Molding Us into his Image

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Tracy K

potterwheel

Today everybody seems to be going on with their busy lives and neglect worshiping God.  We think we are self-sufficient, have everything we need in life, and have all the comforts of life.  We work full time jobs, have busy lives and continue on with our lives  until something happens which bring us to a dead stop.  Perhaps we come down with an illness or lose our jobs.  Perhaps our house burns down or we fall and break a bone. Then we begin to question “Why?”  We wonder, Why did this happen to me?  The answer is simple: sometimes it takes those unexpected trials and tribulations that bring us closer to God.  After something happens, we are forced to slow down and look to the Father.  Now we realize that we need God.  We are no longer self sufficient but human. We need God to help us.  Now we are truly humbled, and realize how much we truly need God.

Sometimes God allows people to go through things in their lives which molds them into his perfect image.  Sometimes things, trials, tribulations, hardships come into our lives, because he wants us to seek him for comfort, help or guidance; and when he does give us comfort or help; we have a tendency to worship him the more.  We actually start to praise him, because we see the miracles that he has performed. We see how he rescues us from death, or illness or financial troubles.

Last couple months, my family has been going through their share of troubles.  My nephew quit breathing and was put on a ventilator.  My sister got some terrible news about her husbands health.  My dad has a small amount of blood flow going to his leg, and he needs surgery or he will lose it.  My mother fell and had a possible stroke.  My health has declined and I have had to take more time off work.  My niece almost lost her baby she was carrying and almost died herself because of placenta previa.

The more trials that have come my way, the more humble I become.  I realize that I am nothing without God.  I am merely a servant of the Lord, Jesus Christ.  God expects his people to come to him in humility and with praise.  If we are lifted up in pride, we cannot lift up the Lord the way he deserves.  We are concerned more for our own selfish things, instead of honoring and worshiping God.

I am convinced that the Lord is working mightily in these days to sanctify his church.  He is getting his church ready to be with him.  The Bible tells us that he will return and call his children home to be with him.  I know that we all should be molded into the image of God and separated from the world.  In Jeremiah Chapter 18 we read the story about the Potter and how he wanted to mold a vessel unto honor and not dishonor.  Jeremiah 18:4 says, “And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.”  When these trials come into our lives, God could be molding us unto a vessel of honor.  Allow God to work in your lives; pray God will mold you into his image.

Related Scriptures:
Genesis 1:27- So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Revelation 3:17- Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

2 Timothy 2:21- If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

Hebrews 1:3- Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:

Jeremiah 18:4- And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Romans 9:21- Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

Isaiah 64:8- But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

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Put on Holiness

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Tracy K

holy

God wants his people to present themselves holy unto the world. Leviticus 20:7 says, “Sanctify yourselves and be ye holy for I am the Lord your God.” As Christians we should separate ourselves from the world. If we do things of the world than we are not presenting ourselves in the right way. The Lord doesn’t want us to look back to the things of the past but forget those things. Those that look back are not fit for the kingdom of God. We are to represent ourselves as holy and do God’s will. If we are a child of God, are main focus should be sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Now the definition of holiness is to connect ourselves to a God or religion; To be morally good and have complete devotion in righteousness to the deity of God. We should put on a divine quality. This goes back to separating yourself from the world. Putting on godliness and letting others know you are a child of the king. To be holy you need to be a child of God. In order to be his child you need to accept Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9, 10 says, “ If thou shalt confess with thy mouth, the Lord Jesus and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised from the dead thou shalt be saved. For with the heart, man believeth into righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made into salvation.”

Second of all, things we do in the world should be toward building upon a strong foundation in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:19-22 says, “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. And are build upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together unto a holy temple of the Lord. In whom ye are also builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.” To be holy God mentioned not drinking wine or strong drink such as beer or liquor. Samson had a Nazarite vow and he wasn’t suppose to not drink wine or strong drink. Also Zachariah wasn’t suppose to drink it either. Another thing to be holy is to put on charity ( love) which is the bond of perfectness; Listed in Colossians 3:14. It says, Be ye thankful (vs. 15.) Let the peace of God dwell in your heart to ye which ye are called unto one body and be ye thankful. Forbear and forgive one another. If you can’t forgive others how will God forgive us. Obey your masters. Your boss is your master and you need to obey him, but not if it goes against God’s law. If you are a boss, be good to your servants or workers. Colossians 4:1 says: Masters give things right and equal to them, knowing you have a mater in Heaven. Also, continue in prayer; Talk to the Heavenly Father. Have love for others. Show charity and give to the poor. Abstain from ALL appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

1 Tmothy chapter 2 verse 9 and 10 says, “Women need to adorn themselves with modest apparel with shamed facedness with sobriety. Women professing themselves godliness with good works.” Women need to dress appropriately. Men need to dress appropriately and present himself holy to the Lord. Do not strive to be rich. 1 Timothy 6:10 says, The love of Money is the root of all evil; Which some have coveted after have erred from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. But man of God, Flee these things but follow after godliness, righteousness, faith, love, meekness, patience. Fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life and where there are called and have professed a good profession to many witnesses. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, study to show yourself approved unto God, a worker rightly divideth the word of truth. A man of God should study his Bible. We should present our body as a vessel unto honor, sanctified and meet for the master‘s use and unto good works.

Here are things you should NOT do. 2 Timothy 3 says, We should not be lovers of our ownselves, coveteous, proud, boaster, blasphemers, disobedient of our parents, false accusers, unthankful, unholy, despisers of things that are good, jealous of others, heady, highminded.

A child of God can be a minister of God and teach others the word of God, especially if God has revealed things to you. Titus 2:2 says, Aged men should be sober, grave, sound of faith, charity, patient, temperate. Aged women should have holiness and not a false accuser, not given to wine, to teach others to love their husbands, not fornicate, teachers of good things, teach younger women to be chaste, keepers of the home. Do not curse and do not talk filthy to others and do not curse at work. If you curse, that is SIN. If you hear others around you curse, you need to separate yourself from them. Tell others not to curse around you. God sees what we do and we need to remember that. Anything you do should be holy. We are called out of darkness and out of sin. If you sin, you are doing things of the Devil.

God gives us the ability to resist sin. Stay in prayer and reading the Bible and God gives us strength. Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God. These are things listed throughout the Bible that represents holiness and godliness. There will be a day when the Lord comes back and he will give rewards and crowns to those that try to present themselves holy. In order to enter Heaven, you must be a child of God. if you are a child of God, he doesn’t remember those sins, but if you are NOT a child of God, God sees every sin you have done. When you ask forgiveness, Jesus blood covers that sins. If you are Christian, present yourself as holy to others and they will approach you. If you are happy, others become happy around you. I want to encourage you to be holy unto the Lord.

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The Curtain Was Rent in Two

Posted on April 4, 2015 by Tracy K

curtain

During Passover, the Israelites had to observe an ordinance that was set up by God for the people.  Then when when Jesus came to die for our sins, we no longer had to follow this ordinance.  In Matthew 27 we read where Jesus died on the cross and became the sacrifice for our sins. We no longer had to go and sacrifice a lamb without spot or blemish and present it to the priest for the remission of our sins.

Matthew 27 talks about how the veil of the temple was rent into because of Jesus sacrifice. Matthew 27:46-53 says, “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.  And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.  The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.  Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.  And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;  And the graves were opened, and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,  And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.”

Hebrews 9 summaries the law that the Israelites had to observe and how the priest had to take blood into the temple once for himself and then for the people.  Hebrews 9 says-  For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.  Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.  But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:  The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:  Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;  Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. 1 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;  Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.  For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:  How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?  And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,  Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.  Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.  And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.  It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.  For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:  Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;  For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Related scripture:

1 Peter 1:19 -But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Mark 15:38-And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

John 1:9 -The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Revelation 5:6-And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

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Easter-Resurrection Day

Posted on March 29, 2015 by Tracy K

easter

Easter is recognized all over the world but is usually celebrated by Christians. Easter marks a celebratory time because it marks the date Christ rose from the grave. It is usually the time when Christians will make an extra effort in attending church. Easter is celebrated because of the miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. Some people have made up fables telling children about the Easter bunny and decorating eggs. The significance of Easter to Christians is that Jesus is alive and that we serve a risen Savior.  He is as real as you and me.  He was crucified on the cross, buried and arose the third day for our sins. He became our sacrifice when he went to the cross.  After three days he arose from the grace. This proves that Jesus was God’s son.

Easter is a time of reflection on what Jesus Christ did for mankind. He was crucified on a cross for the sins of the world. What does Easter mean to me? It is a time when I remember what Jesus did for me at Calvary. How he gave his own life for the sins of mankind. He did not deserve death but went to the cross so that men would have an atonement for sins.  Jesus blood was perfect because he was God in the flesh.  He lived a life without sin therefore his blood became a remission for our sins.  Remission means the cancellation of a debt, charge, or penalty for sins.

In the old Testament we learn that the Israelites had to celebrate the Passover by sacrificing a Lamb. The blood of a pure lamb was smeared on the doorpost and this would prevent someone dieing in the household. This ordinance was set up by God and instructions were given to Moses. When Jesus died on the cross, this ordinance was completed and therefore noone was held to it. Jesus sacrifice was accepted because he is a true Lamb of God without spot or blemish. He never sinned or commited evil in the sight of God. He is God in the flesh. His blood was necessary to completely wipe away our sins forever. In order for your sins to be wiped away, you have to accept Jesus as your Savior.  Then his blood becomes your sin-debt.  We no longer have to continue Passover because when Jesus died on the cross, he died for the sins of the whole world.  1 Peter 1:19 says that we are redeemed by “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” God said that without shedding of blood is no remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22.)

Jesus told his disciples that he must go to the Father but one day he will return to receive us unto himself.  John 14:3 says, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”  You must receive Jesus as your Savior or you will miss his second coming.

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What is Palm Sunday

Posted on March 24, 2015 by Tracy K

palm
On Palm Sunday Christians celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, the week before his death and resurrection. For some Christian churches, Palm Sunday is referred to as “Passion Sunday,” marks the beginning of Holy Week, which concludes on Easter Sunday.

The Bible reveals that when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds greeted him by waving palm branches and covering his path with palm branches. Immediately following this great time of celebration in the ministry of Jesus, he begins his journey to the cross (About.com).

Jesus sent two disciples ahead to the village of Bethphage, about a mile away from the city at the foot of the Mount of Olives. He told them to look for a donkey tied by a house, with its unbroken colt next to it. Jesus instructed the disciples to tell the owners of the animal that “The Lord has need of it.”

When his disciples found the donkey, they brought it and its colt to Jesus and placed their garments on the colt. Jesus sat on the young donkey and slowly, humbly, made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. In his path, people threw their clothes on the ground and put palm branches on the road before him. Others waved palm branches in the air. Some cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord (John 12:13).

Related scriptures:

Luke 19:29-42 – And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them. And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? And they said, The Lord hath need of him. And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

John 12:12-15 – On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.

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Wolves Arounds Us

Posted on March 21, 2015 by Tracy K
wolf

A wolf in sheep’s clothing means they don’t look like wolves but they come off as innocent.

The closer we get to the Lord’s return, the more I see wolves coming out from around the body of Christ.  They are not ‘Of’ the body of Christ but they are portraying themselves as Christians when they are wolves in sheep’s clothing.  If you are a true Christian you must open your eyes and be aware of your surroundings.  People will lie to you, deceive you and try to convince you of falsehood if you are not careful.

First of all let’s look at the main wolf, which is our President.  Many really wanted change and he promised it, so we got it.  Except it is not the change that most wanted.  He promised to give to the poor but didn’t tell us that he wanted to give to everyone but our poor citizens.  He claimed to be a Christian but the fact is that he was and is of Muslim origin.  Everything this wolf does is to hurt Christians and our country.

Now let us look at wolves in the church.  These are hard to spot because they look like you and me.  They dress well, speak well, preach, sing in the choir and so forth.  Most are well liked because they have the slick tongue.  They speak sweetly to your face and back bite you behind your back.  Often they are the gossipers that spread lies about other members and convince people that they are innocent.  It is hard to spot these wolves in the churches because of their appearance and smiling face.

Last of all, there are wolves in our society, social clubs, and on our friends list of our social media sites. More than likely these are the types that come off as genuine and have people believing their lies.  They say they are collecting for the poor but pocketing the money they get.  They may teach a class about God, but their god is not the same as ours.  They may teach others that meditation and Yoga are just to calm the nerves but instead bring up seducing spirits to confuse people.  They may think they are getting closer to God but instead further away.

I tell you that Jesus warned us of these wolves in the last days.  Matthew 7:15 says, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”  If anyone tells you that you can go to Heaven any other way but through Jesus Christ, they are a wolf.  You cannot go to Heaven through your own righteousness, your own divine self or through meditation or through works.  You must believe on the name of Jesus Christ, repent and be born again.

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Easter Week Devotion: The Importance of the Resurrection

Posted on March 14, 2015 by Tracy K

Rob Barkman's avatarSettled In Heaven Blog

SIH STSTA ICONThe resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is one of many miraculous aspects to our Lord’s life on earth during His first coming. From His virgin birth to His ascension following His crucifixion, death and resurrection; the life of Christ was filled with miraculous events indeed.

The life of Christ on earth is undoubtedly the most important series of events to ever take place in world history. Among the many events that took place during His first coming, the resurrection of Christ is of utmost importance.

Why is the resurrection so important? The Word of God gives us a clear answer to this question…

THE SCRIPTURE:

1 Cor 15:12-23 (KJV)

12) Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

13) But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not…

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The Cost of Sin

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Tracy K

rich man

When we are young, we live our life as if there is no tomorrow. We live carefree lives and don’t worry about following God’s laws as much.  You think you have all the time in the world to do as you please.  You think you will grow old and become a millionaire and have NO worries.  As I have gotten older I have began to see that Sin cost something.  Things you do when you are young, come back to bite you.

Some sins affect you when you are younger.  You may start to lose things in your life that you consider valuable.  You might lose your wife because of committing adultery.  You may get drunk with alcohol and lose your job that you worked hard to get.  You may lose your truck because you committed a sin that cost a lot of money to do such as gambling and drugs.  You may begin to waste your money on riotous living and lose your most prize possessions.You may have a car wreck and lose part of your family or your own life.

See sin cost us something.  Maybe not right when we are living in sin, but it will soon enough. Death comes in all ages; look at a cemetery and see the different sized graves.  If you are a Christian, God will chastise you for living in sin.  He wants you to repent, turn from that sin and  come back to him.  Do you remember the story of the Prodigal son. He wasted his money with riotous living and then repented and went back to the Father.  The Father held his arms open wide and accepted his son back into his family.  God will accept us if we turn from our sins and ask him into our lives.  If you haven’t prayed that Jesus would save you, then now is the time to do so.

Related scripture:

Luke 15:11-24-And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Related post: https://godlywitnesses.wordpress.com/2014/09/11/the-sin-of-licentiousness/

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Bear One Another’s Burdens

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Tracy K

cross

As time goes on in this lifetime, things will only get harder to bear. If you have been a Christian for any length of time, you have had to bear a burden that was hard to bear.  You have had to overcome an obstacle that Satan threw at you.  If you are an active Christian, you will bear more burdens, persecutions, trials in your life because Satan wants to discourage you from serving the Lord Jesus.  The Last few months I have learned the true meaning of bearing a burden in my life.  I have had to overcome health issues, persecutions, discouragements, trials, sufferings, and on occasion anxieties.

As I read Galatians 6, I see where Paul knew what it meant to take up his cross and bear it daily.  He had to endure things in his life that we cannot even begin to imagine.  He had to endure beatings, being shipwrecked, robbed, hungered, being naked and thrown in prison. He endured perils of his countrymen, robbers, being in the wilnderness, perils of the sea, perils among false brethren and much more.  That said, Paul knew what it took to be a true follower of Christ.  Even though, he never took his look off the prize.  The prize of Jesus Christ; the prize of a future in Heaven, the prize of eternal life and the prize of peace and joy.  He knew that anything that he would have to endure would never be more than what Jesus Christ went through.

Today many are learning how to endure some burdens, some sufferings of this world.  Some are persecuted and even killed for the sake of the gospel.  As a Christian, we should help bear each other’s burdens.  We should care that someone is going through a trial and be willing to help them the best way we can.  It is easy to say that we are a Christian, but it is not always easy to take up our cross daily.  Jesus told us that it wouldn’t be easy, but that he would never leave us or forsake us.

Satan wants to hit your weaknesses and discourage you from doing God’s will.  He will do everything he can to convince you that you are unworthy of God’s love.  He will bring up all your past sins and tell you that Jesus will not forgive you.  We must stay strong and continue in God’s work, and not allow our faith to be pulled apart.  We cannot stand alone, we must rely on Jesus as our strength.  We must realize that God so loved the world that he gave us his only son, Jesus to die in our place.  He loves you and wants you to not give up. Our race will soon be ending here on this earth.  We can have victory in Jesus if we continue serving Christ.

Help bear each others burdens.  Don’t be so quick to judge someone for their mistake, because you could be next.  Satan knows your weaknesses.  Realize that you are flesh and bone and as long as you are here on this earth, you have to fight that flesh daily.  So help one another in love.  Love your fellow brethren and help those of the faith to bear their burdens and to overcome their faults.

Related scriptures:

Galatians 6:1-6-Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden.  Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

2 Corinthians 11:23-27-  Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.  Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.  Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;  In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;  In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

Ephesians 6:10-16- Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

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Watchman At the Gate

Posted on March 6, 2015 by Tracy K

watchman

Ezekiel Chapter 33 tell us that God called Ezekiel to be a watchman for Israel.  He was to tell the people what God said.  He was to warn the people of judgment and that they should turn from their sins.  He is to warn the wicked to repent from their sins or they would die in their iniquity.  God still expects us today to warn people of God’s wrath and that they should repent from their sins and turn to God for forgiveness.

Never has God told people to lie to sinners and tell them that God will overlook their sin.  He told us to warn them to repent!  We have a limited amount of time left before the Lord’s return.  If you love others the way God expects you to, then you will warn the wicked to turn from their sin.  As I studied the scriptures I saw where several men sat on the gate which led into the city.  I wondered why they sat at the gate and why was it so important to them.  The gate was the entrance of the city.  It was a way to see who was coming in or if danger was coming to the city.

Often watchmen sat at the gate observing what was going on.  They looked for signs of danger and they would warn the people.  Most of the time, these men didn’t receive wages to set at the gate but had an earnest desire to keep watch.  To control the gates of one’s enemies was to conquer their city.  Also, other than a city’s protection against invaders, city gates were places of central activity in biblical times. The gate was a place where people went to seek council from the elders. Sometimes evil men would plot against their enemies and even their king at the gate. So a person who sat at the gate knew of things that were going on, often warning the king and others (Example found in Esther 2:21).

Today the watchman are suppose to set a standard for the people; to warn people to repent of their sins; to preach the truth of God’s judgment; warn people about Satan’s snares and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.  They are to stand in the gap for others, preserve the old paths and commandments that God set up, and to stand against things that are sinful.  In Mark Chapter 13, God tells us all to be watchman, because we don’t know exactly when the Lord will return.  So we must stand guard, watching diligently for dangers.  These dangers can come in any form….whether persecution, whether temptations, whether false prophets, whether governments making ungodly laws, whether evils coming and seducing our children, whether spiritual attacks, we must stand watch.

If you have not accepted the Lord Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I urge you to do so now.  Repent from your sins and pray and ask for God’s forgiveness.  Accept and Believe on the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be saved.  More about Salvation can be found here.

Related Scriptures:

Psalm 127:1-Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Jeremiah 51:12-Set up the standard upon the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set up the watchmen, prepare the ambushes: for the Lord hath both devised and done that which he spake against the inhabitants of Babylon.

Jeremiah 6:17-Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

Proverbs 31:22-Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

Mark 13:34-37-For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:  Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Isaiah 21:8- And he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights:

Ezekiel 33:2-9-Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:  If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.  He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.  But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.  So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.  When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.  Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

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