Acts 28:27: Are you plugging your ears and closing your eyes?

 

Acts 28:27: Are you plugging your ears and closing your eyes?

 (Acts 28:27) For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

This passage from Acts makes me think of the Old Testament.  The books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, & Ezekiel are pretty intense and sometimes difficult to read because of all the horrible things that are precited to come to the rebellious people to which the prophets are speaking (as well as prophesies for our own time). I am not going to dwell on those prophesies today; my focus is on those who willingly approached the prophets and asked for signs.  There are multiple instances, and I am not going to list one specific one but group them together in general because they all follow the same pattern.

Men of the city, usually the leaders, would seek out one of the prophets and beg for a prophecy from God. They would promise to obey to do whatever the Lord asked of them.  They claim they will not be rebellious or angry but promise to do the Lord's will.  What they do not consider is that God knows their hearts and if one asks for a word from the Lord, he had better be prepared for an honest answer.  God cannot lie (Titus 1:2). The prophets of God were willing vessels and bravely obeyed the Lord in saying all they were instructed to say.  Therefore, when asked for a prophecy, the answers were usually along the same lines (and rings true for us as well): repent of your sins, give up your idols, your false theologies, your immoral lifestyles, and God will bless you.  Just as the verse in Acts above tells us God wants to heal those who repent.  Did the seekers get on their knees and obey?  No!  They got angry and found another "religious" man to give them a new prophecy that tickled their ears and made them happy. Sometimes they even imprisoned, tortured, and/or murdered the prophets that spoke the Truth. They stubbornly held onto their wicked ways until the Lord did as He promised and punished them.  You see, God always, always, always, gives us a chance to surrender our will and give up our sins. God does not desire any of us to be punished now or in death but wants all to live for Him so we can have a joyful life now and spend forever with Him in heaven.  

(2 Peter 3:9) The Lord... is longsuffering to us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  

Aren't we just like the men of old? We beg God to speak to us and promise we will obey.  Yet when we read the Bible and see that God commands us to be separate from the world and the Lord says to "come out from among them, and be ye separate... and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. " (2 Corinthians 6:17:18-7:1), we shut the Bible and put it back on the shelf.  We do not want to be told to give up alcohol, drugs, sex outside of marriage, the occult/witchcraft, lying, cheating, pornography, etc.  We plug our ears and shut our eyes to the Truth and go to a happy little church that will willingly tell us there is grace for all our sins, so we do not need to repent because God loves us no matter what we do.  

(2 Timothy 4:3-4) 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. 

Today's pastors are not ignorant of what the Bible really says about holiness, they choose to scripture pick the verses that make it seem as if God winks at sin.  They know if they were honest to their listeners like the prophets of old were, their offering plates would be empty. They are counting on you to be lazy and just take them at face value and not read the Bible on your own. Most are just like those men that sought out Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel and don't want to be told to change their rebellious ways.  

People who preach holiness are called judgmental because we refuse to lie to you.  The truth is, we are not judging you; we care about you and want you to have an abundant, joyful life in Christ. What we say is out of a heart of love, not criticism. If we hated you, we would not care where you spent eternity. 

My writings are not from a critical heart, but a compassionate one.  I am not judging any person; I am merely pointing out what the Bible has to say about sin. Those of us who preach holiness love you more than those that lie to you just so you will put money in the offering to help them buy a new car. We don't want your money; we want you to be set free from sin so you can live in peace and have eternal joy in heaven.  Freedom in Christ is repenting of and not repeating habitual sins.  God's grace does not mean you are free to sin.

(Romans 6:1-2 & 6) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 

My point is, do not turn away from the Truths of the Bible just because you don't like what it asks you to give up.  If you are seeking answers from the Lord, that is an excellent place to start.  But don't just say you love the Lord, follow it up with action.  You need to choose to love the Lord more than you love the world. Are you willing to listen to the Truths in the Bible?  Will you give up what God asks you to?  Will you unplug your eyes, open your eyes, repent and obey? 

Acts 26:18 & 20: Turn from Darkness to Light

 

Acts 26:18 & 20: Turn from Darkness to Light

(Acts 26:18 & 20) "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me... that they should repent and turn to God,and do works meet for repentance."

This is from a speech by Paul as he speaks about his conversion to King Agrippa.  One of the messages that he was called to preach was to encourage all of us to "turn... from darkness to light."  To give up the evil ways of the world by fleeing from the "power of Satan unto God."  The best way to achieve this is to repent to receive God's forgiveness of sins.  When you study your Bible apart from what others try to teach you, then you will learn the difference between the dark and light.  The more you love God and realize how much He loves you, the more you will crave His light and hate the dark.

Paul once again makes it very clear that we must turn to God with a penitent heart, and our works should bring about repentance.  Confessing our sins and asking God to forgive us is what brings us closer to God.  Continuing to strive to stay away from ungodly behaviors and vises are the works we must practice keeping our relationship with Christ strong.  Bearing good fruit and striving to live right will keep God close and the world at bay.  

Acts 15:18: There are no Surprises for God

 

 

Acts 15:18: There are no Surprises for God

Acts 15:18 says, "Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world."  I see that to mean that God is aware of all that has and will happen. There are no surprises for Him. He has it all under control.  This includes your life and mine.  

God knows all my works, good and bad.  But I also want to focus on the fact that God knows my story past, present, and future.  Through divine dreams, God sometimes gives me a hint of what may happen, but usually I just have to live each day one second at a time.  However, it gives me great peace that God knows what will happen in the next second and the next long before they occur.  I know He is already holding my hand before the hard times hit and is also cheering me on for even small successes.  He knows when I will struggle physically and spiritually, and He goes before me to prepare my heart and soul to be ready to face the fears and doubts with hope and grace.  He even sees how much I love Him and want to bring His name glory.  

I praise God I serve One who holds all my days in the palms of His hands.  I may change (hopefully for the better), but God is never changing.  His love endures and His love for me will never fade.

The late singer George Younce once said (I am paraphrasing) that having God direct his paths was worth more than winning millions in lottery.  I agree; God's guidance and correction are priceless.  

Good has numbered all of our steps and has known each of us from our mother's womb (see Psalm 139).  Lt's praise God for choosing us and directing our paths for His glory! 

Acts 10:9-17 & 34-36: Lord of All

 

 

Acts 10:9-17 & 34-36: Lord of All

Acts 10:34-36 says so much.  It shows that God does not favor one race over another.  "He is Lord of all."  It shows us also that we are His children when we "feareth him, and worketh righteousness."  Again, Peter reminds us that we are to fear the Lord and show Him reverence.  And, yes, we must work to be righteous.  Then we can be called God's children if we follow the ways of holy living and live a life of fear and awe of God.

A few verses before these scriptures (Acts 10:9-17), Peter has a vision of God offering him different kinds of animals to eat.  As a Jew, Peter refused to eat anything he considered "unclean."  God tells Peter, "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common." 

Although the dietary laws are no longer relevant for today (see Matthew 15:10-11 & 16-18), in this case, God was not referring to animals, but to people.  He was telling Peter to quit being a spiritual bigot and to preach to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews.  God reminded Peter that He loves all souls and wants everyone to have an opportunity to hear the gospel message and be saved.

Peter humbly listened and obeyed God.  It is safe to say this message stayed with him the rest of his days for he later writes in 2 Peter 3:9 that "The Lord is... longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that ANY should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance."  

May we also see receive this message from God and never refuse to teach God's Truths to anyone.

(Acts 10:9-17) On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

And there came a voice to him, "Rise, Peter; kill, and eat."

But Peter said, "Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean."

And the voice spake unto him again the second time, "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common."

This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

(Acts 10:34-35) Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)."

Acts 9:31 & 10:2: What does it mean to fear the Lord?

 

 

Acts 9:31 & 10:2: What does it mean to fear the Lord?

Acts 9:31 refers to the disciples that were teaching as "walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost."

Again, in Acts 10:2 it refers to a man named Cornelius as being "a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house."  

What does it mean to fear the Lord?

A popular spiritual leader once posted that the fear of the Lord "means having a devoted and loving heart toward Him." Although this is true, according to the Bible, this is an over-simplified interpretation. Yes, we should absolutely love the Lord. it is why we became Christians and what drives our faith.  When we love the Holy Trinity and realize how kind, gracious, and forging God is, "the goodness of God leadeth [us] to repentance" (Romans 2:4). Which of course leads to, 2 Corinthians 7:10 that reminds us, "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."

However, fearing the Lord is not simply loving God. It is acknowledging that He holds our eternal fates in His hands.  Hebrews 10:30-31 should be the basis for all decisions we make. 

(Hebrews 10:30-31) The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 

Fearing the Lord means respecting His rules and realizing His love for us is why He put those rules in place to keep us safe, not because He is a cruel bully.  We are not to fear Him as an abusive family member or cruel boss, but because He is the only one who will make the decision on whether or not we will go to Heaven or Hell.  He wishes that none would ever go to Hell ([God] is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9) which is why He requires us to do as He (not man) commands.

When we think of all our choices as being observed by a Holy God, we should be in awe and fear.  It should make us think twice before we pick up a piece of literature or watch a program full of witchcraft, violence, sexual perversions, and outright mock God and all the Bible stands for.   

One of my favorite late preachers, Leonard Ravenhill used to put it this way (I am paraphrasing.), "When we stand before God on judgement day we won't simply say, 'Hey, buddy, thanks for the cross,' we will bow on our faces in fear and trembling."  No matter how defiantly you choose to live your life, or arrogantly claim you don't need God, if you truly picture what Heaven will be like the moment you arrive (I am not speaking of all eternity full of bliss and joy, but your initial encounter with God) you will realize it will be very frightening as you relive all the sins you refused to repent of and all the rules you intentionally broke.  Because God is unfathomably gracious and merciful, He will not remember those sins you asked His forgiveness for (notice how David uses the same theme of fearing the Lord):

(Psalm 103:11-13) For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. 

At some point you have probably heard or read from the book of Proverbs that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." Proverbs makes it clear that those who refuse to fear God and hate "wisdom and instruction" are "fools" (Proverbs 1:7).  It goes on to say in Proverbs 8:13 "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward [not willing to yield or comply with what is required of God] mouth, do I hate. " That one verse alone sums up all I am trying to say.    

Proverbs also goes on to describe the fear of the Lord as finding "the knowledge of God" (2:5), "the knowledge of... holy understanding" (9:10), "a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death" (14:27). "tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil"(19:23).  It also reminds us that we should not "envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long" (23:17). 

God is very loving, gracious, merciful, and forgiving. "We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19). Yes, we can have a close walk and friendship with God, but we must never treat God as casual as a human friend but respect Him as our Creator and Judge.

Next time you think of God as a casual buddy, please consider these verses:

(Revelation 20:12-13) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 

(2 Timothy 4:4) I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom.  

(1 Peter 1:14-17) As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.

(Revelation 21:7-8) He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 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. 

Acts 2:41-47 & 4:32-35: In One Accord

 

Acts 2:45 & 4:32-37: In One Accord

Several times during the book of Acts, it is mentioned that the Christians living in one community were all in "one accord," which in this case basically means they were like-minded in spiritual matters.  They worshiped the one true God and one true gospel of Jesus Christ and were not ripped apart by false teachings.  It also mentions several times that many of them sold their possessions and divided the money among the group.  No one was in need because they shared with one another and looked out for one another.

Today's Christians are at each other's throats over denominational, theological, and political divisions.  Seldom can they agree to disagree but insult and ostracize one another. If we could all live by what the Bible says rather than by what man inaccurately teaches, and instead of trying to make our own false religions to fit unbiblical lifestyles, we could find true harmony as they had among the believers in Peter's community.

We need to learn to love all races equally, no matter what any xenophobic political leader tries to get you to believe.

I believe there will one day soon be a time when Christians of many different backgrounds will be forced to live together in hiding during the Tribulation.  We will band together in secret places and live in small and large communities for protection.  The Truths of God's scriptures will be revealed, and false religions will be exposed to those who are willing to read and obey the True gospel of Jesus Christ.  We will take care of one another as God's children.  The hard times will bring us all together in one accord, and we will learn to again to love and support one another the way God intended Christians to live.

(Acts 2:41-47) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

(Acts 4:31-37) And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

Acts 2:38 & 3:19: Wonderful Gifts

 

 

Acts 2:38 & 3:19: Wonderful Gifts

(Acts 2:28) Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Notice what Peter's first command is: repent.

(Acts 3:19) "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord."

Again, what is Peter's first command? Repent.  

God's salvation is indeed a free gift and when we accept it through repenting of our old ways, He will clean us up. However, if we want to take our relationship with God to the next level and receive the precious gifts from the Holy Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 12:1-11), we must maintain a hungry heart for the pure things of God and repent of any new sins.  It is up to us to allow the Holy Spirit to help us stay clean.  We must keep our vessels clean so the Holy presence of God can dwell within us.  He will continue to clean us up if we stay willing and allow ourselves to be set apart from ungodly ways.

But, oh, what wonderful gifts He will bless us with!  A penitent heart will bring us the empowering of the Holy Spirit as well as grant us with a comforter and moral guide. 

When you are struggling to be set free from a habitual sin you are trying but failing to overcome, the Holy Spirit will enable you to be set free from those sins and find the victory you cannot achieve by your own strength!  He can miraculously set you free from addictions, hateful attitudes, and a rebellious stubborn will that struggles with going against what you know the Bible teaches.

When you are facing an illness, homelessness, joblessness, abuse, or other difficulties, the Holy Spirit will give you supernatural peace, strength, and joy to endure.  Even if your circumstances do not change, through the Holy Spirit, you can still find the spiritual and mental strength to face another day.  You can learn to find hope in knowing that in Heaven all negative circumstances will disappear, and God will be your eternal joy! 

Repentance will allow God to "blot out" our sins and (I love this verse) bless us with "times of refreshing in the presence of the Lord!"  Sounds pretty amazing to me!  

John 17:6-19: Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples

 

John 17:6-20: Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples

In John 17, Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples, and for all believers. Today, I will explore the middle prayer for the disciples. 

This is such a beautiful prayer, and there is nothing I can add to it.  How can anyone add to the words of Jesus?  Well, no one can, but this is merely my commentary.  

(John 17:6-8) “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me."

Notice first that Jesus acknowledges that the disciples were picked by His Father, God.  I take the phrase "out of the world" to be mean just as 2 Corinthians 6:17 states, “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.  Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.”  His disciples were to be separate from the world; to live pure and clean lives as an example to those they taught. 

Next, it states that the disciples "kept Your word."  They received the words for Jesus as Truth from God.  Their beliefs remained steadfast and their conduct honorable; a goal I pray to emulate.  

(John 17: 9-11) "I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are."

Here, Jesus acknowledges again that God chose the disciples for Jesus' mission and again reminds us that He and God are one.   

While Jesus is praying this heartfelt prayer, He knows He will soon be crucified.  In fact, right after this prayer, Jesus is arrested in Gethsemane.  Yet, in the midst of His fear, knowing what torture He was about to face, He takes the time to pray for His faithful followers.  He knows He is about to die when He says, "I am no longer in the world."

When Jesus asks God to "keep through Your name" the disciples, I believe He was asking God to bestow strength upon the mortal men to endure to the end.  Matthew 10:22 & 24:13, Mark 13:13 all state that "he who endures to the end shall be saved."  In fact, when you finish reading this blog, look up the word "endure" on Bible Gateway or some other search engine and see how many scriptures remind us that we must endure, or as Jesus also puts it, be kept in God so that we can become one with Jesus after we die.   

(John 17:12) "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled."

This section here is, of course, about Judas Iscariot, the man who betrayed Jesus.  Yes, Judas' betrayal was predicted (through God) by David in Psalm 41:9 "Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me."

(John 17: 13-19) "And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.  I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 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. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth."

These last sentences of Jesus' prayer are so rich and beautiful!  Jesus (as well as other writers of the Bible) reminds us many times over that we will be hated when we choose to follow Him.  However, Jesus did not pray that the disciples be removed to a separatist colony to live in safe little bubbles (although at the end of this age that will be necessary).  No, instead He prayed for protection, more so spiritually than physically, which is why He asks His disciples to be kept away from "the evil one" (Satan), so they would not fall away from their salvation.  Again, we are reminded that the disciples are to be an example of sanctification (or holy living) while they are a part of the world.  I am sure you have heard the saying, "be in the world but not a part of the world."  

Consider also this profound quote from the late Pastor Leonard Ravenhill, "The greatest miracle that God can do today is to take an unholy man out of an unholy world and make him holy, then put him back into that unholy world and keep him holy in it.”  

The disciples were called to minister and set up churches after Jesus died and rose again.  They had missions that went on after Jesus ascended back into heaven.  One cannot be called to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15) if one stays hidden away from those in need of the gospel!

We should all try to imitate Jesus' disciples.  As a Christian, being a part of the world does not mean we act and dress like the world, it means we have the courage to be separate in our lifestyles and actions.  We stand out because we do not fit in. (Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.) Then we can be like the disciples and, most importantly, like Jesus Christ, and "be sanctified by the Truth" and be a light unto those walking in the darkness. 

John 15:1-13: Abiding in Jesus the Vine, Written by my Husband

 

John 15:1-13: Abiding in Jesus the Vine

Written by my Husband (Mel)

To abide in Christ is to walk by faith and allow the Holy Spirit to make us into a new creation. We must surrender all to Christ and let his love shine forth to others. To know Christ, is to know and show love. Christ is the vine, and we are the branches. Apart from Christ no one can bear fruit. The fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-25) is the evidence of a transformed life. We come to Christ as we are, salvation is a free gift that can never be earned through holiness or works. We are saved by grace alone following true repentance. God gives us grace to grow in him. We take baby steps at first and require milk. However, we need to grow spiritually and allow the Holy Spirit to teach us, guide us, as well as transform us from the inside out. What Christ is looking for in his bride is faith and love. There are nine fruits of the Spirit, the greatest is love, and the other eight revolve around love (see 1 Corinthians 13:1-8). 

It is truly as the days of Noah (see Matthew 24), and the attributes of Satan are visible in most people’s lives. As Christians, we must go against the grain of our cold society and let the love and light of our Lord Jesus Christ shine through us. If you have bitterness in your heart toward others, I urge you to let the love of Christ melt away the ice on your heart. Even the roots of bitterness are an open door for the devil to have a stronghold in your life. If you have animosity toward someone, let it go, and let the peace of God rule in your heart and mind.

We have all heard of the golden rule, but did you know that it was coined by Jesus? (Luke6:31) "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." How many of us truly obey it? Would you want someone to cheat you out of your money or lie to you? Would you want someone to deny you a warm place to stay, or a hot meal if you were in need? Do you desire to have someone give you the cold shoulder in your home or workplace? The answer of course is no. We all want to be loved and showed kindness from those around us. Regardless, of how others treat you, as Christians, we are to show unconditional love toward all, including the unlovely. 

You may think all of this is impossible, but with Christ all things are possible. If God's Holy Spirit dwells within you, you have the power to overcome the evil society and show forth God's attributes. If the church would reflect Christ to the world, we could save many from Hell. 

Hypocrisy will destroy your testimony, and push people away from Christ. Be authentic and let the good fruit of God's Spirit shine forth in your life.

(James 2:14-17) What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

(Luke 6:27-36) “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful."

(John 15:1-13) "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 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. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

"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. 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. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 

"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 

"Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 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. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

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

John 14:15, 21 & 23-24: Do you love Jesus?

 

John 14:15, 21 & 23-24: Do you love Jesus? 

So simple, and yet so important:

(John 14:15, 21 & 23-24) [Jesus said,] "If ye love me, keep my commandments.  He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."

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.  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."

We say we love the Lord, but we refuse to follow down the paths of righteousness.  No one is capable of being perfect, but few even strive for holiness anymore.  Those who preach holiness are called judgmental and legalistic, even though we preach our messages from Jesus' own words (and from the Books of the Bible directly inspired by the Holy Spirit). 

(1 John 2:4) He that saith, "I know him," and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 

How can we say we love Jesus when we refuse to do what is right?  According to the Bible, we are all hypocrites and liars when we actively rebel against the laws of Jesus Christ.

When we can read the list of actions that will keep us out of the Kingdom of God* but pick and choose what we will and will not obey, we are rejecting the most beautiful gift we have ever been given (*these lists will be at the end of this post).  

Let's face it, we have all been there and nobody likes to love and not be loved in return.  Yet whether that person is the object of infatuation or a family member, the feeling of rejection cannot even come close to comparing how God must feel when we willingly slap Him in the face by saying we will not humble ourselves and bow our will to His own.  If you say you love your spouse you would never, ever cheat on him/her.  Yet when we say we love Jesus, but we let our souls rot in front of ungodly television shows/movies, go to bars, watch pornography, glorify the occult, lie, cheat, steal, etc., then our love is every bit as tainted as the person who actively cheats on their spouse.

Today is the day to choose to accept the love of the Lord by honoring Him with your lifestyle.  It is never too late to give your life to Christ and ask for forgiveness of your sins either for the first time or to rededicate your life to the Lord and repeat your first works of salvation (see Revelation 2:5).  

For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. II Corinthians 6:2

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15    

Jesus is waiting with arms open wide, please won't you accept His precious gift of salvation and eternal life?

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

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

John 11:1-45: Jesus Wept

John 11:1-45: Jesus Wept

John 11:11-46 is the story of the amazing miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.  However, I am going to focus on the two most profound words from that historical account.

John 11:35, "Jesus wept," is the shortest verse in the Bible (To be technical 1 Thessalonians 5:16 also only has 2 words "Rejoice evermore," but John 11:35 has less letters and less syllables), yet it is a very powerful verse.

Jesus' friend Lazarus had just died, and Jesus had been summoned by His close friends, the sisters of Lazarus, Mary and Martha.

Jesus is aware that Lazarus had died before being told because He is the all-knowing Son of God.  Therefore, Jesus does not weep because He had just received the terrible news that His friend had died.  He also knows He is about to raise Lazarus from the dead (John 11:11-14  [Jesus] saith unto them, "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep." Then said His disciples, "Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well" Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that He had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, "Lazarus is dead."), therefore, He has no reason to grieve. It is not until He arrived to see Lazarus to see His friends weeping that He is moved by a great compassion for them.  His tears are ones of love and sympathy, not of loss.   That is why John 11:35 is so moving, we see the tenderheartedness from Jesus when He witnesses His friends hurting.  Verse 33 says, "He groaned in the spirit, and was troubled."  

It is amazing to know I serve such a benevolent Savior!  My tears and hurts may not literally cause Him to cry, but I know that He cares about my hurts and my heart breaks.  He may not always fix the problem, but He gives me the peace and joy to endure, and He loves me and truly had compassion over my tears.

(John 11:1-5, 17, 20-27, 31-45) Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, "Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick."

When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby."

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

Then when Jesus came, He found that he had lain in the grave four days already.

Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him: but Mary sat still in the house.

Then said Martha unto Jesus, "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee."

Jesus saith unto her, "Thy brother shall rise again."

Martha saith unto him, "I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

Jesus said unto her, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"

She saith unto Him, "Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world."

The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, "She goeth unto the grave to weep there."

Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died."

When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled. And said, "Where have ye laid him? "

They said unto him, "Lord, come and see."

Jesus wept.

Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

And some of them said, "Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?"

Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

Jesus said, "Take ye away the stone. "

Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, "Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days."

Jesus saith unto her, "Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?"

Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me."

And when he thus had spoken, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth."

And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, "Loose him, and let him go."

Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on Him.

John 10: Jesus, our Good Shepherd

 

John 10: Jesus, our Good Shepherd

After reading John chapter 10, I would like to expand a bit more on Jesus being our Good Shepherd.

In 2017 I read a book by Phillip Keller titled “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.”  I have not enjoyed a non-fiction book as much as this one (not counting the Bible, of course).  Keller preaches the Truth so eloquently that it struck me to the core. He opened up the world of shepherds I never knew.  After reading his book, the 23rd Psalm, as well as the fact that Jesus refers to Himself as our Good Shepherd, makes this comparison so much more meaningful.  Real sheep 100% rely on their shepherd to properly care for them.  A bad shepherd has underfed sheep full of parasites living in dying pastures.  Just like Jesus, a good shepherd takes care of His sheep’s every need.  He takes great care moving his sheep from pasture to pasture in order to assure they always have plenty of green grass.  He anticipates their every need.  (Please read Keller’s book, he says it so much better, and you will see the Bible in a completely new light.)

Only our True Shepherd may enter through the correct door to our hearts.  The thief and robber, Satan, may try to gain access, but the sheep (the true believer) will not recognize his voice, and will not let him in.  Or should not let Satan enter.  When we first submit to God, then resist the devil in the name of Jesus, Satan will flee.

(James 4:7) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 

Our Good Shepherd protects not only the doors to our heart, but literally laid His life down for us. Jesus is the door of life.  Jesus longs only for good things for our lives (see Jeremiah 29:11), and desires that we may lie down in green, lush, beautiful pastures next to still waters.  He longs for a life full of abundance, or full of plentiful blessings.   

Satan is the door of death.  Why would you choose to walk through a dark and twisted door that would only steal, kill, and destroy your soul? 

Do not waste your life waiting to decide whom you will follow and allow access to the door of your heart.  Choose today whom you will serve.  Make Jesus Lord of your heart, mind, body, and soul.  Lock the door of your heart to the sins of this world and do your very best to walk down paths of righteousness.    

 

I would also like to revisit the parable of Jesus and the Lost Sheep, my favorite parable from Jesus.  It is proof that Jesus loves us and does not want any of us to perish spiritually.  He is actively seeking out each and every one of us and wants to welcome us into His fold.

There is more than one version of this parable, so I'll start with the one from Matthew (read also Luke 15:1-7):

(Matthew 18:10-14) “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.  “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.  Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.  

 
Jesus already gave His life for us.  He shed His holy, sinless blood on the cross with the desire that we might live with Him forever. 
 
(John 3:16) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  

 
Christ does not have to do anything else; it is up to us to choose to accept God's precious gift.  Yet, in spite of this fact, God still actively seeks each of us out and calls us to Him.  He will search for the one lost sheep that has wandered away.

 I would next like to focus on what it means to be lost.  The Bible makes it clear that we are all like sheep that have gone astray.   
 
(Isaiah 53:5-6) But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Or to put it another way:
 
(Romans 3:23) For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  

 
Which means we are all in need of God's saving grace.  
 
We all have sinned, but being a lost sheep does not just refer to those who have yet to receive Christ as their Savior.  For one thing, we all sin every day. Although we do not lose our salvation with every minor sin, we still should daily confess our sins.  There are those, however, who have been saved and have backslidden.  Therefore, to me this parable is also about those who received Christ as Lord of their life, then later fell away.  In other words, one can become lost again.
 
(Revelation 2:5) Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.  

 
There is no shame in admitting that we have done wrong and allow God to change us from the inside out.  Sometime that requires a daily cleansing and always a daily self-examination of our hearts.
 
(Psalm 119:175-176) Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; And let Your judgments help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep;

Seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments.

(Psalm 139:23-24 ) Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me,

And lead me in the way everlasting.

Jesus loves us all very much and wants to rescue us from a life of sin.  He will never stop chasing us.  His Word shows He has compassion for us and longs to capture us forever.  He wants to teach us, guide us, direct us, encourage us.  He wants us to cling to the folds of His robes and learn at His feet (by reading the Bible).
 
(Mark 6:34) And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.  

 
Once we have been rescued, we are to remain changed.  We are not to give into the temptations of the world.  Reading the words of Jesus will really encourage and guide you in your daily walk.  Obviously, there is nothing wrong with the Old Testament and I love and study the entire bible.  However, if you truly want to learn and grow and be rescued, studying the gospels and really allowing Jesus' own words to sink deep into your heart and soul will transform you.  I can say from experience that really focusing on the words of Christ will make you calmer and feel more at peace with everyday life.  It will make it easier to live a life set apart from the ways of the world.   
 
(1 Peter 2:1-3 & 21-25) Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.  For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.  

Jesus referred to Himself as "The Good Shepherd," and He is indeed good.  Life is often full of pain, sorrow, and frustration, but God's love never changes.  Jesus is the only way to Salvation and a life of peace. 

Since I started with the Parable of the Lost Sheep from Matthew, I will end with the version of Luke: 

I will end by tying this all together with John 10.

(John 10:1-18 & 27) [Jesus said] "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers..."

Then said Jesus unto them again, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father."

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."