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Archive for April, 2012

What’s One Of The Signs Of The Last Days?

30 Apr

2 Peter 3:4 – 3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”

If you’ve read much of my blog you’ll remember that I have written many times that there would be a great falling away from the true faith.  Those are believers that are doing that, not unbelievers.  This post is to point out the same issue regarding believers.

Peter is stating that scoffers will come in the last days mocking the idea that Christ is going to return.  They have a form of taunting in them.  They will say “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?”  Peter exposes their hearts though.  He indicates it’s because they are following their own evil desires.  Once again, SELF!

Seeing any of this today?

Here is my analogy.  A huge group of people are down in a valley partying it up.  They are surrounded by high hills all around them.  The hills easily climbable but the hike will take awhile and some work.  There are those who choose to climb the hills and “wow” they see signs of things that they have only heard about coming off in the distance.  They go back to the crowd and tell them what they saw.  A few find it fascinating and head for the hills.  They go up and see even more than the previous group and come down to tell others.

This keeps happening and what they see in the distance once they get up to the top of the hill just keeps getting closer.  However, many that have made the hike have gotten older and have died.  Others that come back to tells those partying in the valley about how they are seeing even more are not finding too many that are interested in disrupting their valley party.

This story is just an analogy in regarding that people refuse to look for the signs or even take any time to learn what they may be.  It isn’t going into the consequences of a heart that doesn’t want to look for or seek the Lord.

There are two things around us in these last days that are easily seen by a mere time consuming but simple study.  One, evolution is very flawed and for brilliant minds of scientist to put their complete faith in it reveals the true definition of “blind faith.”  Second if you study what the signs are for Christ’s Second Coming, you couldn’t come to any other conclusion except that it is right at the door.

So where is the problem with believers and the missteps?

If a believer doesn’t know the Word of God they are ripe for picking by the evil one.  Satan and his demons hang out in the darkness.  Jesus wants us in the sheep pen where he can guard us.  However, many believers stubbornly refuse to stay corralled in the pen.

A majority of Christians today don’t know the difference between Light and darkness.  They don’t know the difference between Truth and a lie.  It’s because they don’t know the Word of God.

To reach others we need to know the Word.  To protect our hearts and souls we need to know the Word.  There is a war going on for man’s heart and soul.  Are you going be Switzerland and be neutral?  God doesn’t want neutral.  He wants you to choose His side.

The signs are all around us and we are nearing the time Jesus is going to take His church and the group of the scoffers is getting bigger every day.

 
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Posted in Bible Prophecy, End Time Prophecies

 

A Thought On Our Common Family Tree

27 Apr

Luke 3:23-38 – 23 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph,
 the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat,
the son of Levi, the son of Melki,
the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,
25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos,
the son of Nahum, the son of Esli,
the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath,
the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein,
the son of Josech, the son of Joda,
27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa,
the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel,
the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melki,
the son of Addi, the son of Cosam,
the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,
29 the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer,
the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat,
the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon,
the son of Judah, the son of Joseph,
the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim,
31 the son of Melea, the son of Menna,
the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan,
the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse,
the son of Obed, the son of Boaz,
the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon,
33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram,
the son of Hezron, the son of Perez,
the son of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob,
the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham,
the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,
35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu,
the son of Peleg, the son of Eber,
the son of Shelah, 36 the son of Cainan,
the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem,

the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,
37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch,
the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel,
the son of Kenan, 38 the son of Enosh,
the son of Seth, the son of Adam,
the son of God.

We are all directly related in lineage to the above underlined individuals.  They be a many a great grandfather to all of us.  Sometimes when you read about them in history from so long ago that gets lost in the shuffle.

Another interesting thought:  Is it really more feasible to think we came from lightning striking ooze rather than one set of created humans that multiplied?  What created the lightning?  What created the lifeless ooze?

Well if we believe the Bible, then we all are related to Adam and Eve.  It can be hard to believe we are all related to each other, but we are.

 
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Posted in Reflections

 

We Must Change From Our Old Nature

25 Apr

Ephesians 2:1-5 – 1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

When we receive grace, we become saved and a child of God.  We have to make every effort to now live like it.  It’s a process and old habits can be hard to break, but we have to strive to live holy for our Lord.  The biggest confusing detriment the church has done with the unsaved is their example.  Most people can’t the difference between someone who serves Jesus and someone who doesn’t.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

The reason we need to turn away from sin is it separated us from God.  God hates sin.  Let’s try to separate ourselves from what God hates and focus on doing things He loves.  Number one would be obedience to His Word.

 
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Posted in Encouragement, Inspiration, Motivation

 

Psalm 19:7-11

24 Apr

Psalm 19:7-11 – 7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

One’s life is usually a reflection of either doing their own thing or seeking the Lord.   I remember trying to do many things my own way.  I see people all around me doing it now.  Disastrous.  The law of the Lord is not just a philosophy, it’s a smooth fulfilling path.  The other leads to problems and finishes with death.

 
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Posted in Encouragement, Inspiration, Reflections

 

God’s Way

23 Apr

Titus 3:4-7 – 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

A reminder for us when we try to get on our high horse, there is nothing righteous about us on our own.  We can’t even be righteous on our own.  Only One can bring the righteousness to us and that is our loving Lord who died in our place for our sins if we will choose it.

God’s way!  We can only get back to God, God’s way.  So many people want to lower or change the standard because they don’t want to disrespect them or hurt their feelings.  It’s God’s way or the wrong way.  We don’t vote, haggle, or debate on different ways to God.  The reason people end up in destruction is they won’t look to the Lord for the way.  God’s way!

How are those portrayed that try to convince you there are other ways?

John 10:1- 1 “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.

Jesus is the Shepherd and He will meet us at the gate.

John 10:2- 2 The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.

Why is Jesus the only way?  Because God made the way and He made it that way.

John 14:6 – 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

The perfect sacrificial Lamb whose blood is sufficient to cover our sins is the reason we may enter into Heaven and be with God.  People fail to acknowledge they are sinners and can’t see Heaven or God in their sinful condition.

What happens when an earthly boss says it’s my way or the highway?  According to unsaved man the answer is no I will do it my way and it will be sufficient enough.  Is that the way it works even on earth?  No.  It’s not going work that way later either.

Seek Him and He will show you His way.

 
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Posted in Inspiration, Motivation, Reflections

 

Race For A Crown That Lasts Forever

20 Apr

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Here’s the broken record.  You aren’t taking anything with you from here.  What you do here for your wonderful Lord is how you get rewarded there.  It’s hinted at in the New Testament numerous times.  The model on earth is somewhat the same so we can understand it.  The guy that works his tail off for the man in charge usually gets rewarded for it handsomely.  However it’s temporary.  The guy in charge you’re working for isn’t in charge of the universe, nor do they have the capability to love you 1/10,000 of what God can.

Working for God has nothing to do with salvation, that’s a free gift if you accept it.  Rewards are for working for your Lord.  Good works is not a bad word unless you believe it is how you get into Heaven.  If nobody worked toward the Lord on this earth the Gospel would not be preached.

Do you believe faith is good?  Then we need to have faith and die to ourselves and live more for Him.  I don’t lie bucket lists.  I feel like they are a game of beat the clock before you die.  There isn’t one thing on that list that will compare to Heaven if it has to do with self accomplishment.  If it has to do with making things right with the Lord, then by all means work on it today.

We have such a marvelous Lord that we are going to be face to face with so soon.  He has prepared a stunningly wonderful place for each and every one of us.  God wants to reward you.  Give Him the best reason you can by showing your love for Him and obeying Him.

 
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Posted in Encouragement, Inspiration, Motivation

 

A Husband And Wife Need To Work Together

19 Apr

First before I go any further, the Lord gave me these scriptures to write on.  My wife and I in our twenty years I believe have really embraced what I’m writing on.  It’s one of the reasons I feel I have some good things to share.  Also I know that the world and the church as a whole struggles with this today.  I believe almost a hundred percent of marriages must address this at one point, especially when the world really contradicts the Word of God says in this area.     

 1 Corinthians 7:1-6 – 1 Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry. 2 But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. 3 The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. 5 Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 I say this as a concession, not as a command.

Verse one.  Is Paul stating he’s against marriage?  No.

What he is saying is that if you can stay single it will allow you to dedicate more time to the Lord if you’re living to serve Him.

Paul knew the reality though.  He’s letting all of us know, if you can’t be single without constantly having to fulfill those needs that should be in marriage, by all means marry.  There is too much immorality that will take place if you don’t.

That’s what leads into the next portion of scripture.  Selfish people argue their body is just their own.  As a Christian that philosophy fails twice.  First Christ paid the penalty of sin and you were bought with a price.  We are supposed to be now His.  Second, you made a commitment in marriage that the two flesh will become one.  That’s in all areas.  As spouses we are to work together and help each other out.  When we don’t die to our selfish nature and do that, Satan gets a foothold. 

Women, we have an epidemic of half the marriages failing for many different reasons, but we can’t be taking the position that my body is my own.  Men, quit being selfish.  We might only have a few needs, but we need to die to ourselves so we are meeting the needs our wives. 

When we shut down and say, “Fine, if they won’t help me here then I’m not helping them there,” we give the devil a foothold in our marriage.

We need to be servants especially to each other.  It was the second biggest example Christ gave us in His first time down here.  First was that we should love the Father with all our heart, soul, and mind.

Selfish leads to selfish.  Selfish leads to sin.   Christian ladies, don’t fall in the trap that the world sets that your body is your own.  In abortion they use that argument to murder unborn children.  Do you believe God went to the trouble of creating a life so the woman can make the decision on rather to end it?

Men and Women both have needs and the needs are real.  Both must communicate and meet those needs.  Then Satan has one less very important area to attack you in.

 
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Posted in Encouragement, Inspiration, Motivation, Reflections

 

Time To Wake From Our Slumber

18 Apr

Romans 13:11-14 – 11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

This advice is so important to almost all of us who are not in the full time ministry.  This world and the time we live in screams, serve yourself, get what’s yours, do what you want to do, the world is at your fingertips.

This is when we get into those slumbers.  We forget God, let alone serving God. 

The night is nearly over and the day is almost here.  We are one day closer to leaving this world and then standing in front of the Lord.  Accountability will soon become a reality.

Today is a new day.  It may be 11:48PM, but the Lord wants us to seek and work for Him.  The time for each one of us is drawing to a close on this earth.  That’s the truth no matter how you break it down.

Grace is to have our sins forgiven, not to use as an excuse to knowingly keep on sinning without trying to become more of what God wants us to be.

It’s about your heart.  Where’s it at.  What’s scary and too bad is the reality will step in when one knows the chapter in this life on earth is over.  They’ll know in their spirit that it was then temporary.  Seek today your loving Lord.  Make yourself available and get in the Word so you have it to share with others.

 
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Those Who Seek; Those That Don’t

17 Apr

Psalm 9:10 – 10 Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 10:4 – 4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

Those who seek and those who don’t.

People who don’t seek the Lord most of the time don’t know why.  If they are honest they will tell you they just have no need for Him.  They have got it under control right now.  Maybe they will when they need crutch.  They don’t understand that their attitudes and actions are built on pride.  They may not look at it that way, but the Lord didn’t create us to live without Him.  Rather they know it or not, that is rejection of the Lord.  It also keeps them from understanding they have fell away and they need the free gift of salvation.

On the flip side, those who trust in the Lord are never forsaken.  They might not always understand right away the results of a temporary time, but down the road God usually reveals it to them while still on this earth.  Trust in the Lord.  He is the center of the whole universe, as He has made it all.  Pretty important Person, huh.  One more thing, He loves each and every one of us and wants us to seek Him.  The God who made the whole universe loves us more than we can love ourselves, even though there are Billions of us.  He is all powerful and certainly worthy of our praise.

 
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Wide Is The Gate And Broad Is The Road

16 Apr

Matthew 7:13-14 –13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

The key words above when gauging if the percentage is good or bad is “many and few.”  Clearly more people enter into the wide great and take the broad road.

So if the Word of God is correct and I believe it is, then more people find Hell that have lived on this earth than Heaven.

Why is that?  The Lord doesn’t want any to perish.

1 Timothy 2:3-4- 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

2 Peter 3:9-  9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

If the Lord doesn’t want any to perish, then we can now figure it has something to do with our stubborn free will.  The gift of eternal life is free for all to CHOOSE.  It requires one to realize he is a haywire, fallen creature that has strayed from God.  At that time they need to ask for forgiveness and repent.

The Lord God is the Judge of all and I know will judge fairly.  You always hear from those looking to reject the message of Jesus because many will never have heard His name.  Just as children come to the age of accountability the Lord also knows rather a heart that never received the gospel was asking for forgiveness and wanted to repent.

However today, most of the world does get a chance to hear about Jesus.  They are certainly hearing about something and the something else’s are usually a far cry from the gospel and seeking forgiveness.

Today in America all adults have had the gospel available to them and “many” have chosen not to take the narrow path.  The key words are have CHOSEN or CHOOSE.

The gate is wide and the road is broad because many choose not to accept the free gift and repent.  They choose to walk on the broad road.  That’s a common road because unless a strong saved family influences someone while they are being raised, we all have to get off that path and CHOOSE to walk the one that the Lord wants us to.  That requires dying to one’s selfish own destiny.

 
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Posted in Encouragement, Inspiration

 
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