What will God See?

  What will God see?

In the book of Proverbs we read,

"For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD,

 and he examines all his paths." 

                                                                      Proverbs 5:2.

I don’t believe the idea that God is a big old self-centred man with a big stick ready to hit us when we do wrong. We only have to read John 3:16,17 to know that. 

John 3:16,17 states,

"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.

At the same time God is watching us and will judge us fairly in according to what He sees.

So my question to you is. When you stand before God and He examines your life What will God see?

Please think about it.

Do you

 Do you

The apostle John writes,

"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.

If you claim to be a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus. Is this the kind of love you show to those around you? Do you love not just with words, but with deeds?

Do you do what you can to help others?

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.

Do people see God in you?

  Do people see God in you?

The apostle Peter writes,

“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” 1Peter 4:11.

What Peter is saying here is; If you are a Christian your life should always reflect God. So that God may be praised. 

Thus the question becomes, If you are a Christian a true believer in Christ Jesus, is your life reflecting God?

When people see your deeds and here your words, do they see the Love of God reflected in them?

Please think about it.

What fruit are you eating?

  What fruit are you eating?

In proverbs we read,

“The tongue has the power of life and death, 

and those who love it will eat its fruit.” 

                                                              Proverbs 18:21

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, 

but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 

                                                               Proverbs 12:18

In the book of James we read,

“Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, 

but it makes great boasts. 

Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”  

                                                                                      James 3:5.

Simply put what we say and do can cause great harm or great good. And we will be judged not only by God but by those around us.

So the message is be careful when you speak. For you will eat the words that come out of your mouth.

Remember what the writer of Proverbs said,

"Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,

 and discerning if he holds his tongue." 

                                                             Proverbs 17:28.

Please think about it.

In 2023 this means

  In 2023 this means

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 2023 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

What do they see

 What do they see

"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 

You shall be holy, for I am holy," 1Peter 1:13-16.

As believers in Christ we are called,

To prepare our minds to work for Christ.

To be sober-minded.

        Setting your hope fully on the grace that comes from the revelation of                          Jesus Christ.

Do not conform to the evil desires you had prior to knowing Christ.

Be holy as Christ is holy.

This is a lifestyle. In fact someone has said Christianity is not just a religion "it is a lifestyle."

It is a lifestyle that people will notice even without us saying one word. 

Francis of Assisi said,

"The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                                              Francis of Assisi

"Preach the Gospel at all times

 and when necessary use words."

                                                      Francis of Assisi

Please think about it.

How are you treating others?

  How are you treating others?

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, 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.

Acceptable

  Acceptable.

The Psalmist writes,

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14.

We need to be concerned about what God thinks about our comments. We need to remember,

"Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body,

 but it makes great boasts. 

Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark."  

                                                                                         James 3:5.

Our words can hurt and I believe God is listening carefully to what we say. Words can raise a person up. At the same time however they can destroy a person. Many people have been pushed to suicide by hurtful words.

That is why we need to be careful about what we say. 

We need to remember what 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 especially true when we speak. We need to be aware of the fact that our words can hurt quite often more than a physical injury.

Take a moment to think about the words you said to others. Do they build up or tear down?

Ask yourself are my words and the meditations of my heart acceptable to God?

Please think about it.

Only One Life

  Only one life

The Psalmist writes,

"But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. 

Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendour of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendour will not descend with him. 

Though while he lived he counted himself blessed— and men praise you when you prosper— he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life . 

A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish." Psalm 49:15-20.

Jesus said,

"Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:24.

There is nothing wrong with being rich. The church through the ages has had some very wealthy people in it men and women who have loved and served The Lord in spirit and in truth.

 The Psalmist here is saying is don’t be envious over someone who has a lot of material wealth. While wealth and material possessions are looked on as a sign of success in this world. Ultimately they amount to nothing in the grand scheme of eternity.

A wealthy man and a pauper in this life have one thing in common. When they die they will take none of what they owned into the next life.

It is therefore important for rich and poor alike to understand that it is their words and deeds and what they have done for Christ that will impact where they will end up when they pass into eternity.

There’s an old saying that states,

“You have only one life.

It will soon be passed.

Only what is done for Christ will last.”

Please think about it.

Advice from Jesus

  Advise from Jesus

Jesus said,

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

When people see the deeds you are doing what do they see. Do they see good things or bad things? When they hear the words you speak, do they hear good things or bad things.

If you are a Christian you should be doing your best to glorify Christ in word and in deed that people may see your good works and want t know Jesus.

Francis of Assisi said,

"The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                                              Francis of Assisi.

So what are your words and deeds saying about Jesus today?

Please think about it.

An obligation to serve

  An Obligation to Serve 

Jesus said,

"Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:42-45.

This is an important part of scripture. Notice here Jesus dose not mention a Christians rights. Many Christians living here in North America tend to believe they have rights be in under the constitution or some law.

Jesus however never mentions having rights. 

Jesus here in Mark 10:42-45 is telling Christians you have obligations to serve others. Jesus make it clear the greatest among us is the one who serves. 

As I’ve grown as a Christian I’ve found that I have obligations,

To serve God,

To serve my wife and family

To serve those around me however I can.

Please think about it.

Helping those in need

  Helping those in need

Jesus said,

"Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  

For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,    I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 

"They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' 

"He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 

"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." Matthew 25:41-46.

Here is a warning to all those who call themselves Christians. As Christians we are called to help those in need.

The American evangelist Tony Campolo said,

"These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change." Tony Campolo.

If you consider yourself a Christian are these your issues?

Read what Jesus said in Matthew 25:41-46 carefully. Do you fall into this category?

Please think about it.

The King will say

  The King will say

"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  

I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Matthew 25:34-36.

When you stand before God what will He say about you?

Will He note that you have helped the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, those who needed clothing. Will he note you remembered the prisoner and visited him?

We as individuals cannot necessarily do all of these things, but we can do some of them. We can give to a food bank or even offer to volunteer at the food bank. We can volunteer with a prison ministry.

There are many little things we can do even if it’s only dropping some spare change at a Salvation Army kettle during Christmas. 

The question however is are you willing to do this? You many this side of eternity never get recognition for what you do. But God sees what you do and in the long run that is all that is important?

So what are you doing to help those in need around you? Pray and ask God to show you what you can do.

Please don’t just think about it. 

Do it. 

Peace the Only Way

Peace the only way

The apostle Paul wrote,

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

live at peace with everyone." 

                                                           Romans 12:18.

Do you live at peace with those around you? 

Here in North America where I live. I find many calling themselves Christians do not live at peace with those around them. Quite often they don’t look at the consequences of their words and deeds.

They do what Jesus told us not to do. They judge those around them. 

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.

As Christians. Believers in Christ Jesus we need to choose our words wisely. Coming out and telling someone they are going to hell if they don’t believe in Jesus, may be technically true but more often than not it pushes people away from God.

Where a person spends eternity is not the call of anyone living on this earth. It’s Gods call.

We as believers in Christ Jesus have a duty to present the gospel message. A duty where possible to sit down with non-believers and tell them what they believe. Then let the Holy Spirit work in their lives. Let the person we presented the Gospel message to decide for themselves if what we are saying is true.

The only way we can do this. At least the easiest way to do this is if we are living at peace with those around us.

Are you living at peace with those around you?

Please think about it.

Let your light

  Let your light 

Jesus said,

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify 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.

Are you known for your good deeds? Are you presenting Christ through your words and deeds in a good light?

Francis of Assisi wrote,

"The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                                                                           Francis of Assisi.

What is your sermon telling those around you?

Please think about it.

It's about

  Its about

In Lukes gospel we read,

“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 10:30-37.

Who is your neighbour? 

This morning the devotional I read asked the question, “who has helped you in your life?” It caused me to think. There have been so many. Over the years I’ve gone through a lot, and Praise God He’s been there for me. God has brought many people to help me get through the hard times. People who in some cases hardly knew me.

People who’ve set an example to me and my family as to how a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus should live.

Being a Christian is not about becoming rich or powerful. Being a Christian is about following the example of Jesus. It’s about being a good Samaritan. Helping people less fortunate than yourself in any way you can. Even if that’s just giving a dollar or two to the Salvation Army at Christmas. Or giving a few dollars to someone who is homeless on the street. Or to any good cause that helps people.

It’s also about pointing the way in word, and in deed to Christ and the Salvation He offers. 

Please think about it.

Ascribe

  Ascribe

The Psalmist calls to the nations of the world to,    

"Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, 

ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 

"Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;

 bring an offering and come into his courts. 

Worship the LORD in the splendour of his holiness;

tremble before him, all the earth." 

                                                      Psalm 96:8,9.

If you consider yourself a Christian. A believer in Christ Jesus are you doing this. Even more importantly are the people around you seeing this. For if you are not doing as the Psalmist states, how can you expect people around you to do it?

Francis of Assisi made two very important points when he said,

“Preach the Gospel at all times 

and when necessary use words.”

AND

"The deeds you do may be the only

 sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                        Francis of Assisi

When people look at the sermon that is your words and deeds, what will they say?

Please think about it

Come or Depart

Come or Depart

Jesus said,

"Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  

For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,    I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 

"They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' 

"He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 

"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." Matthew 25:41-46.

Think very carefully about this. When you stand before God will you hear the words “Depart from me”?

I firmly believe the more resources we have. The more material wealth we have. The more political power we have must be used for God. If we don’t we may just hear these words from Jesus, “depart from me, you who are cursed...”

Even those of us who are not so wealthy can do something. Even if its just giving a few cans of food to a food bank.

The key here is to help those in need.

So I ask the question again. Will you hear the words “depart from me...” or will you hear,

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 

‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; 

take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you 

since the creation of the world.”  

                                                                     Matthew 25:34 

Please think about it.

Fruit

Fruit

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.

If you claim to be a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus are the above fruit of the Spirit showing in your life?

When those around you look at your life are they seeing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?

If not they should be, because it is only by showing these qualities that we will attract people to Christ. 

Perhaps one of my favourite quotes from outside the Bible come from Francis of Assisi who said,

"The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                                                Francis of Assisi

The other thing Francis of Assisi is know for is what is commonly called the prayer of St. Francis. It is a prayer anyone who claims to be a true follower of Christ Jesus, a Christian should consider praying and taking to heart. It reads,

"Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life." 

                                                                          Francis of Assisi

Please think about it.