Don’t Make Yourself God’s Enemy

As believers in Jesus Christ, we have chosen to follow Christ above all things, especially above the world. Jesus taught that we cannot be loved by this world because we are not truly a part of it.

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be loyal to the one and have contempt for the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. (Mt 6:24 CEB)

The Bible reminds us that we can’t serve two different masters. So we must make a clear and firm choice about our allegiance.

If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, the world therefore hates you. (Joh 15:19 MEV)

The world hates Christians because Jesus chose us out of the world, and we chose Jesus. We have put Jesus first above all other relationships, alliances, and commitments.

Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (Jam 4:4 NKJV)

Friendship with the world equals hostility toward God and the Word of God. Many in the world malign and ridicule believers, and all those who value the Bible.

Stop loving the world and the things that are in the world. If anyone persists in loving the world, the Father’s love is not in him. ¹⁶For everything that is in the world—the desire for fleshly gratification, the desire for possessions, and worldly arrogance—is not from the Father but is from the world. (1 Joh 2:15-16 ISV)

Everything—EVERYTHING—that is in the world [ambition, avariciousness, passions, arrogance] is connected with this world’s way of doing things; and does not connect to a love of God the Father.

As we continue to choose to follow Jesus and to obey God’s Word, we would do well to seek God’s face and ask Him for continuing grace to live a holy life. We know that God hears and answers our prayers, so we may pray with confidence and assurance. God bless you.

The Lord Saves His Servants

The Lord is committed to those of us who follow Him and serve Him. His Word testifies to this truth repeatedly.

The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned. (Ps 34:22 NKJV) This is just one of the Lord’s promises to His people. NONE who trust in Him shall be condemned.

The poor can run to you because you are a fortress in times of trouble. ¹⁰Everyone who honors your name can trust you, because you are faithful to all who depend on you. (Ps 9:9-10 CEV) Our God is a fortress in times of trouble. He is faithful to ALL who depend upon Him. God cannot lie. (Tit 1:2)

. . . who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion . . . (Ps 103:4 NIV) Not only does the Lord redeem our lives from hell but He also crowns us with His love and compassion. Praise the Lord!

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³²He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Rom 8:31-32 ESV) If God is on our side, but no one can succeed or gain victory over the Lord. Since the Lord didn’t spare His own Son, it is certain that along with our salvation He freely gives us all that we need.

We are blessed to serve a faithful and loving God.

What’s Your Decision?

Whom would you rather serve? You would do well to read our last blog titled Two Paths. It will shed light upon this article.

Every human being on earth must make a decision whether to serve Jesus, the Son of the Living God; or to serve satan, known as the accuser of the brethren. (Rev 12:10)

What does the Bible say about Jesus? I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (Joh 10:10b NKJV)

The Scriptures warn us to “make our election sure.” The Lord tells us in His Word how each and every believer may confirm and safeguard his future in eternity:

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, ⁶to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, ⁷to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. ⁸For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. ¹⁰Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; ¹¹for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Pet 1:5-11 NKJV, emphasis added)

After we have accepted the Lord Jesus as our Savior and Redeemer, we do well to submit ourselves to the cleansing that comes to us through daily reading and meditation upon the Bible. Read for yourself the truth of this statement:

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, ²⁶that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, ²⁷that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. (Eph 5:25-27 NKJV, underscoring added)

Also, the Holy Spirit will teach us and lead us into all truth as we read the Word of God regularly. (Joh 16:13)

Trust the Lord to teach you and to guide you. Allow Him to make changes in your life day by day, year by year, and decade by decade. In so doing, you will bear fruit and make your calling and election sure! God bless you.

Savior & Deliverer

Our God is our Savior and our Deliverer. His Word is full of His promises to us, and it also contains the testimonies of many believers who have experienced the Lord’s saving power and deliverance.

The Lord will save me when anyone tries to hurt me, and he will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. Glory forever and ever be the Lord’s. Amen. (2 Tim 4:18 NCV)

But the Lord is faithful and will give you strength and will protect you from the Evil One. (2 Thes 3:3 NCV)

God saved us from these great dangers of death, and he will continue to save us. We have put our hope in him, and he will save us again. (2 Cor 1:10 NCV)

These Bible verses remind us of some wonderful truths about the God whom we serve:

God saves us from those who try to harm us;
The Lord will make sure that we arrive safely in heaven;
Our God is faithful;
God’s grace will give us strength and protect us from the enemy of our souls;
God has saved our souls, and will continue to save us day-by-day; and
As long as we put our hope in Him, He will continue to save us time after time.

There is no God like our God! (Ex 8:10; 1 Sam 2:2; 1 Chr 17:20) Let us give Him all of the glory, honor, and praise!

Our Lives Reflects our Hearts

All of our actions—whether good and kind or hurtful and evil—flow out of our hearts.

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. (Pro 27:19 NIV, emphasis added)

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ²³For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; ²⁴for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. ²⁵But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. (Jam 1:22-25, underscoring added)

. . . he who fashions the hearts of them all, and observes all their deeds. (Ps 33:15 RSV)

For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” (Mk 7:21-23 NIV)

As the Bible tells us, we need to be obedient, active Christians who LIVE THE WORD every single day of our lives. Our lives will surely expose whatever is in our hearts.

This doesn’t imply that we’re perfect and never make mistakes. Absolutely not. It means that we start with a fresh slate every day, and continue loving and serving the Lord Jesus persistently and consistently.

When we do sin, we stop and repent before God. After we have received forgiveness and cleansing, we begin again in perfect fellowship and harmony with the Lord, our merciful Redeemer. Because Jesus lived on earth as a human, He understands the nature of temptation. (Heb 2:18; 4:15; Mt 4:1)

Because we know our own flaws and weaknesses, we’re able to extend mercy and encouragement to others. We know that as we surrender to God’s will and resist the enemy, he must flee from us. (Jam 4:7)

We serve our loving God and the body of Christ by praying for our fellow man, whether believers or unbelievers. We also pray for our civic and government leaders that God will lead them and send them wise counselors, and give us peace on the earth.

As we hide God’s Word and His precious promises in our hearts, our hearts will overflow with the joy, mercy, and love of God. Our faith will be nourished and strengthened. Our daily lives will reveal and replicate the condition of our hearts. Glory to God!

Leaders, Shepherd the Flock

Here are standards for those who are Pastors, elders, or leaders in a church. If you would LIKE to become a Pastor, elder, or leader, study the Scriptures to discover what is required of such a person. Then begin to live that out in your life; behave as if you already ARE a Pastor, elder, or leader. It will not go unnoticed by God, and He will put you into the position that you desire. (1 Tim. 3:1)

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords (masters) over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (1 Pet 5:2, 3 NKJV)

Shepherd the flock of God AMONG YOU! That means everyone that you come into contact with daily! Make an impact for GOOD on those with whom you connect regularly—including your own family members. (Mk 3:14; 16:15; Ac 5:42; 8:4; Heb 6:10, 11; 2 Tim 4:2)
We’re to serve as overseers. An overseer is an administrator, manager, or someone who gets things done. We were not elevated to our responsible position in order to prosper financially or to charge people fees. We never saw Jesus give us such an example. We’re to help people—help them receive all that they need by whatever means that the Lord directs us to use. Whatever a person’s needs are, the salvation of Jesus Christ has already met that need! We’re put here to help people to see this truth, and to help them to receive God’s blessings. (Mt 6:10; 16:19; 18:19; Ac 20:28; Phil 4:19; Col 1:27; 1 Joh 5:14, 15)
We are supposed to serve willingly and eagerly, with a good attitude and cheerful heart. We are called, each one of us, to BE a blessing! (Col 3:23-24; 1 Pet 3:9)
We are told not to “lord” it over people. Instead we are to sacrifice and humble ourselves even as our Savior, Jesus, sacrificed and humbled Himself to provide and secure our salvation. (Mt 18:4; 23:12; Rom 12:1, 16; Eph 5:2; Phil 2:8; Heb 13:16; 1 Pet 2:5; 5:6; Jas 4:6, 10)
The sheep have been entrusted to the care of their church leaders, and we are NEVER to harm the sheep. We are serving as an under-shepherd under the authority of Jesus, the Good Shepherd! (Jer 50:6; Eze 34:10; Joh 10:11, 14; 1 Pet 5:4)
The Word tells us that we should be examples to the flock. Jesus was our example, and we’re to follow in His footsteps. (Joh 13:14-16; Phil 3:17; 1 Pet 2:21)

May God bless you and flood you with His love and grace, as you pursue your leadership role in the Kingdom of God.

You Are God’s Temple

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. (1 Cor 3:16-17)

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? (1 Cor 6:19)

And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” (2 Cor 6:16 – emphasis added)

The Word of God tells each and every believer, “You are the temple of the living God.” That’s pretty mind-blowing, right? Yes, we may accept it as fact that the Spirit of God indwells each one of us, but have we really thought deeply about it?

The physical, earthly temple of the Israelites had three parts:

the exterior of the structure and outer court;
the holy place (which the priests, alone, could enter), and
the Holy of Holies within the veil that could only be entered once a year.

We also have three parts:

Our body, the exterior part;
Our soul where our minds, emotions, and will reside; and
Our spirit, our inner heart—where the Spirit of God dwells and through which He works His works and sanctifies us wholly.

With respectful and joyful confidence, we need to ponder this mystery. The Spirit of God will direct our thoughts, actions, and lives if we will lovingly yield to Him. If we will obediently learn to be sensitive to the inner voice of the Spirit, He will unveil the mysteries of our faith to us. He will commission us to serve Him, and to serve others in the name of Jesus.

The Holy Spirit is our guarantee of relationship—belonging.

. . . who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. (2 Cor 1:22)

In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise . . . (Eph 1:13, see also Eph 4:30)

We are sealed with the Holy Spirit. This seal identifies us to angels and demons as being children of God and anointed by God—set apart unto Him. We belong to God; we are His prize and His possession. Take some time to ponder this truth, and to revisit it from time to time. You are blessed!

We Are Servants

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. (! Cor 4:1-2)

James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad . . . (Jas 1:1)

“These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” (Act 16:17)

. . . just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mt 20:28)

As shown in Matthew chapter 20, Jesus came to serve humanity—He came as a servant. Jesus came to reconcile mankind to His loving Father, and how thankful we are for His completed work.

The Bible tells us that Jesus is our example. (1 Pet 2:21) Since He lived to serve humanity (which means people), so also should we! Let’s admit that God saved us to empower us to serve others.

How may we serve other people in meaningful ways which bring glory to God?

Hold onto and teach others sound doctrine. (Tit 1:9; 2:1)
Perform good works/deeds for other people so that people will give glory to God for them. (Mt 5:16; Eph 2:10)
Be LIGHT in the world. (Mt 5:14) Jesus says in John 8:12 that He is the light of the world. As believers, we are to allow the light of Christ within us to shine forth to all.
Live honorably. (1 Pet 2:12)
Be faithful. (Mt 25:23)
Use your gifts, skills, and passions to serve within the body of Christ. (Rom 12:4-6; 1 Cor 12:27-28)

Living our lives as an offering and a sacrifice to the Lord—in service to others—is not only honorable; it is very satisfying. God bless you.

Creativity, Part 2

As we discussed in the last article, God has made mankind in His own image; He has made us to be creative even as He is creative.

Every human being has a unique personality—we all understand that fact. In the same way, we each have a wonderfully individual mixture of talents and abilities blended in a distinctive combination.

Whatever our talents and giftings, God has not only given them to us but He has blessed us to serve Him and His kingdom through them. Here are several passages of Scripture that demonstrate the talents that He has given to mankind, and also how those abilities are intended to bless everyone around us.

And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, ⁴to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, ⁵in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship. (Ex 31:3-5)

For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, ⁵so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. ⁶Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; ⁷or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; ⁸he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. (Rom 12:4-8)

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. ¹¹If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Pet 4:10-11)

In our creativity we live, walk and work by faith, trusting that God has blessed the work of our hands. By faith, we also understand that the Lord uses our creative work to bless, help, and to inspire other people.

Keep on creating, friend!

Walking in God’s Truth

For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth. (Ps 26:3, emphasis added)

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (3 Joh 1:4, emphasis added)

The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. (Ps 119:160)

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. (Joh 17:17)

How do we “walk in God’s truth”?

Let’s consider the Scripture verses shown above, and ponder the fact that Jesus told us in John 14:6 that He is the Truth. Elsewhere, the Scriptures inform us that Jesus is the Word made flesh. (Joh 1:14) The Bible also states in John 17:17 that God’s Word is truth.

After reflecting upon these points, we can understand that “walking in the truth” means:

living our lives in obedience to God’s Word;
making our decisions in agreement with the values of the Scriptures; and
living according to the wisdom of the Bible.
It suggests that we would highly value God’s Word, and that we would study it diligently. (2 Tim 2:15)

There are many passages of Scripture that remind us that when we seek and serve the Lord, He showers us with His protection, His favor, and His blessings. Have a blessed day.

(Also see my article titled “Truth & Love Are Bound Up in Jesus” posted on 02/20/2017 in this blog.)

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