What The Lord requires of believers

  What the Lord requires of believers

The Prophet Micah states,

“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.

Micah here makes it clear what God requires of all who believe in him.

We are to...

do justice,

love kindness,

walk humbly with God.

If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus are these three halmarks of a believer part of your life?

Please think about it.

Without the fear of God

 Without the fear of God

The Psalmist writes,

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise." Psalm 111: 10.

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.

We only have to look at Nazi Germany during the 1930's and through world war two, to see what happens when men loose there fear of God. When men create their own morality.    Estimates range from 70 to 80 million or 3% of the worlds population at the time died.      Included in that were 17 million killed in the Holocaust. Men women and children murdered because of their ethnicity, religion, political beliefs, disability or sexual orientation.

As we look around the world today we see the same thing happening with millions of people persecuted and imprisoned for their religious beliefs and lifestyle. By people who do not fear God.

Justice however is not far away for those persecuted. 

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."Ecclesiastes 12:13,14. 

Those who persecute and murder others will one day pay for their crimes. If not in this world. Most certainly in the next.

In the mean time it is the job of Christians to go into the world and tell the world about Jesus Christ and the love, comfort and salvation, He offers to all who would believe in Him.

To point the world to the morality that can only come from belief in God.

Please think about it.

Justice, Kindness, Humility,

 Justice, Kindness, Humility

In the book of Micah we read,

“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 walk humbly with your God?” 

                                                 Micah 6:8.

This is what God requires of those who believe in Him. 

To be just in all our dealings with our fellow man.

To love Kindness. To show kindness to everyone we come in contact with.

To walk in humility before God and man.

If you consider yourself a Christian, a true follower of Christ Jesus, are these the qualities people see in you?

Please think about it.

Hate evil Cling to what is good

 Hate evil Cling to what is good

The apostle Paul writes,

"Love must be sincere. 

Hate what is evil; 

cling to what is good.”

                               Romans 12:9.

I live in Canada but I see what is happening in the United States and cringe. I see that people calling themselves Christians supporting people who are obviously doing evil. And sadly it is slipping over the border. 

Christians should be looking to God. Because God is the absolute judge of what constitutes good and evil.

The apostle Paul writes,

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

  Paul also wrote,

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  

This is good, and pleases God our Saviour" 1Timothy 2:1-3.

And remember this Paul wrote these words under the Emperor Nero who would eventually put him to death.

As Christians we are called to pray for our leaders not take sides in politics.

Someone has said “Mixing Politics and Religion is like mixing gasoline and water. The gasoline is unusable and the water undrinkable. 

We are called to call on God for wisdom. To live good lives. The apostle Peter stating, 

"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.

Sadly many calling themselves Christians are not following these words of Peter.

The late American Evangelist Billy Graham said,

"Those outside the church expect followers of Christ to live differently, yet today many in church are chasing after the world - not to win them, but to be like them." Billy Graham.

Those words are as true today as the were the day Billy Graham said them.

Thus the question becomes; If you consider yourself a Christian, are you truly following what is good or are you choosing to follow evil?

Please think about it.

What God asks of us

  What God asks of us

The Prophet Micah states,

“He (God) 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.

If you consider yourself a Christian do you follow this command of God in all aspects of your life? Do the teachers, preachers, evangelist and politicians you support and listen to do what Micah is saying here?

Please think about it.

What The Lord requires

  What The Lord Requires?

The Prophet Micah writes,

"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 (ESV)

So if you claim to be a Christians. A true follower of Christ Jesus are you following this admonition from the prophet Micah?

God makes it clear what is good. 

To do justice.

To love kindness.

To walk humbly with God.

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.

Micah's admonition

Micah's admonition

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.

If you consider yourself a true believer in Christ Jesus are you doing what the prophet Micah is saying here?

Please think about it.

What God Requires

 What God requires

Micah the prophet states,

“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.

Micah’s statement is pretty strait forward. We as believers in God are to show mercy to all those around us. 

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.

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 key words from Jesus here are, 

“For in the same way you judge others, 

you will be judged, 

and with the measure you use, 

it will be measured to you.”

When we judge others. Others will judge us in much the same way. I also believe that when we stand before God He may at the very least ask us if we want to be judged in the same way we judge others. 

The Talmud while not a Christian book contains words of wisdom in line with Christian belief. One quote referring to when we stand before God states,

"When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, "Have you believed in God?"  Or "Have you prayed and observed the ritual? 

 "He is asked: "have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?" The Talmud.

While it is true Christians believe we are saved through the Grace of God through belief in Christ Jesus. It seems to me that people who truly have accepted Christ into their lives, their lives change to exhibiting what the apostle Paul calls the fruit of the spirit. Paul writing,

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

Question; If on the day you are judged by God He asks you,

"have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?" 

What will be your reply?

Please think about it.

What is good

 What is good

The Prophet Micah writes,

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

 And what does the Lord require of you? 

To act justly and to love mercy 

and to walk humbly with your God." 

                                                             Micah 6:8.

This is a duty of every believer in Christ Jesus. Every believer in God. 

  We are

to act justly, 

to love mercy, 

to walk humbly with God.

These attributes are what God desires in a believer.

Thus my question to you. If you consider yourself a believer in Christ are these attributes visible in your life?

Please think about it.

Priest, Levite, or Samaritan?

 Priest Levite or Samaritan?

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.

Quite often when I speak to Christians here in North America. A lack of love. I see this quite clearly in the actions of many Christian leaders in the United States. The talk a good talk about love and mercy but their actions do not show it.

Lack of love is particularly evident in it seems many American politicians. Their actions do not show they love their neighbour as their self. 

Jesus told this parable  

“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 

"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" 

He answered: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.''" 

"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." 

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?" 

In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.  

A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.  

So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.  

But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.  

He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.  

The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,' he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' 

"Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" 

The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." Luke 10: 25-37

Politicians and Christian leaders have the power to help those in need. Be it health care, helping people to put a roof over their head and food on the table. 

Think about this. What better way to spend tax money than on the well being of the poor and needy. What better way to spend tax payers dollars than on the health care of all people.

If politicians and those claiming to be Christian leaders are truly following the words of Jesus they should be doing all they can to help everyone from the poorest of the poor to the wealthy. AND they should be doing so without favouritism. 

They should be acting like the good Samaritan.

Please think about it.

Leave them for the poor and alien

Leave them for the poor and alien
The book of Leviticus states,
“Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 19:10.
The Bible has 2000 verses dealing with the poor. Here in the book of Leviticus God tells the farmer not to go over his field a second time. Rather leave that which is unpicked for the poor and alien.
The Jews at the time of the writing of Leviticus were living in an agricultural society. Thus leaving the leftovers from the harvest was practical.
In our society today such a thing for the most part is impractical. Not everyone has a farm. There is however something we can do. It was something I picked up when my wife and I started attending our new Church.
The small church worked with the homeless. Doing what they can to help the poor within our city. One of the thing was very practical.
We have a number of homeless that stand at traffic lights and other locations around town and ask for money. What people do is when they have loose change from going through a drive through or whatever they keep it hand and give it to the person asking for money. Some give gift cards. Others even give them a meal.
It’s not much a few dollars hear and there but I’ve found it is welcome.
In Jewish culture there is a concept called
The following is as good an explanation of Tzedakah. It comes from a Jewish website,
“Tzedakah is the Hebrew word for acts that we call charity in English: giving assistance and money to the poor and needy or to other worthy causes. However the nature of tzedakah is very different from the idea of charity. The word “charity suggests benevolence and generosity, a magnanimous act by the wealthy and the powerful for the benefit of he poor and needy.
The word “tzedakah” is derived form the Hebrew root Tzadei-dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness, justice or fairness. In Judaism giving to the poor is not viewed as a generous, magnanimous act, it is simply and act of righteousness, performance of a duty giving the poor their due.
The Obligation of Tzedakah
Giving to the poor is an obligation in Judaism, a duty that cannot be forsaken even by those who are themselves in need. Some sages have said that tzedakah is the highest of all commandments, equal to all of them combined, and that a person who does not perform tzedaka is equivalent to an idol worshipper. This is probably hyperbole, but it illustrates the importance to tzedakah in Jewish thought....
According to Jewish law, we are required to give one-tenth of our income to the poor. This generally interpreted as one-tenth of our net income after payment of taxes. Those who are dependent on public assistance or living on the edge of subsistence may give less but must still give to the extent they are able; however, no person should give so much that he would become a public burden.
The obligation to perform tzedakah can be fulfilled by giving money to the poor, to health care institutions, to Synagogues or educational institutions. It can also be fulfilled by supporting your children beyond the age when you are legally required to, or supporting your parents in their old age. The obligation includes giving both to Jews and gentiles... 
Certain kinds of tzedakah are considered more meritorious than others. The Talmud describes these different levels of tzedakah, and Rambam organized them into a list. The levels of charity from the least meritorious to the most meritorious, are: 

Giving begrudgingly

Giving less than you should, bu giving cheerfully,

Giving after being asked

Giving before being asked

Giving when you do not know the recipient’s identity, but the recipient knows yours

Giving when you know and the recipient’s identity, but the recipient doesn’t know yours.

Giving when neither party knows the other’s identity.

Enabling the recipient to become self-reliant. 

As Christians the above is something we should consider. It is perfectly in line with Christian belief.
Please Think about it.

Tremble for God is Just

Tremble for God is Just
Thomas Jefferson said of the United States,

“Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.” 

                                                                                       Thomas Jefferson.

This could be said about any nation. There is no such thing as a Christian nation. Many nations do have as part of their laws Judeo-Christian principles. There is however no nation on the face of the earth that can claim to be Christian.
Thomas Jefferson looking at the state of his nation in his day seen the state of the nation and “trembled” at where it was at. A nation far from God.
The same is true today not only for the United States but every nation on the face of the earth. Every nation and every person in those nations need to examine themselves and turn to God. The writer of Revelations warns,
“Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people.  
He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Revelations 14:6,7.
Centuries have come and gone since that warning was given to mankind. It is a tribute to God’s long suffering with mankind that He has waited so long.
The apostle Peter tells us,
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.  
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.” 2 Peter 3:8-10.
The 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.
Thus the question becomes are ready to stand before a holy God?
Please think about it.

To Account

To Account
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.” Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
Jesus told this parable,
“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.
These two passages of scripture one from the Old Testament and one from the new, are warnings to all people be they rich or poor. What is being said here is we will be held accountable for our actions. That I believe is doubly so if we claim to be followers of Christ Jesus.
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
“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.
If we claim to be true believers in Christ Jesus then we are called to do all we can to help our fellow man.
I think even if you do not believe in Jesus, to help those in need is at the very least is the humane thing to do.
Thus my question for you the reader is, Do you do what you can to help your fellow man? I say this because 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.” Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
Please think about it.

In Full View

In full View
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.

As I look around the world. I find there is a great deal of injustice in this world. I suppose it’s always been the same. The difference now is that in our multimedia world injustice is seen more easily.
Sadly in this world those who are unjust. Those who take advantage of other people or are deliberately evil quite often escape the judgement in this world. That being said anyone who is guilty of wrong doing will eventually stand trial before God.
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.
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.  Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.  
Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.  
Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.  
You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.” James 5:1-6.
These are warnings anyone in power or has any kind of responsibility over others need to take seriously be they in government or in private industry. God will one day judge them fairly. Thus it comes down to how will God judge you?
If you are in government, if you are a politician, or in a place of power in private industry are you treating those under you fairly?
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.
Are you doing this?
Would you want to be treated in the same way you are treating others?
Please think about it.

A God of Love

A God of Love

“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.
Here’s a simple truth. If God truly is a God of Love, He will warn us what our actions will result in.
Just like a father who tells his child not to touch a hot burner on the stove, God will warn us of the consequences of our actions. That is what Jesus is doing here in John 3:16-18.
He makes it clear that God loved the world so much He sent his son into the world to save the world through Him. That whoever believes in Him will not be condemned but whoever does not believe is condemned already because of unbelief in the one and only Son of God.
In doing so he gives mankind a choice a choice that will determine our eternal resting place be it in heaven or hell.
The choice dear reader is yours.
Please think about it.

Justice

Justice

“Follow justice and justice alone, 

so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you.” 

                 Deuteronomy 16:20

How do we see justice?
One speaker I heard noted that Plato’s Republic implied that justice was an harmonious arrangement within society. An agreement in which everyone had their place. Where those with humble functions are content with being subservient to those above them.
Such is not the case with Biblical justice.
The Bible holds that man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). With Genesis 2:7 stating:
“the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
Therefore man has within him the very breath of the divine that makes each and every person equal to all others irrespective of their position in society.
Equality is the foundation of all Western democracies. The United States constitution going as  far as to say:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” 
The more one studies the Bible with an open mind, the more one becomes amazed at the treasure house of wisdom.
The Bible has but two points to make.
First and foremost it exists to point man to God. To show man what God requires of him. What man must do to attain salvation.
Secondly, it lays down a code of conduct that God expects man to adhere to with respect to his fellow man.
We serve a God who created the heavens and the earth. A God who despite being the Creator of heaven and earth cares for the individual within His creation.
A God who sent His one and only son not to judge us, but to save us.  As the apostle Paul reminds us:

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, 

Christ died for the ungodly.” 

                                                                                              Romans 5:6

Man’s justice is sadly imperfect, as a result, he condemned many an innocent man. God’s justice, however, is perfect and on that Final Day He will judge the world.
I think Ecclesiastes put it best:
“ 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”
            Ecclesiastes 12:13,14
Think about it.