Keeping a Pure Path

The Bible gives us answers for everything that we need in life, including how to live a pure and holy life. Let’s look to the Word:

How can young people keep their paths pure? By guarding them according to what you’ve said. (Ps 119:9 CEB)

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (2 Tim 2:22 ESV)

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. (Ps 119:11 NKJV)

The Word gives us these clear instructions:

We should guard our paths according to the Word of God;
Flee youthful passions and avoid occasions that give rise to temptation;
Pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace along with all other believers who live a holy life unto the Lord;
Memorize the Word of God and hide it in our hearts because the Word that we cherish and honor will keep us away from sin.

These are clear and understandable directions from the heart of God. He has also given each one of us the gift of grace to empower us to do what He has called us to do. Hallelujah!

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God . . . (Eph 2:8, emphasis added)

May God surround us all with His grace, mercy, and love in Jesus’ name. Praise His holy name!

One Flock and One Shepherd

All who serve and follow the Lord Jesus Christ are one flock, and we obey one Good Shepherd’s voice!

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3:28, emphasis added)

. . . where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. (Col 3:1, emphasis added)

And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. (Joh 10:16, underlining added)

As we read and meditate upon these Bible passages, we can clearly understand that in God’s flock there is no room for prejudice, hatred, nationalism or sexism. We are all one in Christ—united in, by and through Jesus Christ. All believers follow Jesus Christ who is our example and our Good Shepherd.

Because we are all following one Savior and we are all listening to the only Good Shepherd’s voice, the Lord desires us to dwell in unity with one another.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Ps 133:1)

For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. (1 Cor 12:12)

. . . endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph 4:3)

. . . till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ . . . (Eph 4:13)

The Lord also desires us to be in harmony with each other as well as to comfort and to edify one another! Let us be always obedient to the voice of the Lord.

Be of the same mind toward one another. (Rom 12:16a)

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. (1 Thes 5:11)

God bless you!

An Everlasting Throne

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has been promised an everlasting throne according to the Scriptures. Let’s consider this truth today.

You, O Lord, remain forever; Your throne from generation to generation. (Lam 5:19)

Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. (Ps 45:6)

But You, O Lord, shall endure forever, and the remembrance of Your name to all generations. (Ps 102:12)

This truth from the Bible is information designed to strengthen and to sustain our faith, and give us confidence in the Lord. Our Savior is the Prince of Peace and the King of Kings. (Isa 9:6; 1 Tim 6:14-16)

Here is some additional insight into the Lord’s everlasting throne:

When the angel was announcing to Mary the conception of the Messiah, these promises were reiterated. “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end“ (Lk 1:31-33). These promises will be eternally fulfilled some day. “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!'” (Rev 11:15). Source: https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/dbdbg/view.cfm?Date=0630

One day ALL of the nations of the earth will worship and glorify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! (Ps 22:27; 72:11; 86:9; 102:15; Isa 2:2; 40:5; 45:23; 66:23; Jer 3:17; 33:9)

As God’s own people and joint heirs with Jesus Christ (Rom 8:17), let us be faithful and obedient to acknowledge and praise our Sovereign God and King now! May we be continuously aware that we serve the God whose reign will never end. We will spend eternity with the Lord in sweet fellowship and harmony with Him. Glory to God!

God is Worthy to be Praised

Our God is worthy to be praised at all times! The Bible tells us this in many and various ways. The Word of God enumerates God’s qualities and character traits for us, so that we may understand Him and love Him. It also helps us to praise Him regularly when we realize His greatness and love.

God has revealed Himself to mankind according to the Scriptures shown below.

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. (Rom 1:19)

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse . . . (Rom 1:20)

Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing. (Isa 40:26)

I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies. (Ps 18:3, emphasis added)

. . . saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Rev 5:12)

Why has God revealed Himself to us? Because He wants to be in relationship with His people.

He reminds us that He is the creator of all things, and that He is Omnipotent. The Lord tells us to call upon Him, and also to worship Him. We are even told to worship Him at all times!

Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. (Dan 2:20, underscoring added)

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Ps 34:1)

From the rising of the sun to its going down the Lord’s name is to be praised. (Ps 113:3) See also Psalm 71:8, 15; 104:33; and Hebrews 13:15.

We cannot say that we didn’t know that God desires our continuous praise because it is so clearly shown to us in His Word. Let this serve as a gentle reminder to us all to be mindful and obedient to God’s instructions. Praising God will bless us and will strengthen our faith as well as our relationship with the Lord. God bless you!

Inherit the Earth

For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. (Ps 37:9)

He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth. (Ps 25:13)

The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever. (Ps 37:29)

For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it . . . (Pro 2:21)

These passages of the Bible focus upon the idea that the righteous have been given a promise to “inherit the earth.” What does that mean for believers?

Here are some facts to begin this meditation:

God is the owner of this earth (Ps 24:1).
Those who obey Christ become children of God (Gal 3:27; Heb 5:9), and “joint-heirs” with the Lord (Rom 8:17).
The Father supplies all of our needs (Phil 4:19); we therefore enjoy this earth and its blessings more than all others.
Mainly, however, our inheritance is spiritual (Ac 20:32); we are heirs in the kingdom of Christ (Eph 5:5), and citizenship in that kingdom is available now on this earth (Col 1:13).
Finally, we also look for an inheritance that is reserved for us in heaven (1 Pet 1:4), because we are aware that the earth will be destroyed when Christ returns (2 Pet 3:10).

The verses of Scripture at the beginning of this article all describe a blessing appointed to the righteous in the coming age.

All who have been made righteous through Jesus Christ shall one day have power over all things, and until then will always receive provision of their needs through Jesus Christ. How blessed we are!

Pay Attention to the Wisdom of God

Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge; ¹⁸for it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; let them all be fixed upon your lips . . . (Pro 22:17-18)

Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. ³⁴Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. (Pro 8:33-34)

My son, pay attention to my wisdom; lend your ear to my understanding, ²that you may preserve discretion, and your lips may keep knowledge. (Pro 5:1-2)

As we read these passages from the Bible shown above, we can clearly see one theme shining through which is that we need to pay attention to and obey the Wisdom of God.

The Bible is filled with the wisdom of God from the beginning to the end. As we fill our hearts and minds with God’s Word, we will learn about God’s nature and goodness as well as about His eternal wisdom.

As we choose to obey God’s will and to yield to His wisdom, we will experience God’s blessings and prosperity. As we continue to yield to His Word throughout the course of our life, we will acquire a merciful and loving heart toward others, and a deep desire to bless other people. This is truly the outworking of God’s life and Spirit within us.

Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:24, 30), and in Him, this wisdom is available to us. Glory to God!

A Shield Called Faith

. . . above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. (Eph 6:16, emphasis added)

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (1 Joh 5:4, emphasis added)

We see that the Bible mentions a “shield of faith” in Ephesians chapter six. This is quite an important concept, when you think and meditate upon it. Shields were used to in ancient times to block attacks from hand-held weapons like swords as well as from projectile weapons such as arrows.

The shield can also symbolize steadfast principles, commitment, loyalty and protection, which are afforded to us by taking up the spiritual “Shield of Faith” in Christ Jesus, our Savior. This spiritual shield protects our hearts and minds from the attacks of the enemy which are designed to rob us of peace and joy. Our spiritual shield also enables us to persevere in times of trials and crisis.

Cling to your confession of faith, brothers and sisters! Heed Romans 10:8-9:

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): ⁹that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Two Things That Can Never Be Changed

God’s promises and God’s vows are two things that can never be changed. What a firm foundation for faith this fact provides for us!

The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. (Ps 33:11 NKJV)

So when God wanted to prove for certain that his promise to his people could not be broken, he made a vow. ¹⁸God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. (Heb 6:17-18 CEV, emphasis added)

The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying, “Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, and as I have purposed, so it shall stand. (Isa 14:24 NKJV)

The Bible tells us in various passages and in different language that God cannot and will not lie. (Tit 1:2; Isa 40:8) You can count upon and rely upon the promises of God. His Word is tested and true. Let’s see what else the Bible says about this.

Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. (Pro 30:5 NASB)

Your word has been tried and tested; your servant loves your word! (Ps 119:140 CEB)

Your kingdom will never end, and you will rule forever. Our Lord, you keep your word and do everything you say. (Ps 145:13 CEV)

We must stand upon the truth of the Word of God and rely upon His promises to us. God is the One who guarantees that His Word will most certainly come to pass, and all that we need is faith and perseverance. Don’t give up and don’t watch the clock or the calendar! Focus upon God’s nature and His faithfulness. Focus upon His love for you and upon His past blessings upon you. Meditate upon all of the answered prayer that you have received, and remember that God hasn’t changed.

God is the only Being who is the very definition of reliable. Praise the Lord most High!

Filled with the Spirit

Today our topic is about being filled with the Spirit and speaking in other tongues (glossolalia).

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. (Eph 5:18-19)

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Ac 2:4)

And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Ac 9:17)

The Bible encourages us to be filled with the Spirit and to praise the Lord and sing hymns and melodies to Him. What an joy and an honor!

To be filled with anything indicates that all of a person’s faculties are pervaded by it, engaged in it, or under its influence. We, as believers and followers of Jesus, are to allow the Holy Spirit to have such a mighty influence and impact upon us that He is able to pervade and engage literally every area and portion of our being.

When the Bible says that they spoke with “other tongues” it means that they spoke in languages that were not their own. Acts 2:9-11 lists which languages were heard that day.

To speak with other tongues – At the building of Babel the language of the people was confounded; and, in consequence of this, they became scattered over the face of the earth: at this foundation of the Christian Church, the gift of various languages was given to the apostles, that the scattered nations might be gathered; and united under one shepherd and superintendent (επισκοπος ) of all souls. (Source: Adam Clarke Commentary – https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/acc/acts-2.html. 1832)

As the Spirit gave them utterance – The word αποφθεγγεσθαι seems to imply such utterance as proceeded from immediate inspiration, and included oracular communications. (Source: Adam Clarke Commentary – https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/acc/acts-2.html. 1832)

There are believers who still speak in tongues today, and who usually operate in the fruit of the Spirit as well as in the gifts of the Spirit. They typically believe that miracles still happen all over the world because Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Heb 13:8) Hallelujah!

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Month: December 2020