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Evidence of Forgiveness

RECONCILIATION is the EVIDENCE of true FORGIVENESS between BRETHREN

2Corinthians 2:6-8 (6) Sufficient for such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the majority, (7) so that on the contrary you should rather forgive and comfort him, otherwise such a one might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. (8) Wherefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.

2Corinthians 5:19-21 (19) namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. (20) Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (21) He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

You say you forgive your brother/sister in Christ, but still have a grudge? That's NOT true forgiveness. Every sinner whose faith is in Christ for forgiveness and salvation has experienced true forgiveness:

Romans 5:7-9 (7) For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. (8) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (9) Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.…

Ephesians 4:31-32 (31) Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. (32) Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

May God grant His children the grace to truly forgive brethren who have wronged us. 

- JFS

Fellowship First

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Clearly, from this verse, the Lord makes it known that He is MORE interested in a deeper, sweet personal relationship with Him THAN our best works. 

The church at Laodicea (Christians) was proud of itself. They were wealthy, perhaps even rich in "ministries," "programs," and other "works," but one think they lacked, was a fervent personal walk with the Lord:

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

May we learn to put CHRIST first BEFORE works.

May we learn put CHRIST FIRST in our works.

May we learn to put CHRIST ABOVE our works . . . 

. . . and ENJOY that sweet fellowship with our Lord and Saviour, GOD of ALL, Jesus Christ

-JFS

Apostasy, i.e. Leaving the Faith

In the end times, we are told that Christians will leave the faith because they listened to and received messages, teaching, music, or doctrine that sounded pleasant to the ears, made them feel good, or appealed to their flesh:

1Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 

However, we can be PREPARED to RECOGNIZE such things, as God teaches and warns us about in His Word:

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

What we must understand is that in today's Christian community, worldly philosophy has crept in. The philosphy of the world says for example that we should be like the people we are trying to witness to rather than being a peculiar people (Titus 2:14). So, Christian musicians get tattoos and sound like the world. Worldly philosophy says follow your heart but God says follow me (John 12:26, 10:27). The philosophy of the world says let your feelings guide you, but God says that we are to trust Him (Proverbs 3:5). God teaches us that we are to stand on His Word, for it is His Word which guides us, which teaches us, keeps us in the right path, and is what the Spirit of God uses to build us up in the faith:

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Far too often, this writer has encountered services that appeal to the flesh; messages that sound good, that make sense, are moral, and may even include some Bible verses, but no expounding on the Word of God; only superficial comments that sound good on the surface, but have no real power to change us:

2Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

What we fail to realize is that if a spiritual leader is NOT taking the Word of God and expounding on it: explaining it in an understandable way, to the exclusion of leaning on feelings, emotions, or worldly ideologies, then he is NOT feeding the sheep.

Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

If he is NOT feeding the sheep, then he is NOT doing what he is called to do:

1Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

Why is it, that after listening to a message the majority of Christians go right back to what they were doing?

Why is it that when we finish a worship service we feel good, we talk about the interesting points from the minister's message, yet we are NOT transformed? We have catchy slogans, nice message titles, nice music, diagrams, and even hand signs, yet what has changed IN us? How do we see God in a more proper light? How do we see Christ high and lifted up?

Why is it that when we go to church the routine is the same: Greet, sing, sit down, announcements, message, stand up, sing, go home; and then think no more about God?

Why is it, a Spirit-filled believer, after spending time in a worship service leaves starving for the Word of God? Could it be that he/she was NOT fed?

1Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Is it because the Word of God is NOT being taught? Is it because Jesus Christ is not being lifted up in Bible teaching? Has it/He become only quaint window dressing in a nice message?

The way that God warns us and teaches us from His Word if it is right teaching is this:

Is it ...after the rudiments of the world or is it ...after Christ (Colossians 2:8)? If it sounds good, looks good, seems good, or even feels good, but there is NO Scriptural support, NO Christ, then BEWARE lest you be drawn away:

1Timothy 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; (4) He is proud, knowing nothing...

Why do we hear so little of God's Word expounded in messages and so much more on feelings, emotions, human strength, the power of the flesh, steps to a better..., what "I" can do, and the like? Why do we hear even less of the Lord Jesus Christ?

O dear God, please bring us back to the Bible and Jesus Christ your Son. Be glorified, magnified, exalted, and honored in and among your people!


JFS, Ptr., FMC-WOM
http://meditationsfromscripture.blogspot.com/

CCM Song Alert Here I Am to Worship

CCM Song Alert: "Here I Am To Worship" by Hillsong

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Q: How well does this contemporary Christian song EXALT Christ, the Lord, the God of the Bible?

[First stanza]

Light of the world

You stepped down into darkness

Open my eyes let me see

Beauty that made this heart adore You

Hope of a life spent with You

Q: WHO is YOU? 

Q: WHO is the LIGHT of the WORLD? 

Q: WHO STEPPED into DARKNESS?

Q: WHO OPENED my EYES?

Q: WHOSE BEAUTY? 

Q: WHO is YOU? 

FAST FACTS: 

"LORD" is used 6751 times in the King James Bible. That is an average of at least 100 times per book of the Bible.

"Jesus Christ" is used 258 times in the New Testament (KJV). That is an average of nearly 10 times per book of the New Testament. 

Q: Why NOT say the NAME of the LORD here? If this is CHRISTian music, shouldn't it praise CHRIST? 

The NAME of the LORD is precious: 

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

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

Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Q: SO, why NOT SAY and SING the NAME of the LORD?

[Chorus]

Here I am to worship

Here I am to bow down

Here I am to say that You're my God

Q: Who is being glorified here? 

Q: Shouldn't our songs be glorifying the Lord? 

Revelation 5:12 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

This sounds just like Peter speaking in the power of his flesh before he denied Christ; (Matthew 26:33-35, 69-75)

[Chorus continued]

You're altogether lovely

Altogether worthy

Altogether wonderful to me

[Second stanza]

King of all days

Oh so highly exalted

Glorious in heaven above

Humbly You came to the earth You created

All for love's sake became poor

Q: WHO is YOU? 

Q: WHO is LOVELY, WORTHY, WONDERFUL to me, KING; WHO is GLORIOUS, WHO came to earth, WHO became POOR? 

[Chorus]

Here I am to worship

Here I am to bow down

Here I am to say that You're my God

You're altogether lovely

Altogether worthy

Altogether wonderful to me

[bridge]

I'll never know how much it cost (x4)

To see my sin upon that cross

Q: What CROSS? A: "That cross" ?? (It sounds like contempt rather than gratitude. Could we say "your cross" or "the cross"?)

Q: How well does this Contemporary Christian song EXALT Christ, the Lord, the God of the Bible?

A: It doesn't! 

Follow up: There is NO mention of CHRIST, no mention of the LORD, no mention of WHO, only "YOU." "YOU" can be the GOD of people's imaginations, but NOT necessarily the GOD of the BIBLE, and songs that do not name the name of the Lord, the Christ of the Bible, leave room for everyone's imagination of who God is in their own minds. This is new age philosophy: 

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

JFS, Ptr.

http://meditationsfromscripture.com/

CCM Alert I Am Free

CCM Song Alert: "I Am Free" by Unhindered

Q: How well does this Contemporary Christian song EXALT Christ, the Lord, the God of the Bible?

Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

First stanza:

Through You the blind will see

Through You the mute will sing

Through You the dead will rise

Through You all hearts will praise

Through You the darkness flees

Through You my heart screams, I am free!

Q: WHO is YOU?

Why not the NAME of the LORD? Why not the LORD JESUS CHRIST? 

2Thessalonians 1:12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

Through WHO will the blind see?

Luke 7:22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

Through WHO will the mute sing?

Mark 7:37 And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

Through WHO will the dead rise?

John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

Through WHO will all hearts praise?

1Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Through WHO the darkness flees?

Luke 1:79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Through WHO my heart screams?

Luke 19:40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

Chorus:

I am free to run

(I am free to run)

I am free to dance

(I am free to dance)

I am free to live for you

(I am free to live for you)

I am free

(I am free)

Q: WHO is being emphasized here? A: How many "I am"s are there in this chorus? 

Q: How many "I am"s are there in this chorus? A: 4

Q: How many times is Christ exalted here? A: 0

Second stanza:

Through you the kingdom comes

Through you the battles won

Through you I’m not afraid

Through you the price is paid

Through you there’s victory

Because of you my heart sings I am free

Q: WHO is YOU?

Why not the NAME of the LORD? Why not the LORD JESUS CHRIST? 

2Thessalonians 1:12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

Chorus:

We are free to run 

We free to dance

We free to live for you

We are free, we are free, we are free

Q: How can a person be truly free? 

John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; (32) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

A: If we continue in the word of Christ, then we are disciples indeed; And we shall know the truth, and the truth shall make us FREE! The TRUTH sets us FREE. JESUS CHRIST is the way, the TRUTH, and the life (John 14:6). The Word of God is TRUTH (John 17:17).

Q: How well does this Contemporary Christian song EXALT Christ, the Lord, the God of the Bible?

A: It doesn't!

JFS, Ptr.

http://meditationsfromscripture.blogspot.com/

CCM Alert Ikaw Lamang

CCM Song Alert: "Ikaw Lamang" by Rommel Guevarra 

Q: How well does this Contemporary Christian song EXALT the God of the Bible?

O Diyos sa kabutihan Mo (O God your righteousness)

Ako'y naririto upang magpuri Sayo (I come to praise you)

O Dios sa kabanalan Mo (O God your holiness)

Malulugod ako (I delight)

Buhay ay iniaalay ko (I offer my life to you)

Q: In this stanza, how many "Diyos," "Sayo," or "Mo"s do we encounter? A: 5

Q: How many "ako" or "ko"s do we encounter? A: 3

Q: How many lines of this stanza are focused on God? A: 2

Q: How many lines are focused on the singer? A: 3

Q: Who exactly is this stanza emphasizing? A: You must decide for yourself based on the facts.

[Koro:] (Chorus)

Ikaw lamang ang nagtiwala saakin (You trust me)

O Dios di kita bibiguin (O God I won't disappoint you)

Magtatapat Sayo (I will confess [you])

Maglilingkod ako (I will serve [you])

O Dios kay buti Mo. (O God your goodness [?])

Q: In this chorus, how many lines exalt God? A: 1 (the last line)

Q: In this chorus, how many lines exalt Christ? A: None

Q: In this chorus, how many lines are given over to the singer? A: 4 out of 5 lines

Q: In this chorus, is the singer saying that God "trusts" him? A: Yes (the first line)

Q: In this chorus, is the singer saying that he will not disappoint God? A: Yes (the second line)

Q: Is this chorus emphasizing the singer's own strength or exalting the glories of God? A: You must decide for yourself based on the facts.

Q: What does God say about these things?

1. God and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ are to be the focus of our praise: 

Ephesian 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

2. The Lord clearly states in His Word that we are NOT to put our trust in men, yet this song contradicts that saying "God trusts" the singer:

Psalm 146:3 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. 

3. Our music and songs should focus on the Lord (NOT on OURSELVES): 

Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

4. Peter spoke the same way, emphasizing his own ability and strength, yet headed for a big fall:

Matthew 26:35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. [we know the rest of the story, how he denied Christ not very long after that]

Q: How well does this Contemporary Christian song EXALT the God of the Bible (as opposed to the God of imaginations)?

A: You must decide for yourself based on the facts. But it is a nice, sentimental song that promotes feelings and emotions yet it is unfounded on Scripture. So which will you follow? The Lord tells us to beware of such things:

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 

2Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

2Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

-JFS, Ptr

http://meditationsfromscripture.blogspot.com/

No Guarantees

Remember, we do NOT operate according to OUR strength, or OUR ability, or OUR skills. We may think that we have the RIGHT to make it from one day to the next, but we tend to forget that: 

"...in him [God] we live, and move, and have our being" (Acts 17:28) 

And that:

"It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not" (Lamentations 3:22); 

"He has not dealt with us according to our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities" (Psalm 103:10);

"The horse is prepared for the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD" (Proverbs 21:31); 

"He [God] delights not in the strength of the horse: he takes not pleasure in the legs of a man. (11) The LORD takes pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy" (Psalm 147:10); 

"... Salvation is of the LORD" (Jonah 2:9); 

"For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8); 

SO, when we are tempted to BOAST or to be overly CONFIDENT that we are SURE to do this or that, or go here or there, or get this or that, let us be wise and HUMBLE ourselves before the Lord and glorify Him, for NOTHING is guaranteed:

"Go to now, you that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: (14) Whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. (15) For that you ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. (16) But now you rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil" (James 4:13). 

Remember, it is only by GOD's GRACE, MERCY, and BLESSINGS that we can DO anything, GO anywhere, ACCOMPLISH anything, or make it through a DAY. Therefore, let us REVERE the LORD and walk HUMBLY before Him. 

JS

Meditations from Scripture

http://meditationsfromscripture.blogspot.com

There is NO tithe for the church today

Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (KJV)

If any man teach otherwise . . . 

1. He is proud, knowing nothing:

1Timothy 6:3-4 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing (KJV)

2. He may be a novice: 

1Timothy 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. (KJV)

3. He might want to consider having a trade:

2Thessalonians 3:10 ... if any would not work, neither should he eat. (KJV)

4. He is not worthy of double honor. He is worthy of double honor only IF he labors in the Word:

1Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. (KJV)

So, . . . if he demands tithes, then he must NOT be laboring in the Word and therefore NOT worthy of double honor and should therefore get a job and stop demanding or pressuring the members to pay their tithes (perhaps so he can have his "salary," his car, his house, his nice clothes, or other physical benefit). 

Paul, the greatest missionary was a TENTMAKER. This was his trade which helped him pay his expenses:

Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. (KJV)

Acts 20:4 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. (NIV)

2Thessalonians 3:8 nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. (NIV)

There is NO TITHE for the church today. Nowhere in the NEW TESTAMENT is tithing ordered or commanded for Christians. That would NOT be grace! 

If we give. let us give cheerfully unto the Lord, not because we were coerced to do it by threats of incurring God's anger:

2Corinthians 9:7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." (NLT)

If I do not give in love unto the Lord, then it is nothing:

1Corinthians 13:3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. (NIV)

Therefore, if I give because I was threatened by loss or wrath, this is not love. 

If your pastor (shepherd) is beating you with the Bible to "give, give, give, ..." do not be afraid to remind him of these things, for you speak as the oracles of God:

1Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister ... (KJV)

A word of love, compassion, and care for the beloved flocks of the Lord that are abused every weekend around the city, around the country, and around the world. 

JFS, pastor

http://meditationsfromscripture.blogspot.com/

"Caring for the sheep, one post at a time"

Jesus Paid It All

Revenge

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." -Romans 12:19

How many Hollywood movies can you think of that promote revenge as anacceptable behavior? From the verse above, once again, we can see that the world is at odds with the Word of God, i.e. God's will for the believer. 

How about in our own lives . . . do we often seek revenge for an insult, an offense, or someone else's bad behavior? I know in my own life for example, when my neighbors constantly flood my house with their pollution, or are excessively noisy, I seriously want to take action against them. Of course I am allowed to speak to them and share my concerns but what happens when they do not listen? The Word of God teaches me not to take vengeance, but rather let God deal with these people because according to the Word of God, "the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God" (James 1:20). 

My comfort is that there will come a day when God will sort all of these things out. The book of Revelation assures us of this. Those people in Hollywood who promote revenge as an acceptable social behavior through their movies; those people who are rude to us; those people who treat us "unfairly" will all stand before God and give an account for their behavior. This is much more terrible than we could possibly imagine, and frankly it should move us to more compassion to tolerate, understand, and warn these people.

There is nothing wrong with getting angry about evil people and evil deeds mind you. The Lord tells us, "Be ye angry, and sin not" (Ephesians 4:26); but when all peaceful options have failed, my part is to wait on the Lord to deal with these people. Of course I can address the issues to the person directly, but acts of vengeance are forbidden in God's plan. David gave us an excellent example in the Psalms. Read through the Psalms and you will see how David did not avenge himself on those who treated him harshly, but committed his prayers unto God. He presented his case before merciful God and pleaded with Him to deal with those that treated him coarsely. 

May the Lord grant us the grace to NOT repay evil for evil when we suffer for others' ill-behavior: "See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men" (1Thessalonians 5:15); especially our brethren in the Lord: "especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). 

Meditations from Scripture, JFS

http://meditationsfromscripture.blogspot.com/

In word or in deed?

http://kingsenglish.info/

Luke 6:46 "And why call me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"

Are we "Christians" only when it is fashionable or unobjectionable?

Malachi 1:6 "A son honors his father ... If I am a father, where is the honor due me?"

Do we call God our heavenly Father only when we want something? 

What happened to honoring our Heavenly Father whether we need something or not? 

1John 3:18 "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."

"Lord," "honor," "love" God are words. Where are the deeds?

James 2:18 "Yea, a man may say, You have faith, and I have works: show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

There are many who claim Christianity, but where is the evidence in our lives? 

Matthew 23:27 "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like unto whitewashed sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outwardly but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness."

Do we look good only one day a week? Or is it a lifestyle?

1Samuel 16:7 "But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."

God knows our hearts, that they are desperately wicked . . . 

Jeremiah 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"

Let us turn from our ways and worship God through Jesus Christ. Let us love, honor, and adore Him for who He is and worship Him in the beauty of holiness.

Just admit it!

Often, when I approach someone about something they need to correct, the first thing I hear is some excuse or their "legitimate" reason why they are doing what they are doing which is not in accordance with established laws, guidelines, policies, rules, requests, or wishes. It's quite natural to defend ourselves, rationalize, or try to justify why we do something that we shouldn't do. 

For example, when I approach someone about their reason for disturbing the peace, their reason is that it is once in while only; not admitting that whether once in a while or not, it is still out of line. 

For example, when a policeman in the U.S. stops a speeding driver, it is quite common for the driver to give a very good "reason" why they were exceeding the speed limit; not accepting the fact that they broke the law.

For example, when a thief is caught, his justification is that he doesn't have and the other person does have, or that he's poor and the other person is rich; without acknowledging the fact that stealing of any sort is wrong

It's interesting to note that this has been going on since Adam and Eve. When God confronted Adam about eating the fruit, Adam did not admit his fault but rather tried to put the blame on Eve, making excuses. Cain also, after killing his brother Abel and when approached by God did not want to confess his sin to God but rather denied it. 

We are all the same as humans. We do not want to admit our faults, failures, weaknesses, or sins. We want to be able to justify or explain our them away in order to make ourselves look right. Sadly, this is our natural condition, the result of being in a fallen state; because we are natural born sinners. 

That is why coming to Christ is such an UNNATURAL act and is evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in us, because when we come to the Lord (for salvation or in our Christian walk) we must acknowledge our need of Him. We cannot come to Christ and say, "I know I'm a sinner but not that bad," or "I know I do bad things but really, I have a good heart and intentions," or "I know I have sinned but I was just trying to ..." and expect to be forgiven. That doesn't work. When we approach the Lord, it must be spiritually (in heart and mind) on our faces and our knees in total confession that we are GUILTY and without excuse. We cannot justify ourselves before Christ because before His perfect, righteous, holy standard we have NO defense. 

Remember this though, God is infinite in mercy and very willing to forgive those who come to Him in HUMILITY. That's what CONFESSING our sins is, an act of humility. When we acknowledge our guilt, our faults, our weaknesses, our need we are saying to the Lord that:

We are WRONG but He is RIGHT

We are saying that we went AGAINST His way

That we are GUILTY but that God is JUST

That we are UNWORTHY but God is WORTHY 

Therefore, God says, if we come to Him in humility He will give us grace, because He honors our confession of guilt to Him, but those who refuse to admit their guilt are proud and in danger of eternal condemnation:

James 4:6, 10 

6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble ... 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

It is much better to acknowledge our failures because God is so willing to forgive us, if we would only confess them:

1John 1:9 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Don't worry about how BAD you are, think of how MERCIFUL God is:

Ephesians 2:4 

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us ...

Remember, Christ came for SINNERS not for those who make excuses (those who try to explain away their failures and sins in order to look right before God and men):

Luke 5:32 

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

1Timothy 1:15 

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners ... 

God bless this to you today.

- Jerry Smith

http://meditationsfromscripture.blogspot.com/

Where no water is

OBSERVE: Where NO water is, there is dryness, desert, and drought

BUT where there IS water, there is greenness, growth, and gladness.

The Word of God is compared to water (Ephesians 5:26 ..."the washing of water by the word"). 

How are you doing spiritually? Dry? Unfruitful? There may be drought in your land. 

Psalm 1:2-3 tells us exactly how NOT to be dry and barren: 

"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."

Are you getting enough "water?" 

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly ..." (Colossians 3:16) and be fruitful. 

Get in the Word. Go BEYOND "reading." Meditate on it throughout the day and night, look at life around you with "Bible glasses." Walk in its light. Consider the things of the world from a biblical perspective. Ask yourself what God says about your questions. This is taking water to your dry soul.

http://meditationsfromscripture.blogspot.com/

Message Men and Women

A blessing of marriage is maturation and growth further into the image of Christ (23, 24, 25, 29, 32). But it “ain’t easy!”

Follow the link to download a .pdf copy of this message:

Men and women

Message God Honors Mothers

Leviticus 19:3 Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.

So often when we read similar texts, the father is named first. But, in this case perhaps the Lord placed the mother first to show her importance to the family unit. Clearly, from this passage, in putting the mother first, the Lord shows that mothers are important too.

Follow the link to download a .pdf copy of this message:

God honors mothers

Message Come Out From Among Them

God says, “come out from among them…” 

Why? Because Jesus Christ came to redeem us from the world. Because our Heavenly Father is HOLY. Are we presenting the image of our Father in heaven (like Jesus Christ was), or are we presenting the image of the world, the lost, the devil?

Follow the link to download a .pdf copy of this message:

Come out from among them

Basic Bible Stories Series 1-4

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW EACH IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD A .PDF VERSION OF THESE BRIEF MESSAGES

 

Basic Bible Stories Adam & Eve

Basic Bible Stories Cain & Abel

Basic Bible Stories Noah & the Flood

 

Basic Bible Stories Tower of Babel