Tuesday, 10 May 2022

Mercy and you

  Mercy and you?

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.

I am talking now to those who claim to be Christians. Those who claim they believe in Christ Jesus. 

Are you merciful?

Do you judge people by their faith, race, or lifestyle?

You shouldn’t. That is not your job. Your job is to show the love and mercy to those around you. Not to judge them.

I like what the late evangelist Billy Graham said. Referring to Christians he said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                         Billy Graham.

You will not win a soul for Christ if you are judging them. You must love them. For only God knows why a person is the way they are.

Please think about it.

Monday, 9 May 2022

Are you showing this love?

  Are you showing this love?

The apostle Paul writes what has to be the definitive definition of love when he writes,

"Love is patient, love is kind. 

It does not envy, it does not boast, 

it is not proud.  

It is not rude, 

it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil

 but rejoices with the truth.  

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

Love never fails....

                                             1 Corinthians 13:4-8a 

 Is this your definition of love. If you are a Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus, it should be. It should be the kind of love we show to our families, friends and foe alike.

So are you showing this love to those around you?

Please think about it.

Sunday, 8 May 2022

Transformation

  Transformation

In the book of Romans the apostle Paul writes,

"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.  

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1,2.

If we truly accept Jesus into our lives a transformation begins. The speed of the transformation varies in each individual. However be it slow or quick a true believer in Christ will change. They will begin to exhibit 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.... Against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22,23.

Exhibiting such fruits will become second nature to them. This I believe is one way you can tell a true Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus.

When people look at your life what do they see?

Please think about it.

Saturday, 7 May 2022

Compassion

  Compassion 

In the gospel of Luke we read this statement from John the Baptist,

“‘What should we do then?’ the crowd asked. John answered, ‘Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”Luke 3:10,11.

I strongly feel to be a true Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus, we must do what we can to help the poor. I believe the more we have, the more we should give to help the poor. This is one of the corner stones of Christian living.

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.

As Christians, believers in Christ Jesus, I believe God will hold us accountable for our behaviour towards the poor. If you want proof of this read, what Jesus said in Matthew 25:41-43.

"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.'” Matthew 25:41-43.

True belief in Christ Jesus causes us to have compassion for all those less fortunate than us. 

So do you show compassion for those less fortunate than you?

Please think about it.

Friday, 6 May 2022

Difficult not Impossible

 Difficult not impossible.

In Matthew’s gospel we read Jesus saying,

"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.

This illustration makes the point that while something seems impossible. It can be done through the grace of God.

Earlier in this chapter of Matthew we read,

"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life ?"...

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Matthew 19:16,20,21.

Life can be easy if you’re rich. If you have enough money to get anything you want. And there are many rich Christians that use their wealth to help others and the Lords work.

That being said there are many wealthy people who rely on their money. To whom money is a god.

In the wall street economic crash on 1929 men who’d put all their trust in materialism and wealth committed suicide because they’d lost everything. Their god had failed them and in their mind there was nothing left but despair.

Wealth can be a hindrance to getting to heaven. But it is still possible for a wealthy person to get to heaven. They must do exactly what everyone is asked to do. Put your faith in Christ Jesus.

The apostle Paul puts it this way,

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."  

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved Romans 10:9-13.

So do you believe Jesus is Lord? Do you believe that God raised Him from the dead? 

Please think about it.

Thursday, 5 May 2022

Can you call on Him?

 Can you call on Him?

The Psalmist writes,

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

We all go through trials. Both mental and physical. Some trials even end in death.

Still if we are in a personal relationship with Christ Jesus we have Him to turn to. We know that no matter how hard the trial may be God is with us. Comforting and giving us strength to get through it.

In Psalm 139 we read,

“Where can I go from your Spirit?

 Where can I flee from your presence? 

If I go up to the heavens,

 you are there;

 if I make my bed in the depths, 

you are there. 

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

 if I settle on the far side of the sea, 

even there your hand will guide me,

 your right hand will hold me fast.” 

                                                       Psalm 139:7-10.

Question; Is God an integral part of your life? Can you call on God in your time of need?

Please think about it.

Wednesday, 4 May 2022

Could you?

 Could you?

Jesus once said to a rich young man who asked the question,

"..."Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life ?" Matthew 19:16

"Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Matthew 19:21.

As true believers in Christ Jesus we must be willing to give up everything for Him. 

Now I can only speak for what I see here in North America from my perch here in Canada.

While I see around the world Christians suffering many living day to day with persecution. Many having to rely on God each day for their basic needs. I sadly see many pastors, evangelist and many sitting in the pews here in North America preaching a prosperity doctrine. Claiming falsely that God wants you to be health and wealthy, while God never promised this.

Sadly many pastors and evangelist who believe this doctrine pray on the poor. Encouraging them to give to their ministry saying God will reward them ten or a hundred fold.

God never promised this. Jesus and His disciples were not rich. The apostle Paul writing,

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10.

Note here its not money that causes the problems. Money in and of itself is harmless. It’s what emphasis you put on it that causes the problem. If you love money more than God.

Jesus in Matthew 19:21 gave the perfect test to see who you liked most. When he said,

“If you want to be perfect, go sell you possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me.”

Thus I wander how many pastors and evangelist who preach the prosperity doctrine could do what Jesus is saying here?

How about you dear reader? Could you give up everything to follow Jesus?

I know of many around the world who have had to do that. Could you?

Please think about it.

Tuesday, 3 May 2022

Searching for

  Searching for

The apostle Paul writes,

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” 2 Timothy 3:1-4.

In his book "Essentials in Christian Faith" John B. Harrington, published in 1958, there is a quote that could have been written yesterday.

It's from Paul Gallico in Esquire Magazine in 1948:

"A writer in a popular magazine has written the following words; 'We are all, if you will pardon the expression, Headed for Hell in a handbarrow. If, ever the people of the world stood in need of a spiritual revival, it is now. We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.'"

Harrington notes that Gallico makes no pretense of being "a religious man" noting that "...for him it is precisely religion in its organized forms which has in part caused the situation he deplores. He is careful to state that it is not "religion" for which he is looking. For in his opinion, religion throughout the history of our culture has advanced its control over human beings by the investment of bigotry and persecution. 

  Yet, out of despair over the current human situation he says; ‘The voice for which my heavy spirit is yearning must reach us all... For if it is not heard, we are lost. Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position, some rewards founded on good will, selflessness, and the innate dignity of the human spirit...honour, humility, decency courage."

Now I can only speak for what I see in North America where I live, and sadly I see Christianity becoming "religious". At least I see many pastors, evangelist, and many sitting in the pews becoming religious. 

This is what the apostle Paul predicted in 2Timothy 3:1-4. Sadly such people are becoming the face of Christianity here in North America. And what Gallico and others are seeing.

The solution to the problem. The only solution is a personal relationship with Christ Jesus. Putting God first in ones life. Making the teachings of Jesus a reality in ones life. When we do so we will begin to exhibit 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.... Against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22,23.

This is what Gallico was searching for, and I believe what many in the world today are searching for also.

Dear reader are you looking for this? Why not take a moment to ask Jesus into your life. Simply pray 

Dear Jesus I ask that you come into my life today. 

If you said this prayer and truly believe what you said. I would ask that you start reading the New Testament at the very least. It will tell you what the early Christians believed about Jesus and how to live a Godly life. The second is do your best to find a church congregation near where  you live. I recommend a Baptist or Salvation Army. Talk to the pastor and ask him any questions you might have. 

Please think about it.

Monday, 2 May 2022

As for me

  As for me

In the book of Joshua we read,

"Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.  

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. 

But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24: 14,15.

For me this sums things up. I and my household will serve the Lord.

I will as the Psalmist puts it,

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; 

I will tell of all your wonders. 

I will be glad and rejoice in you; 

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High." 

                                                              Psalm 9:1,2.

Dear reader will you join with me this day in serving and praising The LORD God Almighty?

Please think about it.

Sunday, 1 May 2022

Perhaps

 Perhaps

In Proverbs we read,

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

and He examines all his paths."

                                                      Proverbs 5:21.

Whether we like to admit it or not everything we do is seen by God. It is something we must remember. 

That being said I don’t see God as a big old man with a big stick ready to club us over the head if we do wrong. Quite the opposite. I see God as a God who loves each individual and gives them all the freedom in the world. A freedom that extends to not believing in Him.

The God I believe in is spoken of by Jesus in John 3:16,17, when Jesus 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.

The God I believe in is spoken of by the apostle Paul who said,

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

The God I believe in asks us to have faith that He exists. The writer of Hebrews stating,

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

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

And perhaps having faith in someone we cannot see is the hardest thing anyone can do. Which is perhaps why so many people don’t believe in God.

Do you believe in God?

Please think about it.

Saturday, 30 April 2022

Better

  Better

In the book of Ecclesiastes we read,

A good name is better than precious ointment,

and the day of death than the day of birth.

It is better to go to the house of mourning

than to go to the house of feasting,

for this is the end of all mankind,

and the living will lay it to heart.

Sorrow is better than laughter,

for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,

but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

                                                              Ecclesiastes 7:1-4

From the commentaries I’ve read about this the death that is being talked about is not ones own but the death of another.

People react to death differently. But the death of a loved one or someone we know should make us question our mortality. 

Not so long ago my wife lost her youngest brother he was only in his forties. Everyone at the funeral said he died too young. That being said his funeral service was held in his favourite bar. His girlfriend and friends wanted to celebrate his life. And they did.

Our pastor conducted the service and gave a simple message of salvation to all who were there. Reminding them that life is short and finite. 

Somehow however I got the impression that the message was lost on most who attended. And that day I wondered how many even considered their mortality and where they would spend eternity.

But the way I see it and I believe the writer of Ecclesiastes seen it; every funeral should give us pause on where we will spend eternity.

Question; Where will you spend eternity?

Please think about it.

Friday, 29 April 2022

You and the Poor

  You and the poor.

In proverbs we read,

"A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge."Proverbs 29:7.

"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done."Proverbs 19:17.

In Judaism there is an interesting concept Christians need to practice it’s called Tzedakah,

I got this explanation from a Jewish web site, it states,

"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 the poor and needy.

 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.

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 tzedakah  is equivalent to an idol worshipper.”

The book of James states,

“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.

Jesus said,

"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.' 

"Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  

When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  

When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 

"The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 25:34-40.

What will God say to you when you stand before Him.

Please think about it.