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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)

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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:

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“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).

 

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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.

 

 

 

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Paid in Full

“24He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.  By His wounds you are healed.  25Once you were like sheep who wandered away.  But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.” ~ I Peter 2:24-25 (NLT)

Without the precious blood of Christ, the innocent Lamb of God, there is no hope of salvation.

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”~ Acts 4:12 (NLT)

Some reject the “blood” part of the gospel, but God paid a ransom with His own blood. According to His Word on the cross, “It is finished.”  Our sin debt is paid in full.  There is no other true gospel.

God Bless.

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National Righteousness versus Sin

American culture seems to have changed a lot in the past fifty years or so.  The word “righteousness” may not even be in the vocabulary of some people, although the word “sin” is well understood.  So what is meant by “righteousness versus sin”?

As always, we turn to God’s Word for wisdom.  What does it say about righteousness anyway?  Let’s take a look:

Righteousness is translated from the Hebrew word “tsdaqah”, which means justice, morality, or virtue.

And he believed in the Lord; and He counted it to him for righteousness. ~Genesis 15:6

In the Bible (KJV) the word sin is translated from the Hebrew word “chatta’ah”, which means offense.

So what is Proverbs 14:34 telling us?  A country is respected when its culture and laws are based on fairness, rightness, and morals.  Other nations notice and seek alliances with such a people.  God has blessed America with wealth and prestige since this nation was founded on a constitution that honors God’s laws.

So what has happened?  Where are we now as a people?  What is our crime rate?  What is our global reputation?  Is the United States of American respected around the world?  We were once a great world power, but that has weakened in recent years.  Why?

Could national sin be a factor, and should we heed the warning in Proverbs 14:34?  Much could be said about moral decline in our country, yet God’s Word says “for ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God”.  Since God Himself is righteous, and we were created in His image to be righteous (or like Him), there seems to be a big problem with “falling short of glory” (caused by our sin).

Faith without works is dead. ~James 2:20.  What does that mean?  To me, it means we are to live our faith as a lifestyle.  Americans have and still do send aid, the gospel, military support and much much more to the entire world.  Isn’t that works?  What is our true calling as a nation?  I have heard one minister state that God calls each person to serve Him in some way, but if a believer does not respond, over time God sets that person aside to live out a self-centered life.  God’s blessings are withheld accordingly.

Does God also “set aside” nations who turn from Him?  That is a chilling thought, but I wonder if America is not coming under judgment at this time.  Our nation is declining so rapidly since 911, I am convinced that the solution is not political, but spiritual.  We are so concerned about “political correctness” yet things just seem to get worse for our nation.  What used to be called right is now wrong, and vice versa.

Where is our righteousness as a people?  I pray for our national heart to change toward God instead of away from God, so our nation will not be a reproach, or covered in shame; may we then be described this way:

And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.  In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. ~Isaiah 54:13-14