Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. (1 John 4:7 KJV)

 

 

 

People, and/or friends, may at times become exasperated with “talk of God“–which they might term excessive.  There may be some that pick or choose when to follow God, or even go so far as to alter the words of God to suit their purposes.

There may be talk that suggest that “one might be legalistic” or “too religious” for today.  Or, that “thinking like the Old Testament is from the stone ages” and certainly doesn’t apply to today.  While in fact, Jesus Christ’s blood, and sacrifice did do away with the “ordiances” which pertain to the blood sacrifices and rituals, the laws are still in place. There are great differences between the two. 

Laws of God are still in place…”Thou shall not commit murder” –still pertains to today.  “Thou shall not steal”–still pertains to today.  “Honor thy mother and father” still petains to today. (Although the way some of the new generation act that seems to be an arguable point.) 

The laws are there to protect us and are part of the “civil codes” of society. When we break them, there are prices to pay here on earth.  But, most important, there are prices to pay when we stand in front of God on the white throne of judgement day.

Getting back to people and their “disparaging remarks” when speaking of and to individuals that choose to stay true to God…it’s happening more and more. The society in which we live is permitting things of “the world” to slip in, thereby taking God out of the equation, and it’s glaringly apparent as evidenced by the news and the violence in the world all around us.

How do we expect God to keep blessing us when we push Him out of the equation of all aspects in which we live? Out of schools, out of courtrooms, out of holiday displays…out of moral conduct pertaining to life itself?  Yet through this all… His hand is still extended, and He is always there with unconditional love. However, if we keep shunning Him and turning away from Him, what do you think will happen eventually? The blessings will stop.  Bless God, and He will always bless you.  Turn to God and He will always turn toward you.  Honor and worship Him and He will pour out so many blessings that you will hardly keep up with the repetitive joy you’ll recieve from His mighty hands of grace.

There are people who might think that we’re excessive in our love toward God…to that I say “We can never be too excessive in love, devotion, or attitude toward God.”  There are people who might think, that God accepts us as we are and there is no reason to play by His rules..”to that I say, “He will always love us…it’s the sin that He doesn’t like. And, in order to stay in His good graces, there are RULES to follow, but the rewards are undeniable.

There are rules in life for everything we do.  At work, there are rules to follow and we have “job descriptions” to ensure that we are within the guidlines and adhering to the bylaws.  If we go our own way or follow a different “level of comittment” we’re essentially in trouble, and eventually we’ll either be let-go, or get a demotion (if we’re lucky).  There are laws pertaining to marriage, as God so clearly describes it in “His law.”   There are sign on the road telling us the speed limit, if we speed…a ticket is forthcoming.  There are signs to show us where we’re going on a highway…if they weren’t there, a lot of people (without a navigational system!) would be in trouble. There are signs to tell us “one way do not enter.”  That obviously is self-explanatory, it’s there to PROTECT US.   Guess what?  So is GOD, and His laws, and His doctrine and His ways.  All for our protection, all for us to keep our eyes on the prize…eternal salvation.

So, when people laugh or think nothing of “listening to mediums” on television, or playing with “supernatural wordly things” and mock us because when we adhere to God’s laws and run from  the subtle, yet clear signs of “evil” –let them laugh. I assure you, God’s not laughing.  The enemy is subtle, and will try any trick or persuasion to get us hooked while trying to get a foothold on us. But, those of us who know God and His word, and are equipped with the Gospel armor and helmet of salvation and gird ourselves with the truth…he’ll flee and know he can’t touch us.

Draw nigh to God and He’ll draw nigh to you. James 4:8 KJV    Resist the “enemy” and he will flee from you. This comes in all forms, wordly things, and things that seem innocent can turn into a pathway that leads us down primrose lane and destruction.

So, when people refer to me as “being overly religious” I smile really wide and feel truly blessed knowing I’m in that category of the ones who embrace the truth and the light and the WORD, and most important GOD.

Has anyone made fun of you today? If so, smile and say…Amen!

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Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4 KJV)

We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. (1 John 4:6 KJV)

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picture courtesy of Scott Birge~

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While working around my house with the television on in the background  I heard three people going on about “wanting things from God.”  These individuals were getting into details about “just what they expect from God” almost in a demanding and demeaning way!  I was transfixed, watching in amazement not comprehending their audacity in terms of our Father.  I spoke out loud, “What have You done for our Father that He should reward you?  And, when was the last time you thanked Him for all of your blessings and rewards?”

There are so many types of prayers when we speak with our Father. There are prayers for the sick, for healing, or intercessory prayer just to name a few. However, there is  the “prayer of Thanksgiving.”   When we get on our knees and give pure unadulterated thanks to our Father. I don’t mean by words, but truly with all of our hearts and soul, and mind and body give HIM THANKS.  Thanks for creating us, for sustaining us, for giving us His love.   O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 KJV

Speaking straight from our hearts with open loving arms telling Him, “I love You…thank You Father.” That is what He longs to hear, just as a parent wishes to hear it from his own birth child. What parent doesn’t delight in a word of “thanks?”  Or, an  “I love you” instead of “give me this, and give me that.” So, if as parents we delight in hearing those loving words purely from their hearts…imagine how our Father and creator feels when we offer our “love and thanks.” It goes beyond our scope of feelings on a grander scale of which we can only imagine.

I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high. Psalm 7:17 KJV

Singing His praises strictly for glorifying Him and worshiping Him without “selfish motives” is a realm in which all of should seek to aspire and practice. To merely say, “I love You Lord” and go about your business without expecting anything in return is an area some of us are negligent in. It is a paradox in itself  giving Him thanks and praise…for when we’re selfless in our expression towards the Lord, and we honor Him, and seek His face, while we shower thanks and praise on His lovely and precious name, we’ll reap rewards that’ll be too numerous to speak about. It follows naturally in accordance to our actions and our obedience to the Lord.  As we give Him thanks and praise our cup will overflow.  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name Psalm 100:4 KJV

 During our everyday transactions of life no matter what we’re doing we should always give thanks to the Lord.  Our accomplishements are only due to the Lord, our skills and gifts are because of the Lord.  So when we do a good job it is admirable and in accordance to being a good Christian, but all the glory and honor belong to God. It is because of Him that we are who we are. We should never lose sight of that. He rewards us and gives us the ability in which to maintain our lifestyle and gifts.   And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.   Colossians 3:17

No matter what you do, or where you go, don’t forget to give Him thanks and all of your love. Honor Him, obey Him and love Him.  Today take the time to stop, reflect on your blessings and give Him your heart with a resounding shout of “THANK YOU FATHER….I LOVE YOU.”   And, when our life is done on earth, and  we’re called home, you can be sure He will welcome us with His arms opened-wide and say, “well done my faithful and loving child well done…”

And in that day shall ye say , Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.   Isaiah 12:4 KJV

 In every thing give thanks : for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture courtesy of Scott Birge~

 

 

 

 

(Romans 12:10 KJV)  “ Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another…”

 

While watching a baseball game a player was deliberately hit with a fast ball.  I closed my eyes and prayed the man was okay.  Thank God he was, but to my utter dismay I noticed the crowd standing and cheering loudly that this individual was “hit.”  They stood–children included–clapping joyously while hurling expletives at the individual. The sounds of the racous crowd was deafening. Obviously having watched this sport my whole life, there’s a natural inclination to “cheer on your team.”  When it’s done in a playful and good natured way, it’s all part of the game. But, lately I’ve noticed a disturbing pattern emerging more frequently than not. The fans have become seemingly desensitized in their views while attending a game. It’s evident in their approach and their chants. Perhaps the most disturbing is that they’re teaching their children to want and delight in “this sickening display.”  These individuals sat in judgement of a player who “supposedly” took some kind of performance enhancing drug.  It wasn’t proven yet, and he is playing according to the rules of the game and arbritration.  Yet, these people sat in judgment…screaming mean vindictive words, while their children joined in!   But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.  (Romans 14:10 KJV)

The world today is growing increasingly difficult to recognize.  For an example, I was waiting to check out my groceries online behind two women who had many horrific things to say about everyone and anything.  There wasn’t one positive report between the two. Things like, “I wanted my house to look better than hers, so I outbidded her for the items.”  The other friends went on to say, “I lied to her and told her there were no homes coming up for sale. Who wants her near me? And, imagine the house is better than mine, that’s all I need.”  This went on for about ten minutes. I wanted to jump lines due to the negative and toxic talk that was going on. They were shutting out people due to their own selfish needs and wants. They were sitting in judgment of people whom I didn’t know, but hurt my  heart to hear it.  Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. (Romans 14:13 KJV)

We are supposed to love others and honor others as God says in His word. If someone wants a house in your neighborhood and it’s “better than yours” –God bless them.  Tell them about it. If someone is bidding for an “item you want” –God bless them, let them have it.  Or better still, if you’re able…”buy it for them.”  Why all the discourse? Why the hatred? Why the negative talk?  We are what we sow, and we will reap bitterness and depths of despair as we spread seeds of discourse. When you sow seeds that produce righteous fruit, we will reap the rewards from our Father in abundance. Our rewards will be met, if not here…then most assuredly in heaven. It’s so much better to encourage and help one another. Even our brain patterns in an EEG are diffferent when we help and give of ourselves. It solidifies and amplifies your whole being.   Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (Romans 14:19 KJV)

Life is fleeting here on earth and we are brought here for a purpose. All of us are created by God’s loving and worthy holy hands.  We have a reason for being here. Do you honestly believe it is to “cast dispersions on one another?”  Do you believe it’s to downplay and outscheme one another?” Hardly.  That would cancel out the very reason Jesus came to earth. He wanted to save us from “ourselves” and our sins.  He came looking for us, to help us, to show us what we need to do for our eternal salvation. Jesus is love. He is not a respector of persons and loves us all equally. Thank you Lord!!  The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. (Psalms 37:23 KJV)

When seeds of joy are spread and His word is spread through actions of love and acceptance and honoring of each other–great things take place. You feel better physically as you nuture your spirit resulting in peace, contentment, and an overwhelming feeling of love.  Jesus is love, and when we love we LOVE HIM.  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  (Romans 5:8 KJV)

Don’t perpetruate “discourse and anger” –embrace love and acceptance and watch your life turn around for the better.  And, most especially don’t forget that God loves us!  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind…(Matthew 22:37 KJV)

  

 

 

 

 

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 Beautiful peaceful swan courtesy of Scott Birge~ Thank you my friend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While reading a devotional by a well known Pastor his theme spoke to my heart.  He said…“We are what we eat.” 

That’s so true of our physical beings. When we eat healthy our bodies respond accordingly. When we make the proper choices in dining, we more than likely will be well overall.

The same is true of choices pertaining to the “world” which in turn affects our spiritual well-being. When we choose things of the world we’ll ultimately be affected by the consequences of which we will not escape.

This well known Pastor made good points throughout his sermon. He mentioned that certain foods need to be “acquired” in order to appreciate them. But over time our bodies will respond and yearn for the “healthy choices” until we bypass the unhealthy choices.

When we have the thoughts and mind of Christ we choose the good things while we’re here in our flesh bodies. As we begin to walk and think like Christ, we acquire His ways and act accordingly.  Our spirit will respond to the good things of this “world” and shut out the evil things of this world. Because it is a faithful practice we cultivate in our choices as we listen and hear the voice of God and his Son Christ, through the Holy Spirit, which is our voice of conviction.

“Now I beseech you brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; bu that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10 KJV) –  Paul warned us here about keeping the same mind as Christ.  And, most especially in the church. The true church of Jesus Christ, which is in all of us when we accepted Him as our Lord and Savior.

We are strong in Christ and His ways will reinforce our paths.  When we shun the “world” and the evil in it, on a spiritual sense, we begin a closer and higher walk with God. Our minds become more like Christ.

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but “the spirit” which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”                                               (1 Corinthians 1:12 KJV)

“For who hath known the mind of the lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”                      (1 Corinthians :16 KJV)

The natural man does not have the Spirit from God. He considers it foolishness. It’s the Spirit that convicts and reveals all things to us. A spiritual person has discernment and a keen understanding of the Lord’s voice as He opens our ears and eyes, and minds.

The spiritual person has a deeper understanding, compassion, patience, and a tolerance which is the barometer of the Holy Spirit’s fruits.  We begin to produce fruits of the Spirit and reveal them through our works, and in the natural course of our lives.  We go forward by the hands of our Lord who is constantly honing our capabilities in all facets of spiritual connections.

The next time you make the “right choice” in terms of “food in the world “ realize it’s a choice that can keep you in “good spirits” and on good terms with the Holy One, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…

 

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“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2 KJV)

 

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Pic courtesy of Scott Birge~ TY!