1 Corinthians 10:31

(1 Corinthians 10:31) Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27: Running the Race for Jesus

1 Corinthians 9:24-27:  Running the Race for Jesus

In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul talks about running the race to obtain a prize.  This race, of course, is our walk in the Lord and the prize at the end is not just a crown but is an eternal life spent in peace and joy with the King of Kings!  

Notice in verses 26-27 that Paul reminds his readers that he too must discipline himself in order to be successful.  He must keep his body under subjection (which means not giving into the temptations to sin).  Just as a runner must train for a race, a Christian should study the Word of God to know what it says.  Think of the Holy Trinity as your coaches to help correct and guide you when you are unsure of what is right and wrong, comfort you when you feel exhausted or defeated, and forgive you when you make a mistake.  

Paul was a very prominent apostle appointed by Christ, placed in prison multiple times, beaten for his faithfulness, and extensively traveled to spread the good news of the gospel.  Yet Paul reminds us that even he is not exempt from running his own race and could even be cast away from Heaven if he is unsuccessful.  This is another good example to remind us that no one is eternally saved, and that failing to follow the rules of Jesus Christ could cause us to be disqualified from the race.  That we could lose our crown of salvation if we actively choose to live in rebellion against what the Bible teaches.

May we all be successful by reading the Bible in order to know what Jessus, not man, expects of us.  May we then strive to obtain the prize and not give in to sin.  May we someday lay that golden crown at the feet of Jesus as He welcomes us to our eternal Home of glory.

(1 Corinthians 9:24-27) Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 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.

1 Corinthians 4:4-5

 

(1 Corinthians 4:4-5) For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

1 Corinthians 3:13, 16-17 & 6:9-10 & 19-20: Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost?

1 Corinthians 3:13, 16-17 & 6:9-10 & 19-20: Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost?

Anyone else sick of the saying, "my body, my choice?" In the matter of abortion where we so commonly hear this term, the unborn baby growing inside a woman in not her body but the baby's body, and she has no right to cause harm to that child.  In terms not related to pregnancy, it is still only our choice in what we do with our bodies? Yes, God gave mankind a freewill, but as 1 Corinthians clearly states, once you choose to become a Christian, you are welcoming Jesus to dwell in you, and therefore, you must do your best to keep your body (temple) holy as God is holy.  

For people who claim there is nothing in the Bible that speaks against drugs (such as marijuana), consider these verses.  There is no such thing as a harmless drug.  Also, the Bible does say not to get drunk which is the equivalent of getting high.

God is not being a controlling bully by giving us rules, but He wants to protect us from harmful substances and lifestyles that cause cancer and other diseases. He also wants to protect others from harm, so the rules are also meant to prevent us from hurting other people.

As old as the saying may be, it will always ring true: "What would Jesus do?"  Think of that saying (or imagine Jesus is sitting beside you because He is always in the room) before you watch that violent, sexual, occultic program (or read a novel), pick up a harmful substance, are prepared to have sex outside of marriage, steal, etc...       

I will let the scriptures below speak for themselves, so please carefully and prayerfully consider all you read.

(1 Corinthians 3:13, 16-17) Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

(1 Corinthians 6:9-10 & 19-20) 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, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 & 7-10

 I know I have said it before, but once again, I apologize for the poor quality of some of these photos.  No matter how many times I take them in all different kinds of light, they still look dark and blurry.  The next time we have a sunny day outside (which still may be awhile) I will try taking some photos outside in natural light.

(1 Corinthians 2:4-5 & 7-10) And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

But as it is written, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

1 Corinthians 1:17-18 & 20-21& 23-25

 (1 Corinthians 1:17-18 & 20-21& 23-25 ) For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greek foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

The Book of 1 Corinthians Quick Preview (Video)

 

The Book of 1 Corinthians Quick Preview

I apologize that I am unable to share any videos to Blogger longer than 30 seconds. but you can find the short preview on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/juliesbiblejourney

I want to make it clear that all of my dear readers understand that the purpose of sharing my Bible Journal is merely for the sake of helping others realize what the Bible truly says. I pray you read the entire Bible on your own, perhaps read each chapter along with the postings. I also pray you ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart as you read and make His holy words come alive to you and give you His understanding as you study.

Before each book of the Bible, I will take a quick video of the book so you can see a preview of what will be shared for that book. Just remember, I am not a very good artist. but I wanted to share with you how God's Word inspires me. These postings are in no way instructional on how to Bible journal. This is not about beautiful art that covers up and distracts from the scriptures on the pages, it is about expressing my love for the holy Word of God. So even when the pages I share are "ugly" or uncreative, I will still be sharing them as God's Word is always beautiful!

A few notes on the videos. I am not a professional and only have my inexpensive phone to record on. Also, I live in the Pacific Northwest where it will be cloudy from now until at least June, so I apologize if the quality of the videos is too dark!

Thank you for reading and watching! To God be all the glory!

Romans 14:10-12

 (Romans 14:10-12) For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, "As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Romans 13:9-14: The Armor of Light

  

Romans 13:9-14: The Armor of Light

Growing up as a preacher's kid, my Dad used to say that you can find a sermon in anything.  While this became a common joke in our family, there is a lot of truth to my Dad's statement.  In fact, this blog proves that theory!  

When I noticed a black smudge on my foot, I assumed that the soap and hot water would simply wash it off, but it remained.  I had to use the washcloth and scrub to remove the mark. That got me to thinking how sin in our lives is just like that!  We may think it is something that will go away without any real effort on our part, but in reality, we need to work on certain issues to permanently remove them from our life.  Just like I needed the aid of the washcloth, I will always need the aid of the Holy Spirit to help me conquer my sins.  

Philippians 2:12 reminds us that we cannot just go on our merry way and ignore the sins in our life, we must, "work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling."  In other words, like that stain on my foot, we have to put forth the effort to be clean before the Lord.  Not just ignore them and hope they will go away.

To be clear, I am not saying I believe in a works-only salvation, Jesus' death on the cross is a free gift we do not have to earn, but based on what the Bible says, it is clear we can fall away from our salvation if we actively live in rebellion against the rules of Jesus Christ. Working on our salvation means we must daily ask for The Lord's Help in conquering our sins.  We cannot do it on our own. (And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross DAILY, and follow me. Luke 9:23)

Romans 13 emphasizes the theme of this blog:

(Romans 13: 11-14 ) And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly (other versions say "decently" or "honestly"), as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. 

Just as 2 Corinthians 6:2 reminds us that "now is the day of salvation," so do the verses in Romans. And as Ephesians 5:14 instructs, "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light," so the words in Romans also remind us to wake out of the darkness of sin and walk into the light of holiness!

Make no mistake, dear readers, the time is short!  Surely with all the end-time events happening, you have to be aware of it!  How much time do you think we have left on this planet? I sincerely doubt we have more than 20 years (probably less) before the end of this world.  The signs are here: pandemics, wars, plagues of insects, unusually strong weather, droughts, unexpected tornados, earthquakes, and other natural disasters in strange locations, even supernatural dust clouds appearing, rioting and chaos, the list goes on...  (Mark 13:8 "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places [many different places], and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.") My point is that now is not the time to play around with fire, now is the time to wake up and walk into the light.  Work out your salvation and get rid of the sin in your life!

We need to purge ourselves of pride, racism, deceitfulness, bad language, unforgiveness, the occult etc. "The night is far spent," and the there is precious little time left! If you love the Lord and care about where you spend eternity, pay close attention to the condition of your soul!  Now is the day to make your heart right with God! 

I will close with more words from 2 Corinthians 6 and also from Ephesians 5, please let these words sink into your heart and soul! ("Not to receive the grace of God in vain" means not to take advantage of God's favor by living a life full of sin, read on...)

(2 Corinthians 6:1-7, 14-18 & 7:1) We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says “In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God... by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left...

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”

Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters," Says 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. 

(Ephesians 5:1-20) Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 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; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” 

Romans 12:1-2: Our Reasonable Service

Romans 12:1-2: Our Reasonable Service

This is an excerpt from my (unpublished) novel, "The Visionary." It is from a sermon preached by one of the main characters, an African American preacher named Jonah Alexander.  Here is the abridged version from Chapter 25:

Due to the tornado and Jubilee’s accident, the flyers for the church Rose and Rebecca made had been forgotten and were never distributed throughout the county. However, due to the newspaper article mentioning Jonah’s new church location, a crowd of more than two hundred people showed up at the Townsend’s farm that Sunday morning.

Gratefully, all the pews were in place and ready for the parishioners, but seating was tight and crowded. Children sat either on their parents' laps or on the floor. He anticipated having the hayloft transferred into a children’s church area within a month.

The piano was still in the basement, but Jonah played his guitar as Janessa led the group in worship.

After the songs were sung, Micah gave a brief welcome to their guests and invited them all to stay for the homemade desserts provided by Rose, Janessa, and Rebecca. He listed the church’s known prayer requests, including healing for Jubilee. He asked for any other petitions, and surprisingly, at least fifteen other people shouted out their needs. Micah wrote down all that was said, and brought each need before the Lord as he led the congregation in prayer time. When he was finished, Jonah took his place behind their father’s pulpit.

After greeting old and new members, Jonah began his sermon.

“Romans 12:1-2 says, ’I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.’ Another word for reasonable is logical. It is logical that we work at presenting ourselves as holy to a holy God. It is logical that we do not conform to the ways of the world but live in a manner acceptable to God.” 

He paused and realized the majority of the congregation was already squirming uncomfortably in their seats. He smiled a compassionate smile as he silently reminded himself his goal was not to be popular, but to preach the Truth. “When I think of the words of the apostle Paul in Galatians 1, I feel as if they could easily be my own. In verses 6-10, he writes, ‘I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- which is really no gospel at all. Evidently, some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned… Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ,’” he looked up from his Bible and back at the congregation, “I too have felt astonished when those who have been shown the Truth of the Gospel turn away to a more secular message. To follow a pastor that tickles their ears and makes them feel good rather than feel convicted of their sins.” 

He saw a few of his old church members look down as if embarrassed. “My goal is not to insult any of the churches you may regularly attend or even to convince you to attend this church. But I am here to tell you that we must not conform to the worldly ways the other churches insist are perfectly acceptable because God offers grace. Yes, grace and salvation are beautiful free gifts, but we must not abuse those precious gifts. Romans 6:1-2 tells us we are not to 'continue in sin,' just so 'grace may abound.' We should be 'dead to sin,' and not 'live any longer therein.' We must live holy lives with which the Lord can be pleased. When we make mistakes, we don’t just brush it off with a shrug of our shoulders and say God understands because we’re only human. No! We’re to get down on our knees and repent and make up our minds that we will not continue in sin.”

Several “amens” were shouted.

“The lie that is trying to tell you that one prayer will guarantee you a ticket to heaven is indeed a perverted version of the True gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus’ own words in Matthew 16:27 tell us that ‘the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.’ How can it be more clear that our works are noticed and we will be judged by them? Jesus also reminds us in Matthew 5:16 to ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.’ Our works either glorify or dishonor our heavenly Father!”

More “amens” circled the group.

“Yes, God is a loving, gracious, and merciful God, but he is holy and cannot ignore our sin. We are not saved by works but through the blood of Jesus. However, we can lose the amazing gift of salvation if we willfully live in rebellion against the Bible. We must repent of our bad works and strive for good works. If you are a regular attendee of my congregation then you have often heard me quote my favorite verses from 1 Peter 1:15-17, ‘As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear.’ Again, note that yes, we are being called to strive for holiness because we are indeed being judged according to our works.”

This time a few “Preach it, brother!” were thrown out from new and old members.

“Being a good person is not enough. Striving to walk down the straight and narrow path and giving your heart, mind, soul, and body to the Lord is what is required of us. Good works also include helping our fellow man. For we read in the book of James chapter 2, verses 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.’ Therefore, we must combine action with faith.”

As more affirmative remarks made their ways through the parishioners, Jonah said a silent prayer that all he was saying was making a difference.

“2 Corinthians 6:2 reminds us that ‘”In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.’ Did you catch that? Now is the day you must choose. Don’t wait! In the span of six days there was an earthquake and tsunami in Brazil. We even had our own bizarre tornado in Ellsbridge that caused a friend of mine to almost die in a freak car accident a few days ago. We never know when a disaster or tragedy will strike. Age, race, religion, wealth, none of it can protect you from meeting your Maker when He determines it is your appointed time to die. Are you ready to have your works judged today?” 

Jonah paused and took a deep breath. “Please come forward if you choose today to accept the wonderful gift of salvation and begin the most amazing journey of your life as you learn to walk with the blessed Savior. Yes, it requires spiritual discipline, but the love of Jesus will bring you immeasurable and unmatchable joy and peace in times of trouble that far outweigh any sacrifices you make for Him. My brother Micah, other members of our church, and I are here to pray with you. If you feel God tugging on your heart, don’t worry about what anyone else may think of you if you choose to come forward. Afterall, when you die, it won’t be your buddies judging you or rewarding you, it will be the Lord.” 

Jonah stepped from behind the pulpit, his tall frame making the wooden slat floor creak beneath his feet. “If you do not want to come now, please contact one of us after the service and we will be happy to…” his voice broke as Rebecca stood from the pew and began walking forward, “Uh, we will be happy to pray with you in private.”

Rebecca’s caramel-colored eyes were filled with tears as she made eye contact with Jonah, but she went to Rose’s outstretched arms. The older woman helped Rebecca ease to her knees as they began to pray.

Jonah silently prayed and thanked the Lord for the twenty-nine other people that approached the altar. Someone behind him had picked up Jonah’s guitar and was playing “The old Rugged Cross.” He briefly caught a glimpse of Sam with the guitar when a penitent voice drew his attention forward.

“Jonah, will you pray with Carla and me?” It was Simon, Jonah’s former church landlord.

Jonah was so overcome with emotion, he could scarcely eke out the words, “Of course, I would be honored.”

Romans 10:13-17

(Romans 10:13-17) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

But they have not all obeyed the gospel...

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 

Romans 8: 28: God will indeed work all things for our good!

 Romans 8: 28: God will indeed work all things for our good!

Whenever someone is facing a difficult time, they love to quote Romans 8:28 "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."  It is a beautiful promise from God, but have you ever really stopped to think what it means or are you just scripture picking to comfort yourself?

Let's look at this verse a little closer.  Yes, God can absolutely work every bad situation into something positive. Just look at the story of Joseph in Genesis chapters 37-50.  His brothers betrayed their own kin and sold him into slavery purely out of jealousy. Yet through Joseph's captivity, and through dreams from God, he was able to eventually plan for an upcoming famine and saved many lives.  Jospeh loved God enough that he was able to see that God used his brothers' evil intentions for God's glory. He said in Genesis 50:20, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." 

If you are following the ways of the Lord, then I am certain that when you take a closer look at all the difficult times in your life, you can see how God worked a bad event to bring glory to His name.  When I carefully looked at my life, I was able to see how even the confusing twists and turns proved that God's plans have been over all 52 years of my life.

Now let's see what else Romans 8:28 says. He works things "for good to them that love God."  Yes, God is more gracious than we realize and often helps people who are living deep in sin.  However, James 5:16 tells us, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."  In other words, the prayers of those who are actively seeking out a righteous life, are more likely to have their prayers answered. God knows we can never be perfect but if we desire to please God and shun evil, God will be glorified. 

Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 1 Thessalonians 4:1 & 7

People are quick to call on God and demand He help them but then refuse to obey the laws of Jesus Christ.  Galatians 5:19-21 is just one example of what Jesus expects from us: 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.  (See also Ephesians 5:3-5 & Revelation 21:8)

You might insist that maybe you ARE intentionally choosing to go against the Bible, but you love God. In fact, you read your Bible, pray, memorize scripture, teach the Bible to other people, and you even help the less fortunate. But what does the Bible say about that?

"Not every one that saith unto me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?' And then will I profess unto them, 'I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.'"  Matthew 7:21-23   

Pretty strong words from Jesus, so we need to take them very seriously.  If you are "working iniquity," that means you are living in active rebellion against God, and He knows what is truly in your heart.

He answered and said unto them, "...you hypocrites, as it is written, 'This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.'" Mark 7:6

1 John makes is very clear that if we say we love Jesus, but refuse to do as He expects, we do not truly love Him.

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 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.  1 John 2:3-5 & 15-16

You make think God is asking too much of you by wanting you to follow the rules. First, the rules are not just for you, but also to protect other people.  Your wrong choices hurt other people when you steal from, cheat on, lie about, them, etc.  Consider all God has done, not just for you in your limited little world, but for the entire world: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16. 

Hopefully you are beginning to see Romans 8:28 in a slightly different light, not just mere words you use to comfort yourself when things go wrong, or to bitterly claim that the Bible lies when you believe that God has not worked things for your good.

Just a reminder that God doesn't always answer our prayers as we expect.  Cancer may not be healed, houses and loved ones may be lost, but you can use any negative circumstance to bring glory to the name of Jesus. It is not about our imperfect will for our lives, but God's perfect, holy will.  We may never understand this side if Heaven why some things were allowed to happen, but we can trust God knows what He is doing. ("For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isiah 55:9).  

Therefore, we can remember that when we are not actively choosing to rebel against what we know is right, but we are serving Jesus with all our heart, soul, and might, He is indeed working all things for our good.  When the above-mentioned Joseph spent 13 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, Genesis says he continued to be a man of integrity so much so that the prison guards showed him much favor and treated him well and even gave Joseph some authority. Joseph knew God was always working for his good because Joseph had a purpose to help save many lives.   

You may explore the end of Romans 8:28 and say, "Yes, I do love the Lord, and I am doing my best to follow His ways, but do I really have a purpose?" We are not all called to be a Joseph, Daniel, David, Paul, Peter, etc., but we are called to share the gospel (And He said unto them, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15). Therefore, that is one purpose you can claim, and I am certain that if you pray and seek God's will for your life, He can use you in many more ways to advance His Kingdom, and you can focus on not working your life for your own good, but for the good of others, and more importantly for the glory of God!  

Romans 8:31

 (Romans 8:31) What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:1-16: Ten Extra Words

Romans 8:1-16: Ten Extra Words

It is so very important to read the Bible on your own and not rely on anyone else's interpretation of scriptures: A year or two ago I listened to a Podcast by a popular singer claiming there is no condemnation when we sin. This is a half-truth given to gain a larger audience. This person, as many have done, failed to read all of Romans 8:1, so let me give it to you, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk NOT after the flesh, BUT after the Spirit." Did you know there were ten extra words to that verse? Those 10 words make a lot of difference.  It is absolutely the key to our walking in Christ - walking not after the flesh, but in the spirit, ONLY then will there be no condemnation. Jesus did not die just to wink at our sins and turn a blind eye to rebellion against His holy Words. 

(By the way, when searching for an image to add to this blog, at least 75% of the images for Romans 8:1 also left off the ten extra words!)

Also remember that 1 John 1:9 says. "IF we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Confessing, repenting, and not repeating our sins, that is how we find complete joy in the Lord, not by burying our heads in the sand and pretending we are not responsible for our actions by saying God does not condemn us for our sins. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins for a reason (And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: John 16:8), not that we live in complacency and apathy of our actions, but so we can change our sinful ways to better serve Jesus and make Him Lord of our life! Remember Romans 6:1-2, "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?" 

When I say not to take anyone at their word that the Bible says what they say it does, I absolutely mean myself!  Please, read it on your own! 2 Timothy 2:5 means that we are to do our own studying so we can learn to understand right from wrong, not let someone else tell us their version of right and wrong and then follow only their example: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Let me just leave you with more from Romans 8, and may you prayerfully consider all you read:

(Romans 8:1-16) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. T

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

   

Romans 6: Come as you are, but don't stay that way!

Romans 6: Come as you are, but don't stay that way!

The book of Romans is a beautiful book full of descriptions about God's free gifts of salvation and grace.  However, it is also possibly the most misinterpreted book as many verses are left out, especially from Romans 6, 8, and 12 (I will explore more from Romans 8 and 12 soon). 

Romans 6:1-2 is simply written by Paul, but often overlooked when he says, "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?"  The best way I would sum up these verses is this: You can come as you are to Jesus, but don't stay that way!

Even the preachers once on-fire for God who took a stand and preached against sin, are now leaving out the message of holiness and just preaching about salvation.  Yes, our walk with God absolutely starts with asking Jesus into our heart, but that is just the beginning.  It does not end with acknowledging Jesus died for your sins.  We need to do more than just realize Jesus loves us, we need to love Him in return by living only for Him, not for ourselves.  

The blog I wrote inspired by the book of John "Jesus, our Good Shepherd"  https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/02/jesus-our-good-shepherd.html  has to do with being lost, and allowing Jesus to find you so you can be saved.  However, once you have surrendered your heart, mind, and soul to Christ, you are not saved forever.  The theory of eternal security is a lie of the devil in order to put Christians to sleep.  When we think there is grace for everything no matter what we do, and that our actions suffer no consequences because our salvation is guaranteed with one simple prayer, we can easily slip into a life of sin and comfortably stay there.

It is very true that Christ accepts us as we are, and He freely gave His life on the cross for our sins so we can have eternal life.  Yet it is also very true that, though we may come just as we are with all our faults, God expects us to change.  Jesus is a loving Father who readily forgives our sins as long as our repentance is sincere, and we do not continue to live in sin. Because He is holy, it is His desire that we live holy lives if we are to follow Him.  That does not mean we have to be perfect, but we must seek out to destroy our sinful nature.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. " That means we are to put away the old creature/old nature of sin.  We don't stay living like the world.  If you are serious about following Christ, you need to give up worldly sins such as pornography, going to bars, getting drunk/high, sexual immorality, glorifying or participating in occult practices which includes wicca, yoga and astrology, watching ungodly movies/television, etc.

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;  but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,  because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear;  knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,  but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.  1 Peter 1:13-19

 
If we cry out to God, He will hear our pleas.  He wants to protect us and save us. Man’s desire for independence corrupts him more and more.  The mentality of not wanting to be told what to do is only getting worse. It is up to you to surrender yourself to God as well as your independence.  It is up to you to choose to live right and separate yourself from this world.  

Humble yourself and admit you have done wrong.  Salvation begins with repentance and admittance of sin.  If you died right after you accepted Jesus into your heart, you would go to Heaven.  Although salvation is a free gift, we must treat it with respect in order to keep that gift. Don't use "Christianity" an excuse to live however you want. Have a desire to please your Creator and live a truly Christian lifestyle. Have frequent self-evaluation and repentance.  You cannot rebelliously continue in sin and expect God to turn a blind eye.  Not every sin leads to hell, of course, but refusing to do the right thing may cost your soul.

So do we wait until some crazy gunman is at our door (so to speak) before we choose to make the decision to live a holy life?  Of course not.  "There are no atheists in foxholes," so the saying goes.  And it is also true that God will have mercy on your soul if you wait until you are on your deathbed to call upon God and repent of your sins.  Yet, why would you wait until then?  If everyone died at the age of 99, most would wait until they were 98 ¾ to start living right.  But no one ever knows when their time on this world is coming to an end.  Nobody is invincible.  Age, race, wealth, none of it matters when you’re on a highway full of reckless drivers or the day you decide to go to the courthouse to renew your driver’s license just happens to be the same day a man with bombs storms in and blows the place up.    

For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. II Corinthians 6:2 

Jesus longs to hold each of us in His arms.  It is why He endured a horrible death on the cross for you and for me.

 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. II Peter 8:10

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life John 3:16.

I'll end with more from Romans chapter 6.

(Romans 6:1-7, 11-16, & 18-23) 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?

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 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. For he that is dead [to his sinful nature] is freed from sin.

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:1-12

I know I have said it before, but once again, I apologize for the poor quality of some of these photos.  No matter how many times I take them in all different kinds of light, they still look dark and blurry.  The next time we have a sunny day outside (which still may be awhile) I will try taking some photos outside in natural light.

(Romans 5:1-12) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

 

Romans 4:13-25

(Romans 4:13-25) For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.

Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Romans 2:4: The Goodness of God

Romans 2:4: The Goodness of God

I often quote Romans 2:4, "The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance."  Yet as I was thinking about that verse today, I realized that when people believe God has not been good to them, it is often why they refuse to change their ways and repent of their sins.  They turn this verse upside-down by justifying their actions believing God is not good, so why repent.

People who believe God will prevent all bad things from happening to them or their loved ones end up hating God. They cannot find joy in the midst of suffering or trust in their hearts God is always good.  They have difficulty trusting in the love of God. (For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16)  

Not only does God grieve with us, He intercedes for us (Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25 & Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26). God is fighting for us, but we tend to sabotage our own lives by living in rebellion. 

Yes, sometimes God uses negative circumstances to test our love for Him, but in general, God does not intend for bad things to happen to His children.  Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” God wants only the best for us. Does that mean God does not have any control? No, this means we will never fully know why bad things are allowed to happen because there is a war going on we cannot comprehend.  “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.  1 Corinthians 13:12  (my favorite verse) reminds us that we cannot understand why things happen as they do because we cannot see the big, eternal picture, but when we get to heaven, it will all be crystal clear.  This senseless world will make sense.

If we cry out to God, He will hear our pleas.  He wants to protect us and save us.  It may seem like evil is winning, and I do not believe that this world will ever improve.  In fact, I know it will only get worse.  Man’s desire for independence corrupts him more and more.  The mentality of not wanting to be told what to do is only getting worse. It is up to you to surrender yourself to God as well as your independence.  It is up to you to choose to live right and separate yourself from this world.  

People love to quote Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”  Yet they fail to pay attention to the part that says "to those who love God." Do you really love God or are you just demanding He fulfill your every prayer request and then pout like a spoiled child when you do not get your way? Jesus said in John 14:15," If ye love me, keep my commandments." If you refuse to turn off your ungodly entertainment, give up drinking, cheating, stealing, backbiting, etc. then why do you say you love Jesus?  Just so you can use the title of "Christian" to try to get what you want and then turn you back on God when things do not turn out according to your demands? Remember, you can fool people, but you can never fool God; you cannot manipulate the Holy of Holies to bend to your will!  

1 Peter 1:16 says, "Be holy, for I am holy."  Besides this being an excellent verse to remind us to live righteous lives, it also reminds us that a holy God cannot tolerate sin.  If you are asking God to bless you in any way, be it a health, spiritual, financial, emotional, or mental issue, you cannot be wallowing in sin and expect Him to answer your prayers.  If you feel your prayers are being blocked, it may be that God wants to help you, but your ungodly actions are hindering His blessings. 

If we are honest, we can all admit that there have been numerous times in our lives we purposely chose to disobey God’s voice. Myself included.  In essence, we are making an active choice to separate ourselves from God and hinder our prayer life. Would you expect a boss to keep you on the job if you kept stealing or refusing to show up?  No; nor should you expect a holy God to turn the other way when you willfully choose to do the wrong thing.

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18

Humble yourself and admit you have done wrong.  The free gift of salvation begins with repentance and admittance of sin.  Then you must begin to and continually walk in holiness to please God (I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1). 

Romans 6:1-2 tells us God's free gift of grace is not to be manipulated and abused for our own selfish will, "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?" Grace is not an excuse to live however you want because you are a “Christian.” The opposite is true. We need to have a holy desire to please our Creator and live a truly Christian lifestyle. We need daily self-evaluation and repentance.  

Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. Luke 9:23 

I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.  1 Corinthians 15:31  

Daily very simply means we must crucify our flesh every day not just once.   Psalm 139: 23-24 should be a daily prayer: 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.

Bottom line here is to quit using the difficult circumstances of life as an excuse to refuse to do what you know goes against the Word of God. First evaluate your heart and actions to see if you are going against His will so He cannot help you. Then learn to focus on the eternal picture and see how much God loves you and allow "The goodness of God" to "leadeth thee to repentance."