The Debt We Owe

This is a song about how Jesus paid the debt for our sins, and how we should praise him and adore him for dying for our sins, and for offering us the free gift of salvation from sins.

Oh, how I praise and thank the Lord Jesus for saving me from my sins. I thank him and praise him for his marvelous grace to me in reaching down to me and lifting me out of the pit, and for putting me on the Solid Rock where I can stand secure. I am so grateful for his love for me, but also for his patience and his mercy and forgiveness in taking one such as me and making me into a pure vessel which he can use for his glory. This has nothing to do with me or with my goodness, either, but only with his grace. And, because he has done so much for me, I owe him everything!

The Debt We Owe / An Original Work / July 2, 2011

I adore You, Lord, my Master.

I worship and praise You, King.

You are such an awesome God who

Loves us so much, grace You bring.

You died to save us from our sin

So that we could be set free.

I adore You, Lord, my Master.

I worship and praise You, King.

Lord, You are our Great Redeemer.

You paid the debt that we owe,

So that we might be forgiven,

And our God we’d come to know;

Be transformed to be like Jesus,

Who conquered, in death, our foe.

Lord, You are our Great Redeemer.

You paid the debt that we owe.

Jesus our Messiah, Savior,

Lord and Master, King of kings,

You provided our redemption,

So we’d live in victory.

From our sin and self You ransomed

Us for all eternity.

Jesus our Messiah, Savior,

Lord and Master, King of kings.

https://vimeo.com/127354829

They Conspire Against

Wednesday, December 30, 2015, 4:45 a.m. – The Lord Jesus put in mind the song “He Keeps Me Singing.” Speak, Lord, your words to my heart. I read Matthew 12:14-21 (NASB).

But the Pharisees went out and conspired against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.

But Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. Many followed Him, and He healed them all, and warned them not to tell who He was. This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet:

“Behold, My Servant whom I have chosen;

My Beloved in whom My soul is well-pleased;

I will put My Spirit upon Him,

And He shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles.

“He will not quarrel, nor cry out;

Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.

“A battered reed He will not break off,

And a smoldering wick He will not put out,

Until He leads justice to victory.

“And in His name the Gentiles will hope.”

God’s Righteousness

Jesus Christ is God the Son, the second person of our triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He left his throne in heaven, came to earth, and “although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men” (Phil. 2:6-7). When he was on this earth, he was fully God, yet fully man. He suffered like we suffer, and was tempted in like manner as we are also tempted, yet he was without sin. During his years of ministry on the earth, he healed the sick and afflicted, raised the dead, comforted the sorrowful, encouraged the fearful, and delivered people from demons. He also preached the whole counsel of God (Ac. 20:27), i.e. the full gospel message. He confronted sin in sinful humans, warned of judgment, and called the people to repentance and to faith in him.

Jesus taught the righteousness of God. He trained us to be humble and contrite in spirit, to show others the mercy of God, to be pure in heart, and how to live at peace with others, as much as is within our ability to do so, without compromising our faith and convictions, and without following after the norms of society, or giving way to sinful practices. He showed us, as well, how to endure and respond to persecution because of our faith and testimonies for Jesus Christ, and to rejoice when people revile us, for we are sharing in the fellowship of his sufferings. He explained to us how to live and to preserve his word and to share the truth of the gospel with the people of this world so that they could know him, too.

Although Jesus showed compassion toward the lost and the hurting, he strongly accused many of the religious leaders of false humility, hypocrisy, and of lack of love and mercy towards others; of appearing clean on the outside, but of being full of wickedness on the inside. He condemned pride and arrogance, yet he commended child-like faith. As well, he instructed us that God’s grace to us does not mean that we are now free to live however we want or that we no longer have to obey his commandments, yet he summarized the commandments of God into two: 1) Love God, and 2) Love others (Matt. 22:37-39).

Jesus Christ was and is absolutely perfect in heart, mind, attitude, and in behavior. Thus, his motives in doing what he did were also absolutely pure and righteous. He was not in it for the fame and fortune. He was not a circus performer who went around just trying to draw attention to himself. What he did, he did because he loves us, and for no other reason. He was completely humble and selfless, thinking primarily of our salvation from sin. He was and is patient, loving, merciful and gracious to those who are seeking him in truth, and he teaches us gently concerning the kinds of things we must put off, and the kinds of things we must put on, i.e. he teaches us how to live the Christian life, holy and pleasing to God.

They Conspire

The religious leaders of his day, though, did not like him. They were jealous of him and his popularity among the people, and felt threatened that their own positions of power and influence were in jeopardy because of this man and his teachings. They also didn’t like it that he claimed to be God, which he was and is. So, they went on a campaign to destroy him and his ministry, trying to discredit him and his followers wherever possible. Then they plotted his death, which they eventually carried out. Yet, Jesus did not resist them when they sent soldiers to arrest him, but humbled himself, and became obedient to death on a cross (Phil. 2:8).

It was necessary, though, for him to die, for when he died he took upon himself the sins of the entire world, i.e. God “made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Co. 5:21). Through faith in Jesus Christ, via repentance, Christ’s righteousness is credited to our accounts.

When we believe in Jesus Christ to be Lord and Savior of our lives, his Holy Spirit comes to live within us to lead, counsel, teach, guide, convict, urge, nudge, encourage, comfort, empower, and strengthen us in our walks of faith in Christ Jesus, our Lord. We walk no longer after our sinful flesh, as we did when we did not believe, but by the Spirit we now walk according to the Spirit, putting to death the deeds of our sinful flesh so that we might have eternal life with God in heaven (Luke 9:23-25; John 6:35-66; Ro. 6:1-23; Ro. 8:1-14).

Yet, when we are walking according to the Spirit, and no longer according to our sinful flesh, the world will hate us as they hated Jesus, and thus they will conspire against us, too, as they are doing right now. They will try to discredit us, or to get us to jump ship and to follow the ways of the world again, or to discourage and dishearten us. They will persecute us, falsely accuse us, try to destroy our witness, or else they will plot our deaths, as well.

The Lord Jesus continues to show me the many ways in which this is taking place in our world today. I believe that, if we are observant, and if we are paying attention, that we can see most of this, if not all of it taking place. We have leaders both within our governments and within the gatherings of the church, including within the false church, who are teaching a false, diluted gospel absent of true repentance and faithful obedience to Jesus Christ. As well, they are verbally, even from the pulpits, chiding those who hold to the tenets of the Christian faith and practice, as taught by Jesus and his NT apostles. I have even had pastors tell me they were warned against people with “strong convictions” or that they were taught to “filter out” those who did “not fit,” and they offered to help me, in these cases, to “find a better fit.”

Many are discouraging people from bringing Bibles to gatherings, and will try to get the people to get their teaching from the pastor only. I had one pastor tell me that I was to let him be God’s voice to me. He is not the only one like this, though, sadly enough. Many pastors are being trained to filter out those who have strong convictions with regard to the tenets of the Christian faith, and to target the people of the world who have little knowledge of God’s word. Mysticism is even being taught and promoted in many church gatherings as a way of finding one’s “true self.”

Many congregations are leaning away from the old time gospel and are going to something that is more agreeable to all people, regardless of walks of life or religious affiliation. I believe it will soon become illegal to preach the gospel, because, it will be considered a hate crime to tell people they are sinners, and that without God they are headed for hell, but that Jesus died on the cross for their sins so they can be forgiven and have the hope of eternal life, and that they need to repent of their sins and believe in Jesus if they want to be set free from slavery to sin and to spend eternity with God in heaven.

Justice to Victory

I live in America, so we have not yet had the severe persecution other followers of Christ have experienced throughout the world, though it is coming to America, too. The signs are everywhere. Many of our governments here in the west are convincing the people that ISIS is our enemy, and that they are the ones murdering Christians abroad. Yet, the Lord has been showing me otherwise. I believe, and many internet articles support, that the US government, in coordination with the New World Order “Beast,” is ISIS, i.e. we are the true terrorists of the world who are going throughout the world conquering nations and peoples, confiscating property not our own, and stealing other nations’ natural resources, as well as we are the ones, via our hired killers, who are murdering followers of Christ, and soon this will be happening in America, too. The same Modus Operandi they used in many other nations they are now using here, as well, so this is where it is all headed.

I believe that the world right now is under the judgment of God, but more specifically the church which is living in adultery against her Lord. I believe God is using the US government and the New World Order “Beast” as his divine instruments of judgment against the church and the nations, but that one day they will be judged, too. As well, I believe that scripture teaches us that through judgment the adulterous church will be revived, and that many people will flock to faith in Jesus Christ before our Lord returns for his bride. In this way God is also showing mercy, because he knows what it will take to get his church revived and taking the gospel to the ends of the earth, and for the people of the nations of the world to hear the gospel message, to accept it, and to be saved from their sins.

Our Lord is very patient, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. And, that is why he will take us through this period of divine correction and discipline, in order to purify us, yet we are not to be afraid, for he will never leave us or forsake us. For those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose, he will work out all things for our good. We just have to trust him, and rest in his love.

He Keeps Me Singing / Luther B. Bridgers

There's within my heart a melody

Jesus whispers sweet and low:

Fear not, I am with thee, peace, be still,

In all of life's ebb and flow.

All my life was wrecked by sin and strife,

Discord filled my heart with pain;

Jesus swept across the broken strings,

Stirred the slumbering chords again.

Though sometimes he leads through waters deep,

Trials fall across the way,

Though sometimes the path seems rough and steep,

See his footprints all the way.

Soon he's coming back to welcome me

Far beyond the starry sky;

I shall wing my flight to worlds unknown;

I shall reign with him on high.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,

Sweetest name I know,

Fills my every longing,

Keeps me singing as I go. 

Against the Flow

Monday, December 28, 2015, 9:11 p.m. – The Lord Jesus put in mind the song “In Faithfulness He Leads Me.” Speak, Lord, your words to my heart. I read Matthew 11:12-19, 28-30 (NIV84).

Forcefully Advancing (vv. 12-15)

From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. He who has ears, let him hear.

John the Baptist was called of God, even before he was born, to be the messenger prophesied about in the Old Testament who would prepare the way for the ministry and ultimate life sacrifice of Jesus Christ - our Messiah, Savior and Lord (God). Jesus gave his life up for us on the cross so that we might be forgiven our sins and be delivered out of slavery to sin. The prophets of old, as well, foretold the coming of the Christ, our Messiah, who would take away the sins of the world. In addition, the law was put into effect to lead us to Jesus Christ until he came. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of all the law and the prophets. And, he is the embodiment of the kingdom of heaven, which is concerning his life, death, resurrection, ascension into heaven, his sending of his Spirit, the life of the church (his body), his coming again to judge and to take us to be with him forever, his millennial kingdom reign on the earth, and the new heavens, the new earth, and eternity with God in glory.

Although many translations translate verse twelve to say that the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and that violent men take it by force, neither the context of the passage, nor the Greek language bear that out, from what I can tell. While it is true that violent men are advancing against the kingdom of heaven, against our Lord, and in opposition to his gospel of salvation, and in hostility toward his servants and witnesses, I don’t believe that is what is meant here. In context, this is speaking of John as a messenger of God, preparing the way for Christ, and of the prophets who came before him, who were also God’s messengers. These men, in the power of God, advanced the kingdom of God forcefully, i.e. persuasively, powerfully, insistently, and urgently, and with much determination, faithfulness, and purpose of heart and mind. They did this by being obedient to God’s leading, his call on their lives, and by telling the people what God gave them to say.

This is what we should be doing, too. As Christ’s Body, his representatives, and his messengers in this world, we should be safeguarding, upholding and defending the truth of God’s Holy Word against all evil and opposing forces, in particular against all that would malign the word of God and would try to bring it into disrepute, or that would try to distort the truths of scripture in order to deceive and to persuade people to follow after lies. We should also be maintaining and continuing in our walks of faith with Jesus Christ, and we should not be guilty of straying from his word or from our pure devotion to him. We should be faithful and steadfast in faith. Our very lives, as well as our words, should be influencing the world around us away from lifestyles of sin, and to faith in Jesus Christ – to repentance and obedience to his commands – all in the power and working of the Spirit of God within us. We should be giving the world the message that Jesus came to set us free from our captivity to sin, and that he will empower us to live for him in his righteousness. Amen!

This Generation (vv. 16-19)

“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:

“‘We played the flute for you,

    and you did not dance;

we sang a dirge,

    and you did not mourn.’

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.”’ But wisdom is proved right by her actions.”

There are always going to be people in this life who will not approve of us, and who will find something about us they don’t like. There will be those who think we should act a certain way or do certain things which fit in with the culture or with what they might consider to be the norms of society. If we are different (unique), they might think us strange, weird, quirky, crazy, extreme, or whatever tag they might assign to us, as they did to Jesus and to John. But, different is not necessarily bad. It is perfectly ok to go against the flow, providing you are going God’s way and not the way of sin. In fact, God’s messengers throughout Biblical history were not popular, not generally well received, and not accepted by society as a whole. Yet, there will be those who will try to convince you that there is truth in numbers, and that if you seemingly stand alone that you must be wrong, but that is bad theology.

The majority is not always right. In fact, scripture teaches that the way to heaven is narrow, and that few find it, but that the way to destruction is broad, and that many travel that path to their own demise. Many are teaching that we must immerse ourselves in the culture of our day, and that we should blend in with the world so the world will accept us, with the premise that they, too, will accept the message of the gospel of salvation. Yet, the gospel is opposed to this sinful world and to blending in with our culture. It teaches us to come out from the world of sin and to be separate, and to touch no unclean thing. God commands that we be holy, which means to be set apart (unlike, different) from the world, because we are becoming like Christ. And, God’s grace teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives while we wait for Christ’s return. A godly life is a life separate from the world, and set apart unto God and his service.

So, we will face pressure to conform to the ways of this world and to compromise our faith and convictions in order to not stand out, but to be accepted by others. Yet, it is not for the acceptance of humans that we live, breathe and worship God with our lives. It is God’s approval we must seek, not the praise of humans. We might be mocked, hated, made fun of, disapproved, rejected and persecuted for our stand for Christ and for his gospel, and for our commitment to “forcefully advancing” the kingdom of heaven, but that is ok. God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in times of trouble. He will give us all we need to endure, to stand strong, to fight the enemy with the armor of God (Eph. 6), and to keep on keeping on in sharing the gospel of our salvation, even against great opposition. We just need to trust him, rest in his love and in his promises, and never ever give up!

Rest for the Weary (vv. 28-30)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

In Faithfulness He Leads Me

An Original Work / March 20, 2013 / Based off Various Scriptures

(Ps. 26:3; 86:11; 91:4-5; 111:7-8; 119:73-76; Is. 25:1,4&9; 42:6-7; Hos. 2:16-20)

Teach me Your ways, Lord, and I’ll walk in them.

Give me a pure heart. I’ll fear Your name.

Your love is always, ever before me.

Continually I’ll walk in Your truth.

You will cover me with feathers.

Under Your wings I’ll find refuge.

My Lord’s faithfulness will be my

Comfort and my shield.

The works of His hands are faithful and just.

Trustworthy are all of His precepts.

Your hands have made me, and they have formed me.

Give understanding of Your commands.

I have put my hope, O Lord, in Your word.

Your teachings, O Lord, are righteousness.

Lord, in faithfulness You have

Afflicted me so I may learn of

Your unfailing love and comfort

And Your truthfulness.

You are my husband; You have betrothed me

In love, compassion and faithfulness.

O Lord, You are my God, I’ll exalt You.

In faithfulness You’ve done wondrous things.

You’ve been a refuge for those who’re needy;

A shelter in storms; shade from the heat.

This is the Lord, we trusted in Him,

Let us be glad and rejoice

In His salvation which He

Provided through the Lamb.

Open the blind eyes; free all the captives.

Tell them of Jesus: “Be born again!”

https://vimeo.com/115747912

To Be Like Him

Monday, December 28, 2015, 5:50 a.m. – The Lord Jesus put in mind the song “Oh, To Be Like Thee.” Speak, Lord, your words to my heart. I read Matthew 11:1-6 (NIV84).

After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.

When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”

Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”

Today, rather than going into a discussion as to why John the Baptist might have sent his disciples to ask Jesus this question, I believe, in this section, that I am to focus my attention primarily on Jesus Christ’s response to the question posed by John. I believe the purpose of Jesus’ answer was to encourage John and his disciples, and us, too, that Jesus is indeed the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the Living God, our Savior and Redeemer from sin.

The Lord put in my mind the song “Oh, To Be Like Thee.” The message in the song describes the character of Jesus Christ, and prays that we might be like him in these various ways – in his humility, unselfishness, and servant heart; in his care and concern for the needs of others, and in his obedience to the Father; and in his love, mercy, kindness, compassion, gentleness, forgiveness, purity, meekness and concern for the lost sinner.

Jesus, in his response to John’s question, described for us the kinds of things Jesus did when he walked the face of this earth during his years of ministry. What he did, though, revealed his character, i.e. who he was, too. Jesus was a healer, not just of physical ailments, but of human hearts, of damaged emotions, and of sin-sick souls. He gave many people a new lease on life, not just in salvation and forgiveness of sin, but by healing their blinded eyes, and their deaf ears, and by bringing some literally back from the dead.

As well, Jesus Christ preached the Good News of salvation to the poor (destitute) in spirit, i.e. to those who were in need of salvation from sin. He told them that if they wanted to come after him that they must deny self, take up their cross daily (die daily to sin and self), and follow (obey) him. He said that whoever holds on to his own life (of living for sin and self) will lose it for eternity, but whoever lets go of his life (dies with Christ to sin), will gain eternal life (Lu. 9:23-25; cf. Jn 6:35-66). He told them they must repent of their sins, and he promised them forgiveness of sins, the release from the control of sin and Satan over their lives, and eternal life for all who believe in him as Lord and as Savior of their lives.

So, if we are to be like Jesus, which we are, then we should desire to be like him in his divine character and in his deeds. In the power and working of his Spirit within us we are being transformed into the image of Christ, if we are willing. So, it is just a matter of us yielding daily the control of our lives over to the Lord, submitting to his will and purposes, dying daily to self and sin, putting off the deeds of the flesh, and putting on Christ and his character and deeds. The Spirit of God will give us all we need to live holy lives for God.

Oh, to Be Like Thee, Blessed Redeemer

Thomas O. Chisholm / W. J. Kirkpatrick

Oh, to be like Thee! blessèd Redeemer,

This is my constant longing and prayer;

Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,

Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.

Oh, to be like Thee! full of compassion,

Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,

Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,

Seeking the wandering sinner to find.

O to be like Thee! lowly in spirit,

Holy and harmless, patient and brave;

Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,

Willing to suffer others to save.

O to be like Thee! while I am pleading,

Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love;

Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,

Fit me for life and Heaven above.

Oh, to be like Thee! Oh, to be like Thee,

Blessèd Redeemer, pure as Thou art;

Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;

Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrYhiK2nQBg

Nothing Can Separate Us

Based off Romans 8:28-39

This is one of the greatest and most precious promises of scripture which applies to those whom God is for, who are in Christ Jesus by faith, who love God, and who have been called according to his purposes; who walk not after the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Nothing and no one can separate us from Christ’s love. Amen! No matter what we go through, Jesus will always be there for us.

Even when we fail him, and we fall into sin’s deceptive ways once again, he is there to pick us back up and to restore us if we will repent of our sins and choose to walk in obedience to him once again. He will never leave us or forsake us. We can always count on him! He is completely faithful to all his promises. No matter what tragedies in life we face, what difficulties, and/or what seemingly impossible situations we may encounter, he will always be there for us to comfort, encourage, strengthen and bring much healing to our hearts and bodies. Amen!

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loves us. How are we conquerors? We are victorious over sin and the effects of life’s difficulties on our minds, emotions and bodies when we choose to apply the truths of scripture, and the teachings and remedies of Christ, to our sin problems and to our human weaknesses, trusting the Lord Jesus daily to work in and through us for his honor and glory and praise.

Nothing Can Separate Us / An Original Work / March 28, 2013

Based off Romans 8:28-39

Nothing can separate us

From Christ’s love now within us:

Not trouble, hardship, nor famine,

Nor danger, nor sword.

No, in all of these things

We are more than conquerors!

For your sake we face hardship.

We are sheep to be slaughtered.

I am convinced that death,

Nor life, nor anything else

Will separate us from

The love of God now in Christ.

What, then, shall we say to this?

God for us: who against us?

He who did not spare His Son

But gave Him for us all –

How will He not, with Him,

Graciously give us all things?

Who brings a charge against us?

God justifies His chosen.

Who is He that condemns?

Christ Jesus; died, rose again.

He’s at the right hand of God,

Interceding for us.

https://vimeo.com/117314000

A People Divided

There are so many things which divide us as a nation, as a people, and as the children of God. We are divided by hatred, violence, political affiliation, denomination, race, religion, social status, culture, belief systems, etc. We are also divided by greed, love of power, idolatry, spiritual (and physical) adultery, wars of men, lies, deceptions, manipulations, betrayal, rejection, false prophets and teachers of the people, false gospels of men, etc.

Not all which divides us is bad, though. In fact, one thing is necessary, and that is the gospel of our salvation. It divides the believer from the non-believer in Jesus Christ. It promises eternal life with God in heaven to the repentant sinner who trusts in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of his life, but it warns of eternal punishment and torment to the one who rejects Jesus Christ, and who chooses his life of sin, instead.

God calls us, his people, to leave our idols, our desires for wealth and power, and the things that divide us as a people of God that are not of God, such as hatred, unforgiveness, pride, adultery, and all that is called sin in the Bible. We are to turn from our sins, and we are to make the Lord Jesus Christ the Lord and master of our lives, choosing to walk with him in full surrender to his will for our lives and in obedience to his commands.

A People Divided / An Original Work / July 4, 2011

Flick’ring torches; hatred; violence;

Crashing windows; guns of men;

We are a people divided

By our love of pow’r and fame.

Idols marching; they’re in chorus;

Their goal to destroy the church,

Tempting us to follow them in

Pure devotion; them we search.

Leave your idols. Follow your God.

Make Him your Lord God and King.

Be a living witness for Him,

And your off’rings to Him bring.

Repent of your sins and worship

Him; a living sacrifice,

Put your all upon His altar.

Leave your old life way behind.

Flick’ring torches; hatred; violence;

Crashing windows; guns of men;

We are a people divided

By our love of pow’r and fame.

https://vimeo.com/126494411

Shrewd as Serpents

Sunday, December 27, 2015, 2:50 a.m. – The Lord Jesus put in mind the song “To Be Like Him.” Speak, Lord, your words to my heart. I read Matthew 10 (Selected NASB).

As Sheep Among Wolves (v. 16)

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.

In scripture, Jesus’ followers are often depicted as sheep, and him as their shepherd. Wolves are enemies of sheep. They represent false teachers and/or leaders (shepherds) of the people, some of whom outwardly present themselves as followers of Christ, and/or as sincerely devoted to us, but who inwardly are ferocious wolves who come in among the sheep in order to kill and to destroy. So, Jesus counseled his followers here that we need to be as shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. What this means is that we need to be wise, quick-thinking, perceptive and discerning of the enemy, so that we can quickly flee danger and not fall into the devil’s trap. Yet, we must couple this shrewdness with purity, love, righteousness, and truth, being unmixed with the world and its trappings, and unadulterated in our relationships with Jesus Christ, not engaging in sinful practices.

Sheep are also depicted in scripture as those who are easily led, either by the Lord or by false shepherds; either into the right way or along a crooked path. So, the danger here is that we might, as sheep, follow the wrong shepherds if we are not shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves. We need to be wise and discerning of evil, and we need to test everything we hear, see or read against the Word of God, in prayer, with the witness of the Spirit giving us counsel and direction, and against what we know of God’s divine character and will for our lives. What this means is that just because we see it on TV, or the media tells us something happened, it does not mean it really happened, or that it happened in the way they depict. Just because we are told there is a right and left does not mean it is true. Remember that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, as do his followers. Just because a preacher tells us something is in the Bible doesn’t mean it is, or that it is in the way in which he is presenting it. Not everyone tells the truth, so be wise, and be discerning.

They Will Hand You Over (vv. 17-22, 24-25)

But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved…

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household!”

We do have to be wise and discerning, but we also need to show love, kindness and mercy to people. Sometimes, in showing love and mercy to others, we might become prey to the enemy and he may falsely accuse us, hinder our work for the Lord in some way, persecute us severely, and/or even put us to death for our testimonies and witness for Jesus Christ. Yet, we can’t go around distrusting everyone and everything, and living in paralyzed fear, afraid to do anything. That is what Satan wants. On the other hand, we must not trust everyone and everything, and thus end up following the wrong path, or wind up walking into the devil’s traps because we failed to be judicious and prudent. I believe that is why we must combine “shrewdness” with “innocence,” and discernment with mercy.

Yet, because we are out in the world, and we are being lights for the gospel of Jesus Christ, Satan is going to come against us, so we should expect that we will be treated much the same way Jesus was treated. We have to be prepared, though, that our own family members, and our closest friends may turn against us, betray us, and may turn us over to our enemy to be persecuted. The US government, and other world governments, already have programs in motion where they are recruiting private citizens to spy on and to report on their family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers, etc.

As well, many of our leaders within our governments and in the church are daily deriding those who hold firm to their convictions and who believe we are to spread the message of the gospel of salvation so that others may come to know Christ, too. Their interpretation of “mercy” is to accept all religions and all walks of life as viable, and for all people to unite as one voice in calling for world peace, which means we must get rid of all which divides us, which includes the gospel of salvation, for it divides the believer from the unbeliever.

Do Not Fear Them (vv. 26-31)

“Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.”

One of Satan’s biggest weapons waged against us is his lies, some of which are intended to instill within us much fear. Being wise and discerning does not have to translate to living in fear. We have to keep trusting God in every situation, believing him to give us the wisdom we need to make the right kinds of judgments in individual circumstances. We also must not be afraid of the enemy being temporarily successful in his schemes against us, for he may be able to kill the body, but he can’t kill our souls. He can do nothing but what God permits him to do, and that God has allowed it for a purpose, so in all things we must commit our way to the Lord, and trust him with our lives and with other people, too. It is essential that we continue to follow our Lord, obey him, and keep sharing the messages he gives us to share. And, we must keep loving and forgiving others, even when they severely mistreat us.

The Cost of Discipleship (vv. 32-39)

“Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.

“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.”

To be a follower of Jesus Christ means that we will be hated and persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Nevertheless, we should not ever allow fear of what people will think of us, say about us, or do to us to keep us from sharing Christ’s love, his mercy and his gospel of salvation with as many as who will receive it and/or who will listen. Jesus did not come to bring world peace, as many would have you believe. The sword he brought was the Word of God which confronts sin in sinful human beings, warns of divine judgment, and which calls people to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. This sword of truth turns even family members, one against the other, because those who refuse to believe do not like to be around those who do, or because the unbeliever is offended by the message of the gospel. Yet, we should not ever compromise our faith to be liked by others. The Christian life is a crucified life, i.e. it means daily we die to sin and self and we live for Christ’s righteousness.

To Be Like Him / An Original Work

March 16, 2014 / Based off Scripture

Crucified you are with Jesus.

To be like Him, oh, you’ll be,

Because He died at Calv’ry,

So from sin you’d be free.

Oh, what joy He brings into your life,

Giving life with Him endlessly.

Oh, what plans He has for your life.

Share the gospel faithfully.

Show the people He loves them.

Now His witness you’ll be.

Tell the world of sin about Jesus,

How He died for them on a tree.

Purifying hearts, He saves them,

Who believe on Christ, God’s Son.

Turning now from their idols,

New lives they have begun.

Jesus saves from sin; we’re forgiven.

Over sin, the vict’ry He won!

When He comes again to take us

To be with Him evermore,

There will be no more crying.

Gladness will be in store.

Heavens joys will now overtake us:

We’ll be with our Lord evermore.

https://vimeo.com/89237609

In Faithfulness He Leads Me

Our God is a faithful God. He fulfills all his promises and all that he has said that he will do. He is completely truthful and trustworthy. We can depend on him. He loves us with an unconditional love that surpasses our human understanding. His wisdom is fathomless; his mercies unending. His word is absolutely faultless, i.e. that which is God-breathed and that which even now exists as he is a living God and he is still speaking to us.

In faithfulness, truthfulness and righteousness he leads his children (followers of Christ) in his ways and in his truth. He changes our hearts to make them more like him. He protects us spiritually from the forces of evil that would come against us. He provides all that we need for life and love. He created us so he knows us inside and out like no other. So, he is the best one to diagnose the wounds of hearts and to show us the way to healing.

When we accept God’s invitation to faith in his Son by God’s grace, by Christ’s death and resurrection, and by faith in what Jesus did for us in freeing us from our sins, Jesus Christ becomes our husband and we become his bride. It is important that we understand this relationship in this respect, because when we marry Jesus we vow to love, honor, obey, and be faithful to him, forsaking all others (our sins, self and “other gods”).

In Faithfulness He Leads Me / An Original Work / March 20, 2013

Based off Various Scriptures

(Ps. 26:3; 86:11; 91:4-5; 111:7-8; 119:73-76;

Is. 25:1,4&9; 42:6-7; Hos. 2:16-20)

Teach me Your ways, Lord, and I’ll walk in them.

Give me a pure heart. I’ll fear Your name.

Your love is always, ever before me.

Continually I’ll walk in Your truth.

You will cover me with feathers.

Under Your wings I’ll find refuge.

My Lord’s faithfulness will be my

Comfort and my shield.

The works of His hands are faithful and just.

Trustworthy are all of His precepts.

Your hands have made me, and they have formed me.

Give understanding of Your commands.

I have put my hope, O Lord, in Your word.

Your teachings, O Lord, are righteousness.

Lord, in faithfulness You have

Afflicted me so I may learn of

Your unfailing love and comfort

And Your truthfulness.

You are my husband; You have betrothed me

In love, compassion and faithfulness.

O Lord, You are my God, I’ll exalt You.

In faithfulness You’ve done wondrous things.

You’ve been a refuge for those who’re needy;

A shelter in storms; shade from the heat.

This is the Lord, we trusted in Him,

Let us be glad and rejoice

In His salvation which He

Provided through the Lamb.

Open the blind eyes; free all the captives.

Tell them of Jesus: “Be born again!”

https://vimeo.com/115747912

Follow Him

Jesus said that if anyone would come after him, to be one of his followers, he (or she) must first of all deny (disallow; repudiate; forbid) himself, i.e. renounce his life of sin, selfishness, and following his own will and way for his life. He must take up his cross daily, i.e. he must daily die to sin and to living for self. And, he must follow Jesus, i.e. he must go where Jesus says to go, and he must do what Jesus says to do, i.e. he must obey him. If we truly understand this death to self and sin, it should revolutionize our concept of faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ and what it truly means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” 

This means that my life is no longer my own, for it was bought with a price, so I am to glorify God with my life by yielding my life to the cross of Christ, dying to not only sin but to my own selfish will, and by allowing the Holy Spirit within me to live the life of Christ out through me. “I” no longer live, i.e. am no longer the boss of my own life, but Christ in me is now boss (Lord) of my life, so I surrender to his will for my life.

Follow Him / An Original Work / February 21, 2013

Based off Luke 9:22-25

Jesus, Son of God,

Died for us on a cross.

Anyone who would come to Him

Must deny himself and follow.

He must take up his cross daily;

Die to sin and self each day.

Father, God above,

Loved us so: gave His Son.

If you want to save your old life;

Keep on sinning, follow your ways,

You will lose your life forever;

Hope of heaven gone away.

Spirit of our God

Gives us life in God’s Son.

Nonetheless, if you die to self;

Forsake your sin; follow Jesus,

You will live with God in heaven,

And forever praise His name!

https://vimeo.com/117316842

Faith and Healing

Thursday, December 24, 2015, 7:58 a.m. – The Lord Jesus put in mind the song “Near the Cross.” Speak, Lord, your words to my heart. I read Matthew 8:1-3 (NASB).

When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Faith and Humility

Jesus Christ is not only our Savior and Lord, but he is our Great Physician, i.e. he is our healer. He heals our sin sick souls, our broken hearts, our damaged emotions, our minds, and our physical bodies, as well as he delivers us out of slavery to sin and from the curse of sin and death. During Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry, he healed many people, delivered from demonic possession and raised the dead. He performed miracle after miracle on behalf of the people. Thus, many people came to him with their afflictions in order to be healed.

As I have read multiple stories of Jesus’ healing of people when he was on the earth, I have noticed that, among those mentioned specifically, that many of those demonstrated great humility and enormous faith. This leper bowed before Jesus, and he believed Jesus could heal him, if he was willing. A centurion came to Jesus imploring him to heal his paralyzed servant. He did not feel worthy for Jesus to enter his home, and yet he believed that at Jesus’ word his servant would be healed. A synagogue official believed Jesus to raise his daughter from the dead. She had just died. A woman who had been bleeding for 12 years, who had only gotten worse under the care of doctors, believed if she just touched Jesus’ garments that she would be healed. Jesus healed these people and many, many more. I believe even the fact that people came to him for healing, and/or brought their loved ones to him for healing, showed that they had the faith to believe Jesus could or would heal.

I can testify to Jesus’ healing power in my own life. First of all, he saved me from my sins, i.e. he delivered me from the curse of sin and death, and from bondage to sin, and he set me free to become a servant of his righteousness, all in the power and strength of his Spirit now living within me. Then, he healed me of damaged emotions which resulted from childhood abuse, some of which carried into my adult years. He taught me that I needed to forgive him for how I felt he failed me, and he taught me to trust in his sovereignty over my life. And, he continues to bring healing to my broken heart whenever I am wounded emotionally from mistreatment from others, especially when it comes from those whom I believe should treat me with love and kindness. He also brought much healing to my mind which had had some very wrong programming, and he renewed my mind by his Spirit.

As well, he has healed me physically many times, and continues to heal me physically on a somewhat daily basis. The biggest one for me was when he healed me from a 10 year long continuous headache that had resulted from permanent damage done to my central nervous system as a result of taking a particular psychiatric medication over an extended period of time. I should have trusted my own judgment on that, instead of trusting the doctor. When Jesus healed me of that 10 year headache, I felt like I was walking on air. I felt like someone had just released me from prison, I felt so free! I have been mostly medicine free for over five years now, I believe, though admittedly I do take in some low levels of caffeine in decaf drinks nearly daily, or in chocolate from time to time. I mention caffeine because it is considered to also be a drug which stimulates the central nervous system. Yet, I am willing to cut out chocolate and decaf drinks from my diet if the Lord should direct me to do so. I am praying this through right now. I believe he will let me know his will in this.

I will say here that there have been many days when I have been in severe pain, and I could have given in and taken something for it, such as ibuprofen, but I didn’t, not even when I had a tooth extracted. I pray through the pain most all the time, trusting my Lord for healing, and trusting not in myself. And, his mercies are new every morning. Amen! Yet, I confess that there were some times when I did take in a little caffeine when a headache was present, and I know I should not turn to caffeine to heal my headaches, but to the Lord alone for my healing, so I choose to not do that anymore. I trust the Lord to show me if caffeine should be completely eradicated from my diet. And, I will do what he tells me to do, because I love him, and I want to do what pleases him. I surrender all to him!

If You are Willing

This leper did not doubt Jesus’ ability to heal him. He knew Jesus would heal him, if he was willing. Jesus was willing, and the man was immediately cleansed (healed). So, are there times when it is not Jesus’ will to heal us? And, if so, what might some of those cases be?

Jesus was not willing to heal those whose hearts, ears and eyes were closed to Jesus’ words, and who were unwilling to repent of their sins (See: Matt. 13:15). Jesus could do no miracle in his hometown, among his own people, because of their unbelief, “except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.” They took offense at him, and they did not give him the honor he so deserved (Mk. 6:1-6). Many of these who refused to believe in Jesus Christ actually opposed him and his healing ministry, and they went to great lengths to try to discredit him and to destroy his work among the people, even to the point of eventually hanging him on a cross to die, although he had done no wrong.

Yet, is this the only reason why it might not be Jesus’ will to heal someone, i.e. due to unbelief? Is it possible that Jesus might have other reasons or other purposes for not healing our every sickness (affliction)? I believe there are other reasons.

Sometimes Jesus does not heal, or he does not heal immediately when we first ask him for healing, because he has other things he is doing in and through our lives, or in others’ lives, such as the purpose for his delay in healing his friend Lazarus, which was so when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead the people would believe that God the Father had sent Jesus - that he was the Christ. Sometimes he is using times of affliction in our lives to grow us in our faith, to teach us to rely on him and not on ourselves, and so we know that when he works through us that it is obvious that it is only in his power and not in our own flesh that his work is accomplished, and thus he is the only one who gets the glory. Amen! Sometimes it is to keep us humble, too. The story of Paul’s thorn in the flesh is a primary example of this. Paul pleaded three times for the “thorn” to be removed, which he described as a messenger of Satan given to him to torment him in order that he would not become conceited. Jesus’ response to him was to tell him that God’s grace was sufficient for him, and that God’s/Christ’s power was perfected in Paul’s weakness (2 Co. 12:7-10).

God allows his children to suffer affliction for multiple reasons, one of which is so we can comfort others who are going through like suffering with the comfort we received from God when we were afflicted (2 Co. 1:3-11). Another is that “suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” (Ro. 5:3-4). When we share in Christ’s sufferings, we are becoming like him in his death. Suffering tests our faith, so that the testing of our faith might produce steadfastness in us, and so we might become mature and complete, lacking in nothing (Jas. 1:2-4). Sometimes God afflicts us in order to discipline us, so that we may share His holiness. “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:3-12). So, sometimes affliction is what we need.

Occasionally, though, it can take just as great, or even greater faith to trust the Lord when he doesn’t heal, or when healing is delayed, than it takes to trust him for healing (Paul’s thorn, for example). It teaches us complete dependency on the Lord, as we must rely totally on him just to make it through each day, moment by moment. There have been many times when I had a pounding headache, but I knew the Lord was telling me he wanted me to write, so totally on faith I sat down at the computer and trusted in him to lead me as to what he wanted me to say, and it was only after I finished writing, or while the writing was in process that the healing came. Satan likes to try to discourage me from doing the work the Lord has called me to, and he would like nothing more than for me to cave to the headaches or other pain, when it comes, so that I don’t do what I know I am supposed to do. So, it takes great faith to go against the pain and to trust God with the pain, and to believe him to give me the strength to keep going. Many times when I have had bad headaches I have been tempted to take drugs, and I have resisted out of obedience to my Lord, and have trusted in the Lord for healing even when it did not quickly come.

So, whether we believe God for healing, or we believe him and trust him for the strength to see us through those times when healing does not come, or when it does not come quickly, our lives should be surrendered to him, committed to walks of obedience, and daily we should die to self and sin, confessing when we do sin, in all humility of spirit out of love for God and love for others. He may not always heal us physically, but he will always heal our hearts, as he teaches us each day to trust him more and more with our lives. Healing can also come through death, as we are delivered from our earthly suffering once and for all.

Near the Cross / Fanny J. Crosby / William H. Doane

Jesus, keep me near the cross;

There a precious fountain,

Free to all, a healing stream,

Flows from Calvary's mountain.

Near the cross, a trembling soul,

Love and mercy found me;

There the bright and morning star

Sheds its beams around me.

           

Near the cross! O Lamb of God,

Bring its scenes before me;

Help me walk from day to day

With its shadow o'er me.

Near the cross I'll watch and wait,

Hoping, trusting ever,

Till I reach the golden strand

Just beyond the river.

         

In the cross, in the cross,

Be my glory ever,

Till my raptured soul shall find

Rest beyond the river.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BasJqHsCIo4

Oh, What Joy!

“At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other” (Matt 24:30-31).

Just the mere thought of the return of Jesus and getting to see him face-to-face, and now being with him for eternity, brings much joy to my heart! And, yet, I don’t have to wait until heaven to experience such joy, for when Jesus Christ came into my life, and he set me free from the power of sin over my life, and he gave me the promise and the hope of eternity with him, I was filled with joy. Every day that I meet with him is sweet fellowship. Amen!

Oh, What Joy! / An Original Work / July 8, 2011

Oh, what joy! Oh, what peace

There will be when Christ you meet.

Oh, what love He imparts,

When Christ comes within your heart –

Saving you from all your sins;

Holy Spirit, now within,

Teaching, guiding you each day,

As you bow your knees and pray.

Oh, what joy! Oh, what peace

When you sit at Jesus’ feet,

List’ning to your Lord speak;

Obey Him throughout the week.

Oh, what grace He provides;

From our past we step aside;

Turn from sin; cleansed within;

Walking with Christ; died with Him.

He paid the price for our sins,

So our new lives we begin,

Living for Him ev’ry day,

Doing all that He did say.

Oh, what grace He provides

When we walk at Jesus’ side;

Follow Him where He leads,

Loving others; their needs meet.

Oh, what joy! Oh, what peace

When Christ Jesus soon we meet.

He will come in the sky

To take home with Him, His bride.

We are waiting His return.

For our Savior, our hearts yearn.

We keep watch in how we live.

To our Lord, our hearts we give.

Oh, what joy! Oh, what peace;

Live with Christ eternally!

Reign with Him; His kingdom;

We will be forever Home.

https://vimeo.com/127354934

The Way is Narrow

Wednesday, December 23, 2015, 5:28 a.m. – The Lord Jesus put in mind the song “Should I Not Preach Jesus.” Speak, Lord, your words to my heart. I read Matthew 7:13-14, 21-27 (NASB).

Wide and Narrow (vv. 13-14)

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

Something that is narrow is restricted and limited, i.e. “confined within bounds” (M-W Dictionary). Something that is broad is wide-ranging and all-inclusive.

Many people get the idea that the way (path) of gospel of Jesus Christ for salvation from sin includes everything and everyone, as though it is a free-for-all, i.e. as though it is lacking in rules, is out-of-control, without restriction, is disorderly, and does not require much respect for God’s authority at all. They teach that saying certain words, or a mere acknowledgment of what Jesus Christ did for us in dying for our sins, or an emotional response to the gospel is enough to secure one’s salvation and eternal life with God regardless of what they do from that point forward. What they are offering people, basically, is a get-out-of-jail-free card, i.e. an escape from hell and the promise of heaven when they die regardless of lifestyle or commitment to Christ or submission to the cross of Christ. They teach that God does not require repentance (turning away from sin) or obedience (walking in his righteousness), and that once they are “saved,” he is pleased with them no matter what they do, and that they can never lose their salvation, even if they reject Christ later.

Yet, that is not what scripture teaches. Jesus said that if anyone would come after him, he must deny self, take up his cross daily (die daily to sin and self) and follow (obey) him. He said if we hold on to our old lives (of living for sin and self), we will lose them for eternity, but if we lose our lives (die with Christ to sin), we will gain eternal life (Lu. 9:23-25). Paul taught the same message when he said that Jesus died that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk (conduct our lives) not according to our sinful flesh, but who walk (live our lives) according to the Spirit of God. If we walk according to our flesh, he said, we will die, but if by the Spirit we are putting to death the deeds of the flesh, we will live (Ro. 8:1-14). When we trust in Jesus Christ to be Lord and Savior of our lives, we die (are crucified) with Christ to sin, we are set free from slavery to sin, and we are now free to become slaves (servants) of righteousness - what is right in God’s eyes (See: Ro. 6).

Scripture also teaches that Jesus died that we might die to sin and live to righteousness (1 Pet. 2:24), and that we might no longer live for ourselves, but for him who gave himself up for us (2 Co. 5:15). God’s grace is NOT a free license to continue in sin without guilt or without remorse. His grace teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives while we wait for Christ’s return (Tit. 2:11-14). Jesus said that his sheep (his followers) know his voice, they listen to him, and they follow (obey) him, and it is these who cannot be snatched out of his hands (Jn. 10:27-30). Paul’s commission in preaching the gospel of salvation was to open eyes that were blind, to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified (purified) by faith in Jesus Christ (Ac. 26:16-18). As well, if we claim to have fellowship with God, but we continue to walk (conduct our lives) after the flesh (in darkness), then we are liars (1 Jn. 1:6).

Not Everyone (vv. 21-23)

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’”

This passage alone blows out of the water the notion that someone can say certain words, or make a mere confession or profession of Christ as Savior, or have an intellectual assent to his death and resurrection, and be saved for eternity. For one, scripture teaches that it is he who is believing (present tense) in Christ who has the hope of eternal life (Jn. 3:16), not he who once believed in him, so we must continue in our faith if we want to have eternal life with God (Col 1:21-23). It also teaches that we are saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved when Christ returns, when our salvation will be complete. We are being made holy by God, and we are being conformed into Christ’s likeness. And, it teaches us that if we continue in his Word, if we continue in his kindness to us, if we hold firmly to the Word, if we endure, and if we hold on to our hope to the end, then we are saved and have the assurance of eternal life with God (See: John 8:31-32; Romans 11:17-24; I Co 15:2; II Tim 2:10-13; Hebrews 3:6, 14-15; 2 Pet. 1:5-11; I John 2:24-25).

Our salvation is not merely an escape from hell and the promise of heaven when we die. When we come to faith in Jesus Christ, we die to sin and we now live to righteousness, not in absolute sinless perfection (See: 1 Jn. 2:1), but in the power of the Spirit within us. Our lifestyle is no longer one of living for our sinful flesh, but it is a life committed to Christ, his word, his ways and his will for our lives. We don’t go into our relationship with Christ thinking we are just getting out of having to spend eternity in hell, or that we can now die in peace knowing that we get to spend eternity without pain and suffering. Coming to Christ means a heart surrendered to him, repenting of sin, and choosing to, in the power of the Spirit within us, to walk in Christ’s righteousness (Eph. 4:17-24). When we sin, we confess our sins to God, we turn from them, and we continue in our walks of faith (Ro. 8:13). God IS going to tell people one day that they can’t enter his heaven because they didn’t do his will. He is going to tell them that he never knew them. Take this seriously! It is real!

Wise and Foolish (vv. 24-27)

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”

When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

James said that we must prove ourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude ourselves (Jas. 1:22). Jesus said that if anyone keeps (obeys) his word, he will never see death (Jn. 8:51). He said if we love him, we will keep his word, and if anyone does NOT keep his word, he does not love God (Jn. 14:23-24). John said that the way in which we know if we have come to know Christ/God, is by keeping his commandments. He said that whoever claims to know God, but does not keep his commandments, is a liar (1 Jn. 2:3-6).

Again, I believe this is speaking of lifestyle and not sinless perfection, based upon other scriptures throughout the New Testament, yet lack of perfection is never to be used as an excuse for continued willful sin against God. God knows our hearts, and he knows which ones of us are truly his, i.e. who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. We may be able to fool humans, but we can’t fool God. He knows what we do behind closed doors.

He is not interested in our religious activities or rituals, or what we are willing to do or not do for him, based upon our own will, not his. He is not pleased with us no matter what we do. He is not delighted in us and he does not smile on us when we willfully do what we know is against his Word and his commands, and when we refuse to repent. He is not ok with just religious service while we ignore him and his word unless it fits with our lifestyles. Because of what Jesus Christ did for us in dying for our sins so we could go free, we are to present our lives to God as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is our reasonable and acceptable worship of him. Along with this, we are not to be conformed to the ways of this sinful world, but we are to be transformed of the Spirit of God in heart and mind away from sin and in turning to live for God, and to walking in his righteousness (Ro. 12:1-2).

One day God is going to judge us for what we did with Jesus Christ and with his offer of salvation to us. There will be judgment in the sense of hardship, tragedy, etc., at which time people will still have a chance to accept or reject Christ. At this time there will be a clear divide between those who have just played Christian and those who are genuinely saved. I believe prophecy of scripture teaches that a remnant of the church will be revived at this time, and that many will flood to faith in Jesus Christ (in the book of Isaiah, for one). Yet, none of us is guaranteed we will even live until this time, or that we will be one of the survivors of such a judgment. So, don’t count on being able to hold out until then.

And, then there is the judgment when the books are opened and when we are judged as to whether or not we truly know Christ or not, and at this time many are going to hear from God, “I never knew you, depart from me.” So, don’t put your faith in what some preacher is telling you, or in the Pope, for not everyone is going to heaven, and not everyone who professes faith in Jesus Christ is genuinely saved. Look up these scriptures I have noted, and prayerfully seek God/Jesus and his truth, and submit yourselves to the cross of Christ, and walk in the Spirit, and no longer live your life to fulfill the passions of your flesh. You will be glad you did, not just for your life after death, but for the time you have yet remaining while we still live on this earth. Scripture says that many are called, but few are chosen. When you hear God’s voice, obey him. Turn from your sin, and walk in his ways.

Should I Not Preach Jesus

An Original Work / July 4, 2013

Based off 1 Corinthians 9:16-10:13

Woe to me should I not preach Jesus.

I’m compelled to preach the full gospel.

I make myself a slave to ev’ryone

To win their hearts to Christ.

All this I do for my Lord Jesus,

And for the sake of His Name;

Do it for the sake of His gospel,

So that I, its blessings gain.

Scripture notates the sins of others;

Written down for us as examples

To keep us from setting our hearts

On evil as did those of old.

Do not worship other gods of man;

Do not give your hearts to them;

Not partake in immorality.

Do not test your Lord and King.

So, be careful if you think you are

Standing firm in your faith in Jesus.

God has given his word to warn us,

So through faith we will not fall.

No temptation has o’ertaken you

Except what is commonplace.

God is faithful to not let you be

Tempted past what you can bear.

He gives the way of escape.

https://vimeo.com/116057811

Why Worry?

Tuesday, December 22, 2015, 6:00 a.m. – The Lord Jesus put in mind the song “Onward Christian Soldiers.” Speak, Lord, your words to my heart. I read Matthew 6:25-34 (NASB).

Fuss, Fear, and Fret (vv. 25-32)

“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?

“And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

One of Satan’s greatest weapons forged against us is his lies in which he tries to convince us to doubt God and his promises, his provisions, his word, and his divine character. He tries to instill doubts in our minds concerning who we are in Christ Jesus, and tries to convince us that we need to worry about the things in this life, as though worry ever solved anything. It doesn’t! Fear is the opposite of faith. When we give in to fear, we cease to believe God and his word. We stop believing in his sovereignty and his absolute care, concern and control over every aspect of our lives. When we fret over the circumstances of our lives, we are essentially saying to God that we don’t trust him; we don’t believe he can manage our problems, and so we internalize them, and make ourselves an emotional wreck.

Sometimes what we fear is real, i.e. we may be in a situation in which we don’t know where our next meal is coming from, or how we will pay our bills, or how we will afford to buy clothes for ourselves or for our children. We may live in a war-torn country where bombs are bursting all around us, and people are being dragged from their homes, and they are being severely mistreated and even killed, for whatever reason. We may have lost our source of income, or our spouse to death or divorce, or we may have just gone through a major natural disaster in which our house was flattened, and now we have no place to live. These are realities which we cannot ignore, but we must not let them become cause for worry, for if we are God’s children, he will provide what we need. We just have to trust him.

Yet, other times what we fret about is not real, i.e. it can be make-believe or it could be one of those “what if” situations that is not a present reality. Satan loves to create things for us to worry about that don’t exist, or that may exist, but we have no direct knowledge that these things are actually taking place. In other words, he loves to play with our minds and to try to get us to be paranoid, i.e. to imagine situations which may or may not exist in reality, but to convince ourselves that they are real. Or, he may have others do the imagining for us, i.e. such as what our government and media do sometimes when they persuade us to fear something that does not exist, but is something they have concocted for the sole purpose to get us worrying and even attacking one another over it.

Then, there are the medical and psychological professionals who try to convince us that we have to take pills for just about everything which ails us so we don’t feel any pain at all, but sometimes pain is good for us, because it motivates us to move forward, to trust God more, to solve problems, etc. Many of these pills are not good for us, and many more of them actually cause more problems for us, and so they give us even more pills to counteract the side effects of the first set of pills, and so people are convinced they have to take containers full of pills each day just to live. Many people never question these people with doctorate degrees, but just take whatever is prescribed for them, and that is dangerous. Not only can we be doing serious damage to our minds and bodies by taking what is prescribed, or what is recommended, but we are learning to put our trust in pills instead of in God, who made us, who knows all about us, and who is the best one to diagnose us and to care for us.

Psychologists, as well, have created a myriad of what they call “diseases” or “illnesses” of the mind, oftentimes for what God calls “sin,” and they have convinced people, even Christians, that they will always have these illnesses, that it will only get worse, that there is no cure for them, and that the patients have absolutely no control over what happens to them. Thus, they convince them that they must be medicated the rest of their lives and/or that they must permanently be dependent on psychological professionals for their peace of mind. And, so people worry what will happen to them should the things these professionals have convinced them is going to happen to them actually take place, and they worry that they have no control over these things, and so the fear of the “what ifs” takes its toll on their minds and bodies, and so they actually do become sick, with worry.

Yet, the Bible teaches that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace… self-control, and that the grace of God which brings salvation teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives while we wait for Christ’s return. Jesus Christ is not only our Savior and Lord, but he is our great physician. He is the one who created us, and he is the one to bring healing to our minds and to the wounds of our hearts. By his stripes we are healed! I am not discounting that God may use medical professionals or counselors to help us, but we need to seek him first, and we need to seek his guidance and counsel and see what he wants us to do. If we must seek counsel for our problems, make sure it is godly counsel from someone who is walking with the Lord. Not all who call themselves “Christian,” are actually teaching what is of God and is from his word.

Him, His Kingdom, His Righteousness (vv. 33-34)

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

So, instead of worrying about where our next meal is going to come from, or how we will pay our bills, or when the next job is going to materialize; or instead of fretting over something which may or may not happen to us, over which we have no control, or over which we are convinced we have no management over the situation, we need to seek God, his kingdom and his righteousness, and we need to trust him with our lives, both now and in the future. So, how do we do this?

First of all, what is his kingdom? God’s/Jesus’ kingdom is often referred to as the “kingdom of heaven.” Jesus Christ, God the Son, is the embodiment of that kingdom, i.e. it is his life, death, resurrection, ascension into heaven, his sending of his Holy Spirit to indwell his followers, the life of the church, salvation from sin, his coming again, his millennial kingdom reign with his followers, and eternity with God in glory. It is his divine character and will for his people, his holiness and righteousness, his purity, and his sovereignty over all things. It is the gospel of our salvation which teaches death to sin and living to righteousness. It is love for God and love for others, and being willing to lay down our lives and our reputations in order to see others go free from slavery to sin and the bondage of fear (worry).

What is his righteousness? Righteousness “refers to what is deemed right by the Lord (after His examination), i.e. what is approved in His eyes” (biblehub.com). The Bible teaches us what God approves, i.e. what is right in his eyes. We can glean much of this from the Old Testament, but the New Testament is the believer’s primary teaching about Jesus Christ, his salvation, his gospel and the holy lives he desires and requires for his followers. We learn, first of all, that faith in Jesus Christ means death to sin and living to righteousness, and walking in the Spirit and no longer according to the flesh. We learn that God commands us to be holy, i.e. set apart (unlike, different) from the world, because we are being transformed into the image of Christ. And, we learn how to walk in his truth and in his love, and to do what he desires and requires of us, as his followers.

In other words, it is God/Jesus whom we must seek, to know who he is, what his will is for our lives, and then to follow him in obedience and in surrender to his will and purposes for us, trusting him with all of our life’s circumstances. He doesn’t promise that everything will go smoothly for us, though, and that we will have everything we want if we follow him. In fact, he promises us that we will suffer for the sake of his name, and that we will be hated and persecuted for our testimonies and witness for Jesus Christ and for his gospel. He said we will go through hardships and difficult times, yet he promises to never leave us or forsake us, to spiritually protect us from the evil one, and to provide for us all we need to live godly and holy lives in this life and on this earth.

Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit, as well, to live within us, to counsel, correct, rebuke, encourage, train, teach, comfort, strengthen and empower us to live holy lives, pleasing to God, so we are never without resources. When we are tempted to start to listen to Satan’s lies, and he gets us to think about or to begin to worry over our circumstances, or about our future, we need the counsel of the Holy Spirit speaking gently to us the words we so often hear in scripture: “Do not be afraid!” “Do not worry!” “Do not fret.” “Do not be anxious about anything!” “Trust God! Put your hope in him. Believe in his promises. Rely on his strength and provisions.” And, then we have to turn our hearts and minds toward God, and toward his word, and see what he has to say to us about the things we are concerned over, and we must rest in the Lord, and believe that he has our best interest at heart, that none of this takes him by surprise, and that he has a plan and a purpose for it all.

Then, we must do what his word teaches, and put on the armor of God with which to fight off Satan’s evil schemes against us. When Satan speaks his lies into our hearts, we must put on truth, so we must first know the truth via the study of God’s word. Putting on the truth involves believing it and then applying it in all practicality to our lives. When Satan tries to convince us we are without resources, we must put on the truth that our God is all sufficient for our every need. When he tries to convince us that pills are the answer for all that ails (pains) us, we must seek the wisdom of God, do the research on the pills, and trust God to be our healer and sustainer of life. When the devil tries to convince us to worry, we must put on faith. When our enemy tries to convince us that God is not absolutely sovereign over our lives and that we must take matters into our own hands, we must trust that God has all things under his control, and we must lean on his everlasting arms.

In all things, in all ways, in all circumstances, we must never worry, but we must put our trust in God, and we must put on our spiritual armor with which to fight off Satan’s lies.

Onward Christian Soldiers

Sabine Baring-Gould / Arthur S. Sullivan

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,

with the cross of Jesus going on before.

Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;

forward into battle see his banners go!

At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee;

on then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!

Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise;

brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.

Like a mighty army moves the church of God;

brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.

We are not divided, all one body we,

one in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,

but the church of Jesus constant will remain.

Gates of hell can never ‘gainst that church prevail;

we have Christ's own promise, and that cannot fail.

Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,

blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.

Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King,

this through countless ages men and angels sing.

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,

with the cross of Jesus going on before.