The fear of death of course being at the top of that list, I'm of the opinion the further one moves away from the fear of death, the more available they've "Become" to think of others.
Many see salvation as though a 'Way" of circumventing what's going to be an otherwise ugly event for many, yet when one someone considers their salvation as though an "Escape" how do they reason through the evaluation where they see themselves doing the same things the unbelievers do on a continued basis?
Who's lied to whom and what has been tried, proved and tested for its purity?
Is it the objective of God whom saves us so that we can continue doing what we've done to the best of our own ability OR is the godly objective more about maturity (purification) to the point of not only hearing, but also "seeing" a real change within ourselves?
Many see the word "New Creation" and then move forward talking "new" yet acting old. As if managing or rearranging their thought life in order to "Improve" upon what they still observe about themselves.
Many never hear the truth which then limits what they can or can NOT see and those limits being the result of what they've been taught. How do you hold every thought captive unto Christ? How long does that take in order to see results? A week, 6 months or a year?
What "Good" is prophecy or the thought of becoming a prophet if you do NOT believe what you prophesy will ever become a reality? Many only see salvation as if from the wrath of God, yet what is anyone being saved from if NOT their enemies?
What does an enemy of God appear as?
Someone who can NOT be trusted? Someone sent on a mission yet then does something different once they arrive?
Someone who does not "Listen"? Someone prevents themselves from being asked to go and do by way of refusing to be prepared to go? Someone who makes God to look like a liar? Maybe someone who continually makes excuses why they can't do what God says is possible with Him?
What possible good can come from being prepared? Contrary to what many believe, there is a difference between being tested, tried and tempted.
Because we do know and believe that it is impossible for God to lie and that He tells us God will not be tempted nor will He tempt any man.
1 Thess 2:4
On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
NIV
In terms of being taught, Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, friends or relatives may have provided what THEY thought was right for You. Right meaning in a season where they felt compelled to provide care for you, yet as it pertains to being "In Christ" they do NOT determine who your "Shepherd" is as a "New creation In Christ".
That eternal consideration belongs to the One that has become YOUR Lord and Savior.
How does a man find out who his spiritual (guide) shepherd is here in this world? Is it only the Holy spirit unto each man? If yes why do we look so different based on what we believe to be true?
All anyone outside of yourself can do is lead you to the ONE that can save your soul. The same can be said of the Priest, Preacher, Elder, Bishop, Deacon, Pope or for that matter the entire "Body of Christ" that also hopes to influence or persuade you in the things which pertain to the One true God.
Much like King Saul's armor offered to a young boy named David that armor did NOT fit the young version of soon to be "King David". Have you ever stopped to consider David as King yet while there was still an attending King on that same God appointed throne?
Many did not know (realize or believe) that young David had already been anointed as King yet why? Because He did not bear the signet ring of the King? Because the battle forces were still responding to Saul?
How different is Christ in the mind of many today? Especially when we can't "See" the physical evidence of His Kingship or Kingdom yet we're told He has been given all power and ALL authority in heaven and on earth?
How long did David have to wait, run and hide from his adversaries before He realized the full power of being placed on the throne as King?
And what is a kingdom of Priest that can't be seen or realized, "Yet"? Even more who has been prepared to reign as such with Christ?
Eph 4:22-24
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
NIV
Therefore, IF anyone is in Christ, he IS a new creation ; the old has gone, the new has come!
NIV
For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
And,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
NIV
Rom 8:13-15
For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God .
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.
NIV
Some of the lessor decisions we make in life are made as though the end results have already been weighed and determined which then become the dominate commentary that gets "Heard" and followed because they've been "Observed" as though the very things which cause us to be considered "Righteous" in God's sight.
Heard because of what I call the selfish concern(s) of the soul which focus upon the three P's of life..
Common things to us all which fall under one or a combination of these three categories, "Provision, Protection and Prosperity".
All of which are usually "Seen" (envisioned) as though the potential to directly impact either the functionality of our bodies and on a heightened level which we try to observe as though our "Righteous" soul (thoughts and trailing emotions) which then lead us.
1 Cor 10:12-13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.
NIV
Very little concern plays into the eternal picture concerning the address, condition and comfort of that "Soul" once it arrives at wherever "There" is?.
If you can allow it, let the simplicity and innocence of the question below to sink and settle in the depths of your soul before you try and defend "Everything" else you think you have truly believed in terms of Godliness.
2 Cor 6:15
What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
NIV
1 Peter 4:15
If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.
NIV
I want to challenge the reader.
How many decision's do you make that have been based on "Who's" on board with you when You do make decisions?
Not so much how you see the results affecting them, but how much do you "See" the result of your decisions made affecting "You" in a meaningful relationship with others?
You see we can make decisions based on our emotions, emotional status (feelings) as well how we see others affected by their feelings (their emotional status) based only upon how we relate to those same feelings, yet how much of our feelings or the feelings of others have been based on the "Truth"?
How much of what we say we "Feel" has been based on what is NOT true as well "WHO" presents these "Lies"?
Now ask yourself based on what you say you believe to be true and that by the same faith you're depending upon as if same participates in the eventual saving of your soul? Short question, yet a DEEP consideration, "Is Christ inside of you"?
Lies consumed as though a life time of chicken nuggets eaten which then produce the girth we carry around our waste? Enough to where we condition ourselves to "Believe" in a moment without notice, what we've maintained and stored having been told as though ALL true which then becomes our default life preserver?
Sound like comfort food?
Lies which then steer and effect nearly ALL other non pressured decisions made?
Believe it or not we all operate from our own little book of "Creeds". Things, notions, sayings, beliefs and such that we've accumulated over the years. Who's filled this ledger of sorts with the information we've allowed to accumulate?
Even fewer make decisions based only upon how the end result(s) affect our "Own" soul". Meaning how is this going to affect me
Decisions made "yes" but where does the consideration of our soul rank on the food chain of our priorities?
Many love to talk about "Morals" or a moral "Compass", yet how little has been considered when one truly sits down and considers what compels the needle of that compass to face due "North" (Christ)?
In other circles we might hear the buzz words, "Priorities, What's important or Character" yet does any One of those describe the entire "Personage" we say we're watching over?
Let's visit the words of God for a minute so we can take a bearing read on where we're headed.
The following, "Is it a suggestion or wisdom being expressed because of what God already knew about humanity as his propensity to forget"?
Considering the full scope of a beginning and end as if you would both ends of a gauntlet or maybe a telescope, that might seem like a fairly long line of sight, yet is it truly that far when you find yourself able to weigh the result of only one thought and or one decision made at a time?
Especially so IF you've been properly taught not only the way you should go from your youth but also the clear picture and true meaning of the life cycle of a seed planted as a seed that never dies.
In terms of "Talking" and that only ABOUT the Love Of God, that to me doesn't leave much room for too much of anything else IF we're trying to include such a consideration as though "Separate" or apart from what we're doing at any given moment.
If one were to first be truthful with themselves, you have nothing to talk about without a relationship FIRST being in place. Add to that if what you talk about participates within building a relationship which then "Last" how important then is what you talk about as if "The Relationship" that's built?
Deut 6:5-9
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.Impress them on your children.
Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.
NIV
The particular beauty of a Christian based blog is that it doesn't include include secular oriented opinions which of course for the most part keeps the focus one one central thought process.
In terms of victory, how does the mind that embraces imperfection comment on the promises of God?
Does the mind of imperfection cling to what it knows more about itself historically or or does it look to the otherwise invisible qualities of God that have yet to manifest by way of the same spirit we profess indwells our being?
If the word of God is thought to be declared through the mouth of mere man, when has perfection completed it's work within such a man enough that God is then heard from the mouth of that same man among others?
That is the point and place where the content of what each man says (as if from the mouth of God) is then received as if from God? Who is righteous and why the consideration of the said "Unrighteous" that will forever be lost?
To suggest even further at what point is the messenger "Believed"? The message that's been relayed to them as if from God as well through the personage of yet another man?
Many might ask, "Why doesn't God simply speak directly to everyone based on the commonly understood and desired rules of equality which follow the assumption that "All men are created equal"? Created equal maybe, yet in pursuit of God to the same degree of due diligence NOT so much.
Is this a Good question or one that's been bogged down over time as it's been snagged, torn and frayed having been drug through the muddied (Poorly understood) lives of humanity?
No, I think it's quite simple and "Just" as God has already stated the final verdict concerning the whole of humanity when they choose to deceitfully handle the things which pertain to "Godliness and Holiness". Both also understood as the light of "Truth".
Paul's continued delivery of the Gospel included the same basic principles of the Kingdom of God which agreed with the preaching of Christ concerning this same kingdom when He was here.
Yes, Jesus said as we can all easily read when we choose to, "It is better that I should Go", yet what was He preparing our minds for in saying such a thing?
It's as if He was carving out a recess (space) within our minds so that we COULD accommodate something else that would come.What was to come in order to fill this void which He then presently stood in while here?
Many today are saying, "Oh how I wish Jesus was here today and that be true in part, yet have they forgotten what He said in that it is better that He Go"?
What could be better than the presence of His person?
His person which dwelled (Among) men externally in the minds of most?
Some try to discredit Paul, because if they can somehow discredit the messenger, that would leave the message of this man creating more doubt rather than accomplishing what Christ cam to establish.
Much like what goes on today in the courtroom of doubt, "Simply discredit the witness and his testimony gets tossed out with him"!
If it can be accepted, Paul was one of the executors of the will of God as is all those that are obedient to Christ beyond His death on the cross.
Why? Because of this salvation which came to all mankind also requires that each generation has need of executors to continually "Dispense" the benefits contained in the "Will" left to mankind.
I don't know if you've ever been at the reading of a "Will", but what is required when a will is read? Do the recipients have to do anything when they take ownership of their inheritance beyond proving they are the rightful heirs of the one who wrote the will?
Acts 26:20
I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.
NIV
What did the person of Paul have to prove to man or God before being entrusted with the message of Christ? That he (Paul) would faithfully dispense at all cost the full intentions of God or just the rosey colored picture which says "On your terms you will be received by God"?
If that were true why preach repentance? Repentance from what?
Repentance from what man alone views as the offense against God?
1 Cor 4:1-4
So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God.
Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. NIV
Today its as if the will of God is being contested. The will left behind that must not only be delivered, but also read and upheld in the highest court which is in heaven.
Good question...
The same words which contain the prophecies concerning Christ believers reach towards, contain way more insight than credit (value) and emphasis has been given.
Still waiting on this day? What did Jesus have to say along the lines of this consideration?
Some see no value in prayer and some pray and they attach the name of Jesus to their prayers as if a stamp applied which somehow ensures their mailed (sent) request then gets received by the attentive eyes and ears of God.
1 Peter 3:12
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
NIV
Many want to see God's hand at work in their lives yet they'll forget what God desires even more as the result of answered prayers. What is that God wants though? Could it be the type of "Faith" Jesus ask if He would find upon His return?
God wants the full cycle of faith to finish its work in those which say they believe not only in Him but also in the one He sent so that we COULD know Him (God).
Know what though? To know that He is God? The word He also gave us said even the demons know this as a fact and shudder
This is a biblical accounting of a man that found himself weighing the "Why" as it pertains to the hand of God at work within his life.
Job 42:1-6
Then Job replied to the LORD: "I know that you can do all things ; no plan of yours can be thwarted.[You asked,] 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?'
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.
["You said,] 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.' My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.
Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."
NIV
Did God create you to be a robot or son? If a robot then where does the requirement of faith come in and that by way of hearing the words of God?
A son does what with the words of his father? And if a brother does not come from the same womb what is he in relation to you?
Wouldn't the truthful answer depend upon the value of Gods words spoken? Wouldn't the answer also depend upon the identity desired by the one(s) listening?
Does the Son first see himself as a son in order to find God's words applicable?
Is it only a matter of acceptance or finding Gods word exceptional or is it greater matter of finding God righteous whenever He does speak?
And what of the red ink which declares, "My sheep hear my voice" and those words also having come from the mouth of One that does NOT Lie?
I only have to consider the fact that God's ways and thoughts are not our ways and thoughts to know that I will forever on this earth be seeking God's help to change me.
ReplyDeleteAmen. I Love the like minded suggestion.
ReplyDelete