Author: Sherron

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Heaven or Earth?

Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in.  Aim at earth and you get neither.
C. S. Lewis

Have my eyes been on heaven or earth this week?  Whenever I take my eyes off the prize of heaven I find that my earthly endeavors produce zilch.  As in the wisdom of C.S. Lewis, I gain nothing in the spiritual realm or natural realm – a double loss.  When I focus on achieving earthly gain, the precious time given me by my good Father was wasted.  No amount of repentance, crying, or regret will ever bring it back.

Praise Almighty God! He reminds:

“19Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” ~ Matt. 6:19-21 (NIV)

Prayer:  “Abba in heaven, help me to resist temptation to live for self, to stay the course, and to focus on serving You as my highest priority every day.  Thank You for being my Rock, My High Tower of Strength, for loving me; and for sending angels to watch over me and my family, even when my time was spent in trivial pursuits.  In the name of Yeshua, my Salvation, Amen.”

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Starting Over – A Reset

We have all experienced the need for “starting over”.  It can be a painful prospect, but in many cases, a reset is the only solution.

Setting a new course can be just the thing necessary to set us free from heartache, guilt, doubt, addiction, unfruitfulness; or in the case of spiritual warfare, a total rebirth:

“7You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again’. 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear the sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” ~ John 3:7-8 (NIV)

God chose a flood to wipe out the wickedness that man had caused on the earth (Genesis 6). Rather than destroy man completely, God provided a way of escape for Noah and his family by calling upon Noah to build an ark.  Through faith, Noah was allowed a means of starting over – a reset, if you will.  The victorious reset in history over mankind’s separation from God is the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after His crucifixion.  Praise God, we serve a Living Christ!  Another major reset for mankind will take place in the future when our Messiah returns and sets up His kingdom on earth – the Millennial Age.  These examples of God’s resets show that God’s love for us is not to be defeated.  He has not given up on us, but His plan requires starting over.

I chose this feature photo because the rainbow reminds me of God’s faithful promise to never again consume the earth with a flood.  He placed the rainbow in the skies as evidence of His promise.  After the rains, the flooding will pass.

Starting over is like that for me.  The world consumed me like a flood, but the flooding has passed.  God’s magnificent rainbow of promise lies before me, and I rejoice in starting over in Him.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” ~ James 4:8a (ESV)
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” ~ Galations 6:9 (KJV)
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide you a way out so that you can endure it.” ~ I Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

Great is the Lord, and Greatly to be Praised!

God bless you.

Photo credit: unknown

 

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The Great Mystery

“A mystery in the Bible is a previously unrevealed truth that was not fully revealed until the New Testament. The mystery that is revealed in 1 Timothy 3:16 is that Jesus Christ was wholly man, and wholly God, or God of very God.” ~ Cooper Abrams

 

Link to “The Mystery of Godliness/Jesus Christ is God/I Timothy 3:16” by Cooper Abrams at http://www.bible-truth.org/myst-6.htm

 

Encouragement – “see pg 381”

The Word of God is living and active.  It pries, prods, kicks and squirms;twists, shoves, rips and tears its way into every crook and cranny of the minds and hearts of men until all is “open and laid bare”.  Then – redemption.

The Apostle Paul sums up Dad’s message in the most compelling statement:

12″For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13And before Him no creature is hidden, but all are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” ~ Hebrews 4:12-13 (Dad’s NT Bible)

 

Paul points out that God’s works were finished from the foundation of the world.  Then He rested on the seventh day (Sabbath).  God intended for man to enter into that rest with Him, but man rebelled (Heb. 4:1-5).  Without accepting God’s plan of redemption through faith in Jesus , man may never enter God’s rest.  Without acknowledging his sin, and accepting Jesus as Messiah, man is eternally barred from entering into an everlasting relationship with his Creator.

BUT GOD!  In His infinite mercy and grace, God provided His living Word as a testament to His abiding love for all men.  He made a plan for redemption. His Son fulfilled the Father’s plan on the cross. Christ defeated death, and God gave His Living Word to proclaim the Good News to let men know about it.

again He sets a certain day, “Today”, saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted, “Today, when you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” ~ Hebrews 4:7 (Dad’s NT Bible)

I thank and praise God for laying my sins bare.  His living Word pursued me like a Lion. It found my hidden parts; then pierced my mind and heart, dividing me asunder. I give Him glory everlasting and thank Him for allowing me to strive for rest in Him.  When I get discouraged it’s usually because I have spent too much time caught up in the “cares of this world” with less time in God’s Word.  Those distractions cause me to be fruitless, while choking God’s Word (Mark 4:18-19).

So here is the last part of the message of encouragement that Dad marked at the bottom of page 381:

Hollis10

I think it means perseverance.  What do you think?

 

Proof of Sight

Reblogging this excellent post on the necessary component of healing.

The River Walk's avatarTHE RIVER WALK

proof of sight

 And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road. (Mark 10:52)

Read: Leviticus 25:47-27:13, Mark 10:32-52, Psalm 45:1-17, Proverbs 10:22

Relate: The miracle isn’t complete until the change takes place. Before talking about Bartimaeus I want to talk about another miracle Jesus performed. He came upon ten lepers who asked Him for healing. Jesus told those men to go to the priest and perform the ceremony (mentioned here) for those who have been cleansed from infectious skin diseases. Now Luke is very clear to let us know that those lepers were cleansed and healed. After this healing, only one of those ten men came back to Jesus to thank Him. When this former leper met Jesus, the Master said to him, “Rise and go. Your faith has made you well.”

Each and every one of those ten…

View original post 463 more words

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Encouragement – “see pg 397”

“22But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man who observes his natural face in a mirror: 24for he observes himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing.” ~ James 1:22-25 (Dad’s NT Bible)

What does a “doer of the Word” look like?  A good picture could be found in Matthew chapter 11.  John the Baptist was imprisoned by King Herod and sent two of his disciples to Jesus:

3to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” ~ Matthew 11:3-6 (NIV)

So, do what Jesus did.  He lived the Father’s plan for His life on earth.  He didn’t just read the redemption plan up in heaven and never came to earth to fulfill it.  Believers are to live out God’s plan for them in the same way; not just read about it in His Word.

A hearer of the Word remembers to look at himself in the mirror every morning but forgets the Word as soon as he leaves the house.  A “doer of the Word” forgets to look in the mirror in the morning but remembers the Word as soon as he leaves the house – and does it.

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What does it take to be a “doer that acts”?  Faith that is genuine.  Even though Dad may have become discouraged in his walk with Christ, his faith was genuine.  He has been gone for almost 40 years but neighbors still mention him not as just a “good guy”, but as a man who lived for God.  Some still don’t believe in Jesus, but they respect Dad for showing that he did.

The great news is that a doer of the Word shall be blessed in his doing!

6 “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy ,9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” ~ 1 Peter 1:6-10 (NIV)

Encouragement – “see pg 381” is the last notations from Dad in his NT Bible and contains the most important message that he personally left in my keepsake from him on encouragement.

God bless.

 

Photo credit: ©Can Stock Photo Inc/Ha4ipuri
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Many gods, but Only One Savior

There are many gods, but only one Savior.

9 All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Which of their gods foretold this and proclaimed to us the former things? Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right, so that others may hear and say, “It is true.” 10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. 11 I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from Me there is no Savior. ~ Isaiah 43:9-11 (NIV)

Encouragement – “see pg 130”

The heart of the servant is what God looks at.  Being encouraged to do God’s will is not always what we want to hear.  We want Him to support us doing OUR will.

41 Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?” 42 The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43 It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 45 But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. 47 “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows.48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” ~ Luke 12:41-48(NIV)

“The Heart of a Servant” would have been a good title for this post.  Jesus declared Himself to be a “Servant of the Father” many times in scripture.  What was His heart?  Plainly, He loved us so much that He gave ALL on the cross for us.  Christ took our severe punishment (death) which we deserve even though He was blameless.  He was the One who has given much.  Therefore, since believers are to be like Him, much will be required of His followers.

Jesus is teaching in Luke 12:41-48 that there are basically three groups of servants and how a master dealt with each group:

  1. Faithful, sensible servants – rewarded
  2. Unfaithful, disobedient servants – received severe punishment
  3. Innocently disobedient servants – received light punishment

Group One:        The faithful obedient servants – This is the group that all Christians believe (or hope) they have membership in.  Group One will inherit God’s kingdom, but Jesus also reveals that it does not come without cost (verse 48b).  It’s called taking up our cross and following Him.  The cross of every believer is to be the same as His cross.  Men will always exact a heavy penalty for those who they consider to be against the establishment.  The world will scoff, ridicule and persecute every believer who is dedicated to being a servant of the Father (like Jesus). Verses 43 and 44 are the scriptures that all believers love to hear, though; the ones that mention reward for faithful service.  Jesus gives a detailed description of Group One, represented by the churches of Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11) and Philadelphia (Rev. 3:8-12).  The church of Smyrna is the poor, but spiritually rich church, to which Jesus promises He will give the crown of life. The church of Philadelphia is known as the church that is loyal to Christ; the church that perseveres and is watchful for His coming.  Jesus promises the church of Philadelphia not only a crown of life, but for overcomers, a pillar in the temple of God and a permanent home in the temple of God; that the name of God, the new name of Christ, a brand new name for the church, and a new name for the New Jerusalem, will all be written upon them.  Group One is the group Jesus loves to love.

Group Two:        The unfaithful disobedient servants – The master cuts them to ribbons and then banishes them from His kingdom as unbelievers!  Harsh?  That is what Jesus said they deserved.  “Wouldn’t it be fair to just let us repent and forgive us?” cries Group Two.  It is the saddest thing to contemplate, but God knows the heart.  Evidently, Group Two does not have loyalty to the master or the heart of a servant.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”  ~ James 1:22 NIV

Group Three:     The innocently disobedient servants – This group could possibly be servants that Group Two influenced, trained, or misled.  They may not be doers of the Word simply because they don’t know what the Word says.  Maybe they never read it.  Or, they may have fallen prey to false teaching, immorality, or idolatry.  Skeptical?   A better description of Group Three is given by Jesus in His message to the seven churches found in the Book of Revelation chapters 2-3. The other five churches besides Smyrna and Philadelphia are listed:

  1. Church of Ephesus – Fundamental Doctrine, but lacking Love
  2. Church of Church of Pergamos – False Doctrine, immorality
  3. Church of Thyatira – Allowed a False Prophetess to teach
  4. Church of Sardis – Dead works
  5. Church of Laodicea – Lukewarm

“Weren’t we just carnal Christians or backsliders?” asks Group Three.   Jesus encourages Group Three to repent and be overcomers.

Page 130 of Dad’s Bible contains Christ’s instructional encouragement to believers.  Instructional encouragement is based on “here is the truth.  These are your options and there are consequences – you choose”.

The “take-away” for this writer in layman’s language is:

Jesus lovingly instructed Group One, “Great job!  Keep doing what you are doing.  I will be back soon.  Hold down the fort until I come.  If you need help, I left more instructions in My Word.  Send me messages for guidance.  I will answer.  Stand strong, don’t give up, and you will be rewarded.”

Jesus banished Group Two with “Depart from Me!  I never knew you!”

Jesus praised Group Three, “I know you thought you were serving me, but you have made some mistakes, and have been suffering the consequences of your bad decisions. Now that you are aware, turn back to me and I will forgive you.  Don’t be discouraged.  Study My Word, and share it with others; persevere, and I will bring your reward with me when I come back.”

“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.” ~ Rev 3:19 (NIV)

 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” ~ Rev. 22:12 (NIV)

Maranatha!  Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

The next posting Encouragement – “See pg 397” will be coming out soon, Lord willing.  Don’t miss it by following ImportantStuff.live!

God bless.

Here is a link to a brief commentary from LifeHope &Truth that highlights the encouragements that Jesus gave to each of the Seven Churches of Revelation .

 

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Indecision – The Spirit of Fear

Remaining in a state of indecision is like casting one’s mind into the midst of a tornado. Thoughts like a whirlwind can churn so chaotically that a person’s moods and behaviors may be adversely effected.  Indecision is not fear that you will be late for an appointment, but is more encompassing.  Indecision is the spirit of fear.  It can affect individuals and even nations:

“A double minded man is unstable in all of his ways.” ~ James 1:8 (KJV)

Indecision is one symptom of chronic stress that is brought about by fear and may manifest as panic; not knowing which way to turn.  One may become stuck; virtually paralyzed by fear; thinking that no course of direction seems safe; or conversely, may charge off in random directions without purpose.  Fear, if unchecked, can destabilize anyone.  Indecisiveness, in all of its debilitating forms, is clearly shown in God’s Word as being ruled by the overshadowing spirit of fear, which can lead to broken relationships, loss of employment, depression, poor physical health; and ultimately, self destruction.  If you have been struggling with fear or indecision,

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You may be on shaky ground emotionally, but you are certainly not the Lone Ranger.  It can happen to anyone – believers or unbelievers alike.  If you can’t seem to make up your mind in today’s complicated world, take heart!  God understands:

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” ~ I Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

So God didn’t create our spirit of fear, but He HAS given us the power to overcome it and to restore us with a sound mind through faith and the study of His Word.  Our magnificent Father is mighty to save and powerful to heal.

But wait!  There may be another contributing factor in the valley of decision ruled by the spirit of fear.  Have you ever felt like screaming, “I am at a loss!”?  Sometimes indecision can be caused by information overload:

Data

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” ~ Daniel 12:4 (KJV)

 

Most people in the world are immersed in data; to the point of many being in a constant state of information overload via computers, the internet, television, media, and access to mega data storage/retrieval systems. Is there a connection between time of the end, running to and fro, increased knowledge and the problem of both individual and national indecision?  Increased knowledge, or data, may be adequately managed by computer systems, governing systems, or economic systems, but what effect, if any, does it have on human mental health?

There are many Bible scholars, ministers, and believers who are convinced that we are living at the time of the end; or in the end times; just prior to the time when Jesus will return to this earth, destroy man’s failed governments, then set up and rule His own perfect kingdom of 1,000 years, otherwise known as The Millennium, or Millennial Age (Revelation, chapter 20).

The end times is not defined as a specific number of years in the Bible, but only a time period that is near the end of this world as we know it.  During the end times, as told in the Old Testament to the Prophet Daniel by an angelic messenger from God, many humans will be running to and fro.  Some believe this scripture in the Book of Daniel refers simply to a time when world-wide travel is very advanced compared to ancient times of this prophecy.  It could also mean an age of distress; when people are in a condition of panic mode; wildly running scared from some terror (or terrorism); or frenzied racing around without direction (spirit of fear).  Today even the movie industry has capitalized upon end times prophesy by promoting an apocalyptic view of disaster and foreboding – possibly contributing to further infection of audiences with a dreadful spirit of fear.

The end times is also described as a period of time when knowledge is increased.  Increased knowledge has ushered in an age of space exploration, scientific and medical advancements;  but no peace.  In our present technologically advanced age, most people would agree that knowledge has increased rapidly since World War I (WWI), but no community on the planet is out of reach from the threat of total annihilation from weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).

 

MissilesWMD

Since WWII there have been wars fought in the name of WMDs prevention; and treaties made between nations regulating WMDs.   Yet this global effort has not brought peace or stability to the earth so far.  This is evidence to many that we already live in the perilous times of the last days.  Generations of populations living under this evil threat could be so fearful of impending doom that it is a pervading underlying cause of national fear – which sparks nations to produce more such weaponry in the name of defense, and the cycle continues.  Because of a spirit of fear of global annihilation, entire doomsday-thinking populations may be easily manipulated and controlled by power-seeking or terrorist governments.  Yes, as if WMDs are not scary enough, earth’s global community is now operating under a spirit of fear due to terrorist attacks.

By understanding there is a connection between time of the end, running to and fro and increased knowledge in God’s Word, we may go deeper and offer that the angelic messenger who visited the prophet, Daniel, described an age identical to our century.  Increased knowledge and data overload or the activity of manipulating data (think of cell phone texting alone) may also be linked to the problem of both individual and national indecision.  There is no question that knowledge has increased (past tense).  People already do run to and fro (again, past tense).  There also seems to be an epidemic of double mindedness world wide, as evidenced by reports of political and social upheaval in the news daily.  Whether or not we are living in the time of the end, scripture seems to support in favor.

If you are gripped by a spirit of fear for whatever reason and still don’t understand why, just take a deep breath.  Turn off the news, and spend time with YHVH, our Elohim.  Ask God to clear your head, bring peace into your heart, and settle your spirit.  Ask Him for guidance over your life and wisdom in decision making.

The Apostle Paul had this to say about the end times in his second letter to Timothy:

“But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” ~ II Timothy 2:16 (KJV)

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves …” ~ II Timothy 3:1-2a (KJV)

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. ~ II Timothy 3:5 (KJV)

“Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” ~ II Timothy 3:7 (KJV)

Tips to consider (in laymen’s terms):

  • Avoid egotistical, profane blabbermouths (II Timothy 2:16), for associating with them will only escalate into more ungodliness.  Foul speech is indecent; it is a slippery slope that spirals ever downward into hopelessly confusing indecisiveness.

“But I did find this: God created people to be virtuous, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path.” ~ Ecclesiastes 3:29 (NLT)

  • Study God’s Word:

“For God is not the author of confusion.” ~ (I Cor. 14:33).

  • In the end days, self centeredness will abound.  People will appear to be saintly or Godly, but their associations prove their hypocracy.  Consider how that may be playing out in our modern age today.  God’s Word says not to hang with them and if we are in doubt about who these people are, the Apostle Paul identifies them in a list of the ungodly: lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God (II Timothy 3:2-5).  It reads exactly like the attributes of the Antichrist!  So then, is ungodliness similar to indecisiveness?  This is where we started – at the crossroads of decision.  Time to choose the path that is straight, not crooked; the path of wisdom.  Don’t walk – RUN from them!
  • In the end days, there may be an increase in knowledge along with an increase in education but neither advancement appears to lead people to Truth (II Timothy 3:7).  God’s Word is saying that He understands what leads to indecision, that these are scary, perilous times, but there is only one Hope; only one Truth.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” ~ John 14:6 (KJV)

Pray for deliverance from a spirit of fear.  God is faithful, and will set you on the path of assertiveness and stability, which means peace of mind.  There is nothing like it. Promise.

“The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him.” ~ Lamentations 3:24 (KJV)

“And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” ~II Timothy 4:18 (KJV)

Peace to you, and God bless.

For anyone who is interested, there is a list of end time prophetic signs at this link 26 End Time Signs.

 

 

 

Encouragement – “see pg 49”

Page 49 of Dad’s New Testament Bible has a faint penciled box around verses 37-40 of Matthew 25.  It is as if Dad could not boldly circle these verses in ink; just humbly and gently scribe the page with a blunt pencil; as a servant awed by the sheer power and majesty of his Almighty King.  When I first read the noted verses 37-40, I was not seeing a message of encouragement.  In the words of Jesus Himself:

“37Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? 38 And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? 39And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?’ 40And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’“ ~ Matthew 25:37-40

Matthew scripture chapter 25, verses 31-46 is known in modern times as “The Parable of the Sheep and Goats”.  It is the last parable that Jesus spoke to His disciples privately at the location of the Mount of Olives just two days before his betrayal and arrest during Passover in Jerusalem.  Jesus is speaking of the judgment of the nations in this passage which will take place at His Second Coming.  I encourage you to read the entire passage if you have not already.  A link is provided at the end of this post.  The parable’s meaning is very controversial; even to the point that there is no agreement as to whether it is a parable or not!  I have avoided links to opposing views on this parable, but feel that we can surely ascertain that the verses speak of King Jesus separating the goat nations to His left for everlasting punishment, and the righteous sheep nations to His right hand for eternal life, based upon their treatment of “the least of these My brethren”.

But what does this mean?  Who are the least? Scripture supports, explains, or backs up scripture, so let’s look at a passage in Exodus:

“21Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. 22Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. 23If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry, 24And My wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless. 25If thou lend money to any of My people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury. 26If thou at all take thy neighbour’s raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down: 27For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? And it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto Me, that I will hear, for I am gracious.” ~ Exodus 22:21-27 (KJV)

Consider: Here in Alaska it would be thought inhumane in extremely cold weather to accept the coat of another unless the circumstances were dire (survival related) or the recipient of the coat knew it was a spare coat of the giver.  Yes, and return it by nightfall!  But I can also witness that some Alaskans will go out of their way to cover a freezing homeless person with their own coats in sub-zero weather.  Whether believers or not, I cannot say, but the gesture of mercy for the poor and naked is not lost on this writer, nor with Jesus, I am confident.

Don’t forget “My brethren” are fellow believers, the Jews (Yeshua was definitely a Jew).  Show kindness to one another.  Help one another.  Pray for and lift up all men, as only God knows who is of the sheep nations or who is of the goat nations.  We are not to discriminate or judge anyone.

I hear all the time that there is no salvation in good works.  Baloney!  True, Jesus is our Messiah, and He is our Redeemer.  There is no other way to salvation but through belief in Him.  Yet His ministry on earth was a life of good works.  He fed the hungry.  He healed the sick.  Let His example be our guide, in order to be more like Him.

I think James, the Lord’s brother, clarifies the question of good works :

“14What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? 15If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” ~ James 2:14-18 (KJV)

So where is the message of encouragement on page 49 of Dad’s Bible?  For me, it is “THE PROMISE” of great reward that Jesus taught us: He knows His sheep, and is known by them. King Jesus is The Great Shepherd who carefully tends His flock (sheep nations) and keeps it safe from God’s wrath.  He refers to His sheep as being “righteous”.   But Jesus warned, in His own words, that there is a terrible and final consequence for the goat nations who are not charitable; who do not feed the poor, but rob the poor; who do not help orphans or widows, but abuse and sell them into slavery; who love themselves more than their neighbors; who judge the sins of others as being worse than their own.

The Gospel of the Kingdom of Christ is to love one another, as the King loved us.  As we walk that out, take encouragement from pg. 49 of Dad’s Bible.  Jesus rewards the faithful and obedient servants of His Word with everlasting life.  How much more encouragement do we need?

The cost:

There is nothing on pg. 49 of Dad’s Bible that will make us prosperous by the world’s standards.  The Gospel is totally free as our gift from our Father in heaven.  He sacrificed His Son for us.  There is no way to take up our cross and follow Him except to humbly serve others less fortunate and without expecting personal gain or earthly honor.  Our true reward is His spiritual blessing of life everlasting with Him; which is treasure immeasurable.

“20Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the Sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. ~ Hebrews 13:20-21 (KJV)

God bless!

Note:  I apologize to the readers of these “encouragement posts” for lack of citing Bible translation versions of the scriptures that Dad circled or otherwise referenced in his New Testament.  The reason I cannot cite is because I am transcribing the featured scripture text verbatim from his Bible (other than taking liberty to capitalize His Holy Name out of reverence).  The first 12 numbered pages of his Bible, which would have included Matthew chapter 1-7 are entirely gone; including the title, publishing and copyright pages.  The Bible text begins simply on page 13 with verse 12b of Matthew chapter 8.  I could guess at the version, but will forbear.  Fortunately, there is nothing noted at the bottom of each page by Dad which references those missing pages, so we at least have Dad’s complete message.  Thank you for following the “encouragement posts” in spite of this issue.  YOU are giving ME great encouragement!

Thanks also, to those following importantstuff.live.  The next post Encouragement – “see pg 130” will be posted soon, Lord willing.

Here is a link to the entire scriptural passage on the Parable of the Sheep and Goats for those interested at biblegateway.com.