Doomed

  Doomed?

The Psalmist states,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands." 

                                                                  Psalm 19:1

The Bible doesn’t debate that God exists. It was written to believers and believers need no convincing. It does however as seen here in Psalm 19:1 point to the handiwork of God within creation.

For me the acknowledgement of God and the fact He will judge each person in this world is the glue that keeps our society secure from the morass of anarchy.

God set in the heart of each person what is right and what is wrong. While at the same time giving them a freewill to do as they wish.

As someone has said, “God did not make robots. He wants people to worship Him and follow His rules for living, because they choose to do so. Not because they are forced.” 

There is however consequences for not acknowledging God and His laws.

Abba Hillel Silver wrote,

"Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society.  Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority." Abba Hillel Silver.

 When individuals or society fail to acknowledge God individuals suffer the consequences. We only have to look at Nazi Germany during the 1930's and the second world war to see what can happen. Millions of people murdered because political leaders were allowed to ignore the basic human rights God set upon each persons heart.

The world today in 2022 needs God whether people wish to believe it or not. For if we don’t those who fail to acknowledge God are doomed to Godless eternity.

Please think about it.

You and Prayer

You and prayer

The book of acts speaking of the early church states,

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42.

The apostle Paul wrote,

“Be joyful in hope, 

patient in affliction, 

faithful in prayer.”  

                      Romans 12:12.

If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus do you Pray?

Here’s something to consider,

   God gives you 1440 minutes every day.

A good nights sleep takes up 480 minutes.

An average round trip commute to and from work can take 120 minutes.

Work takes up 480 minutes.

That leaves you with 360 minutes.

Thus the question becomes are you willing to tithe ten percent of that time to prayer?

Just 36 minutes each day.

2.5% of all the minutes God gives you each day communing with Him.

Please think about it.

Where

  Where

Jesus said,

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.

As I look at not only Christians but the world around us. I see many people, government leaders and religious leaders who are in for a rude awakening when they meet God. 

Sadly many religious leaders (Christian or otherwise) government leaders, and the average person do not treat people the way they wish to be treated. And while those people may get away with mistreating others in this life. One day they will have to answer to God.

The writer of Ecclesiastes make it clear saying,

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty of man. 

For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." Ecclesiastes12:13,14.

Thus my question to you; On the day you stand before God, what will he say to you? Where will you spend eternity?

Please think about it. 

God is There for us

  God is there for us

The Psalmist writes,

“Where can I go from your Spirit? 

Where can I flee from your presence? 

If I go up to the heavens, 

you are there; 

if I make my bed in the depths, 

you are there. 

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, 

if I settle on the far side of the sea, 

even there your hand will guide me, 

your right hand will hold me fast.”

                                                           Psalm 139:7-10.

In Psalm 23 we read,

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4.

No matter where we are. No matter the circumstance we are in. Believers in God. Believers in Christ Jesus can be assured God is with them even in the worst of circumstances.

Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

Eyes and mind open

  Eyes and mind open

In the book of Genesis we read,

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." 

                                                                                           Genesis 1:1.

I believe this. Whether it took six twenty-four hour days or six billion years means nothing to me. God is God and He could do it either way.

I’ve heard critics say Christians adjust their theory of creation to fit the science of the day. That may be so but believers in God like scientist are continually learning. (And remember the Bible is not a science book)

Scientist at one time thought the sun revolved around the earth. Through the use of proper science they discovered they were wrong.

So it is with believers in God. As we study the scriptures in context we gain a better understanding of the world around us and how scripture perfectly melds with science.

There are many famous scientist who believe in God because of their work in science

William Philips Nobel prize winning Physicist said,

“I believe in God more because of science than in spite of it" William Philips

Werner Heisenberg father of Quantum Mechanics and Nobel prize winner in Physics said,

"The first gulp from the glass of natural science will make you an atheist,

but at the bottom of the glass God is waiting for you" Werner Heisenberg.

Dr. Arno Penzias 1978 Nobel Prize winner in Physics said,

"Astronomy leads us to a unique event, a universe which was created out of nothing, one with a very delicate balance needed to provide exactly the conditions required to permit life and one which has an underlying (one might say ‘supernatural') plan."

Even Stephen Hawking one of the greatest scientific minds of the 20th century said,

"It would be very difficult to explain why the universe should have begun in just this way, except as the act of a God who intended to create beings like us," Stephen Hawking.

The psalmist writes,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands." 

                                                                   Psalm 19:1

While we may not be able to see God. We can see the works of His hands throughout all creation. All we need to do is open our eyes and minds in order to see it.

Are your eyes and mind open to the fact God exists?

Please think about it.

A lesson from The Lords Prayer

 A lesson from The Lords Prayer

Jesus said,

"This, then, is how you should pray: 

" ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 

your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread. 

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'  

For Yours is the kingdom the power and the glory forever Amen" Matthew 6:9-13

Question: If you consider yourself a Christian do you practice everything that is said in this what we commonly call the Lords Prayer?

Do you treat the Lords name with reverence?

Do you pray for Gods kingdom to come?

Do you pray that God with supply you with the food you need for each day?

Do you pray not to be led into temptation, and to be delivered from the evil one?

Do you give God praise?

Do you remember this warning from Jesus?

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  

But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14,15.

Please think about it.

Love in word and in deed

  Love in word and in deed

Jesus said,

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 

Jesus replied: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 

This is the first and greatest commandment. 

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:36-40.

Words that echoed the words written in Deuteronomy.

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."  Deuteronomy 6:5-7.

Love is the key to the Christian life. Love is essential to reaching the lost for Christ.

The apostle Paul defines love as,

"Love is patient, love is kind. 

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.

 But the greatest of these is love."  

                                                                          1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

If we as Christians remember and live out this definition of love in word and in deed everyday of our lives, we will sin souls for Christ.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

That is why

 That is why

The apostle Peter said

"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." 

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  

The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." Acts 2:36-39.

Everyone irrespective of who you are has sinned. Sin defined is,

"Sin is anything that contrary to the will of God or doesn't express the holy character of God, in word, in deed and in thought.

Sin, then, is to transgress those boundaries God has set for us or to miss the target He set for us.”

Thus according to the definition all have sinned. The apostle Paul saying,

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.

The apostle John writes,

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  

If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." 1John 1:9-10

God knows we cannot live a life good enough to get into heaven that is why He sent his son to show in human terms how far He would go to help us to get into heaven.

The key however is believing that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died for your sins. Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

The fruits of a Christian

The fruits of a Christian

Jesus said,

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  

By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?  

Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  

Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Matthew 7:15-20.

Here is something I think Christians here in North America seemingly forget about. Many calling themselves Christians follow false prophets. Men and women who sound religious. Who spout scripture but take it out of context in order to deceive people. 

A true believer in Christ Jesus exhibits good fruit. The apostle Paul defining what good fruit is. Writing,

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control...." Galatians 5:22, 23b.

As Christians we should be following men and women of God who exhibit these qualities. 

So the question becomes are the pastors, evangelist and other church leaders you are following truly exhibiting, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?

Are you personally exhibiting these qualities?

Please think about it.

Belief in Jesus

"Belief in Jesus"

The Psalmist wrote,

"Be still, and know that I am God; 

I will be exalted among the nations, 

I will be exalted in the earth." 

                                                          Psalm 46:10.

The late American evangelist Billy Graham said,

“The Bible says today is the accepted time, today is the day of salvation... But there will come a time when it will be too late for you.” Billy Graham

The apostle Paul speaking in Athens states,

“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  

For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.” Acts 17:30,31.

I am a Christian. A believer in Christ Jesus. I believe God will one day judge the world.

I believe the words written in the book of Ecclesiastes when it states,

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty of man. 

For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." Ecclesiastes12:13,14.

God will judge each person justly. He will judge us for the sin we have done. That being said God has made away for us to get to heaven. The apostle Paul writes,

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.

Thus the question becomes are you willing to confess your sins directly to Jesus. The apostle John writes,

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  

If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." 1John 1:9-10.

The ultimate question comes down to do you truly believe in Jesus and that He paid the price for your sin.

Jesus speaking of himself said,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son". John 3:16-18

Please think about it.

How should a Christian live?

  How should a Christian live?

The apostle Peter writes,

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 

Dear friends,

 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.

What the apostle Peter is saying here is self explanatory. He states,

Christians are a people of God.

People to whom God showed His mercy.

Christians are aliens and strangers in the world.

Peter calls believers to abstain from sinful desires.

He tells believer to live good lives among those around us.

And we do all this so that,“...though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

Thus my question to anyone who calls themselves a Christian, a true follower of Christ Jesus is; are you doing what the apostle Peter is saying here?

Please think about it.

The yoke of Jesus

 The yoke of Jesus

Jesus said,

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.

Let me make one thing clear. God never promised to make the life of a believer in Christ Jesus easy in this life. You only have to look at the lives of the apostles to see that.

Jesus was crucified.

Matthew: killed by the sword in Ethiopia

Mark: died in Alexandria Egypt after being dragged by horses until he was dead.

Luke: hanged in Greece.

Peter: crucified upside down.

James: thrown a hundred feed down from the southeast point of the temple. Then when found alive was beaten to death. 

James: the Son of Zebedee, beheaded in Jerusalem 

Bartholomew (also known as Nathaniel): flayed to death by a whip in Armenia.

Andrew: crucified on an X-shaped cross after being severely whipped.

Thomas: stabbed to death with a spear while evangelizing in India.

Matthias: (the one chosen to replace Judas Iscariot) stoned then beheaded.

Paul: imprisoned in Rome, tortured then beheaded on orders from the evil emperor Nero.

John: according to church tradition, he was boiled in oil but was miraculously delivered from death. Then sentenced to the prison mines on the island of Patmos. He would later be freed and serve as Bishop of Edessa. He is said to have died and old man. The only apostle to die peacefully. 

What all these men shared was their belief that Jesus was the Son of God. The Saviour of mankind. As such they accepted their fate.

And I think its not a stretch to say they truly believed the words of Jesus who said,

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.

If you consider yourself a Christian have you taken upon you the yoke of Jesus. Have you truly found rest for your soul?

Please think about it.

Faith and Science

  Faith and Science

The writer of the book of Hebrews states,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1

Having faith in anything especially something we cannot see can be difficult. Yet God asks this of us.

God wants us to have faith that He exists the writer of Hebrews stating,

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6.

That being said God shows himself in creation.

Stephen Hawking one of the greatest scientific minds of the twentieth century said,

"It would be very difficult to explain why the universe should have begun in just this way, except as the act of a God who intended to create beings like us," Stephen Hawking.

Writing long before Stephen Hawking the psalmist wrote,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands." 

                                                        Psalm 19:1.

Scientist tell us we are in what they call the “goldilocks zone” the perfect place in the universe for life as we know it to exist. They say that even a slight variant in our position in the solar system or the universe and life on this planet would not be able to exist.

As astronomer John O”Keefe put it,

"We are, by astronomical standards, a pampered, cosseted, cherished group of creatures... if the Universe had not been made with the most exacting of precision we could never have come into existence. It is my view that these circumstances indicate the universe was created for man to live in." John O'Keefe

Science, good science shows God exists,

Louis Pasteur stated,

“A bit of science distances one from God, but much science nears one to Him... The more I study nature, the more I stand amazed by the work of the Creator" Louis Pasteur.

Lord William Kelvin noted for his theoretical work in thermodynamics wrote,

"If you study Science deep enough and long enough, it will force you to believe in God" Lord William Kelvin.

So dear reader what do you believe?

Please think about it.

Judgement and Salvation

Judgement and Salvation

The writer of Proverbs states,

“For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, 

and he examines all his paths.”

                                       Proverbs 5:21

The writer of Ecclesiastes states,

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty of man. 

For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." Ecclesiastes12:13,14.

The apostle Paul speaking in Athens said,

"In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  

For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead." Acts 17:30,31.

Here are three statements I believe you should take to heart. God knows our deeds and God will judge us accordingly.

That being said as a Christian I believe we can have our sins forgiven if we truly believe in Christ Jesus. The apostle John quotes Jesus as saying,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son". John 3:16-18.

The apostle John also writing,

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  

If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." 1John 1:9-10.

The gospel coalition defines sin as,

"Sin is acting or behaving in a way that does not conform with God's character or commands. It is about crossing lines that have been laid down for us by God. Sin is thus an act of rebellion and distrust. It is us saying to God: "You don't get to make the rules! I am capable of deciding right and wrong for myself!" "The gospel coalition.

The apostle Paul makes it clear we all have crossed that line when he writes,

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23.

But the apostle Paul makes it clear God has provided us with a way for us to enter heaven when he states,

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8,9.

The apostle Peter stating,

"And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'" Acts 2:21.

So my question to you dear reader is do you believe this? 

If I am wrong there is nothing to fear. For anyone believing what I have said will have lived a good life. 

If on the other hand I am right then there is a lot to consider. 

Please think about it.

Give praise to God!!!

  Give praise to God!!!

The apostle Paul writes,

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15.

Take time to let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. To even gather with other Christians and be thankful for all you have, and all Christ has done for you.

To give praise to God. 

We should as the Psalmist tells us,

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 

Worship the LORD with gladness; 

come before him with joyful songs. 

Know that the LORD is God. 

It is he who made us, and we are his; 

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving 

and his courts with praise;

 give thanks to him and praise his name. 

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; 

his faithfulness continues through all generations. 

                                                                   Psalm 100

Please if you are a follower of Christ Jesus take time to praise God this day.

Christians believe this

 Christians believe this

The apostle John wrote,

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  

He was with God in the beginning. 

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  

In him was life, and that life was the light of men....

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. " John 1:1-4,14

In the third chapter of John, John quotes Jesus as saying,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17.

Christians believe that Jesus is The Son of God, God incarnate. It is the cornerstone of our faith. 

Henry Ward Beecher wrote,

“If Christ is not divine, every impulse of the Christian world falls to a lower octave, and light and love and hope decline.”  Henry Ward Beecher.

Jesus is a controversial figure today and has been since they day He started His ministry. Likewise those of us who believe in the divinity of Christ find themselves embroiled in that controversy. 

The bottom line for me as a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus is, I believe Jesus is divine. And the way I see it is if I am wrong then I have nothing to fear. I will simply lived a good life.

It is my hope however that anyone reading this who doesn’t believe in the divinity of Jesus, will at least read the New Testament and see for themselves what Jesus and the writers of the New Testament believed about Jesus. Then make up your mind with respect to who you believe Jesus to be.

Please think about it. 

Expel the wicked from among you

 Expel the wicked from among you

Jesus said,

"Many will say to me  on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?'  

Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" Matthew 7:22,23.

The other day I found a couple of interesting quotes. One from Lenny Bruce said,

“Every day people are straying away from the church

 and going back to God. Really.” 

                                      Lenny Bruce, "Religions Inc."

The other is from an unknown author it states,

"I believe in God; I just don't trust anyone who works for him.”

                                                                               Author Unknown

I have met many people who truly believe in God but are turned off by the people who supposedly serve Him. 

It’s sad but there are many claiming to be Christians who are not. 

The apostle Paul wrote,

“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  

They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2Timothy 4:3,4.

The apostle Peter states,

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.  

Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.  

In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.”2 Peter 2:1-3.

Like I said, there are many in the world today claiming to be Christians who are not. This is especially true in North America where I live.

There are many high profile preachers and evangelist who have twisted the scriptures to say what they want it to say. They have wandered far from the principles of God. What is worse many people are following them blindly to what could end in a Christless eternity.

As believers in Christ Jesus we need to be studying the Bible for ourselves. We need to pray and gain understanding so that we do not fall for false teachings.

Additionally we need to speak out against false teachers in our churches. The apostle Paul said,

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." 1Corinthians 5:12,13

Please think about it.

Where is your hope?

  Where is your hope?

The apostle Paul wrote,

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" Hebrews 12:2.

As believers in Christ Jesus we must keep our eyes fixed on Him and what He taught. 

Sadly all too many people especially here in North America where I live, have their eyes fixed on some popular evangelist or pastor. And when they fall or make mistakes the people following them fall also.

No pastor, or evangelist should ever be followed exclusively. They are human and humans are far from perfect. They for a myriad of reasons can stray from the word of God. That is why we should keep our eyes on the teachings of Jesus. On the teachings of the Bible. 

In order to do this however we need to not simply to read the Bible but studying it also. While at the same time praying and asking God to show us the truths within the Bible.

People make mistakes the Bible does not.

So my question to you dear reader is; Who are your eyes fixed on, a pastor, an evangelist, or God?

Please think about it.

The definition of Love

 The definition of Love

The apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians gives what to me is the quintessential definition of Gods Love. He writes

“Love is patient, love is kind. 

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love.”  

                                                                           1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

I think this definition of love is self explanatory. It is the type of love we should be showing to God, family, friends, neighbours and even our enemies.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it. 

Four things

  Four things

My parents were secular. They believed in God but didn’t attend church much. But there were three things I was brought up with.

From my study of the Bible I have added one thing. Making it four things I believe true Christians should be following.

1/Love God.

2/Love your neighbour. Remembering all people are your neighbours. 

Jesus when asked,

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 

Jesus replied: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 

This is the first and greatest commandment. 

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:36-40

3/Judge no one especially when it comes to where they will spend eternity.

Jesus said,

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1,2.

The apostle Paul said,

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."1Corinthians 5:12,13

4/ Treat others the way you wish to be treated.

Jesus said,

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.

Please think about it.

Jesus said this

 Jesus said this

Jesus said this,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12

Put this way in the year 2021 this means;

If you are

demonstrating against anyone. 

You are telling them 

they can demonstrate against you.

If you are 

speaking out and trying to restrict the rights of others 

given to them by the lawfully elected government.

You are telling others 

they can try to restrict your rights.

If you are 

imposing your morals on others

however good they may be.

You are telling them 

they can impose their morals on you, 

even if they are not as good as yours.

If you are 

trying to impose your faith on others 

rather than presenting your faith.

You are telling others 

they can impose their faith on you.

If you are

judging others.

You are telling others 

they can judge you in the same way.

If you 

are telling the world you are a Christian

You should be telling the world 

I love you as Jesus loves you,...

unconditionally.

Please think about it

I have the right

  I have the right

The apostle Paul states,

" ‘I have the right to do anything,' you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything'—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others." 1 Corinthians 10:23–24.

Living in North America I hear all the time “I have my rights!!!” 

And yes every individual has the right to do as they wish. There is however a caveat. That being you cannot hurt someone, physically, mentally, or spiritually.

This is something I believe a lot of Christians here in North America forget. We have rights but we have no right to restrict or hurt someone physically, mentally, or spiritually.

For someone calling themselves a Christian to do so pushes people away from God. 

Jesus said,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12.

If you consider yourself a Christian a true follower of Christ Jesus, this should be the principle that guides your every day life. 

Please think about it.

Living a good life

 Living a good life

The writer of Hebrews states,

"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14.

The Apostle Peter who wrote,

"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:11,12.

Jesus said,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12.

I know we are all human, we make mistakes and fall short of what God wants for our lives. That being said however, if we are truly followers of Christ Jesus we should be at least trying to make the above scriptures active in our daily lives.

Thus my questions to you. 

Are you trying to live at peace with all those around you? 

Are you trying to live a holy life? 

Are you doing your best to abstain from sinful desires? 

Are you living a good life? Above all are you treating those around you in the same way your would have them treat you?

Please think about it.

Attributes

  Attributes

The apostle Paul wrote,

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control.... Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22,23.

Read carefully what the apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians. These are key attributes of a Christian. These are attributes of Jesus that should be seen in our lives every day.

So the question becomes; 

Are people seeing these attributes in your life?

Please think about it.

Walking humbly with God

  Walk humbly with God

The Prophet Micah wrote,

“He has told you, O man what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8.

This portion of scripture is directed at the individual. It is telling individuals what God requires of them. 

We are to;

1/ do justice

2/ love kindness,

3/ walk humbly with God.

In the book of Deuteronomy we read,

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."  Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Jesus when asked takes this statement a step further,

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 

Jesus replied: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 

This is the first and greatest commandment. 

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:36-40.

If we truly Love God. We will do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.

Are you?

Please think about it.

What God asks

   What God asks

In the book of Deuteronomy we read,

“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good Deuteronomy 10:12,13.

Here God is speaking directly to Israel and by extension I believe He is speaking to the church as a corporate body.

God is making it clear what He requires. 

1/ to fear the LORD. (Have respect for Him)

2/ to walk in the ways God has commanded.

3/ to love God.

4/ to serve God with all your heart and soul.

5/ to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord.

He then finishes by stating it is for the believers own good.

These are not difficult things to follow. And ultimately they will strengthen our faith in God.

Please think about it.

You need to be sincerely looking

  You need to be sincerely looking

Jeremiah the Prophet wrote,

“You will seek me and find me 

when you seek me with all your heart.”

                                                            Jeremiah 29:13.

An unknown author quipped, 

“Maybe the atheist cannot find God 

for the same reason a thief cannot find a policeman.” 

                                                                    Author Unknown.

That unknown author I think hit the nail on the head. Many who call themselves atheist are convinced there is no God, and no one will ever be able to convince them otherwise.

However I believe there are many out there who are truly looking for God. And that’s the key. You need to be sincerely looking for God in order to find Him.

Blaise Pascal wrote,

“Belief is a wise wager. Granted that faith cannot be proved, what harm will come to you if you gamble on its truth and it proves false? If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager, then, without hesitation, that He exists.” Blaise Pascal.

What I always tell anyone who is looking for God is take time to pray and ask God to direct you. Read at least the New Testament and see what its writers believed about God.

I also think you should try to find a good church in your area. 

As I write this blog in Canada I can’t say what a good church is in any particular area around the world. I suggest here in Canada to visit a Salvation Army congregation or Baptist churches even Anglican, Presbyterian, or Christian reformed.

When you do go to a church just make sure that the church is teaching from the Bible. The Bible is considered by Christians to be the word of God. The only authority on God. No other writings should take its place.

The key to knowing God is to study the Bible. 

You can buy bibles that have commentaries that explain the scriptures and give background information about when the various books of the Bible.

The important thing is to truly seek out God and He will show Himself to you.

Please think about it.

I will praise You

  I will Praise You

The Psalmist writes,

"I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; 

I will sing of you among the peoples. 

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; 

your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; 

let your glory be over all the earth." 

                                                    Psalm 57:9-11.

Do you sing praises to God? How often do you praise God? Daily? weekly? only when you are in Church?

As believers in God. As believers in Christ Jesus, we should be taking at least a few minutes each day to praise God. For He is our hope and Salvation. 

Why not take time to praise God now. Why not set aside time in your day just to thank God for all He has done for you?

Please think about it.

Your wealth

 Your wealth

The book of Revelations record this about the so called lukewarm church,

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.  

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  

So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  

You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.  

I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.  

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.  

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3:14-22.

As Christians we need to be hot. We need to be on fire for God. 

The church at Laodicea was not. They thought they were but they were not. Jesus states,

“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

It appears they thought because they were materially rich they were spiritually rich also. When in fact they were far from it.

There is especially here in North America today a group know as the prosperity doctrine sect. Pastors and evangelist who say God wants you to be materially rich.

They claim if you give to God he will give back to you ten or even a hundred fold This is wrong teaching. God is not a supernatural banker giving super interest on what you give. You should be giving to God's work because you want to. Not with the intention of getting a large return on your investment.

Jesus instructs the church saying,

“‘I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”

True riches for those who love God is not materialistic. It has nothing to do with how big your bank account in this world is. It is spiritual in nature. It is rooted in true faith in God. As Jesus said,

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 16:19-21.

Please think about it.

Something to strive for

  Something to strive for

The book of Revelations records 

“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.  

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.  

I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.  

Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 

I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.  

Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.  

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Revelations 3:7-13.

Here we have the second of two churches mentioned in Revelations that no sin is found in. Jesus states,

“I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”

This church is said to have had little strength yet it kept true to Christ. They did not deny the name of Christ.

This is how we should be today. 

Yes I know all around us are temptations that try to pull us away from God. I’m sire it was the same for the church at Philadelphia.  Yet they stayed true to Christ.

 The church of Philadelphia had little strength yet it kept faithful. It set the example for all believers everywhere that with even though we have little strength we can overcome the temptations around us. 

If we do overcome these temptations we will receive a reward. Jesus states,

“Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it.”

To become a pillar in the temple implies a place of stability and strength a place of prominence in the service of God.

This is something we all as Christians should strive for.

Please think about it.