TITUS 3:1
"Remind the believer's to SUBMIT TO THE GOVERNMENT and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good."
It is election time and your candidate is going to lose and that opponent you dislike is going to be elected. The new government is one that does not have the same ideas and attitudes that you hold near and dear. In your opinion they will take the country down a path that will lead to destruction and demoralizing attitudes. They want to increase taxes and they will stifle descent. If you are correct this is the end of civilization as we know it and we may never be able to recover. What are we as believer's to do?
SUBMIT TO THE GOVERNMENT! Accept its elected officials and officers and be obedient to them. At the same time always do what is good. Avoid doing what is evil. Remember that we are to be submissive to the new authorities. Be prepared to do any honorable and upright work. The main thing to remember is that God is in control of everything and He places people in their positions of power. Just as the Roman emperor thought He controlled his empire, it was God that caused him to call for a census that allowed Jesus Christ to be born in Bethlehem.
Do not slander against the rulers and officials and do not quarrel with their representatives. We are to be gentle and show humility to all of them. Remember that we are pilgrims passing through this world and this is not our home. What occurs on a temporary basis in this earthly existence is only for a moment. We are gone in the twinkling of an eye and we must keep a heavenly prospective at all times. Your eternal destination is certain and you will be ruled by the King of Kings. He is just and merciful and perfect and true. The government that you live under for a time is not perfect and not faithful and even so God says SUBMIT TO THE GOVERNMENT!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?
LUKE 8:24-25
Jesus rebuked the wind and the raging waters. The storm stopped and all was calm. Then Jesus asked them, 'WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?"
Do you worry a lot? Are you concerned about everything that might happen or could happen? Do you panic when confronted with an emergency or severe problem? How do you handle both little and big problems? What if you thought you might drown or crash or be killed, how would you react? I am guessing that a lot of you might panic as the disciples did in the storm. They shouted at the Master, "were going to drown". It is a natural response to worry when you are in a storm but it will depend on your faith as to your response!
As believer's we should always ask ourselves the following question when confronted with an emergency of problem. Why am I so fearful? Where is my faith and trust and confidence? If you have your faith and trust and confidence in Jesus Christ then you can know and have verification that He never fails. The integrity of Jesus is unquestionable. We have a Saviour that will protect us and come to our rescue no matter what the problem or emergency. The real question we need to ask ourselves is WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?
This truth for today is to be used in your life on every occasion. Jesus is always there and He never will fail us. So if you think that the loss of a job or a loved one or an election is threatening your life and existence, stop and remember who is in control. He is not asleep at the wheel and He is in complete control of everything. Try not to focus on the here and now but the future and eternity that God has promised you. We are just passing through this world and we have nothing that we will take with us when we leave the earth. We will have nothing but a love and trust in our God and the promises that He has made to us WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?
Jesus rebuked the wind and the raging waters. The storm stopped and all was calm. Then Jesus asked them, 'WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?"
Do you worry a lot? Are you concerned about everything that might happen or could happen? Do you panic when confronted with an emergency or severe problem? How do you handle both little and big problems? What if you thought you might drown or crash or be killed, how would you react? I am guessing that a lot of you might panic as the disciples did in the storm. They shouted at the Master, "were going to drown". It is a natural response to worry when you are in a storm but it will depend on your faith as to your response!
As believer's we should always ask ourselves the following question when confronted with an emergency of problem. Why am I so fearful? Where is my faith and trust and confidence? If you have your faith and trust and confidence in Jesus Christ then you can know and have verification that He never fails. The integrity of Jesus is unquestionable. We have a Saviour that will protect us and come to our rescue no matter what the problem or emergency. The real question we need to ask ourselves is WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?
This truth for today is to be used in your life on every occasion. Jesus is always there and He never will fail us. So if you think that the loss of a job or a loved one or an election is threatening your life and existence, stop and remember who is in control. He is not asleep at the wheel and He is in complete control of everything. Try not to focus on the here and now but the future and eternity that God has promised you. We are just passing through this world and we have nothing that we will take with us when we leave the earth. We will have nothing but a love and trust in our God and the promises that He has made to us WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?
Thursday, October 23, 2008
BE PREPARED!
2 TIMOTHY 4:2
"Preach the Word of God. BE PREPARED, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching."
This is not the boy scout manual that we are quoting from. This is the word of God, but the message is the same for preachers or scouts, BE PREPARED. There is a time coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. People will follow their own desires and will look for preachers who will please them and their ears. People will reject the truth of God and seek after myths. Does that sound like a large part of our population now? We also have to define who is a preacher, because many have a that obligation.
A preacher is someone who proclaims publicly the Word of God in what some call a sermon. They advocate sincerely the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That fits a lot of people including those who teach in Sunday schools or for that matter anyone who proclaims the Gospel anywhere and at anytime. If you are a true believer, you may be called upon to proclaim the Gospel and advocate for Jesus Christ the Lord God. Will you be prepared? Will you Herald His Word? We have to keep our sense of urgency and be at the ready for the opportunities that arise whether in favorable or unfavorable conditions.
The Lord will not ask if it was convenient or inconvenient, welcome or unwelcome, it is your duty to show people that they are living their life wrong, and they need the Lord in their life. We are to rebuke them, correct them, warn them and then urge them to heed the Word of the Lord. We have to be inexhaustible and patient in our teaching. By definition that teaching must be good and correct. We all know who we are and who this truth for today applies to, is it you? Then take the time to know the Word of God and His Gospel and then BE PREPARED!
"Preach the Word of God. BE PREPARED, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching."
This is not the boy scout manual that we are quoting from. This is the word of God, but the message is the same for preachers or scouts, BE PREPARED. There is a time coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. People will follow their own desires and will look for preachers who will please them and their ears. People will reject the truth of God and seek after myths. Does that sound like a large part of our population now? We also have to define who is a preacher, because many have a that obligation.
A preacher is someone who proclaims publicly the Word of God in what some call a sermon. They advocate sincerely the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That fits a lot of people including those who teach in Sunday schools or for that matter anyone who proclaims the Gospel anywhere and at anytime. If you are a true believer, you may be called upon to proclaim the Gospel and advocate for Jesus Christ the Lord God. Will you be prepared? Will you Herald His Word? We have to keep our sense of urgency and be at the ready for the opportunities that arise whether in favorable or unfavorable conditions.
The Lord will not ask if it was convenient or inconvenient, welcome or unwelcome, it is your duty to show people that they are living their life wrong, and they need the Lord in their life. We are to rebuke them, correct them, warn them and then urge them to heed the Word of the Lord. We have to be inexhaustible and patient in our teaching. By definition that teaching must be good and correct. We all know who we are and who this truth for today applies to, is it you? Then take the time to know the Word of God and His Gospel and then BE PREPARED!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
ITS INSPIRATIONAL!
2 TIMOTHY 3:16
"All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right."
All is a tiny word. All is a powerful word. All is not to be confused with part, or some, or a little. When the Word states that ALL scripture is inspired by God it also implies that no one can just accept seven out of the ten commandments, or certain parts of the old or new testaments. It would be convenient for some to avoid scripture that labels certain actions an abomination in the sight of God. It would allow some to avoid discussing sin or immorality if they were to eliminate certain passages or scriptures, but they would be making an incorrect assumption and they would be wrong.
Not only is ALL scripture inspired by God, but it is to be used to teach us right from wrong and to make us aware of what is wrong with our lives. If used properly it lets us see when we are wrong and more than that it teaches us what to do that is right. God's Word is like the owners manual for our life. It is always right and never wrong. It is faithful and Worthy and can be trusted at all times and for any question we may have. Now that is inspirational!
Every scripture that we read is God breathed and given by His inspiration. It is meant to be used for instruction and inspiration. Knowing the Word convicts and reproves us of our sin and allows us to see what we are doing wrong. This allows discipline of our errors or sin and leads to correction. If you want to be trained in righteousness and holy living so that you can conform to God's will in all you do and think, all scripture can be used to guide you on the path. Our every purpose action and thought can be in conformity with God's will if we but learn His Word and put it into action. God's Word, ITS INSPIRATIONAL!
"All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right."
All is a tiny word. All is a powerful word. All is not to be confused with part, or some, or a little. When the Word states that ALL scripture is inspired by God it also implies that no one can just accept seven out of the ten commandments, or certain parts of the old or new testaments. It would be convenient for some to avoid scripture that labels certain actions an abomination in the sight of God. It would allow some to avoid discussing sin or immorality if they were to eliminate certain passages or scriptures, but they would be making an incorrect assumption and they would be wrong.
Not only is ALL scripture inspired by God, but it is to be used to teach us right from wrong and to make us aware of what is wrong with our lives. If used properly it lets us see when we are wrong and more than that it teaches us what to do that is right. God's Word is like the owners manual for our life. It is always right and never wrong. It is faithful and Worthy and can be trusted at all times and for any question we may have. Now that is inspirational!
Every scripture that we read is God breathed and given by His inspiration. It is meant to be used for instruction and inspiration. Knowing the Word convicts and reproves us of our sin and allows us to see what we are doing wrong. This allows discipline of our errors or sin and leads to correction. If you want to be trained in righteousness and holy living so that you can conform to God's will in all you do and think, all scripture can be used to guide you on the path. Our every purpose action and thought can be in conformity with God's will if we but learn His Word and put it into action. God's Word, ITS INSPIRATIONAL!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
DO NOT TRUST IN RICHES!
1 TIMOTHY 6:17
"Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly give us all we need for our enjoyment."
Where is your trust? Do you trust in your money or riches to protect and save you? Then you need to learn a lesson. First of all do not be proud because you have obtained riches in this world. Your money is unreliable and has wings like an eagle. It is true that your God has given you more than you needed for the enjoyment of this life, but it is also true that it belongs to God and not to you. So although we are not suggesting that you do not enjoy what God has given you, remember you own nothing and you brought nothing into this world and you will leave with nothing. Pride falls before the man and your riches can disappear in an instant.
This truth for today is to let the rich in this world be warned not to be arrogant and contemptuous or proud in relation to others because of your wealth. Most importantly do not put your hope in money or riches which are uncertain and are a gift from God. Remember God supplies us with everything we need for our enjoyment and everything you have really belongs to Him. Do not look down on those who have little and enjoy less, because you can join them in a moment. Think of all the wall street moguls that have lost their fortunes in less than a week. Think of the stars and leaders that fell in an instant of time.
The best conclusion to draw from this scripture is that you can not trust in riches even if you have them. Part of that conclusion is that you can always trust in God! God never changes and He alone can save you and give you eternal life. You can not buy a ticket to heaven! If you are enjoying the gifts of God then your most responsible response is to share it with others. Do good works, be liberal and generous in your interaction with others. Most importantly, DO NOT TRUST RICHES!
"Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly give us all we need for our enjoyment."
Where is your trust? Do you trust in your money or riches to protect and save you? Then you need to learn a lesson. First of all do not be proud because you have obtained riches in this world. Your money is unreliable and has wings like an eagle. It is true that your God has given you more than you needed for the enjoyment of this life, but it is also true that it belongs to God and not to you. So although we are not suggesting that you do not enjoy what God has given you, remember you own nothing and you brought nothing into this world and you will leave with nothing. Pride falls before the man and your riches can disappear in an instant.
This truth for today is to let the rich in this world be warned not to be arrogant and contemptuous or proud in relation to others because of your wealth. Most importantly do not put your hope in money or riches which are uncertain and are a gift from God. Remember God supplies us with everything we need for our enjoyment and everything you have really belongs to Him. Do not look down on those who have little and enjoy less, because you can join them in a moment. Think of all the wall street moguls that have lost their fortunes in less than a week. Think of the stars and leaders that fell in an instant of time.
The best conclusion to draw from this scripture is that you can not trust in riches even if you have them. Part of that conclusion is that you can always trust in God! God never changes and He alone can save you and give you eternal life. You can not buy a ticket to heaven! If you are enjoying the gifts of God then your most responsible response is to share it with others. Do good works, be liberal and generous in your interaction with others. Most importantly, DO NOT TRUST RICHES!
Monday, October 20, 2008
JUST THE RIGHT TIME!
1 TIMOTHY 6:15
"For at JUST THE RIGHT TIME Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and all mighty God, the King of all Kings and the Lord of all Lords."
When is the right time for our Lord Jesus Christ, the anointed one to appear? We have been anticipating the second coming of Jesus Christ for two thousand years. Many alive at the time of His death thought He would return in their lifetime. Every generation has prayed that Jesus Christ the Lord God would return during their lifetime. Even today we wait with anticipation and expectation that the Lord could return at any moment. It would appear that the state of the earth has been such that any reasonable person would conclude that the end of the earth should come any day!
The main point to remember and consider is that at the time of Jesus return He will be bringing with Him the Day of Judgement. When that time occurs, anyone who has not believed and given their heart to the Lord will be lost for eternity. There will be a heavy price paid by those who reject the Lord God. The only reason that the Lord tarries is so that everyone will have an opportunity to be saved. Surely you know someone that you care about that will suffer the eternal damnation unless they receive salvation. If you care then you would want as much time as it may take to see them saved.
Still, we know that the earth will come to an end and the Lord will return with all the saints who have gone before us and He will take us with Him as we rise to join Him on His return. When will that be. No one knows, but one thing is certain, at JUST THE RIGHT TIME, Jesus will return and then the judgement. Do we really think that we as His children should dictate when that time should be? The mind of God is above our minds and although we may cry out and pray for His return at this very moment, the Father knows best.
"For at JUST THE RIGHT TIME Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and all mighty God, the King of all Kings and the Lord of all Lords."
When is the right time for our Lord Jesus Christ, the anointed one to appear? We have been anticipating the second coming of Jesus Christ for two thousand years. Many alive at the time of His death thought He would return in their lifetime. Every generation has prayed that Jesus Christ the Lord God would return during their lifetime. Even today we wait with anticipation and expectation that the Lord could return at any moment. It would appear that the state of the earth has been such that any reasonable person would conclude that the end of the earth should come any day!
The main point to remember and consider is that at the time of Jesus return He will be bringing with Him the Day of Judgement. When that time occurs, anyone who has not believed and given their heart to the Lord will be lost for eternity. There will be a heavy price paid by those who reject the Lord God. The only reason that the Lord tarries is so that everyone will have an opportunity to be saved. Surely you know someone that you care about that will suffer the eternal damnation unless they receive salvation. If you care then you would want as much time as it may take to see them saved.
Still, we know that the earth will come to an end and the Lord will return with all the saints who have gone before us and He will take us with Him as we rise to join Him on His return. When will that be. No one knows, but one thing is certain, at JUST THE RIGHT TIME, Jesus will return and then the judgement. Do we really think that we as His children should dictate when that time should be? The mind of God is above our minds and although we may cry out and pray for His return at this very moment, the Father knows best.
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