deliverance and eternal life.

Jude 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Note Jude says “hating the garments” and not them.

The Oneness Crowd

I get emails from folks that of what is commonly referred to as the “Oneness Movement.” ( I had mentioned to one that I was waiting a couple of weeks to respond but I’ve decided that I’d get this out of the way before I left.) Those in this movement believe that Christ is all in one, another words there is not a trinity but Christ is God and the Holy Ghost. They site scriptures out of context to support their claim and if you follow their arguments, the result is only confusion. I have debated with them on occasion, personally and via email but I will tell you that it is a waste of time. They are like lions waiting to pounce on your every word and twist it to their liking and they also are good at not answering a question with a direct answer but giving some other unrelated answer. If you debate with them long, you will be led down a meandering road of confusion which is what they really want, as the devil is the author of it. I’m not writing this just for my own behalf but for those of you who may come in contact with these people.

The Oneness doctrine was contrived in a campmeeting back in the 1900’s by a man who supposedly prayed all night and received this revelation. Later, they realized it was in error but by that time it had already grown out of control and could not be stopped as error always multiplies. They will say Paul was a Oneness or whatever term they want to use but that’s not so.


1. I do not hate those who are a part of this doctrine. I have run into many good people who are sympathetic to this and have enjoyed some short times of fellowship. But I have also run into those who are nothing but contentious and are on a crusade to promote this.
2. Debating them is useless for two reasons. They will not change as this is a spirit of error and only deliverance can change them. I have seen some come out of this oneness movement and realize the error they were made to believe. But when a man or woman has been in this movement for many years, it is very difficulty to get them out. The second reason is that I certainly am not going to change my view of the Trinity after being saved for over thirty-one years.
3. Their emails are long, so long that it is laborious to even read through them. They take you down winding roads turning in one path than to another. If one takes the time to respond such a long article, they will pounce on your words and even your terminology. It just takes too long to mess with them. I work a job, pastor a church, and have a wife, children who are married and grandchildren. I just don’t feel I want to waste my time fooling with them. Don’t you either.
4. Their spirit is a very hard spirit to deal with….probably one of the hardest because it is so close to the real thing. Remember though, Satan can appear as an angel of light.
5. Finally, I will always email or even talk with anyone who has questions or some disputes on sanctification or other points I raise. I don’t mind that as I feel I can help. You are always welcome to write, but to those of this doctrine, don’t bother. I just won’t spend the time with you as I feel there are others who are really sincere about the Word of God and need my attention. I will not answer your emails and if you try to post, I’ll take it off. I have learned that the biggest thing the Oneness people want is a good argument and row. You’re not getting it here! It’s finished!! No more!! Take your heresy somewhere else because I don’t buy into it and it won’t have a spot here in this blog.

To the rest ----- May God help you and keep you.

What's Up

I’ve tried to enter a blog, if not weekly, on a bi-weekly basis. Many times I’ve had the Lord prompt me as to what to say. However, sometimes, I’ve had the urge, when not getting any special leading, just to make comments. I’ve finally fallen to that urge.

We are fighting a war – a spiritual one. I don’t want to make it sound like many are not aware of it but I really don’t think we, as a whole, really understand how important it is. There is a war in the heavens and on earth that will one culminate in Christ’s return and his setting up of his 1,000 years reign on earth. These things are spelled out in prophesy. Before this happens however, the Antichrist will arise and deceive many and will one day dominate the entire world for, it is believed, three and a half years. Antichrist forces and spirits have been loose since the begging of time but are now ramping up as they prepare for the final showdown against God and Satan. All of this is clearly outlined in scripture, however there is disagreement among Bible scholars as to when Christ will return for his church, or as we know as the “rapture.” There will come, what Bible scholars believe as the seven year tribulation period with the last three and a half years being ruled by the antichrist and false prophet. It is not completely certain as to when the “rapture” will take place: before the tribulation, in the middle, or after. I personally feel it may occur before however I refuse to be dogmatic about this because prophesy is so tangled and I am convinced that most of us do not have the complete picture of things.

For example, let’s look at what was happening during the time our Lord walked on the face of the earth. The disciples believed, as told by many scholars and even indicated in scripture, that when the Lord arose, the kingdom of God would appear. They felt like they were going to be in a place of prominence in it. That’s why they asked him in Acts 1:6 what they did. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” This was right before the his ascension into heaven. He put them to rest on this by saying the following. “And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” This has been two thousand years ago and we are looking for his appearing.

If all of this sounds strange and foreign to you than you are not familiar with basic prophesy and I urge you to study the scriptures. There are numerous places in the Bible that you can study but I would suggest you start with the book of Daniel and Revelation. You will not understand everything in there, in fact much of it may leave you wondering upon the first reading but as you continue to study, you will begin to find the truths of God’s word.

But you and I can do nothing without Christ in our hearts. If he doesn’t live in yours, please invite him in. He’s a perfect gentleman though…..He won’t come in unless you ask him.

Lack of Knowledge

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:” Hosea 4:6

That verse has been used many ways. I’ve heard some preach it in regards to those lacking prosperity. They would say that because the poorer lack the necessary knowledge to succeed, they don’t. That’s partially true. I’ve heard others say that the knowledge that people lack is knowledge of the gospel and Christ’s saving power. That is even more true. Many people, even in this United States, are not aware that Christ can save them and make them a new creature in him. They may have experienced some religion, but not that saving, changing religion that only Jesus Christ can give. But to get the true meaning of this verse, we must read a little further.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Israel’s problem was that they lacked knowledge, like many in the world, and even in the church. But the reason was that they had rejected the knowledge that was once available to them. When you read the rest of the verse, God is telling them that they forgot the law so he would forget their children. After this, the northern kingdom of Israel went into captivity about one hundred years before the southern kingdom of Judah. They stayed in that condition for centuries and now the entire nation is still struggling. We know that God is not finished with Israel but rejecting knowledge has a great price.

We, in America, have been given much knowledge of the scriptures. We have available to us an inexhaustible supply of materials that can help provide the knowledge of God’s Word. The Old Testament law had several parts; governmental, ceremonial, moral, cleanliness, and holiness. While the law was a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, it was also provided in order to make the Jews a separate people who could live in harmony with God and be effective for him on the earth. The moral aspects of the law re still with us and are translated into the New Testament. The church has this knowledge available to keep it a separate body, but is rejecting it. We are seeing the church so close to the world today that it is very difficult to tell which is which. Preaching against sin is becoming less and less and the knowledge of the Word of God is being rejected in place for modern teachers who can make us feel good. Paul was right when he wrote about the perils of the last days.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

The flesh likes what makes it feel good. We all like someone to pat us on the head and tell us we are doing good. What we don’t like is someone telling us we are doing something wrong. This is why Paul continues to admonish Timothy in the following verse. “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” Timothy would endure afflictions for preaching the gospel just like today. But we must trust in his Word and do our best, with God’s help, to obey it. Living the Christian life is not just a Sunday thing. No where in the Word of God do I find that, but living for him is a 24x7 thing. If we want to be able to call on him anytime 24x7, we should expect we are going to have to be his 24x7.

The Mothers in the Church

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:30

This is the time we honor our mothers which is right. It’s a wonderful time when the family, the oldest institution, is exalted and the mother being the keeper of it. A godly mother is priceless. She teaches her children the things of God and how to interact in this sinful world using God’s principles and commandments in his word. Here’s what the Apostle Paul wrote Titus about the mothers and their conduct.

We are living in a horrible time when we are hearing more and more where mothers are killing their own offspring. Truly this is the type of thing the Apostle Paul was referring to when he wrote Timothy saying that people in the last days would be “without natural affection.” It can only be a demo possessed woman who can go the lengths to kill her own children.

What is the older women’s responsibility to the younger who are just starting a family. The answer is in Titus 2:4, “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children”. It seems a little strange that someone would have to be “taught” to love their children and husbands, but if it were so in those days, how much more in this evil time where sin will look for you instead of you having to look for sin. But a mother’s job is a never finished. Many times they come home from work each day only to have to do another days work at home. And while us men can do some things, lets be honest, the ladies are the “keepers of home” and those who “guide the house.” 1 Timothy 5:14

You mothers who are reading this are extremely important! The values you set for them and the character you build will be with them throughout their lives and eternity. Be strong! Raise your children to fear God and keep his Word. Teach them to hide the word in their heart that they might not sin against God. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11 May the Lord help the mothers in our land who fear God raise a generation of God-fearing youths who will be able to fight the battles on their knees so we may not have to fight as much on the battlefield. God help our mothers!

The Lord’s Song – Continued

“Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.” Psalm 33:2-3

It is a fair statement to say that listening to music that doesn’t glorify God is not pleasing to him. When it became very apparent to many young church going people that Rock ‘N Roll was evil and of the devil, they backed away from it. So then Satan had another plan. Bring it in the church under the name of Jesus, and that’s what he did. What is happening to our “Christian” music today? The lines are becoming so blurred in some areas between the genre of Christian music and secular that some producers are now starting to say that there is not a Christian Music genre anymore The word “genre” in this context means “An expressive or style of music.” Wikipedia also says the following: “Genres are formed by sets of conventions, and many works cross into multiple genres by way of borrowing and recombining these conventions.” But remember, are we following the producers or the Bible? There IS a separate “song” for the Lord and one for the world and when these become blurred it is confussion and following after the doctrine of Balaam.

I’ll not fuss about the predominant beat that is in our music today for that is heard in all types of Christian Music. I’m using that term loosely for now. It would have been deplorable to have a drum set in the average church 50 years ago but now it is common place. Don’t get me wrong, I like some percussion and a little beat but I’m just trying to illustrate where we have been and were we are now. I’m not going to quibble about how various artists live. Most in the professional fields don’t live like we feel they ought and many have no separation from the world at all. But we sing in church gospel songs that were written by sinners who had an inspiring moment. I also will not flatly say that everyone in one category is wrong and the other is right. For example, not all of the music in the Southern Gospel category is without some questionable value and there are some good spiritual songs in the contemporary music ranks. But where we measure the merit of it is by the fruit it bears. Each type of music produces its own culture which is also a type of fruit. Look at the scripture below.

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:15-20

Look at the fruits of the music. With the fruits, also comes the culture as mentioned above. Here are some lyrics to a song by a very well known Christian rock group called Skillet. It from the song, “The Last Night”

Your parents say everything is your fault
But they don't know you like I know you they don't know you at all
I'm so sick of when they say
It's just a phase, you'll be o.k. you're fine
But I know it's a lie

This is a “Christian” group! What kind of fruit will that bring? And when you read the lyrics of the whole song, there is no context that it can have Christ involved or be referred to. Groups turning their drums upside down, using dazzling light shows, selling teeth coverings that light up do not glorify God nor does these things bear Christian fruit. There is a distinct culture that the Christian rock genre produces, and it’s not of God. The Dallas Morning News described a DC Talk “Freak Show” concert in the following manner. "As teenagers' shrieks filled the Dallas Convention Center moments before dc Talk took the stage Friday night, one of the relatively few grown-ups in the sold-out crowd observed, 'This is just like the BEATLES.'" Dallas Morning News, April 27, 1996

Where is Christ in that! If you say that they are going after Christ like people went after the Beatles you’re badly mistaken. You may argue that there are lots of teenagers being saved at these concerts. First, I don’t believe they really are but there may be some as God can save anyone, anywhere. However, what are they being saved to? Unfortunately, this has become so popular and has been embraced by the “church” as the church has become more like the world. This is why, when raising a voice against it, there is so much opposition and so little support. This kind of music produces the same fruit as their rock counterparts; rebellion! You can see it in the words given above.

Gospel music should have a clear and understandable message as to what is being conveyed. That’s why the Apostle Paul used the word “admonishing” which means “to warn and exhort.” “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 There must be that clear message that the hearer can understand. The message of Christian rock is not necessarily so. Michael W. Smith's album, Change Your World, has 2819 words but the word of Jesus occurs — ZERO! His album I’ll Lead You Home, has 2046 words but again Jesus occurs — ZERO! I realize the “hip” will say, these are his old “projects” as they are now called but things have not changed.

This is a subject that would take books to properly show and illustrate the demonic influence that Christian rock has made . But while we are on Michael W. Smith, lets point out one more thing that was observed by Dial-the-Truth Ministries.

“On the back of Smith's album The Big Picture, is Michael W. Smith — BACKWARDS! A common satanic practice, taught by Satanist Aliester Crowley (Crowley is very popular in the rock music world). Crowley gives instructions to the Satanist: But something even more frightening appears on the album . . . The M in Michael and the T in Smith is part of the Runic (runic means secret) alphabet used in witchcraft and Satanism! Only someone involved in the occult would know such an alphabet exists! In the book, Web of Darkness, former Satanist Sean Sellers says, "Runes are the oldest form of occult knowledge and magic . . . their use sets a person against God." (Sean Sellers, Web of Darkness, p. 72)” From Christian Rock: Blessing or Blasphemy by Terry Watkins.

As I said above, this just scratches the surface. There is no way we can cover this vast subject in this small sace. The rebellion and demonic influences that this music produces in the name of Christ is astounding. We must again recall Jesus’ statement in Matthew 7:15, “ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

We have a lot of wolves prowling around our country in the name of Jesus, and they’re devouring our children and will eventually devour much of the church! There will be some that will read this and do a lot of “hair splitting” in order to defend Christian rock music, however I challenge you to prayerfully back off a little and take a long look at the fruits that this is producing and you’ll find that it is not producing Godly character or a hunger for Christ. The language and some of the terms may even be god-ward, but the fruit will not be there. That’s because it’s not The Lord’s Song!

The Lord’s Song

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16

Music can be a powerful element. Before I was saved, I would read in various music magazines statements like, “Music is the most powerful force on the planet.” Of course we know that God’s power is the most powerful but this illustrates how much influence and “power” some musicians feel music can have. God thought it was so important that he built music into his arch angel, Lucifer, who is now Satan or the devil now. At one time though, Lucifer possibly ruled the planet although I’m not going to get into the argument if there were thousands of years between Genesis 1:1 and 2 at this time. The point is that he was God’s arch angel until he fell.

Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

Jesus said, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” Luke 10:18 He is now the “prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” Ephesians 2:2b But at first it was not so. He was a leader and even had music built within him.

Ezekiel 28:12 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. 13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. 14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. (Underlines are mine).

While the first eleven verses of Ezekiel chapter 28 deals exclusively with the King of Tyrus, this part does not. Even though he is named, someone else is being addressed. We know this for several reasons.

1. The King of Tyrus was not perfect in beauty
2. He could not have been in Eden
3. While he no doubt had many precious stones, he could not be covered literally with all of these in such a great fashion.
4. The King of Tyrus was “created” from the womb therefore he could not have tabrets and pipes within him.
5. He was not the anointed cherub nor was he on the mountain of God.
6. He was not perfect in his ways for all have been born into sin.

Just from the above, there can be little or no argument that the one being addressed is Satan, or Lucifer before the fall. This describes him before his fall. He was perfect in beauty as all God’s angels are. He had been in Eden at one time and perhaps there was a former one, who knows. The point is that he at one time was a beautiful angel before his fall. He was adorned with all the precious stones including the sardius, the topaz, the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, the carbuncle, and gold. He also had tabrets and pipes built within. These provided for the three basic elements of music: melody, haromy, and rhythm. He no doubt led in worship and praise to God and made beautiful music doing so.

BUT WHEN SATAN FELL, HIS MUSIC FELL!!

This does not mean that music in itself is bad. When we read the book of Psalms, we are constantly reminded of the psalms written for the choirs and musicians. David himself was a great musician. And while there is no direct mention of musical instruments used in the New Testament church, there is no word that they cannot be used either. However, if you choose not to have instruments in the church, I understand. But when church is over, do you go out into the car and turn on the music that glorifies adultery, sex, and all the vices of sin!

Satan has used music to subvert whole generations. He has used it to demonize and introduce a culture that is only bent on rebellion. Anyone who does a casual glance back in time since the early 50’s when Elvis came on the scene can see how Rock ‘N Roll has advanced and how the wickedness and influence of the music has created a generation gap that was never there before. Even the term is taken from immoral terms. Wikipedia says the following about the term.

The term "rock and roll", which was black slang for dancing or sex, appeared on record for the first time in 1922 on Trixie Smith's "My Baby Rocks Me With One Steady Roll". The word "rock" had a long history in the English language as a metaphor for "to shake up, to disturb or to incite". The verb "Roll" was a medieval metaphor which meant "having sex".

Quite frankly, I don’t feel someone can claim with an honest heart that they are Christ’s and continue to listen and sing the songs glorifying the lusts of this world. Music is esthetic and becomes a part of what we are. That’s why the Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 5:18-19 the following: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” As Christians, the tunes and lyrics within us should glorify God, not Satan.

Sour Grapes

“What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge?” Ezekiel 18:2

The above proverb was used by the children of Israel in order to give an excuse for their sins and their captivity. They were saying that, due to the sins of the fathers, they were also sinning. However, God is condemning this excuse as he condemns it today. This generation cannot blame the past generation for their sins but every man must bear his on sin. Galatians 5:5 says, “For every man shall bear his own burden.” Verse 7 then says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” This is a true fact of life, and much so concerning the things of God.

When someone says something like, “I got that bad temper from my dad,” or “I know I swear a lot. I got that from my mother,” they are makinging excusing for their sin and blaming it on their parents. They are doing like the children of Israel did when they said that their fathers ate sour grapes and set the teeth of the sons on edge. It is true that we do inherit some traits and even carry some genetic disorders from the past generations. In Exodus 34 6 we read of this account. “And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, 7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.” The Lord is telling Moses that things can be passed down to the third and fourth generation due to the sins of the fathers. However, we are still responsible for what we do today. We may have inherited some traits, but Christ will judge us as to how we deal with these traits, “for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10b

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Mark 15:34

Just before his death, our Lord felt God had turned his back on him. That’s why he uttered that phrase in Hebrew (even though he spoke Aramaic) that many of us can quote, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani.” It should be a comfort to us then to know that even the Son of God thought that the father had forsaken him. There are many times we feel that today. In the face of a trial where there seems to be no deliverance; in a time when we pray and yet the heavens feel like brass; when we fall into times of despondency or depression and find it difficult to get out; when a loved one doesn’t seem to want to follow Christ but seems to go out of their way to rebel against Him and your counsel; All these make us feel that God has forsaken us. But he really hasn’t.

It is not uncommon to feel discouraged or forsaken. David felt the same way.
“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?” Those who can buy their way out of a problem or try to remedy it by their own means do not grow in faith and could eventually lose the very faith it takes to be a child of God because “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17b Hebrews 10:38 also says, “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Our faith is being tried. James 1:2-4 says the following: “¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

David oven goes on to say in Psalms 22:2, “O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.” He has prayed and cried out to God but seemly to no avail. He felt forsaken, not even able to get a prayer through. I am Pentecostal and have always heard and repeated the old phrase, “It’s better felt than ‘telt.’” Another words, I like to feel the spirit of God when I pray, worship, preach, and even talk to others about Him. However, sometimes there is no feeling and it is necessary just to walk by faith.

What to do!

What should we do? Keep praying and serving him. Read the Bible because Paul writes in Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” It is our roadmap to heaven as well as our guide on earth. I may not always feel his spirit, but I can always read his Word. God doesn’t have to always give a “revelation” or “word of prophesy” although he can as that is scriptural as long is it is in accordance to his Word and it is REALLY from him. He has already spoken to you and I through his Word. If we keep praying and believing, we will be encouraged and he will hear. “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24

Psalms 42:5 “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.”

Our Lord is no longer on the cross my friend. He’s not in the tomb, nor is he even on the earth in bodily form. But he is coming back. Be ready! “look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28

Christian Music Anyone?

“A Psalm of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.” Psalm 138:1

There is rising in the music community the question, “Does the Christian music genre still exist?” Understand that this is not a debate on the types of Christian music but if the whole genre is fading? I’ll say right now that I’m not an expert in the music industry so I cannot give facts on what artist is doing where. What I can do, however, is comment on the whole question and that it is sad that a question of this is being asked or thought about. Please don’t misunderstand me in that I am not “throwing stones” at anyone for actually raising this question. They are simply basing their observations on what they are currently seeing happen in the music industry. I’ll leave that to them. I’m concerned about their observations.

The cause of this concern lies in the fact that we are continuing to see the lines of separation between the church and the world become thinner and thinner. We must evangelize the gospel and use whatever we can legitimately use for the spread of the Good News. We are Christ’s Ambassadors. Let’s say I came to you from a foreign country, say Spain. Let’s say you are tired of the country you are living in and know there has to be a better place. If I come looking and acting like the country are are now in, you may say, “What’s the difference? You look and act the same and talk the same way I do. You tell me how wonderful Spain is and how gracious the people are there but your manners are the same as mine. You’re culture is no different. Why should I spend the money to go to Spain which, from what I’ve seen, is no different than here?” I hope you get the point.

When I was first saved back in 1976, I was a band director in a small school in Iowa. I began to listen to a Christian radio station out of Cedar Rapids in the evenings when I would be working in the band room. (I wasn’t married then). The first thing I noticed was that the music then had a positive feel to it and I could sense a definite difference from that which I was teaching and hearing during the day. It was uplifting and made me feel closer to the Savior. Isn’t that what Christian music is supposed to do?

I quoted the scripture above for a reason. David said he would praise God with a “whole heart.” That doesn’t mean just part, but the whole. But he goes on saying that “before the gods” he would sing praises unto the Lord. The word “gods” here doesn’t mean idols but is loosely translated as “rulers” and interpreted as “judge” five times. He’s saying that he will praise God before the rulers, but we can also apply this to praising God before the people. Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” This stems from actually singing songs with a message that may teach or provide a gentle warning of a coming judgment, as well as encouragement. 1 Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”

A Reproach To The Nations

“Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed; and hast defiled thyself in thine idols which thou hast made; and thou hast caused thy days to draw near, and art come even unto thy years: therefore have I made thee a reproach unto the heathen, and a mocking to all countries.” Ezekiel 22:4

Like Israel, America has become a reproach to the nations. Here Ezekiel is stating that now the southern kingdom, which was Judah, has now fallen and become a reproach to the nations of the world. The cause was apparent – sin! It was sin in the government, sin in the people but the cause was sin in the priesthood. America is in the same lot. Our churches no longer are the centers of deliverance but worldly entertainment with a “Christian” flare to it and havens for those who practice “social concerns.” Worship in the general sense is feigned or not done at all, but has become a routine just like the routine that the priests performed when they carried out their daily functions has priests. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24 America has stood on the Biblical principals of the church for years but now these have crumbled. The church can no longer stop the sweeping tide of sin and leftist propaganda that is now hitting our news daily. While in some places the pews are full, the tide of sin even in those attending has not decreased.

Many have fallen in love with the world and worldliness so much that they are now believing a lie as said in 2 Thessalonians 11-12, “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” This has happened in all rinks and many have strayed away from the Word of God and have built their doctrines on philosophy, favorite teachers, and their own lusts. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;” 2 Timothy 4:3 We are living in that time now. Judgment on America is looming and it will begin at the house of God. 1 Peter 4:17 says, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”

Other nations can now see this. While we, as a nation have done many wonderful things throughout the world in helping those less fortunate than us, we are also causing them to look on things other than the Gospel but on things of this life. I’ve heard press accounts that say, “People hate Americans” and then try to blame in on foreign policy. But may I remind you what the Solomon wrote in Proverbs 21:1: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” And the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” So after reading these scriptures, may I ask who is responsible? There are more and the study could be much more in depth but that’s enough to chew on for now.

Those who claim to be a part of the church in the United States must get serious before God. We must take our prayer time and Bible study seriously. We must not try to see how close to the world we can come and still retain our salvation and contact with God, but hunger for the things of God. I fear only judgment and tragedy will cause the church to come to its knees. “Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.” Malachi 3:18

Do You Have to “Find Yourself”

“A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.” Proverbs 18:2

Young people have been saying for several years, “I need to go and find myself.” Whet people are saying is that they don’t know their true purpose here on earth nor do they know their real identity. By identity, I mean they really don’t know what kind of person they should be. Now I’ve never heard of someone calling from somewhere near Dallas saying, “Guess what! I found me here on I-20 and 365.”

This is the problem with many. They never really grow up to “find themselves,” and are still living in their teenage years because of it. If you’re reading this and this is your case, Jesus Christ can give you your true identity and help you know yourself. If you will ask him into your heart and commit your life to him, you will truly “find yourself.”

But there are many in the church who haven’t found themselves. They don’t know what they’re supposed to do in the church nor do they really have an identity as a Christian. They’ve prayed and perhaps been baptized in water by immersion which is the scriptural way, but they have never grown after that. They have gone on their way simply claiming to be a Christian but no longer abide in the vine of Christ. The church is full of this type of Christian and I’m afraid that they will eventually lose out with God. John 15:2 says, “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” So what is bearing fruit?

One way of bearing fruit is having the fruits of the spirit which cannot be done without God’s help. These are the following: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. See James 5:22-23. We are constantly warring against the flesh and if you constantly yield to the flesh it will have control. I know if I constantly feed my flesh with this world and take no time for the things of God, the spirit gets less and less dominance all the time. If I would continue on this downward spiral I would eventually lose out with God altogether. “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38 Eventually the basic faith in salvation is lost and the soul is lost. The works of the flesh are these: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21 Wow! These sound bad, don’t they.

Galatians 5:17 says, “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” It sounds like a losing battle doesn’t it. But it’s not. Verse 18 has the answer. “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” That means you want to do right, not just because someone tells you to. You and I can accomplish this by “feeding the spirit” in devotion to Christ. Pray and read your Bible daily and be faithful to a Bible believing church. You will grow and “find yourself” as a Christian. Remember, you may have “found yourself” in a good career but if you don’t “find yourself” in Christ you will be dealing with eternity. Careers last for only a moment in time, but eternity is forever!