PSALM 37: 30-31
"The Godly offer GOOD COUNSEL; they teach right from wrong. They have made God's law their own, so they will never slip from the path."
Throughout our lives we have times when we need to seek counsel from others on important matters or decisions. Making long term goals is an intricate process and without the needed experience for some. Where do we turn for GOOD COUNSEL? Horoscopes are not based on real facts and are not a good source for information. People that do not have depth or scope are of little help and in fact can lead us down the wrong path. Sometimes our parents are not capable of being unprejudiced or cogent when they are non believers. In fact anyone that we go to for counsel that does not know God's law and have made it their own by definition are not good counselors.
The truth for today is that we should first seek God and then those that we know to be Godly. The Godly have studied and learned the Word and Laws of God and know what the bible teaches us for future reference. They know right from wrong. The ungodly do not know what is right and they are prone to do wrong. Why seek someone who is not wise or learned in God's sight? If you do not want to slip from the path you determine then it helps to get a guide that will never slip from the path you want to take and be on.
Be careful when you are being taught by someone, like a university professor, that has no fear of God. They are really fools and have no Godly wisdom. They may have learned a subject by rote and they may be able to parrot platitudes and confuse the simple, but, they themselves are lost and they can not save themselves. Television guru's are not the ones to turn to for Godly counsel. Those who have failed at everything they have attempted are not good counselors. Look to someone who has succeeded at learning right from wrong and have Godly wisdom, they will be the right counselor for you. Like them you will learn to avoid slipping on the path.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
THE LORD JUST LAUGHS!
PSALM 37:12-13
"The wicked plot against the Godly; they snarl at them in defiance. But THE LORD JUST LAUGHS, for He sees their day of judgement coming."
We live in a wicked world. In fact one could get the impression that the wicked rule the world. They act with defiance against morality and decency and there appears that nothing can be done about it. Think of the pornographers, the deviates, the promiscuous sexual people and the liars and cheats that seem to abound in this world. If they had there way there would be no moral boundaries and the Lord's commandments would only be used to set new goals of sin. It can be discouraging to those of us who love God and His Word. It can even be said to be depressing at times. What is the Lord's response to these wicked people.
First we need to realize that these people are fools and do not even have the beginning of wisdom. They do not fear, love or respect God and they are separated from Him as their choice. But the best thing to know is that THE LORD JUST LAUGHS at them. Picture the Lord as they snarl in defiance at Him having a good belly laugh. He knows their end from the beginning and He can see their fate at the time of judgement. Eternal separation in Hell.
We must be uncompromisingly righteous. We must remain upright and have good standing with God. We must rely on His salvation and His promise of eternal life in perfection and heaven. Then when the wicked plot against us and gnash their teeth at us and God we can rest in His peace and the knowledge that His will is going to be done in their life at at the time of judgement. God sees the day of their defeat is coming and THE LORD JUST LAUGHS!
"The wicked plot against the Godly; they snarl at them in defiance. But THE LORD JUST LAUGHS, for He sees their day of judgement coming."
We live in a wicked world. In fact one could get the impression that the wicked rule the world. They act with defiance against morality and decency and there appears that nothing can be done about it. Think of the pornographers, the deviates, the promiscuous sexual people and the liars and cheats that seem to abound in this world. If they had there way there would be no moral boundaries and the Lord's commandments would only be used to set new goals of sin. It can be discouraging to those of us who love God and His Word. It can even be said to be depressing at times. What is the Lord's response to these wicked people.
First we need to realize that these people are fools and do not even have the beginning of wisdom. They do not fear, love or respect God and they are separated from Him as their choice. But the best thing to know is that THE LORD JUST LAUGHS at them. Picture the Lord as they snarl in defiance at Him having a good belly laugh. He knows their end from the beginning and He can see their fate at the time of judgement. Eternal separation in Hell.
We must be uncompromisingly righteous. We must remain upright and have good standing with God. We must rely on His salvation and His promise of eternal life in perfection and heaven. Then when the wicked plot against us and gnash their teeth at us and God we can rest in His peace and the knowledge that His will is going to be done in their life at at the time of judgement. God sees the day of their defeat is coming and THE LORD JUST LAUGHS!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD!
JOB 1:21
" I came naked from my mother's womb, and I will be naked when I depart. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD!"
We all tend to surround ourselves with whatever we can accumulate while in this world. That includes homes, transportation, clothes, jewelry and it can vary from a modest amount to a kings palace filled with treasures. We were all born naked and without possessions. We brought nothing into this world, nothing. If we remember, the Lord is the one who has given us what we have, everything, including our children. Unless we become too boastful, we need to acknowledge that everything belongs to God and we are just a temporary steward of what He has given us. PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD.
One thing happens to us all, we depart this world. What will you take with you? Nothing is the correct answer. So even though pyramids are built to hold the possessions of the Pharaohs that was to be taken with them to the next world, oops, maybe not. Whatever we place in the coffins or the grave will stay right here on earth. We can take no possessions when we depart. PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD.
The important concept to grasp is that the Lord has given everything to us while here on earth, and the Lord will take everything away that is earthly when we depart. We are just pilgrims passing through and nothing belongs to us, even our family. There are two endings to what happens to us at death. In one ending, those that have opened there heart to the Lord and have received His Salvation, will receive eternal life and a mansion in Heaven. This is more wonderful than our earthly mind can absorb. The other ending is self inflicted and by rejecting the Lord and not receiving Him into there heart, these poor souls will be separated from God and have an eternal location that we know as Hell. We need to know that it is not the place to be for eternity!
To those of us who have been saved, PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD!
" I came naked from my mother's womb, and I will be naked when I depart. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD!"
We all tend to surround ourselves with whatever we can accumulate while in this world. That includes homes, transportation, clothes, jewelry and it can vary from a modest amount to a kings palace filled with treasures. We were all born naked and without possessions. We brought nothing into this world, nothing. If we remember, the Lord is the one who has given us what we have, everything, including our children. Unless we become too boastful, we need to acknowledge that everything belongs to God and we are just a temporary steward of what He has given us. PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD.
One thing happens to us all, we depart this world. What will you take with you? Nothing is the correct answer. So even though pyramids are built to hold the possessions of the Pharaohs that was to be taken with them to the next world, oops, maybe not. Whatever we place in the coffins or the grave will stay right here on earth. We can take no possessions when we depart. PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD.
The important concept to grasp is that the Lord has given everything to us while here on earth, and the Lord will take everything away that is earthly when we depart. We are just pilgrims passing through and nothing belongs to us, even our family. There are two endings to what happens to us at death. In one ending, those that have opened there heart to the Lord and have received His Salvation, will receive eternal life and a mansion in Heaven. This is more wonderful than our earthly mind can absorb. The other ending is self inflicted and by rejecting the Lord and not receiving Him into there heart, these poor souls will be separated from God and have an eternal location that we know as Hell. We need to know that it is not the place to be for eternity!
To those of us who have been saved, PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD!
LOVE NEVR GIVES UP!
1 CORINTHIANS 13:7
"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."
This scripture and its companion verses are quoted with regularity. I remember reading them and questioning whether anyone could live up to the bar or goal. With God's help it is possible and thus we need to revisit this area and believe that not only is it possible, but that God is expecting us to achieve this kind of Love. We should be able to put our name in place of Love when reading these verses. How are you doing? Are you even trying? Think hard about the places that you have failed. If you still do not love your father or mother or sister or brother or extended family you have gained nothing from the Word of God.
Love is patient and kind are you? Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude, are you? Love does not demand its own way, its not about you! Love is not irritable and it does not keep a record of being wronged, does this describe you? Now lets apply these thoughts to someone that you have failed in this area. If you do not love your father or sister, etc. have you given up trying, LOVE NEVER GIVES UP! Have you lost faith in your country, your elected officials or anyone in authority over you, LOVE NEVER LOSES FAITH. Your love must endure through every circumstance. It will help if you remember that God has a perfect plan for you and He expects you to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
In the end we are expected to emulate our Lord and keep in mind that He has forgiven us a multitude of sins. No matter how badly we have acted and how selfish we have been God has forgiven us. If we confessed our sins, He was faithful to forgive them. If you want God to forgive you, then you must forgive any and all who have sinned against you. Think of that person you still will not forgive and then apply God's love to the situation. If you will not do it, you have nothing and are not a doer of the Word, only a hearer. You do not have to fail, and you will find love. LOVE NEVER FAILS AND LOVE NEVER GIVES UP!
"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."
This scripture and its companion verses are quoted with regularity. I remember reading them and questioning whether anyone could live up to the bar or goal. With God's help it is possible and thus we need to revisit this area and believe that not only is it possible, but that God is expecting us to achieve this kind of Love. We should be able to put our name in place of Love when reading these verses. How are you doing? Are you even trying? Think hard about the places that you have failed. If you still do not love your father or mother or sister or brother or extended family you have gained nothing from the Word of God.
Love is patient and kind are you? Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude, are you? Love does not demand its own way, its not about you! Love is not irritable and it does not keep a record of being wronged, does this describe you? Now lets apply these thoughts to someone that you have failed in this area. If you do not love your father or sister, etc. have you given up trying, LOVE NEVER GIVES UP! Have you lost faith in your country, your elected officials or anyone in authority over you, LOVE NEVER LOSES FAITH. Your love must endure through every circumstance. It will help if you remember that God has a perfect plan for you and He expects you to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
In the end we are expected to emulate our Lord and keep in mind that He has forgiven us a multitude of sins. No matter how badly we have acted and how selfish we have been God has forgiven us. If we confessed our sins, He was faithful to forgive them. If you want God to forgive you, then you must forgive any and all who have sinned against you. Think of that person you still will not forgive and then apply God's love to the situation. If you will not do it, you have nothing and are not a doer of the Word, only a hearer. You do not have to fail, and you will find love. LOVE NEVER FAILS AND LOVE NEVER GIVES UP!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
DEEP WITHIN THEIR HEARTS!
PSALM 36: 1-2
"Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God at all. In their blind conceit, they can not see how wicked they really are."
When you see people who are wicked they are not always discernible superficially. Some of the most heinous serial killers looked like church choir boys. Some of the most disgusting appearing people are really good hearted believer's that never stop doing the Lord's work. In fact they prove once again that how a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Sin whispers to the wicked and they pay attention to what they hear. It is in their heart that they hear this communication and then they act out what they believe.
We all know that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God. Wicked people do not have God in their heart and they do not know who God really is. That is why they have no fear of God. They do not believe that God will judge them and that they are in reality judging themselves into eternal separation from God and eternity in Hell. They are blind to God in their conceit and most think of themselves as God. They can not even see how wicked they really are. We as believers are shocked at what sinful things they can imagine and then do. They have no remorse and no conscience, so they are oblivious to their harmful actions.
Sin and transgression speak to the heart of the wicked. They however, flatter themselves and are deceived in their own eyes. They believe that their sin or iniquity will never be found out. They do not feel they will be hated for what they have done and are blinded to the consequences. They hear the whispers in their heart and they continue to do wrong and will until they learn to fear the God who made them. They must have a change of heart. They must open the door to Jesus Christ and ask Him for a new heart. We should pray that that happens, DEEP WITHIN THEIR HEARTS!
"Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God at all. In their blind conceit, they can not see how wicked they really are."
When you see people who are wicked they are not always discernible superficially. Some of the most heinous serial killers looked like church choir boys. Some of the most disgusting appearing people are really good hearted believer's that never stop doing the Lord's work. In fact they prove once again that how a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Sin whispers to the wicked and they pay attention to what they hear. It is in their heart that they hear this communication and then they act out what they believe.
We all know that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God. Wicked people do not have God in their heart and they do not know who God really is. That is why they have no fear of God. They do not believe that God will judge them and that they are in reality judging themselves into eternal separation from God and eternity in Hell. They are blind to God in their conceit and most think of themselves as God. They can not even see how wicked they really are. We as believers are shocked at what sinful things they can imagine and then do. They have no remorse and no conscience, so they are oblivious to their harmful actions.
Sin and transgression speak to the heart of the wicked. They however, flatter themselves and are deceived in their own eyes. They believe that their sin or iniquity will never be found out. They do not feel they will be hated for what they have done and are blinded to the consequences. They hear the whispers in their heart and they continue to do wrong and will until they learn to fear the God who made them. They must have a change of heart. They must open the door to Jesus Christ and ask Him for a new heart. We should pray that that happens, DEEP WITHIN THEIR HEARTS!
Monday, August 18, 2008
JESUS IS LORD!
1 CORINTHIANS 12:3
"I want you to know that no one speaking by the spirit of God will curse Jesus, and no one can say JESUS IS LORD, except by the Holy Spirit."
All believer's should know for certain that Jesus Christ is the Lord God! We may not understand the trinity completely, but, we know that the Father is God, the Son is Jesus Christ and then we have the Holy Ghost. This is a core belief and is not subject to consideration. Just as you can not believe in seven out of the ten commandments, you can not have Jesus without having God or the spirit. In fact the proof of this truth for today can be tested. If anyone is professing a different Jesus or a different God or a different Spirit, test them and prove this concept. Ask them to say that they believe that Jesus Christ if the Lord God. They can not do it!
Although many people and among them believers use the name of Jesus Christ to curse others that is not the same as cursing Jesus. Using God's name in vain is equivalent to rejecting God and not believing in the Holy Spirit. That is what is meant by blaspheming the Holy Spirit. It is the unforgivable sin. If you reject Jesus, or God or the Holy Spirit you are committing blasphemy and it will be unforgivable. Your non acceptance is your choice and that choice will doom you to everlasting separation from God. Your sins will never be forgiven.
If we have the spirit of the Lord Jesus in us we can not curse, reject, or blaspheme Him. That is the comfort of having opened the door to your heart and allowing Jesus and the Holy Spirit to come and reside and dwell with you. Your sins are forgiven and you will be given eternal life. The other side of the equation is that if you have not accepted Jesus as the Lord of your life and received the Holy Spirit you will be forever separated from God the father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. In that condition you could never say that JESUS IS LORD! Can you say it?
"I want you to know that no one speaking by the spirit of God will curse Jesus, and no one can say JESUS IS LORD, except by the Holy Spirit."
All believer's should know for certain that Jesus Christ is the Lord God! We may not understand the trinity completely, but, we know that the Father is God, the Son is Jesus Christ and then we have the Holy Ghost. This is a core belief and is not subject to consideration. Just as you can not believe in seven out of the ten commandments, you can not have Jesus without having God or the spirit. In fact the proof of this truth for today can be tested. If anyone is professing a different Jesus or a different God or a different Spirit, test them and prove this concept. Ask them to say that they believe that Jesus Christ if the Lord God. They can not do it!
Although many people and among them believers use the name of Jesus Christ to curse others that is not the same as cursing Jesus. Using God's name in vain is equivalent to rejecting God and not believing in the Holy Spirit. That is what is meant by blaspheming the Holy Spirit. It is the unforgivable sin. If you reject Jesus, or God or the Holy Spirit you are committing blasphemy and it will be unforgivable. Your non acceptance is your choice and that choice will doom you to everlasting separation from God. Your sins will never be forgiven.
If we have the spirit of the Lord Jesus in us we can not curse, reject, or blaspheme Him. That is the comfort of having opened the door to your heart and allowing Jesus and the Holy Spirit to come and reside and dwell with you. Your sins are forgiven and you will be given eternal life. The other side of the equation is that if you have not accepted Jesus as the Lord of your life and received the Holy Spirit you will be forever separated from God the father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. In that condition you could never say that JESUS IS LORD! Can you say it?
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