Shout to the Lord all the earth

  Shout to the Lord all the earth

The Psalmist writes,

“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.

If we truly believe in God. We are His. To be called a child of God. To be accepted by God as one of His own is a tremendous privilege. A privilege we should not take lightly. 

I firmly believe that throughout the day we should take time to shout for joy. We should take time to simply praise and thank God for all he has done for us.

 Please take time right now to thank God for all you have.

Please don’t just think about it do it.

About being Christian

 About being Christian

The book of acts states,

“All the believers were together and had everything in common.  

Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” 

                                                                                               Acts 2:44,45.

The apostle John states,

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.  

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. " 1 John 3:16-18

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. 

But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 

You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?" James 2:14-20.

Taking care of those who are in need is a Christian concept. To be a Christian is to do our best to help those in need.

Please think about it.

It's about Love

  It’s about love

Every so often I go back to this post about love, because our faith comes down to love, Love of God for each person. Each individuals love for God and their love for those around them.

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 neighbor as yourself.'  

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

Do you show love? Do you show unconditional love in the way Jesus did?

The apostle Paul wrote perhaps the best definition of love ever written. A definition I believe all Christians should follow.

Paul 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.

Is this the kind of love you are showing to family, friend and foe alike? If not you should be.

Please think about it.

The Christian lifestyle

 The Christian Lifestyle 

The apostle Paul wrote,

Love must be sincere. 

Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. 

Honour one another above yourselves.  

Never be lacking in zeal, 

but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.  

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  

Share with God's people who are in need. 

Practice hospitality. 

Bless those who persecute you; 

bless and do not curse.  

Rejoice with those who rejoice; 

mourn with those who mourn.  

Live in harmony with one another. 

Do not be proud, 

but be willing to associate with people of low position. 

Do not be conceited. 

Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

 Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, 

live at peace with everyone. 

                                                  Romans 12:9-18.

If you consider yourself a Christian do people without you mentioning anything to them see what the apostle Paul is saying here in your life?

Please think about it.

On wrong teaching

  On wrong teaching

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.

What the apostle Paul is saying here is happening now. Throughout the history of the church men and women calling themselves Christians, have strayed from sound doctrine. And never has it been more prevalent than it is in our multimedia times. 

It’s easy for people who love the Lord to get sucked into wrong teaching if they are not careful.

Someone sent me a picture of a wolf standing among a flock of sheep. The caption read,

“Satan is not fighting churches; he is joining them. He does more harm by sowing tares than by pulling up wheat. He accomplishes more by imitation than by outright opposition.”

That's why we need to pray and study the word of God to ensure we know what is right and what is wrong teaching.

So my question to you is; are you studying the Bible for yourself? 

Have you even read the doctrinal statement of the church you attend or the doctrinal statement of the organization, evangelist and preachers you support?

Why not take sometime to do so. Ask your church for a copy of their doctrinal statement. Do the same for any organization, evangelist or pastor you support or listen to. Honest organizations will give you one willingly. 

If after you’ve prayerfully read their statement you disagree with what they are teaching or find flaws in their teaching. Ask them to explain anything you don’t agree with. If you still disagree leave.

The Apostle Paul told us,

“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.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.

Unfortunately we especially here in North America cannot always expel those who teach doctrine that is wrong for a myriad of reasons. But we can leave any organization calling it self Christian, we believe is teaching wrong doctrine. 

Please think about it.

A note for todays church

 A note for todays church

"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.

Think about this...

Jesus and his disciples, 

• Never Voted.

• Never Protested.

• Never judged anyone outside their own faith.

Yet they within a century they had spread the Good News of the Love of Jesus Christ throughout the known world.

They did so by,

• Presenting the Love of God to their family friends and foe alike.

• Showing Love and Mercy to all those they came in contact with.

• Living as far as possible at peace with those around them.

The disciples put into action the words of the Apostle Paul who wrote,

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  Romans 12:18.

And the words of the writer of Hebrews,

“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.

Above all they put into action the words of Jesus who 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.

 God is There

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 depth, 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.

Here is something we as believers must always remember. No matter where we are God is there for us. God is there to guide us in the best of times and in the worst of times.

Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

To be a Christian

  To be a Christian.

The apostle Paul wrote,

Love must be sincere. 

Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. 

Honour one another above yourselves.  

Never be lacking in zeal, 

but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.  

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  

Share with God's people who are in need. 

Practice hospitality. 

Bless those who persecute you; 

bless and do not curse.  

Rejoice with those who rejoice; 

mourn with those who mourn.  

Live in harmony with one another. 

Do not be proud, 

but be willing to associate with people of low position. 

Do not be conceited. 

Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

 Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, 

live at peace with everyone. 

                                                  Romans 12:9-18.

If you consider yourself a Christian do people without you mentioning anything to them see what the apostle Paul is saying here in your life?

Please think about it.

Preach the gospel at all times

 Preach the gospel at all times

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.  

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  

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 3:15-17.

Pauls call to all who believe in Christ Jesus is to let His words dwell in you richly. We are called to teach one another. To praise God with gratitude in our hearts. 

We are called to do everything we do in the name of Christ Jesus.

I firmly believe that all of what the Apostle Paul is saying here should be so much a part of our life that we do it automatically, without thinking.

Like wise I believe those around us should know we are followers of Christ Jesus without us saying a word. As Francis of Assisi put it,

"Preach the Gospel at all times, 

and when necessary, use words." 

                                            Francis of Assisi.

Thus my question; when people around you see your words and deeds do they see the Love of Christ, the Love of God in them?

Please think about it.

Telling others about God

  Telling others about God

Jesus said,

"You are the light of the world. 

A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. 

Instead they put it on its stand, 

and it gives light to everyone in the house.  

In the same way, let your light shine before men, 

that they may see your good deeds 

and praise your Father in heaven." 

                                                        Matthew 5:14-16.

This is a fundamental scripture for all who believe in Christ Jesus.

1/ We are the light of the world.

2/ We are a city on a hill.

3/ we are to let our light shine before men.

We are to let out light shine that they may see our good deeds and praise God.

So my question to you if you claim to be a Christian is what are your words and deeds telling others about God?

Please think about it.

Let peace rule

 Let peace rule

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.  

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  

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 3:15-17.

Pauls call to all who believe in Christ Jesus is to let His words dwell in you richly. We are called to teach one another. To praise God with gratitude in our hearts. 

We are called to do everything we do in the name of Christ Jesus.

I firmly believe that all of what the Apostle Paul is saying here should be so much a part of our life that we do it automatically, without thinking.

Like wise I believe those around us should know we are followers of Christ Jesus without us saying a word. As Francis of Assisi put it,

"Preach the Gospel at all times, 

and when necessary, use words." 

                                            Francis of Assisi.

Thus my question; when people around you see your words and deeds do they see the Love of Christ, the Love of God in them?

Please think about it.

Ambassadors for the Lord

  Ambassadors for the Lord

To the Corinthians the apostle Paul writes,

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God."  2 Corinthians 5:20.

Whether you like it or not if you claim to be a Christian you are an ambassador for Christ. People will judge Christ through the lens of your words and deeds.

Francis of Assisi wrote,

"The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                                                   Francis of Assisi.

So if you claim to be a Christian. A follower of Christ Jesus what is your sermon. Are your words and deeds telling those around you about Christ?

Please think about it.

An obligation to help

 An obligation to help

The apostle John wrote,

"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.

This is telling me that we as believers in Christ Jesus have an obligation to those around us. If we see someone in need and we can help we should.

Luke’s gospel tells us of a story Jesus told (Luke 16:19-31). It’s about Lazarus and the rich man. The rich man had everything he needed in this world. Poor Lazarus would have been happy with the scraps from the mans table. Yet the man had no compassion on him. Finally when they both past into the next world the rich man was suffering for his lack of action in this world, while Lazarus was no longer suffering.

Jesus made things clear when he 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.

We have an obligation to those around us.

As Christians have obligations to our God, our family and to those around us. We have an obligation to proclaim the gospel message AND to help those in need anyway we can.

Please think about it.

Flee evil desires

 Flee evil desires

The Apostle Paul wrote,

“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” 2 Timothy 2:22.

I think these are words even non-Christians can understand. The pursuit of righteousness, faith, love, and peace are noble pursuits. If more people pursued them the world would be a better place.

That being said it I don’t think you can truly be a Christian and not pursue these things.

Please think about it.

What we are for

 What we are for

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 writes,

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?" 1 Corinthians 5:12

I am someone who is not in favour of so called ‘hell fire and brimstone’ preachers. I say this because I don’t think yelling and screaming that someone is going to hell bothers non-believers because many times they don’t believe in hell.

In her book To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee writes,

“Sometimes the Bible in the hand of one man is worse than a whisky bottle in the hand of (another)....” Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird.

Harper Lee is right. People calling themselves Christians have probably done as much if not more to turn people away from Christ than those who are not Christians.

In the name of Christ many try to take away the rights or restrict the rights of those they consider morally wrong or those they disagree with. You cannot legislate morality. Nor did Jesus and his disciples ever try to do this.

Jesus and his apostles lived in a society that was as least if not more diverse than our twenty-first century society. Yet they didn’t try to overthrow the Roman government.

Instead they sat down with those they disagreed with and presented the good news of Jesus Christ, much to the dismay it seems of the religious leaders of their day.

From my point of view I believe we as 21st century believers, especially those of us who live in the western democracies need to follow their example.

We need to stop yelling at those we disagree with. Stop telling and them they are on the way to hell and point them to heaven.

We need to be letting non-believers know what we are for, and not what we are against.

Jesus speaking of himself said why he came to this earth. John’s gospel recording,

"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.

This is what we a believers in Christ Jesus must always remember. Our job is to save souls for Christ. NOT try to restrict their rights, and especially not judge where they will spend eternity for only God knows that. 

Please think about it.

A note to todays church

  A note to today’s Church

"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

Think about this...

Jesus and his disciples, 

• Never Voted.

• Never Protested.

• Never judged anyone outside their own faith.

Yet they within a century they had spread the Good News of the Love of Jesus Christ throughout the known world.

They did so by,

• Presenting the Love of God to their family friends and foe alike.

• Showing Love and Mercy to all those they came in contact with.

• Living as far as possible at peace with those around them.

The disciples put into action the words of the Apostle Paul who wrote,

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  Romans 12:18.

And the words writer of the writer of Hebrews,

“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.

They followed the teaching of 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.

Above all they put into action the words of Jesus who 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.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Obeying the greatest commandment

 Obeying the greatest commandment.

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 neighbor as yourself.’  

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

We must also love our enemy. Jesus stating,

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  

And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?  Matthew 5:43-47.

So just what is Christian love? The apostle Paul 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....1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

So if you consider yourself to be a Christian are following the greatest commandment?

Please think about it.

His love endures

  His love endures 

“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 100:4,5.

I find one of the good thing about believing in Christ Jesus is that we can count on his love. That at any time we can enter into his courts and praise him. 

That Gods love does endure forever. His faithfulness continues from one generation to the next.

Do you praise and thank for all that you have and for all he has done for you?

Please think about it. 

Lending to the poor

  Lending to the poor.

In the book of Proverbs we read,

“He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.” Proverbs 19:17.

There are over 2000 verses of scripture that deal with responding to the needs of the poor. Which tells me God cares a lot for the poor.

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. 

But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 

You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?" James 2:14-20.

Our faith should spur us on to doing good works. To helping the poor wherever we can. Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Need Help

 Need Help

“That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake.  

Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore.  

Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed.  

As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.  

Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.  

But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.  

Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.  

  Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.  

He who has ears, let him hear."...

“Listen then to what the parable of the Sower means:  

When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.  

The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.  

But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.  

The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.  

But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”  Matthew 13:1-9,18-23.

Here is a parable that tells where each believer stands. There are many people who go to church. Many claiming to be Christians that have fallen away or struggle for one reason or another with their faith. Thus the apostle Paul writes to the rest of us,

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves." Romans 15:1.

We who are strong in the Lord ought to help those who are weak in their faith.

Are there people around you whom you need to help spiritually?

Please think about it.