Humility is Before Honor

Posted on April 3, 2014 by Tracy K

humble

Humility is a quality of being modest, lacking pretense, not thinking oneself is superior to others. Some look at humility as being timid and lacking self esteem but it is not.  It is being an honorable person because you do not have to be the one who wins an argument.  You don’t have to have people praising your name.  You know it is more important to serve someone other than yourself.

Humility is an honorable trait that can help everyone in all aspects of their lives. Without humility it is impossible to love others the way they should be loved.  God expects us to have humility and tells us this trait is above honor.  Proverbs 15:33 says, “The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.”  God rewards those that are humble and those that serve him.  Proverbs 22:4 says, “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.”

Christians should set an example for the world.  If we are prideful and boastful we represent the world and not Christ.  Yes, I said we represent the world.  Not one time in the Bible did it say Jesus was prideful and boastful.  He loved others the way we should.  He cared about others because he went to the cross for the whole world.  He didn’t decide who he was going to die for.  He died for everyone, including the ones who nailed him to the cross.

Now I am going to give you something to think about.  A person is made fun of at school.  He is very skinny and doesn’t have any friends. A group of bullies go up to this person and start screaming at him, calling him names.  Would you say it takes humility to keep your mouth shut when others are mocking you or making fun of you?  Would you think that person was weak?  What would you do in this situation?

Now look at what Jesus did when others screamed at him, mocking him and hitting him. Isaiah 53:7 says, “he opened not his mouth.”  He didn’t fight back but he remained humble.  Jesus is our example to follow.

Related Scriptures:

Philippians 2:8-And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

James 4:6- God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Isaiah 53:7- He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Luke 22:63,64- And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?

1 Peter 5:5- Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

James 4:6-But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

1 Peter 5:5-Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

1 Peter 5:6-Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Colossians 3:12-Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

 

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Dishonoring the House of God

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Tracy K

church

I have recently run across different websites or video where people are disrespecting the house of God.  By appearance they seem to be a regular church, until you notice someone running down the aisle and jumping into the baptistry.  It is a shame for anyone to dishonor the church by mockery.  What this means is that God set up specific criteria for the church; including ways to behave in church.  He didn’t say the church was to conform to the world but that those that attended should behave decently.

God expects us to behave in his house for it is holy.  First thing that we should know is that “all things be done decently and in order,” (1 Corinthians 14:40).  1Timothy 3:15 says, “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

So what happens if some don’t act decently.  1 Peter 4:17 says, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.”  1 Corinthians 11:16 warns against those that are contentious.  Contentious means likely to cause disagreement or argument or quarreling.  The house of God should be holy without mockers, deceivers or those that cause contentions.  They should not be allowed to continue in the church if they don’t change their evil ways and honor the house of God.

No where in the Bible does it say that the church is for the non-believer.  The church was established for the believer of Christ.  Peter tells the elders of the church, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:2,3).

The house of God should be a house of prayer because it belongs to the Lord.  Acts 20:28 says, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Matthew 21:13 says,  “It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer, not a den of thieves.”

God said those that have vanity and divine lies shouldn’t be allowed in his assembly or his house.  Ezekiel 13:9 says, “And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord God.”

Vanity is:  the quality of people who have too much pride in their own appearance, abilities, achievements, etc. : the quality of being vain: something such as a belief or a way of behaving.

Other related scriptures:

2 Chronicles 6:18- But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!

2 Chronicles 24:18-And they left the house of the Lord God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.

2 Chronicles 29:5-And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the Lord God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place.

2 Chronicles 31:21-And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.

Psalm 55:14-We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

Acts 12:5-Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

Psalm 92:13-Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.

Psalm 135:2,3-Ye that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. Praise the Lord; for the Lord is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.

Joel 1:14-Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God, and cry unto the Lord,

Ezekiel 20:40-For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, saith the Lord God, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the firstfruits of your oblations, with all your holy things.

Acts 2:47-Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 14:23-And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Acts 11:26-And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Isaiah 56:7-Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

2 Chronicles 29:5-And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the Lord God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place.

 

 

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Become A Living Sacrifice

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Tracy K

sacrifice

You might ask, how can I become a living sacrifice for God.  You must first be a child of God.  If you haven’t accepted him as your Savior by now, then I suggest you pray and ask him into your heart, and he will save you.  Then, give your life to God by devoting your time and energy into his service.  I cannot tell you exactly how to do this.  I can give you examples of how to be a living sacrifice.  You might surrender to preach, you might become a teacher, a missionary, or writer like me.  You can dedicate your life to serving others such as a doctor or nurse.  You can give your time to helping others through mission trips or organizing activities for youth.  You can help others by collecting donations for the poor or sick.  Or you can be a volunteer at a local community organization, hospital or homeless shelter.  The list goes on and on.

To be a living sacrifice, one must give their life for the service of others.  Don’t do things for money or gratitude but for God.  Become Dead unto sin, and alive unto God (Romans 6:11).  If you want to serve Christ, then become his servant of righteousness.

Christ was crucified on a cross for you, so why not sacrifice something for him.  Paul said in Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”  Romans 6:6 says, “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”  Romans 6:11 says, “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Whatever you choose to serve in this world, will be what you become obedient unto.   Romans 6:16 says, Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servant ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness.”  It is important for you to understand that what you do in this life reflects who you are.  Do you devote your time to Christ?  If you are a Christian, God dwells in you.  1 Corinthians 3:16 says, Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you.”

1 Corinthians 3:9 says, “ For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.”  God called you his temple and called you holy.  So do not let anyone try to discourage you and tell you that you are not good enough.  1 John 3:1 tells us that God calls us his sons.  What God has called, no man can rebuke.  Philippians 2:15 says, “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”

I urge you to become a living sacrifice for God today.  Do his commandments and obey his laws.  Have faith in him and he will guide you.  James 2:18 says, “Shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.  “Without faith it is impossible to please God”, Hebrews 11:6.

The closer you get to God, the closer he will get to you.  To stay focused on the task at hand, you must continue in prayer and reading his word.  It will give you the power to move forward no matter what comes your way.  Allow for time for worship and praise.

A living sacrifice is one who takes up their cross and bears it daily.  They don’t live for themselves but for others.  They sacrifice their time and effort for others.  They don’t worry about money or shelter —God will provide.  They focus their energy on doing God’s will.  Discover what God’s will is for your life.  Then, put your time and energy into that and you will not be sorry.  I didn’t say you will never be discouraged because if you are living for God, you will be discouraged.  Satan will send snares your way to keep you from completing his work.  Keep moving forward and allow God’s strength to help you.

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Studying the Bible

Posted on March 16, 2014 by Tracy K

MP900384891

There are several places in the Bible that tells us that God wants us not only to read his word, but study it.  2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”   In order to be used of God to teach others about Christ, you need to know what his word says.  You may need to know where something is in the Bible to be able to answer questions, or to show someone where the answer is.

When we read the Bible we are to meditate upon it.  Read it word by word —sentence by sentence.  Isaiah 28:10 says, “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, and there a little,  The more you read the word of God, the more you will remember and be able to tell others what you have learned.  You can’t learn the whole Bible in a day or even a year.  You could read the Bible through several times and still not know everything.  The Bible is the greatest book you will ever read. You can study it, search it and learn from it.  You may read a scripture once and get one important meaning from it, then later read it again and get something different.  I encourage you to read it word by word.

If we read God’s word, we will learn from it; therefore we will know what sin is and therefore will make it easier not to sin, because we will know what God thinks about sin.  Psalm 119:11 says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”  You have to know what God’s law is in order to know what sin is. To obtain knowledge is good but wisdom comes from above.  Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and will all thy getting get understanding.”

Let the word of God guide you day by day. Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.“   It gives us instruction on everything we need to know.  2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

The Bible helps us with any trouble that might come our way.  It helps us know how to teach our children, to love others, to love our spouse.  It teaches us how to behave and how to respect others, including our masters.  Our masters are those that have the rule over us, such as a boss, the president, police officers, etc…  We are to follow laws that have been set up by our rulers as long as they do not interfere with what God has told us to do.

In the last days, the Bible tells us that there could be scoffers that mock God, rulers who will judge you harshly for telling others about Christ.  Luke 21:12 says, “But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.”  There might be a time when you will have to stand against the rulers of this world for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The word of God is more precious than silver or gold.  David said in Psalm 119:127, “Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.” It is the divine word of God.  God speaks to us through his word. He tells us about things that will happen in the future and about things that has happened in the past.

If you need to know anything, pray and ask God for guidance and read his word.  He will reveal things to you through his word.  The word of God is powerful and can show you your ways, whether good or bad.  The Bible can show you what your sin is.  Hebrews 4:12, “The word of God is quick, powerful, sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

I encourage you to read the Bible from Genesis to Revelations.  If you want to learn more about Jesus first, then I encourage you to start with Matthew and read through the New Testament and then back to Genesis.  Good luck with your studying of God’s word.  May it be a light unto your path.

Related links:  https://godlywitnesses.wordpress.com/2013/11/19/the-bible-gods-holy-word/

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Forgiving Ourselves and Others

Posted on March 12, 2014 by Tracy K

forgiveness

1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  All we need to do to receive forgiveness from God is to repent and ask him to forgive us.  It is that easy.  We do not have to work to receive the forgiveness of God —there is nothing we can do that would pay our way to Heaven.  Receive his free gift of love by believing on him and his son, Jesus.  Then you can receive forgiveness for your sins.

Sometimes it hard to believe that God would forgive us for all the things we have done in this lifetime.  The Bible says that a righteous man will fall often but grace covers our sins.  In order to be happy, you must forgive yourself for the wrong you have done in the past.  Don’t keep looking back and say: I did this or I did that.  Look at Paul in the Bible, he kept pointing out all of his mistakes —his past sins.  He said that he was the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). No matter what Paul did, God forgave him and used him for his service.   God can use you too if you ask him for forgiveness.  Paul said toward the end of this life, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith,” 2 Timothy 4:7.  He knew that God forgave him and he knew he had completed the work that God gave him to do.   Remember God forgives you too.  So Forgive yourself.

Now that you have forgiven yourself, you must forgive others of their trespasses against you.  Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”  None of us are perfect.  We all have made mistakes.  No matter what someone has done to you, you must forgive them.  The Bible says to forgive people seventy times seven (Matthew 18:22).  Jesus used this as a reference that you must forgive others multiple times, not just once.

Related scriptures:

Ephesians 1:7- In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Colossians 2:13- And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

James 5:15- And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Romans 5:17- For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

2 Timothy 1:9-Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Hebrews 4:16-Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

1 Peter 4:9,10- Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Romans 3: 23-25-For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

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The Love of God

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Tracy K

love

Have any of you ever given up your son for someone else —Allowed them to die in another person’s place.  Anyone who has had a son or daughter that they have lost to death, has had a glimpse of what God went through when he gave us his son. The most precious thing that belongs to someone is their family, especially their children. Jesus was God’s son before his birth on this earth. This should show you how much God loves us because he gave his only son on a cross, to die for the sins of the world. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him, shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Jesus had to suffer a terrible death on the cross for the sins of mankind.  God allowed this so that we could inherit eternal life.  Anyone can receive eternal life with God if we believe on his son, Jesus.  1 John 4:15 says, “Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.” That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Romans 10:9).

God not only wants us to receive his love but to have love for one another.  If you cannot love your brother who you can see, how can you love God that you cannot see. Learn to love others and it will make it easier for you to forgive others.  To truly love others, you need to live for others.  Don’t worry so much about yourself, look at the needs of others.  People have many needs —not only money.  Some have spiritual needs that you can help them with.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Tells us that Love is Charity.  Love is kindness and love is not envy.  Love is not easily provoked and does not rejoice in iniquity but in the truth of God.  Love bears all things.  Love never fails and endures all things.  A person with love should care about others, rejoice with people who are happy and cry with those who are sad.

Related Scriptures:

Hebrews 13:1- Let brotherly love continue.

1 Peter 1:8-Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

1 Peter 1:22-Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

1 Peter 3:8- Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

1 John 3:1- Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Related post: Saved by the Blood of Jesus

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Contentment is Great Gain

Posted on March 7, 2014 by Tracy K

contentment

Paul says in Philippians 4:11, “For I have learned in whatsoever state that I am in, to be content”.  Paul, a great apostle, was the best person to teach us this.  Paul learned to be content when he was suffering and hungry.  He went through several things in his life that most have never had to face.  He was shipwrecked, snake bitten, almost drowned, beaten and thrown in prison, etc… If Paul could learn how to be content we all can.  Contentment with Godliness is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).

The meaning of content is: to be in a state of happiness or satisfaction.  To be content is to accept your life as adequate, not wanting something more. It means your heart is content with what God has given you —not seeking after the desires of this world.  When you have contentment, you have peace. You don‘t have the cares and worries that some might have to deal with.  You are not seeking after riches and worldly possessions.

Luke 8:14 teaches us a parable.  “And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.” When someone is caught up with the cares of riches and pleasures of this world it is hard to do love God and do his service.

God wants you to seek after him and his righteousness and he said, “All these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).  He tells us that he will give you the desires of your heart if you delight in the Lord (Psalms 37:4).  If your heart‘s desire is on things above, then you will not seek after evil things.  You will not be asking for riches and fame.

Look at what happen to King Solomon in the Bible.  God gave Solomon one wish.  1 Kings 3:9 tells us that Solomon asked for an understanding heart to judge his people and to discern between good and bad.  He didn’t ask for long life, riches or the life of his enemies.  This pleased the Lord and he granted him his wish and everything he didn’t ask for, such as riches, long life and the life of his enemies.

Learn to be content with what God has given you in this world.  I’m not saying be content with wickedness.  Don’t look at the world and say, “Well that is how it is or there is nothing I can do about it”.  There were great men that didn’t settle for the ways of the world but they set their minds to witness, preach the gospel and help others the best way they could.  God looks at the things that you do in this life.  He looks at what he has given you and what you do with it.  He has granted people with fame to see what they did with it.  One example is the preacher Billy Graham.  He is one of the most famous preachers in the world today.  He could have changed his views and used it for evil things but he set his mind on God.  Just remember no one is small in God’s eyes.  He uses the humble to fulfill his will too.  As long as you have a willing heart.  God will use you for his purpose.   “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty” (1 Corinthians 1:27).

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Witnessing for Christ

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Tracy K

fishers

One thing God tells you to do is witness.  One of the last things Jesus said to the people on this earth, before he ascended unto Heaven, was to teach all nations and preach the Gospel.  Luke 14:23 says, “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” One great joy that a Christian experiences is to tell others about Jesus.

The first time I ever went witnessing was when a lady in Texas asked me to go with her.  I was young and didn’t know what to say.  She told me to just come along and watch.  I learned that the second person can help with any outside distractions that might prevent the Gospel from being told.  So, I went along and watched.  Sometimes I played with animals and children while she witnessed.

Finally she asked me to be the one who told the Gospel to others.  I was nervous and didn’t know how to tell others about Jesus.  I knew I was a Christian myself and I know what God did for me, so it helped me when I told others about Jesus.  The more I went with her, the easier it got to speak.  First, I would just invite them to church.  If they had questions then that opened the door for me to continue witnessing to them.  Teaching others about Jesus brings a fulfillment to me.  I know that I am doing what God has commanded me to do.

Some of the basic scriptures that you can teach others when you are witnessing comes from the Book of Romans.  If someone tells you that they are good and don’t need salvation, quote Romans 3:10.  There is none righteous, no not one.  Romans 3:23 says, For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.   Then I tell them that God forgives us of our sins if we ask him.  “But God commended his love toward us that while we were sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).  “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”, (Romans 6:23).

If they decide they want to surrender to God and become a Christian then I quote Romans 10:9,10, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart, man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

If they say that they doubt their salvation, I quote, 1 John 5:13.  “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” To know something is to have complete knowledge of it.  You can have one hundred percent knowledge that God will save you if you believe in him and ask him into your heart.

God puts you here as a witness.  It is hard to witness if we think only about ourselves.  It helps if we tell ourselves daily that we should live for others and not ourself.  Don’t worry what others say about you —don’t worry what they do to you.  God is on your side.  Don’t worry!  God doesn’t want you to be caught up in the affairs of this life but he wants you to set your affection on him.  Don’t worry who was mean to you or called you a name.  It is not about you but about God.  Your purpose is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Satan will often put snares in front of you and you WILL be persecuted by others.  I know because Satan will do everything in his power to prevent you from telling others about Jesus.  God wants you to live for others.  Ask yourself today, What can I do to help others?  Who can I give to today?

The next step after salvation is to find a church home and become a member.  Look for a church that believes in telling the truth.  Don’t look for a feel good church that waters down the truth to make someone feel good about themselves.  If you truly want to become closer to God then you need to find the right church.  Then be baptized if you aren’t already. Look at this post to read more about Baptism. 

Witnessing to others helps you build upon a closer and stronger foundation with God.  1 Corinthians 3:11-15 says, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

1 Peter 1:4 says, “We will receive an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for you”.   If we are going to receive an inheritance, we are God’s sons and daughters.  Here on this earth when our fathers die, they leave an inheritance to their children.   They usually don’t leave it to someone else’s family, they leave it to their children.

James 5:20 says, “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”  This shows how important it is to tell others about God.

Related scriptures:

Acts 1:8-But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 22:15- For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

Luke 14:23– And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

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Justifying Your Sins by Others

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Tracy K

moteDo you find that you compare yourself with others? One might say, “I don’t drink or do as that person does so therefore I’m better or more Spiritual than them.” The Bible says that those that compare themselves among themselves are unwise (2 Corinthians 10:12). Do you try to find fault with other believers and then try to justify your own actions by their actions? Matthew 7:3-7 says, “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.”

The Bible tells us that we need to work on our own righteousness by looking toward Christ. Ephesians 2:13 says, “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” The Lord will reward us according to our righteousness. 2 Samuel 22:21 says, “The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.”

Do you glory in yourself by looking at your works? For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself (Galatians 6:3). Ephesians 2:8,9 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. This tells me that God’s grace justifies me not my own righteousness.

The Bible tells us about a Pharisee that was boastful by telling God every great work that he had done.  Then he compared himself to the Publican in Luke 18:11. The Publican wouldn’t lift his eyes toward Heaven but said, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” The Bible teaches us that humility goes a long way. “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4)

Related Scriptures

2 Corinthians 10:7 -Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.

2 Corinthians 10:12- For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

2 Corinthians 10:15,17,18- Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

Galatians 6:8-10- 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.

1 Corinthians 4:6- And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

Luke 18:11-13- The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

Deuteronomy 6:25 – And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us.

1 Corinthians 3:13 -Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

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Christian Martyrs- Standing for Christ

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Tracy K

martyrs

Over 8000 Christians are martyred as listed by Christian groups because of their faith.  Other research and organizations including the Vatican have listed the total worldwide Christian Martyr number to be in the 100,000 area.  Whether there is 8000 or 100,000 the fact is that Christians are killed for their beliefs still today.  North Korea is the most dangerous country for Christians in the World; followed by Somalia, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.  Syria alone killed 1,213 Christians this year.

A Christian martyr is a person who is killed for following Christianity, through stoning, crucifixion, burning at the stake or other forms of torture and capital punishment.  Christians are hated for believing in Jesus Christ and serving him by witnessing and standing up against sin.

Throughout time, Christian’s have been martyred for their beliefs.  The Bible shows us some that were stoned and beheaded for the cause of Christ, including John the Baptist, who was beheaded.  Then Stephen was regarded as the first martyr of Christianity who was stoned and whom was gnashed on by his persecutors teeth, because they were condemned by what he said.  Later we learn through research how Jesus disciples were killed for following him; including Andrew and Simon Peter.  Both were crucified on a cross.

Christians have been killed in the United States by people who refuse to accept Christianity.  Teens were murdered by fellow classmates for refusing to denounce the name of Jesus Christ.  Many more have not been listed here.

Jesus never promised us that life would always be easy, but he did promise us eternal life with him.  In Matthew 24:9, Jesus warned his disciples of things to come. “ Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.” John 3:15 says, “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

Related Scriptures:

Revelation 20:4– And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Acts 7:54-60- When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.  Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.  And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.  And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Mark 6:27-28 – And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,  And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.

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