Against such there is no law

  Against such there is no law

In the book of Galatians we read,

“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 

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 5:19-23 

Here we see defined the sinful nature and the Fruit of the Spirit. It is given to us so that we as true Christians. As true followers of Christ Jesus can tell right from wrong. It is in effect a black and white template for us to judge what is right and wrong.

Here’s a checklist for those who claim to be true followers of Jesus,

The fruit of the Spirit is,

Love 

Joy

Peace, 

Patience,

Kindness,

Goodness, 

Faithfulness,

Gentleness,

Self-control.

And as the writer points out there is no law against showing these attributes.

Are you showing the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit?

Please think about it.

Quick to listen Slow to anger

  Quick to listen Slow to anger

In the book of James we read,

“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” James 1:19,20.

Life can get “messy” at times. Quite often we find ourselves frustrated at someone or something. It’s easy to lash out in anger at someone who criticizes us or when things don’t go our way. But as James writes “...man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life God desires”.

If you claim to be a Christian a follower of Christ Jesus, whether you like it or not people around you are watching you. Thus the need for those who believe in Christ to again as James states, “be slow to speak and slow to become angry”. Which for many of us can be hard.

Thus the need for us to get in the habit of praying. The apostle Paul reminding us to,

"Pray continually" 

                                          1Thessalonians 5:17.

I believe we should commit everything to prayer everything from the most mundane things in life to the most traumatic.

I believe that when we get into the habit of praying and asking for Gods wisdom and direction before we take action and listen for His guidance, we will be slow to anger. That anger inside us will turn into love and produce the righteous life God desires.

Are you slow to anger?

Before you act especially in anger, do you pray and take the situation you are in to God?

Please think about it.

Are you bringing hope?

  Are you bringing hope?

The Prophet Isaiah wrote,

"You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!" Isaiah 40:9.

The prophet Isaiah was speaking to the people of God during the time of their exile. During uncertain times. His call was a call of encouragement.

Today we live in uncertain times. Wars, political crisis, terrorism, even global warming just to mention a few.

That being said we as believers in Christ Jesus have good news for the world. The salvation that comes through Christ Jesus.

The apostle Paul wrote,

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life."1Timothy 1:15,16.

If you claim to be a true follower in Christ Jesus, are you telling the world about the hope that can only come through Christ Jesus?

Please think about it.

Can you say

  Can you say

The Psalmist writes,

"I lift up my eyes to the hills— 

where does my help come from? 

My help comes from the LORD, 

the Maker of heaven and earth.”

                                                      Psalm 121:1,2.

When you need help where do you turn for it? When things are going wrong do you turn to God first?

For me as a believer in Christ Jesus it is comforting to know that when I need help I can turn to God the “Maker of heaven and earth”.

While things in life may not turn out the way we want them. God is still there for us. There to comfort us through the hard times of life. And there to rejoice with us through good times in life. So can you say with the Psalmist,

"I lift up my eyes to the hills— 

where does my help come from? 

My help comes from the LORD, 

the Maker of heaven and earth."

                                                      Psalm 121:1,2.

Please think about it.

Let the morning bring

 Let the morning bring

The Psalmist writes,

“Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,

for in you I trust.

Make me know the way I should go,

for to you I lift up my soul.” 

                                          Psalm 143:8.

No matter the circumstance we find ourselves in each morning. It is good to hear of God’s steadfast love. It is Good no matter where we find ourselves to know God is there for us. 

At the same time we should call on God each morning to show us the way we should be going. To direct us throughout the day, the week and beyond.

The Psalmist stating, 

“I lift up my eyes to the hills— 

where does my help come from? 

My help comes from the LORD, 

the Maker of heaven and earth.” 

                                                 Psalm 121:1,2.

Does you help truly come from The LORD, Maker of heaven and earth?

Please think about it.

Let's Rejoice!

  Let's rejoice!

The Psalmist writes,

"Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; 

let the people of Zion be glad in their King. 

Let them praise his name with dancing 

and make music to him with tambourine and harp. 

For the LORD takes delight in his people; 

he crowns the humble with salvation. 

Let the saints rejoice in this honour 

and sing for joy on their beds." 

                                                Psalm 149:2-5.

What the psalmist is saying here is clear. We are to rejoice in our maker, be glad in our KING.

We are to praise God with dancing, music, with the tambourine and harp and with dancing.

The psalmist reminds us that The LORD delights in His people.

Telling us to rejoice in Gods honour and sing for joy in our beds.

Question,... If you consider yourself a Christian a true follower of Christ Jesus do you take time during the day to praise God openly?

Please think about it.

 Whatever you do.

In Colossians we read,

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17.

As believers we are called to, in word and deed do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Do you do this?

Please think about it.

Reflecting Gods Light

 Reflecting Gods Light

Jesus said,

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" Matthew 5:16.

The apostle Peter writes,

"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.

This is something we a believers need to take to heart. The world is looking at us and it is through the lense of our words and deeds that people will see God and Christ Jesus.

Francis of Assisi wrote,

"The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                                                        Francis of Assisi.

Our lives should reflect the Love of God at all times. We should be loving those around us the way God loves us, unconditionally. We should be exhibiting what the apostle Paul calls the fruit of the spirit,

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

If you claim to be a true follower of Christ Jesus what do people see when they look at your words and deeds?

Do you show the fruit of the Spirit to those around you?

Do you truly reflect the Light of God to those around you?

Please think about it.

In everything you do

 In everything you do

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

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

On giving to the poor.

 On giving to the poor.

Jesus told this story,

"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  

At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 

"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried.  

In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  

So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.' 

"But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  

And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.' 

"He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house,  

for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 

"Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 

" ‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 

"He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.' " Luke 16:19-31

There are over 2000 verses in the Bible that call us to respond to the needs of the poor.

Here in the above scripture Jesus issues a warning to those who have a lot in this world. Simply put they should be helping to poor. Not simply because it is the right thing to do but it is the humane thing to do. AND, it is what God requires of those who have much.

The Talmud gives this story,

“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, "Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?"  He answered, "God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love." The Talmud.

Are you in a position to help the poor. Even if it’s only giving someone begging on the street your pocket change?

Please think about it.

Do the work of an evangelist

 Do the work of an evangelist

The apostle Paul writes,

“Keep your head in all situations, 

endure hardship

 do the work of an evangelist.”

                                                        2 Timothy 4:5.

I was until my retirement a professional clown. One day I commented that an evangelist was someone who wears a red nose and tells people about Jesus. My point being anyone can do the job of an evangelist.

When I taught Sunday school. I use to tell ten year olds that they could be evangelist. I noted they may not know a lot of scripture but they could invite people to Sunday school or church, where others could tell those people about Jesus.

As believers in Christ Jesus we have an obligation to God to tell others of the saving grace that comes through Christ Jesus.

It may not always be easy. In some parts of the world when a person becomes a Christian their family rejects them. Some even have to move away from the villages or towns where they were born. Some are even put in prison or suffer physical abuse.

For those of us who live in the western democracies telling people about Jesus may be easier, but may also mean being rejected by family and friends.

Still we are called to do the work of an evangelist in word and in deed.

The apostle Paul tells us,

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship" Romans 12:1.

Do you do the work of an evangelist?

         Is your life a living sacrifice to God?

Please think about it.

Gentleness and Respect

 Gentleness and respect

The apostle Peter tells us,

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." 1 Peter 3:15,16.

This is what Christians must do. We must be prepared to tell people why we believe in Christ Jesus, why we believe in God.

Not only that we must do so with gentleness and respect. We must never force our beliefs on anyone. We must respect the person even if we disagree with them. 

Presenting our hope in Christ Jesus in a gentle way with respect will most of the time win the respect of those we are talking to. Making it easier to present our hope in Christ Jesus.

When you talk to others about your faith, do you present it in a gentle way, respecting the person you are talking to?

Please think about it.

Let us draw near to God

  Let us draw near to God

In the book of Hebrews we read,

“...let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.  

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:22,23.

Here we as believers are called to draw near to God. To my way of thinking that entails, 

going to God in prayer daily.

Studying the Bible daily, not just reading it. Studying it looking at what it means to us. We need to study with an open mind that God will show us what is truth and show us any misconceptions we may have about scripture.

For if we don’t do this we will never grow in our Christian faith.

Please think about it.

You should not

 You should not

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.

This is the one verse every Christian. Every one who calls themselves a true believer in Christ Jesus should put into actions.

Put simply, if you would not like what you are about to do to others in word or in deed, they you should not be doing it to those around you.

Please think about it

Mercy Triumphs

 Mercy Triumphs

In the book of James we read,

"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" James 2:12,13.

As Christians. As true believers in Christ Jesus. We must be careful how we act toward others. That is especially true when we judge someone. 

One day even Christians will be judged by God and we must remember this. 

It is very easy to judge others. But quite often we don’t have all the facts. That is why I believe Jesus said,

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."  Luke 6:37.

When we are tempted to judge others, especially when it comes to their eternal resting place we must be very careful not to judge them.

Instead of judging people we should forgive them of any wrong they may have done and do everything in our power to love them.

Question; Do you show mercy to those around you, especially those who have wronged you?

Please think about it.

Show your child how

  Show your child how.

In the book of proverbs we read,

“Train a child in the way he should go, 

and when he is old he will not turn from it.” 

                                                                    Proverbs 22:6.

I firmly believe that we as believers in Christ Jesus, we must show our children in word and in deed what it is to be Christian. We must live the true Christian life in front of them every day.

Above all we must teach them to love as God loves. The definition of Christian love being written by the apostle Paul when he wrote,

"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 you claim to be a Christian and have Children are you teaching your children to love as God loves, unconditionally?

Please think about it.

Showing God's Love

  Showing God’s love.

The apostle John writes,

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1John 3:17,18.

Do you love in word and in deed?

In the book of James we read,

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  

If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  

        In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14-17.

It is important that we as Christians reach out in love to those who are in need. We as believers in Christ Jesus need to show our love for those around us in a physical way. It can be as simple as giving a few dollars to someone begging on the street, Contributing to a worthy charity, even getting involved with ministries that help feed the poor or those living on the street.

Thus my question to you:

Are you showing your love for those in need around you in anyway you can?

Please think about it.

If you love Christ

  If you love Christ

In John’s gospel we read Jesus as saying,

“....if anyone loves me, he will keep my word and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:23. (ESV).

This is the mark of a true Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus. A true follower will keep the commandments Jesus has given them.

As a result they will show positive traits in their life. The apostle Paul noting anyone with God’s spirit will exhibit the fruit of that spirit. Paul writes,

“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.

If you consider yourself a true follower of Christ Jesus, do you exhibit the fruits of the spirit the apostle Paul speaks about?

Please think about it.

God our refuge and strength

  God our refuge and strength

The Psalmist writes,

“God is our refuge and strength, 

an ever-present help in trouble. 

Therefore we will not fear, 

though the earth give way 

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

 though its waters roar and foam 

and the mountains quake with their surging.”

                                                                      Psalm 46:1-3.

If you consider yourself a true Christian is God truly your refuge and strength?

I know it’s in man’s nature to worry about things. That being said as believers in Christ Jesus, as believers in God, we should be putting our trust in God each day. Both in the good times and in the bad.

So do you truly trust in God, in both the bad times and good?

Is God your refuge and strength?

Please think about it.

By this shall they know

  By this shall they know

Jesus said,

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John13:34,35.

This is how people will know Christians. While at times we, as someone once said, “respectfully disagree” with other believers on the minor things. We must always show love.

Please think about it.