"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee" (Isa. 26:3). What is signified by a mind "stayed on" the Lord? At least three things. First, to make the Lord the Portion of my soul. All around us are those vainly seeking contentment in things: such as money, and what it can buy, social prestige, fame, pleasures, etc.—all of which are broken vases which hold no water. Only the One who made us can satisfy the heart; only as our affection is set upon "things above" do we drink of the Fountain of living waters. Just in proportion as "Delight thyself also in the LORD" (Psa. 37:4) will "perfect peace" be mine now.
Second, to receive from God's hand whatsoever enters my life. I need to cultivate the habit of looking beyond all secondary causes, all intermediary agents and human instruments, recognising that "of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are ALL things" (Rom. 11:36). "Cease ye from man" (Isa. 2:22); conclude no more it is Satan who is seeking to disturb your rest; but say, "The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it!" (John 18:11). Just in proportion as we are enabled to say from the heart "It is the LORD: let Him do what seemeth Him good" (1 Sam. 3:18) will "perfect peace" be ours in this world of sin and turmoil.
Third, to leave the future entirely with God. And why not? Are not my "times" in His hand (Psa. 31:15)? Has He not graciously cared for me and faithfully supplied my every need hitherto? Then why be fearful of what lies ahead? Has He not promised never to leave nor forsake me! Just in proportion as I live a day at a time, and "Take therefore no anxious thought for the morrow" (Matt. 6:34) will "perfect peace" be mine even now. But each of these three things is dependent upon the exercise of FAITH; as the text says "because he trusteth in Thee."
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Keys of Truth: Second Timothy (Chapter 1)
1) It is the will of God for us to tell others about the life that He promises through faith in Jesus Christ.
2) Grace, mercy and peace comes from God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3) We are to remember each other in prayer.
4) We must have a genuine love and affection for each other.
5) We must develop a faith that is indisputable and real.
6) A genuine and strong faith that fills our heart can be passed on to our children.
7) Spiritual gifts can be given by the laying on of hands.
8) God does not give us a spirit of fear. God gives the spirit of power, love and self-disciple.
9) Never be ashamed to tell others about the Lord Jesus Christ.
10) Don’t be ashamed of others that share the message of Jesus Christ.
11) God will give strength to those that suffer for sharing the message of Jesus Christ.
12) God saves us and calls us to live a holy life. It was the plan of God from the beginning to show us kindness and grace through Jesus Christ.
13) This is made known to us clearly through Jesus Christ; breaking the power of death and showing the way to life, and life eternal through the Gospel.
14) God chooses those that will preach and teach the Gospel.
15) Those that teach and preach the Gospel with suffer for the sake of the Gospel.
16) If you are suffering because of the Gospel, don’t be ashamed.
17) God will protect the Gospel, and those that share the Gospel until Jesus comes again.
18) Let us hold on to truth being taught in faith and love.
19) With the help of the Holy Spirit, we are to protect our witness of the truth.
20) Those that share the Gospel may be deserted by others. However, God will send others to show kindness, and give encouragement.
2) Grace, mercy and peace comes from God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3) We are to remember each other in prayer.
4) We must have a genuine love and affection for each other.
5) We must develop a faith that is indisputable and real.
6) A genuine and strong faith that fills our heart can be passed on to our children.
7) Spiritual gifts can be given by the laying on of hands.
8) God does not give us a spirit of fear. God gives the spirit of power, love and self-disciple.
9) Never be ashamed to tell others about the Lord Jesus Christ.
10) Don’t be ashamed of others that share the message of Jesus Christ.
11) God will give strength to those that suffer for sharing the message of Jesus Christ.
12) God saves us and calls us to live a holy life. It was the plan of God from the beginning to show us kindness and grace through Jesus Christ.
13) This is made known to us clearly through Jesus Christ; breaking the power of death and showing the way to life, and life eternal through the Gospel.
14) God chooses those that will preach and teach the Gospel.
15) Those that teach and preach the Gospel with suffer for the sake of the Gospel.
16) If you are suffering because of the Gospel, don’t be ashamed.
17) God will protect the Gospel, and those that share the Gospel until Jesus comes again.
18) Let us hold on to truth being taught in faith and love.
19) With the help of the Holy Spirit, we are to protect our witness of the truth.
20) Those that share the Gospel may be deserted by others. However, God will send others to show kindness, and give encouragement.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Keys of Truth: First Timothy (Chapter 6)
1) Those of us that work for others should show our bosses respect, so that we will not bring shame on the name of God and God’s word.
2) If our bosses happen to be Christians, we should be interested in helping our bosses to a greater degree.
3) Some people may contradict what the Bible teaches, however, the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ will promote a godly life.
4) Anyone who teaches something different than the teachings of Jesus is arrogant and lacks understanding. These people chose to debate over the meanings of words; stirring up arguments that cause jealousy, division, slander, and evil doubts.
5) These people cause trouble, having corrupt minds, being turn away from the truth.
6) To live godly being content is priceless.
7) We brought nothing into this world that we can leave this world with.
8) So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
9) Those of us that desire to be rich fall into temptation, being trapped by foolish and harmful desires that cause ruin and destruction.
10) For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. People who crave money will wander from the true faith, and find themselves experiencing much sorrow.
11) We are to avoid the things that are evil. We are to pursue righteousness and godly living, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
12) We are to fight the good fight of faith, holding firmly to eternal life which God has called us to; making a confession to all that we have eternal life now through Jesus Christ.
13) We have been ordered by God, who gives life to all, to remember the things aforementioned.
14) If we remember the principles taught above, no one will be able to find fault with us.
15) At the right time Jesus will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only mighty God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
16) God alone can never die, living in light so brilliant that no human can approach Him. No human eye has ever seen, or will ever see Him. All honor and power to Him forever. Amen.
17) Those that are rich in this world must not be proud and put their trust in money, which is so unreliable. Our trust must be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.
18) Those that are rich should use their money to do good, being rich in good works, and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will store up their treasure as a good foundation for the future, so that they may experience true life (eternal life).
19) We are to guard the truths entrusted to us; avoiding godless, foolish discussions with those that oppose the truth, using their so-called knowledge.
20) People wander from true faith by following such foolishness.
21) God’s grace will be with us.
2) If our bosses happen to be Christians, we should be interested in helping our bosses to a greater degree.
3) Some people may contradict what the Bible teaches, however, the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ will promote a godly life.
4) Anyone who teaches something different than the teachings of Jesus is arrogant and lacks understanding. These people chose to debate over the meanings of words; stirring up arguments that cause jealousy, division, slander, and evil doubts.
5) These people cause trouble, having corrupt minds, being turn away from the truth.
6) To live godly being content is priceless.
7) We brought nothing into this world that we can leave this world with.
8) So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
9) Those of us that desire to be rich fall into temptation, being trapped by foolish and harmful desires that cause ruin and destruction.
10) For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. People who crave money will wander from the true faith, and find themselves experiencing much sorrow.
11) We are to avoid the things that are evil. We are to pursue righteousness and godly living, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
12) We are to fight the good fight of faith, holding firmly to eternal life which God has called us to; making a confession to all that we have eternal life now through Jesus Christ.
13) We have been ordered by God, who gives life to all, to remember the things aforementioned.
14) If we remember the principles taught above, no one will be able to find fault with us.
15) At the right time Jesus will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only mighty God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
16) God alone can never die, living in light so brilliant that no human can approach Him. No human eye has ever seen, or will ever see Him. All honor and power to Him forever. Amen.
17) Those that are rich in this world must not be proud and put their trust in money, which is so unreliable. Our trust must be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.
18) Those that are rich should use their money to do good, being rich in good works, and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will store up their treasure as a good foundation for the future, so that they may experience true life (eternal life).
19) We are to guard the truths entrusted to us; avoiding godless, foolish discussions with those that oppose the truth, using their so-called knowledge.
20) People wander from true faith by following such foolishness.
21) God’s grace will be with us.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Tattoo or Not Tattoo?
This is a question many "Christians" struggle with. For many Christians, tattooing falls into the category of "disputable matters." The Bible says in Leviticus 19:28, "Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the Lord." (NLT) How much clearer can that be?
It's important, however, to look at the verse in context. This passage in Leviticus, including the surrounding text, is specifically dealing with the pagan religious rituals of the people living around the Israelites. God’s desire is to set His people apart from other cultures. The focus here is prohibiting worldly, heathen worship, and witchcraft.
It's important, however, to look at the verse in context. This passage in Leviticus, including the surrounding text, is specifically dealing with the pagan religious rituals of the people living around the Israelites. God’s desire is to set His people apart from other cultures. The focus here is prohibiting worldly, heathen worship, and witchcraft.
God forbids His holy people from engaging in idolatrous, pagan worship and sorcery which copy the heathens. He does this out of protection because He knows this will lead them away from Himself, the one true God. So, the important question remains, is getting a tattoo a form of pagan, worldly worship still forbidden by God today? (Consider Romans 14)
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