Buried Treasure?

Some people find fault as if it were buried treasure. Before we judge a situation it would be best if we were to know the whole story or as the old saying goes, "walk a mile in their shoes". I personally like Jesus' take on the situation, for us to forgive one another. What are your thoughts? Do we come to conclusions without the facts? Are humans just judgmental by their human sinful nature? Oh well, it is a great day to know Jesus and to be known by him.

Maranatha!

In Matthew 24, Jesus was asked by his disciples what shall be the sign of your coming and the end of the world? Part of his answer talked of the fact that many shall be offended and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another, and many false prophets shall arise and shall deceive many. He also said that because iniquity would abound, the love of many would grow cold, but those who would endure until the end would be saved. There is much coming on the face of the earth even through the church that is intended to deceive the saints. Teachings on good works for salvation, saving mother earth for the Lord, embracing those of all religions while working together for the good of mankind. Jesus gave us our mandate to go into all the world and make disciples. We have also been instructed that light and dark have no fellowship and that we aren't to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. God would that all be saved, but all won't be saved for to be saved they have to receive Jesus as Savior, Lord, and God. Mankind is so independent that we want to have the final say so on how we will get to heaven. The Bible clearly states that no man comes to the Father except through Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Jesus is coming soon so let's be alert to the snares of the enemy. Let's stay in the word and live the word and keep our hearts right with the Lord and our fellowman. Maranatha!

A Special People!

In Deuteronomy 7:6 we read, "For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all the people that are upon the face of the earth." This was written to the Jewish people and expressed God's love for them. We too are special to the Lord God for he has chosen us and called us and ordained us to be a people unto himself. We are to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves. It is important for us to realize that we are special to the Lord. When we experience the Love of God, we then know we are special. In I Peter 2:5 it says, "Ye also as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." In verse 4 of the same chapter it says we are chosen of God and precious. So fellow priests, precious in the sight of God, and special unto the Lord, let us offer up spiritual sacrifices unto the Lord, that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks unto him.

I Hate The Work Of Them That Turn Aside!

Psalm 101:3 says, "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside, it shall not cleave to me." Perhaps the process of turning aside from the Lord involves just what we allow in front of our eyes. No doubt there will be many movies at the theater and shows on TV, that God's children have no business watching. May God help us all to not violate our consciences by looking at evil things. Let's join David in proclaiming, "I hate the work of them that turn aside."

Touching up X-rays

Some folks live their lives like the following story by Henry Youngman which goes like this, "I have a very fine doctor. If you can't afford the operation, he touches up the X-rays." Ignoring problems won't make them go away. We must deal with problems with an open and honest heart and mind. God gives us creative ways to bring resolution to difficult situations, but they will always be an honest approach and bring positive results. Are we touching up X-rays or are we standing up as God's mature children and facing the facts, and responding accordingly?

Giving!

It will be good for us to remember the spirit of the following story as we approach the Christmas season.
The African boy listened carefully as the teacher explained why it is that Christians give presents to each other on Christmas Day. "The gift is an expression of our joy over the birth of Jesus and our friendship for each other," she said. When Christmas Day came, the boy brought the teacher a sea shell of lustrous beauty. "Where did you find such a beautiful shell?" the teacher asked. The youth told her that there is only one spot where such extraordinary shells could be found -- a certain bay several miles away. "Why . . . why, it's gorgeous,"said the teacher. "But you shouldn't have gone all that way to get a gift for me." His eyes brightening, the boy answered. "Long walk part of the gift."

Enough!

In Proverbs 30:15b-16 it says, "There are three things that are never satisfied, yea four things say not, It is enough: The grave, and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough." Let me ask a question, are we as God's people a satisfied people that say it is enough? In I Timothy 6:8 (Amplified Version) we see, "But if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content (satisfied)." Do those who don't know Christ as Savior and Lord ever feel content with anything? I doubt seriously that they do. The heart is empty until Jesus comes into our lives and gives us a new heart, one that cries Abba Father. In I Timothy 6:6 it says, "But godliness with contentment is great gain." Many believe that gain is godliness. What does our life say to others in this regard?