Category Archives: The Word Or The World?

What’s Influencing You??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #212

24 Wednesday Apr 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Compromise, Influence, Influenced by the world or Jesus?, Iron Sharpening Iron, Payday???, Pleasure in sin for a season, Satan's lies., Saved FROM Sin, Stand Fast!, Study to Show Yourself Approved Unto God, The Blood Cleanseth us from all Sin, The Gospel, the Lamb of God, The Word, The Word Or The World?, There IS (Still) A Fountain, There IS a Test!, Today is the day of Salvation, Too Late To Call?, Transformation, Transformed life, Trendy Or Truth, True Gospel, True Knowledge, Truth, Truth is True, Try yourselves, Wolves in sheep's clothing!, Worldliness

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What’s Influencing You???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #212

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

 by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.”  Romans 12:1-2

Paul called the believers in Rome to choose to live for Jesus by giving their lives to Him in every situation, circumstance, or trial, telling them and us that this “is your reasonable service”!  What have we chosen to make our ‘service’?  The world is in attack mode toward anything of God, toward anything based in or on The Word of God, especially the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Paul warned us of the danger of conforming to the world, and said we must continually keep guard over our heart and mind by seeking the mind of Jesus!  The main way we do that is by digging into His Word and keeping the lines of communication open with Him through prayer.

Speaking for myself, and maybe you too, it has become too easy to choose to ‘gel’ in the recliner and watch the deceit of the world from “Hellywood’s” perspective.  I recently watched a particular series purported to be “family friendly”, I even read a comment on the series as one that every family should “be like”.  Well, as I considered what was going on, let me share some of the things that we supposedly should mimic:  multiple couples sleeping together without benefit of marriage, a couple who shared ‘vows’ but did not want to marry—concluding it wasn’t necessary in their opinion, sexual perversion accepted and celebrated, staying home with children seen as missing personal and professional success, and I could go on.  There was never one reference to God in any situation much less a church; and this is just one example of how much we accept as tolerable to be entertained.  Consider some of the old TV shows, there were things that we wouldn’t have participated in as Christians, yet we invited those activities to be the center of attention in our living rooms.

Without sharing the entirety of Romans 1, I simply want to share a portion of the close of this chapter.  The enemy is alive and well, and desires to influence, entrap and mislead us into his evil schemes. Remember that he is the enemy—your enemy and mine.  We need to stop playing ‘footsie’ with him!

“And even as they did not like to retain God

in their knowledge,

God gave them over to a reprobate mind,

to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness,

fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God,

that they which commit such things

 are worthy of death,

not only do the same,

but have pleasure in them that do them.”   Romans 1:28-32

Sin is contagious.  And while we are to love the lost, we must heed Paul’s advice from Romans 12 and “be not conformed to this world”!  Satan paints lovely pictures of sin, and it can be pleasurable for a time, but the cost will be more than expected.  As I’ve written before, “Sin will take you farther than you wanted to go, keep you longer than you wanted to stay, and cost you more than you wanted to pay!”  And my friends, there is a payday coming, and I believe it is already here, as we see our children and grandchildren being deceived, led astray, and destroyed by the lies of the enemy; and often partly because we failed to see the danger of compromising with the world, for whatever reasons we were deceived by!  There is pleasure in sin “for a season”, yet it seems that payday is here, and I don’t know about you, but I don’t like the taste.  Moses made a choice, and so must we!  What will you choose?  What have you already chosen that you might want to reconsider? What price tag?

“By faith Moses, when he was come to years,

refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

25 Choosing rather

to suffer affliction with the people of God,

than to enjoy the pleasures of sin

for a season;

26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ

greater riches

than the treasures in Egypt:

for he had respect

unto the recompence of the reward.”   Hebrews 11:24-26

The questions: “Whose child are you?”; “What will you choose?”; “Will you compromise by being desensitized to sin?”; or “Will you withstand in the evil day?”!  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test!  Peter says it better than I can.

“But ye are a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood,

an holy nation,

a peculiar people;

that ye should shew forth the praises

of him who hath called you out of darkness

into his marvellous light:” 1 Peter 2:9

Darkness or light?  We must know God’s truth and that takes time, effort, and commitment to study The Word.  We can’t walk in His light without The Holy Spirit within—and He only indwells those who have been born again.  If you know Him, won’t you consider your ways?  If you don’t know Him, you can, by hearing the voice of His Spirit calling you to repentance of your sin and trusting to/believing in the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that Jesus made at Calvary.  Then walk in the light.

“This then is the message

which we have heard of him,

and declare unto you,

that God is light,

and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie,

and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

 and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:5-10.

Amen and Amen!!!

Do We Still Have Time??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #211

22 Monday Apr 2024

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Form of godliness?, Commitment Or Convenience, Compromise, Judgment, Judgment Is Coming, Just Jesus!, Just words won't do?, Speaking The Truth In Love, Spiritual Drought!, Spiritual Procrastination, Spiritual Warfare, Stand Fast!, Standing in the GAP!, Still Will I Trust HIM, Suffering With Jesus, Take Up YOUR Cross, The Cross or the world?, The Gospel, The Heart is deceitful and dreadfully wicked..., The Right Jesus!, The Struggle IS Real?, The Word Or The World?, Time Is Grace!, Today is the day of Salvation, Today IS Today!, Too Late To Call?, True Gospel, True Knowledge, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True, Unrighteousness, What are you listening to?, What does worldliness look like?, What's In Your Heart?, Who are YOU following?, Wolves in sheep's clothing!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Do We Still Have Time???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #211

I want to share two passages of scripture for our consideration today.  They are portions of two of the letters that Jesus sent to two of the seven churches in Revelation chapters two and three.  I hope to dig into the entirety of the seven church letters that Jesus had John write, for they contain so much that we need to appraise today.  The Lord’s return is eminent and there is much to consider.  I chose these two for comparison today because we see that Jesus has a standard, and while He extends grace, mercy and love to His bride, there comes a place where He will tolerate no more.  I think it worth our time today.  And we may follow up with another next time, that is also pertinent (as they all are!). But for today, I want us to simply consider a very obvious difference between these two churches, so read these verses through and then I’ll make a few simple observations with the hope that we can return to them in more detail at a later date.  Remember this is Jesus’ assessment, not mine; I just want to point out the contrast!

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write;

These things saith he which hath the sharp sword

with two edges;

I know thy works,

and where thou dwellest,

even where Satan’s seat is:

and thou holdest fast my name,

and hast not denied my faith,

even in those days wherein Antipas

was my faithful martyr,

who was slain among you,

where Satan dwelleth.

14 But I have a few things against thee,

because thou hast there them

that hold the doctrine of Balaam,

who taught Balac

to cast a stumblingblock

before the children of Israel,

to eat things

sacrificed unto idols,

and to commit fornication.

15 So hast thou also them

that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans,

which thing I hate.

16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly,

and will fight against them

with the sword of my mouth.” Revelation 2:13-16

Here we have a church that allowed false teachers and leaders to bring in dangerous and heretical doctrine and teaching.  Without going into detail, this church was allowing immorality, idolatry, and division (of the sort that set some with “special” knowledge above others who were “lesser” believers—totally contrary to truth!). Note that Jesus reproves the church for allowing such into their midst, and Jesus recognized that they lived in a wicked culture (and no, Satan didn’t have a home there, but his presence, principles and perversions were rampant, much like today!) and had held fast to much of His truth, yet they had compromised in subtle and dangerous issues.

The thing I want us to take note of today is verse 16, where Jesus called them to repent (to eliminate the danger—the false teachers and leaders—from their midst.), to turn away from these things, and the people who were promoting them.  And He gives them an ultimatum:

 “Repent; or else

I will come unto thee quickly,

and will fight against them

with the sword of my mouth”!

In Blanche’s paraphrase, “you can take care of this business, or I will come and do it myself!”  What a warning!  Will we heed the call of Jesus to keep His bride pure and ready for her call, or will we blindly accept the popular methods, plans, and programs to build Jesus’ church, or cling to the Gospel and trust to Jesus’ alone to guide, direct and teach us as we dig into HIS Word?

The other passage has some unique differences, and that is what I want us to consider in contrasting these two churches and Jesus’ message to each one.

“And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write;

These things saith the Son of God,

who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire,

and his feet are like fine brass;

19 I know thy works,

and charity,

and service,

and faith,

and thy patience,

and thy works;

and the last to be more than the first.

20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee,

because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel,

which calleth herself a prophetess,

to teach

and to seduce my servants to commit fornication,

and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication;

and she repented not.

22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed,

and them that commit adultery with her

into great tribulation,

except they repent of their deeds.

23 And I will kill her children with death;

and all the churches shall know

that I am he which searcheth

the reins

and hearts:

and I will give unto every one of you

according to your works.

24 But unto you I say,

and unto the rest in Thyatira,

as many as have not this doctrine,

and which have not known the depths of Satan,

as they speak;

I will put upon you

none other burden.”  Revelation 2:18-24

Much like the church at Pergamos, Jesus was pleased with some things that were in the church, and in verse 24 He clearly reveals that there were those who were standing fast to Him, true doctrine, and biblical, godly behavior.  But He rebukes them for the false teachers, whose teaching and behavior was being permitted and practiced by His own children who were following the false ones whom they had permitted to lead them astray. They had welcomed the great “C” word, compromise, and compromise with God’s Word and the true Gospel of Jesus is a dangerous thing to play with.

The thing I most want us to notice and compare here are the differences in Jesus’ judgment upon them; in Pergamos Jesus gave them the opportunity to repent and deal with the issue of the false and immoral teaching themselves, and if they didn’t He would!  Yet, to the church at Thyatira, Jesus made it clear that they had allowed this to go on too long and too far!  Jesus does say that those who were truly His and had become deceived and led into immorality by this false teacher (Jezebel—a name simply in comparison to the Old Testament Character. You can read about her in 1 Kings 16-21 and 2 Kings 9.) needed to repent to escape a severe judgment, verse 22.  But Jezebel and her children would be judged with tribulation and death.  Jesus called individual believers to repent, but He doesn’t call the church to take care of the problem, they had let it go too far, and unlike the church at Pergamos, He didn’t call them to take care of the issue; but He does commend those who had stood fast by His truth were promised that, “I will put upon you none other burden” because they had not participated in this deceit within the body of Jesus—the church!

What did He mean?  I can only give you my understanding out of my own study and experience.  When we stand fast for Jesus, His Gospel, and His Word against those who want to “modernize” the church, it is seldom received well.  And when we stand against the enemy, he can and will use deceived, genuine believers to try to bring the stalwarts into compromise.  But we must stand fast digging into God’s Word so that we can stand upon it with confidence!  Because there were those in this church who had stood fast, Jesus promised them that because they had stood firm, He would add no more to their burden of going upstream against the enemy—even when he uses fellow believers whom we love against us!

So my friends, may we feast on His Word and stand fast—no matter the opposition, ridicule or trouble that may come.  Paul said it best:

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this world,

against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.

14 Stand therefore,

having your loins girt about with truth,

and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation

of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all,

taking the shield of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able to quench

all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation,

and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:

18 Praying always

with all prayer and supplication

in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance

and supplication

for all saints;” Ephesians 6:10-18

Suit up my friends—the evil day is upon us, even within the walls of our churches! But remember, in Jesus we win!

“He that hath an ear,

let him hear what the Spirit saith

unto the churches.”  Revelation 2:29

Amen and Amen!!!

Keep On Praying??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #178

25 Thursday Jan 2024

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Commitment Or Convenience, Confidence, Confidence or Presumption?, Confident Or Cocky?, Consider Your ways, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all, Praise Encourages our Heart, Praise God Today!, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Prayer or Panic?, The LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT Reigneth!, The Things of God, The Word, The Word Or The World?, They that sow in tears...., This is the Way, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Keep On Praying???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #178

I simply want to share some encouragement this morning for those of us (yes, me included—especially me!) who sometimes get a bit weary of waiting for the answers to our prayers; but I want us each to remember that we are encouraged to press on, for God hears and answers prayer.  Just don’t let popular twisting of scripture cause presumption in our hearts, minds, and theology to think we are able to “dictate” to God.  He is not a “heavenly slot machine”—where we just drop in our quarter of prayer, pull the handle and God is obligated to supply our “jackpot”; and I don’t mean to be crass, but so many today have believed a lie, that we can demand things from God and get them if we just have “enough faith”.  Well my friends we are called in scripture to pray, but nowhere are we promised that we will have things “our way”!  God IS GOD and we are not!  Jesus made it perfectly clear when HE told His disciples how to pray (not what to pray, but how to order our praying).

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.”  Matthew 6:9-10

We are called, instructed by our Lord Jesus to seek God’s will, God’s kingdom, God’s name—not our own, not our own fleshly desires, but God’s will to the increase of HIS Kingdom, grow us in grace, and to the benefit of others.  It’s so easy to lose sight of the truth that we are the servant and Jesus and God The Father are the Master, King, and LORD in all things, yet we so often lose sight of the truth that “prayer” is a two-way conversation, but one where we usually do all the talking and often little or no listening or reading The Word to know His way!  God is speaking, but we are often not listening.

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying,

This is the way,

walk ye in it,

when ye turn

to the right hand,

and when ye turn

to the left.”  Isaiah 30:21

Let’s consider what God has said to us in His Word, and pursue righteousness, peace, hope and truth in all our ways, not the greed of the world.  And remember when things are found in multiple places in scripture it indicates that it is important and worthy of our due attention.

“For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.”   Galatians 6:8-10

Scripture is so honest, and the arrows often prick my heart and soul, for, as we all do, I fall far short; Paul hits a big target on this instruction to the church at Thessalonica.

“For even when we were with you,

this we commanded you,

that if any would not work,

neither should he eat.

11 For we hear that there are some

which walk among you disorderly,

working not at all,

but are busybodies.

12 Now them that are such

we command

and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ,

that with quietness they work,

and eat their own bread.

13 But ye, brethren,

be not weary in well doing.”  2 Thessalonians 3:10-13

How do we maintain a consistent walk with Jesus?  By continual communication through prayer and walking in “The Spirit” instead of the flesh; which we can only do by being in The Word regularly.  If we don’t know what God has said, then we won’t know how we are to act, behave, respond, and care!  If you would, faith brings us into relationship with God and prayer keeps the line open—especially in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who Jesus imparts to us at salvation (See Romans 5:1-11). May we ever pray as God leads our heart.

For those in desperate circumstances:

“And when he had apprehended him,

he put him in prison,

and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers

to keep him;

intending after Easter to bring him forth

to the people.

5 Peter therefore was kept in prison:

but prayer was made without ceasing

of the church unto God for him…

… 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord

came upon him,

and a light shined in the prison:

and he smote Peter on the side,

and raised him up, saying,

Arise up quickly.

And his chains fell off from his hands…

… 11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said,

Now I know of a surety,

that the Lord hath sent his angel,

and hath delivered me

out of the hand of Herod,

and from all the expectation

of the people of the Jews.”    Portions of Acts 12:4-11

For one another, that we’d know God’s will in our lives:

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all,

that your faith is spoken of

throughout the whole world.

9 For God is my witness,

whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son,

that without ceasing I make mention of you

always in my prayers;

10 Making request,

if by any means now at length

I might have a prosperous journey

by the will of God

to come unto you.”  Romans 1:8-10

For those whom we love and have invested in:

“I thank God,

whom I serve from my forefathers

with pure conscience,

that without ceasing

I have remembrance of thee in my prayers

night and day;

4 Greatly desiring to see thee,

being mindful of thy tears,

that I may be filled with joy;

5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith

that is in thee,

which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois,

and thy mother Eunice;

and I am persuaded that in thee also.”  2 Timothy 1:3-5

Knowing that God values our prayers:

“Thou tellest my wanderings:

put thou my tears into thy bottle:

are they not in thy book?

9 When I cry unto thee, (pray!)

then shall mine enemies turn back:

this I know;

for God is for me.

10 In God will I praise his word:

in the LORD will I praise his word.

11 In God have I put my trust:

I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.”  Psalm 56:8-11

Our prayers are never wasted, even when the answer is no or wait:

“And another angel came and stood at the altar,

having a golden censer;

and there was given unto him much incense,

that he should offer it

with the prayers of all saints

upon the golden altar

which was before the throne.

4 And the smoke of the incense,

which came with the prayers of the saints,

ascended up before God

out of the angel’s hand.”   Revelation 8:3-4

“And when he had taken the book,

the four beasts and four and twenty elders

fell down before the Lamb,

having every one of them harps,

and golden vials full of odours,

which are the prayers of saints.

9 And they sung a new song, saying,

Thou art worthy to take the book,

and to open the seals thereof:

for thou wast slain,

and hast redeemed us to God

by thy blood

out of every kindred,

and tongue, and people,

and nation;

10 And hast made us unto our God

kings and priests:

and we shall reign on the earth.”   Revelation 5:8-10

So, my friends, let’s press on faithfully in love and prayer, looking for our soon coming King.

“I press toward the mark

for the prize of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:14

Amen and Amen!!!

A Blessing From Psalms??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #148

27 Friday Oct 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Blessed by God, Blessings from the Psalms, Encouragement, The Word, The Word Or The World?, There IS (Still) A Fountain, Worship?, YOU Can do ALL things through Jesus

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

A Blessing From Psalms???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #148

Just a brief blessing for us today from the Psalms, always a treasure no matter what we may be facing.  I pray that you will find a special word in this varied passages!

“Blessed is the man

that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,

nor standeth in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD;

and in his law doth he meditate

day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree

planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit

in his season;

his leaf also shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”  Psalm 1:1-3

Oh, that we could get our focus off of “prosperity” in this world and long for and pursue God’s blessings to “prosper” in what we do for Him, for others and to be found faithful before Him!  The only way we can do that is to heed the words of the Psalmist here and walk in the right way—the right places—and in right standing before The Lord Jesus Christ, and Father God by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit!

“But he knoweth the way that I take:

when he hath tried me,

I shall come forth as gold.

11 My foot hath held his steps,

his way have I kept, and not declined.

12 Neither have I gone back

from the commandment of his lips;

I have esteemed the words of his mouth

more than my necessary food.”  Job 23:10-12

I love the book of Job, and I remember the first time I saw this verse—I asked God to help me truly desire “the words of his mouth more than my necessary food”—and for me that’s quite an accomplishment to pursue, for I love food—how about you?  To pursue God’s Words as much as I do food would be an awesome goal, it’s one of mine; and while I don’t always succeed, I do try continually.  And to walk in God’s way is also my heart’s desire.

“Order my steps in thy word:

and let not any iniquity

have dominion over me.”  Psalm 119:133

One of my continual prayers is to be found of God in HIS ways rather than my own!  Remember Jesus said there was “none righteous/good”, the only righteousness that we can have must be imparted to us by the Redeemer’s blood bought salvation!

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

May you find encouragement and hope in The Word of God—He’s ever at work in His own, and you can trust to HIS care.  He has promised it to HIS own:

“… for he hath said,

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear what man shall do

unto me.”  Hebrews 13:5b-6.

Amen & Amen!!!

Gap Standers Needed??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #144

16 Monday Oct 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, Stand by ME!, Stand Fast!, Standing in the GAP!, Study to Show Yourself Approved Unto God, Sweet Words or Bitter Words?, Teachers, The Gospel, The greatest gift!!!, The Love of God, The Only Way, The Word Or The World?, There IS a Test!, This IS The Day, This is the Way, Time Is Grace!, Touch them while you can?, Trendy Or Truth, True Gospel, True Knowledge, Trust God, Trusting Jesus?, Truth, Truth is True, Turn to God's Word, Victory IN Jesus!, Walking With Jesus, What are you listening to?, What's coming out of YOUR mouth?, What's in your book?, Whose Sheep are You?, Witness, YOU Can do ALL things through Jesus

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Gap Standers Needed???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #144

God is faithful at every turn, and HIS WORD has never changed, nor will it!  We are living in a world full of those who claim the name of Jesus and lead people away from The Word of God; but we’re not the first and if Jesus tarries, we won’t be the last!  Ezekiel has a word from The Lord in this regard, and I’d like us to consider it today, for we have these same “lying prophets” in our culture today!

“And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

2 Son of man,

prophesy against the prophets of Israel

that prophesy,

and say thou unto them that prophesy

out of their own hearts,

Hear ye the word of the LORD;

3 Thus saith the Lord GOD;

Woe unto the foolish prophets,

that follow their own spirit,

and have seen nothing!

4 O Israel, thy prophets

are like the foxes in the deserts.

5 Ye have not gone up into the gaps,

neither made up the hedge

for the house of Israel to stand

in the battle in the day of the LORD.

6 They have seen vanity and lying divination,

saying, The LORD saith:

and the LORD hath not sent them:

and they have made others to hope

that they would confirm the word.”    Ezekiel 13:1-6

And Ezekiel received another similar message from God for this foolish and deceived people.  May we hear The Word of The Lord!

“The people of the land have used oppression,

and exercised robbery,

and have vexed the poor and needy:

yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully.

30 And

I sought for a man among them,

that should make up the hedge,

and stand in the gap before me

 for the land,

that I should not destroy it:

 but I found none.

31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation

upon them;

I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath:

their own way have I recompensed

upon their heads,

saith the Lord GOD.”  Ezekiel 22:29-31

Do you see the parallel to America?  I do!  Israel had listened to lying prophets, and rejected the true prophets of God, who warned them of God’s coming judgment through Babylon!  We have prophets (preachers & teachers) today who claim the name of Jesus, and yet preach a word that is not biblically sound.  But how do we know?  We MUST be IN it for ourselves, for it IS the standard of truth, right, God’s ways, times, and righteousness.  Paul told His precious son-in-the-ministry to cling to the truths of God’s Word!  What are we clinging to?  God’s Word or the foolish things of the world—the lies of the enemy (See John 8:44)?

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings:

for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”  2 Timothy 2:15-16

The main things which Paul points out here I’d like to simply repeat for our consideration, that we might examine our own lives in light of these principles:

We are to STUDY GOD’S WORD to know truth—

We are to seek GOD’S approval over man’s—

We are to Be A faithful WORKMAN, living without shame—

We are to “RIGHTLY DIVIDE” GOD’S WORD—                                           (not putting our own ‘spin’ on it but doing honest, diligent study, keeping the whole counsel of God in sight, with the immediate context and larger context always in mind.)

We are to shun that which is profane and senseless.                               (Jesus said, “Cast not your pearls before swine.”)

Paul went on in this letter to the young “Preacher Man” to call him to know that  THE WORD of GOD is what we are to study, not just for information’s sake, but for the increase of our faith, maturity, wisdom, grace, and righteous service to others before a lost and dying world.  We must remember that these instructions aren’t just for the preachers and teachers, but for every child of God; for we are saved to serve God and be full of good works and righteous living!

“All scripture

is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine, (truth, information)

for reproof,   (showing what’s wrong)

for correction, (making the wrong right)

for instruction in righteousness: (prevention)

17 That the man of God

may be perfect, (mature)

throughly furnished (fully equipped)

unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

These ‘good works’ are to be an integral part of who we are “IN CHRIST JESUS”, for we have received life, peace, and new life through the power of The Holy Spirit who comes to dwell within each believer!  (See Romans 5:1-11+). God’s work of grace in us is to be a true and effective reflection of Jesus in all we are & all we do!  We must “be HIS” before we can “do HIS” work!

“For by grace

are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

 it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

 unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:8-10.                 (I would encourage you to read all of this precious chapter.)

We must choose to live like it, if we are truly “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works” that Jesus may be seen IN us, for HE IS IN us!  What does my life and yours say to this lost and dying world around us?  Are we being faithful witnesses, by knowing what God has said; or will we waste our time with fruitless “profane and vain babblings” (and if you consider ‘profane’ and ‘babbling’ they are both synonyms of ‘fruitless’!).  May we be found faithful students of God’s Word so that we can truly reflect the “TRUTH” of God—who IS JESUS!  Let’s stand in that gap for our Lord, by HIS power and grace!!!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”  John 14:6

Amen and Amen!!!