Tag: God’s Word

O Come All Ye Faithful!

The Christmas season is a great time to reflect upon the faithfulness of God. After all, the prophecy of old of a coming Messiah was fulfilled. “Joy to the world, the Lord has come. Let earth receive its king.” Sadly, the king, who came for His own (the nation of Israel) was not received by them (John 1:11).

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1).

“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).

Without faith, it’s impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6).

                The Bible records the unfolding eternal purpose of God. Throughout the ages, God has used various modes of communicating as well as different principles of administration (unique to each period in time) to accomplish His purposes (Heb. 1:1-2). During history, there have been men and women (in the times they lived in) that displayed great faith. These were not sinless or perfect people, but they proved themselves faithful because after hearing the word of God, they believed what He said and acted upon it (Many times standing alone against what was ‘seen’ and popular). Some of them, dubbed the ’Heroes of Faith’, are listed in Hebrews chapter eleven. From this list are those that have a connection to the lineage of Christ. Their testimonies reveal the faithfulness of God (Deut. 7:9, Heb. 10:23, Lam. 3:23, Ps. 36:5, 89:8). We can be inspired by them to be faithful in our own time as we, too, look to the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2).

                The key to the prophetic teaching of the Scriptures (either prophecies concerning Christ Himself, heaven and earth, man, Israel or the Gentile nations) begins at Genesis 3:15, “I will put enmity (opposition)”. Even though the first man and woman (Adam and Eve) were not faithful (as they disobeyed God’s word), we see the hint of God’s eternal plan in the Prophecy of the Coming Seed of the Woman — but it would not come without opposition from Satan (Gen. 2:16-17, 3). The origin of evil is indeed a puzzling enigma to us. The animus between the two seeds is a subject introduced by God and a vital component in how God is working out His eternal purpose. The presence of this opposition is the key to understanding the parables of the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, and a reason for the rejection of Christ at His first coming—” An enemy has done this” (Matt. 13:28).

                We can start to trace the Seed of the woman shortly after Adam and Eve’s eviction from the garden as the Bible records in Genesis 4:1-2 that Eve conceived two sons, Cain and Abel. It was Abel (the first of the faithful listed, Heb. 11:4) who the Seed of the woman would continue through and so Satan’s opposition to him. Disobedience to God’s Word gives opportunity for the devil. “…Cain was of that wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.” (Gen. 4:8, 1 John 3:12, Jude 1:11).

A truth that can build our faith is as much as God has allowed mankind and the angels freewill (to choose God’s will or their own), He ultimately rules as He steps in when it affects His eternal plan (Job 5:12, Ps. 33:10-11, Prov. 16:9, 19:21, Eph. 1:11). And so, He substituted another Seed for the Messiah to come through, Seth (Gen. 4:25).

                We next see Satan behind the corruption of almost all flesh upon the earth when the ungodly intermarried with the godly line of Seth and filled the world with violence (Gen. 6). There was only one man, Noah, who did what was right in the sight of the Lord and whose lineage had not been corrupted with ungodly seed (Gen. 6:9-10, 22, Heb. 11:7). The whole purpose of the flood was to preserve mankind through Noah’s family and thus the Seed of the woman.

We next jump to Abram (later named Abraham, Gen. 17:5) who came from the line of Noah’s son Shem (Gen. 11:10-26). God chose Abraham to continue to carry out His plan by becoming the father of a new nation (Israel) as well as heir to a land through an unconditional covenant (Gen. 12:2-3, 17:4-7, 15:18).  Abraham believed what God had said and left his family and traveled away from his hometown (Gen. 12:1-4). He was content to ‘dwell in tents’ because he believed what he heard about the ‘heavenly city’ from God (Heb. 11:8-10, 13-16, 12:22, Rev. 21:10-27). It was through Abraham’s seed (and this new nation) that the promised Seed of the woman would come (Gal. 3:16). This new nation would be separated from the other nations (Ex. 33:16, Deut. 14:2). The Lord Jesus Christ was not only the promised Seed of the woman (which indicated that He was to become a man) but He was also to be the seed (descended from) Abraham (Matt. 1:1, Gal. 3:16). As we trace the descendants of Abraham, we discover the lineage of Christ to continue through Isaac, the child of “promise” (Gen. 26:3-4, Rom. 9:9). By faith, Abraham also when tried by God offered up Isaac, his only begotten son, trusting in God (Gen. 22:1-14, Heb. 11:17-19). Through Isaac comes Jacob (Gen. 25:23-26, 28:13-15). Isaac exhibited faith by blessing Jacob and Esau over things to come (Gen. 27:28-29, Heb. 11:20). In Genesis 32:28 we read that God changed Jacob’s name to Israel and blessed him. Jacob in turn exhibited faith by blessing each of the sons of Joseph as he died worshipping the Lord (Gen. 48:14-15, Heb. 11:21). Through Jacob (Israel) came twelve sons from which sprang the twelve tribes of Israel (Gen. 49:1-28).  It’s further revealed that the Seed of the woman would come from the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:8-10, Matt. 1, Rev. 5:5). Christ is also referred to as the Son of David as God promised David back in 2 Samuel 7:12-13, 16 that He’d set up and establish a kingdom one day where David’s seed (Christ) would sit upon his throne and rule and reign forever (Isa. 11:1, Matt. 1:1, Acts 2:29-32, 13:33-37, Rev. 5:5, 22:16). 

 When it was time God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, and “the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us” (Gal. 3:16, 4:4, John 1:14).  It’s evident that many of the Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled at Christ’s first coming as well as the events leading up and through His death, burial, and resurrection. It’s also apparent that some prophecies and promises have yet to be fulfilled. At Christ’s first advent the King was in Israel’s midst and ‘His own’, not only did not receive Him–they crucified Him (John 1:11, Acts 2:22-23, 36, 3:13-15). Had Israel repented at the call of John the Baptist, and of the Lord, the long-expected Kingdom would’ve been set up and the Old Testament prophecy of the ’last days’ fulfilled. God allowed Israel yet another opportunity to receive their Messiah (Acts 2:38-39, 3:19-26), but as a nation they again rejected Him (Acts 28:26-28). He then stopped the prophetic clock, (postponing the Kingdom for a time) as Israel became temporarily Lo-Ammi (not My People) (the fulfillment of Hosea 1:9, 3:1-4).

                God then unfolded a new dispensation, the dispensation of Grace, using the apostle Paul as His steward. Though it was in God’s mind before the foundation of the world, it was a ‘mystery’ (sacred secret) that had never been prophesied or revealed before (Eph. 1:4, 3:1-9, Col. 1:25-27). God’s new program introduced a new group (or company) of people composed of individual believing Gentiles and Jews that would form one Body (organism), called the church of the Mystery, or the One Body (where Christ is their Head) (Eph. 1:22-23, 4:15-16, 5:23, Col. 1:24, 2:18-19). Even though the creation of this new Body, was accomplished through the cross, it did not occur at the time of the cross as God had waited for it to be revealed by the apostle Paul until Israel’s postponement. Today most associate a *church with a building, but in the church of the One Body there are no denominations, creeds, rituals, etc. to keep in order to join or to become a member. Each individual must be saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9). The moment one trusts in Christ, they’re added to this church and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise until the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13-14, 4:4). This new group has unique attributes that distinguish it from Israel’s calling as well as new privileges, blessings, and hope. Their status is ‘the perfect man’ (Eph. 4:13), (not ‘the Bride, the Lamb’s wife’, which belongs to Israel). The position of believers today is seated together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus where all their spiritual blessings lie. Their citizenship and hope are also found there where their Savior and Lord Jesus Christ will appear with them in glory (Eph. 2:4-5, Col. 3:1-4, Phil. 3:14, 20-21, 2 Tim. 1:9-14, Titus 2:13). *The word ‘church’ has different meanings in the Bible. In Hebrew, it’s ‘kahal’ and in Greek, it’s ‘ekklesia’ meaning an assembly, or a gathering of ‘called-out ones.

                It’s helpful to see that Prophecy is devoted to and hinges on three main themes: (1) The Advent of Christ, (2) The return of Israel to their land to become a kingdom of priests, (3) The Second Advent of Christ to (a) reign for 1,000 years, which will be the winding up of the “former heavens and earth” under the reign of sin and the usurpation of the devil, (b) The continuance of Christ’s reign through the new heavens and earth, and on throughout the Day of God until “the end” (goal) is reached (1 Cor. 15:24-28). Refer to the charts below. One of the diagrams show the Bible in five portions (the three that deal prophetically from above are the Old Testament, the Gospels, and Revelation). “The Acts” is a transitional period because it records the transition between two different programs of God that took place. However, the bulk of the book of Acts is on Israel’s rejection, their subsequent blinding, and how they were set aside. The following epistles written during this time are I and 2 Thessalonians, I and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Romans, and Hebrews. “The Epistles” refer to Paul’s prison epistles (after Israel’s rejection) that dictate the program that we’re following today consisting of: Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, I and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Paul warned the believers in his later prison epistles of relying on philosophy, the ways of the world, and the traditions of men instead of holding fast to the Head. The enemy of our soul is not flesh and blood, but he’ll use flesh and blood to attack us and so the necessity of the shield of faith to thwart his fiery darts (Eph. 6:12, 16, 4:14, Col. 2:8, 18, 20-23, Matt. 15:6).

                God desires us to know His complete Word (all that’s written—not just portions of it) as well as the importance of keeping in mind that not every part of it is addressed to us or about us (Rom. 15:4). We, alone, are responsible for diligently reading and studying it for ourselves, in context, as it’s written, to whom it’s written, without editing it or adding any private interpretation (Rom. 10:17, Acts 17:17, 2 Tim. 3:15). See the Bible Study Helps below.

                In order to be a Faithful Servant that walks worthy of our calling today we need to exercise care with the duties and responsibilities that God has dictated to us regarding our position (Eph. 1:18, 4:1, Col. 1:10). Similar to any job, the employee who knows and performs their assigned duties well is the one that gets promoted and receives a raise in pay.  Contrarily, if an employee neglects his own duties and responsibilities (and instead cuts into another employee’s position or duties), he/she will most likely be demoted or terminated. Likewise, when we take or rob the prophecies, promises and plans that God has prepared for another person or people, we miss out on what God has planned and purposed for us and thus the rewards in it. The apostle Paul is an example of a faithful servant as he was diligent in the work that God had called him to do. He believed in what God said and displayed faith that it would be accomplished (2 Tim. 4:16-18). May we too be able to say as he did, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” and receive the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give us (and all that love His appearing) that day (2 Tim. 4:7-8).  

O Come all Ye Faithful—Joyful and Triumphant! 

Laura                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

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Which Program Will You Run On?

                 Have you noticed that no matter how resolved we can be with our plans for the new year the unexpected can happen? So it may be helpful to ask yourself the following questions as your answers will be an indicator of how your year will go. 

· Will you base your decisions on fear or seek and trust God in faith? 

 “The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe” (Proverb 29:25, 2 Tim. 1:7).  

· Will you walk in weakness (your own strength) or God’s Almighty power?

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6).

· Will you look to your own limited and fallible thoughts or God’s infinite and righteous wisdom? 

“The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile” (Ps. 94:11). “Don’t be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.  It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones” (Prov. 3:7-8).

· Will you live according to the world’s Godless ways or God’s grace and Word of truth? 

 “…the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one”   (1 John 5:19). “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:16-17).

                Have you observed that no matter how hard we human beings try, we can’t control the weather, eradicate sickness or disease, or fix the problems of the world? We’re even incapable of bettering our own selves enough to stand before a righteous God. True wisdom acknowledges that we are in an evil age (Eph. 5:16) with corruption in our nature and condemnation as our rightful end. Just like a computer drive that’s become infected with a virus, humankind’s original ‘drive’ has been corrupted with the SIN virus. All born into the world default to a self-drive setting that programs them to run with commands of ‘be your own god’ and ‘direct your own life’ (Gen. 3, Rom. 3:5, 23, 5:12, 14). No amount of man-made tech support will help to eradicate it (Rom. 7:7-25). If anyone could fulfill all the requirements spelled out in God’s laws and commandments they’d have all the reason to trust and glory in themselves—but that’s not the case (Ex. 20:1-17).

                God established the law to be a tutor to bring us to Christ (Gal. 3:24-25). By the deeds of the law no flesh can be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin (Rom. 3:20). The apostle Paul said that he would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. He wouldn’t have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”  Yet still he wanted to covet.

                The Creator already had a brand new program in mind providing access through Jesus Christ (Eph. 4:24, Col. 3:10, John 14:6). There’s no cost involved—just a willingness to receive it. (Rom. 3:23-26, Eph. 2:4-9).  A new identity is issued in this program with new instructions for living and God’s continual grace and support (Rom. 12:2, Eph. 4:24, Col. 3:10, 2 Cor. 12:9, 1 Tim. 1:14, 2 Tim. 2:1).

                A word of caution: the old corrupt program will still be in our ‘system’ so precautions need to be taken to continually keep it in ‘disabled’ mode. Signs that one has fallen back to the old default settings will be apparent when they switch into self-drive—becoming ’selfie’ focused, self-promoting (outwardly virtue signaling), as well as self-pitying (which is also self-centered). The Trojan Horse trying to access, enable, and execute the corrupt program is no stranger to fraudulent activity as he first introduced the SIN virus to mankind (Gen. 3, John 8:44). He’ll never be able to gain access to affect the believer’s eternal security, but he can thwart the execution of the good works that God has prepared for us to walk in while on earth (Eph. 1:13-14, 2:10, Phil. 2:13, 2 Tim. 1:9, 1 Pet. 5:8). Satan knows that diverting believers to self-driven mode is effective, especially when it’s under the guise of ‘good works’ that are not from God (2 Cor. 11:3-4, 14, Matt. 23:5, 28). These may look outwardly good to the world, but bring glory to the work in the believer rather than glorifying Christ and His finished work in them. The true work of the Holy Spirit produces Christ-consciousness, not self-consciousness and humility, not selfish ambition (Phil. 2:3-4).

                All labor is profitless if it doesn’t yield treasure in heaven. (Matt 6:19-20) “For what is a man profited if he will gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Matt. 16:26) The Christian passes through trials so that he/she may learn to lean harder and more completely upon the Lord.  When God said, “Be still” in Psalm 46:10, He meant “Desist—cease your efforts”, adding “and know that I am God” (and you aren’t’). The beautiful picture in Matthew 11:28-30 shows us that when we look to Christ and come to Him, He provides us with rest. When we take His yoke upon us and learn from Him, there will be true rest for our souls for His yoke is easy and His burden is light. When resurrection is realized as the goal of God and the entrance into true life, then one can patiently perform God’s good works and endure with all patience, suffering, and joy.

                The believer can only run in ‘safe mode’ when they continue to turn to and have faith in God’s written Word. Satan owes so much to technology as it’s the perfect vehicle to distract and divert the believer’s mind, focus, and time (Eph. 2:2, 2 Cor. 10:3-5). So many use the excuse that they have no time to read or study God’s Word, yet they spend hours listening to others on podcasts, YouTube videos, TikTok, scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, online shopping, online gambling, playing games where they reach levels and receive artificial prizes, as well as binge-watching TV shows (Matt. 13:22). What a waste of time and an empty return on investment.

                Time spent reading, studying, and learning God’s Word is never in vain as it’s profitable not only in this life but in the life to come (2 Tim. 3:16, 2:15, 1 Tim. 4:8, 1 Cor. 15:58).  Without the knowledge of God’s Word, one will not be able to discern God’s perfect will (1 Tim. 4:1, 1 Cor. 2:14, Phil. 1:9, Heb. 4:12, Acts 17:11). Sadly without truly knowing God’s Word many are being led astray.  A helpful guideline for assimilating information that we hear from others (especially when it comes from God’s Word) is to search for ourselves to see if it lines up with what the Scriptures actually say—rightly divided, and in proper context (Acts 17:11, Rom. 15:4, 2 Tim. 2:15, Phil. 1:9-11).

                God’s Word is clear that a time will come when the crooked will be made straight and every work will be brought into judgment. God has a purpose and a work that transcends all our thoughts so we need to trust and wait patiently for Him (Eccl. 3:14, 12:13-14, Ps. 37). Have faith and be encouraged that no matter the plans and devices that man has in mind, ultimately the Lord’s counsel will stand and His purposes will prevail (Prov. 19:21, Ps. 33:11).

May you be resolved to “be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy…” (Colossians 1:9-11).

Laura

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Discerning the Signs of the Times

                “It’s not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father has put in His power” (Acts 1:7). Not only does God have complete command over ‘times and seasons,’ but also over the specific ‘day and hour’ when the Son of Man will return. This knowledge is hid even from the angels (Mark 13:32, Matt. 24:36, 25:13).

                When we travel signs give us direction as well as forewarn us of things ahead. God through His Word gives us instructions to guide our life. He has given us prophecies or signs—many that have already come to pass.  Some signs point further out such as those of Matthew 24. They give information regarding the ‘beginning’ of the end as the prophetic clock’s alarm is positioning to go off to awaken Israel for their conversion, restoration, and blessing.

“You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you can’t discern the signs of the times” (Matt. 16:3).

                There are signs that believers today should discern (Matt. 16:2-3, 24:32-33). The word discernment in Greek is ‘diakrino’ and implies distinctions or differences.  It’s the exercise of judgment with special regard to ‘things that differ’ that balances pros and cons prior to reaching a conclusion (Phil. 1:10).  It’s sadly something we see very little of today where judgment is based on sound bites, partial information, emotions, and sensationalism.

Only through an all-knowing, infallible God can we have proper discernment. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and to not rely on our own understanding. In all our ways we should acknowledge Him, and He will direct (rightly divide) our paths. 

                Only through God’s Word will one know what is profitable for instruction, reproof, and correction so that he or she may be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work that God has foreordained for them to walk in (2 Tim. 3:16-17, Eph. 2:10).

                Only God’s Word can discern the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12).

                Only through God’s Word (not the world) can one’s mind be renewed to discern what the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God is (Rom. 12:2, 1 Cor. 2:13-16).

                The believer’s responsibility is to be diligent in not only studying and knowing God’s Word, but in rightly dividing it (2 Tim. 2:15).  This means that although everything in the Bible is written for our learning, it’s not all written specifically to us (Rom. 15:4). The times when God spoke to “the fathers” is distinguished from the time in which He has “spoken to us.” The time in which “He spoke by the prophets” stands in contrast with the time in which He spoke by His “Son” (Heb. 1:1-2). And the “time past” is obviously distinguished from “these last days”. In order to “rightly divide” the word of truth, it’s essential to regard the times in which the words were spoken, as well as the times to which they refer. 

                Questions a Bible student must always ask when they’re reading God’s Word are:

(1) WHAT is spoken or written?, (2) WHO is it spoken or written TO?, (3) WHO is it spoken or written ABOUT?, (4) At what TIME?, (5) With what INTENT?, (6) With what WORDS?, (7) With what CIRCUMSTANCES?, (8) WHERE? 

Always consider what goes before and what comes after—taking all things in the context they were written in.

TIMES AND SEASONS

                The ‘latter times’, which are the subject of the Spirit’s ‘express’ words in 1 Timothy 4:1, are signs we should be aware of. They are a precursor to the things that pertain to Israel at the time of the end.  The only prophecies that pertain within the realm of this present dispensation are found in Paul’s epistles written since Acts 28:28 (These include: Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon). The first great prophetic pronouncement is found in 1 Timothy chapter 4 which opens with the words, “Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some will depart from the faith.”  If we view this passage in light of the context, it will be found that the central core of Paul’s first letter to Timothy reveals two things that are set against each other: the apostasy of the later times with the mystery of godliness. The mystery of godliness is explained as “God manifest in the flesh” (1 Tim. 3:16).  The apostasy (forsaking) of faith of the last days of this dispensation is vitally connected with seducing spirits, doctrines of demons, the forbidding of marriage, the abstention from meats, old wives tales, and bodily exercise (1 Tim. 4:1-8). This departure from the faith will have immediate and future consequences. The immediate consequences are reflected in the state of affairs depicted in 2 Timothy 3 and 4.

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come…” (2 Tim. 3:1).

This gives us a clue of the character that will be displayed during this time. The word perilous in Greek is Chalepos and is used of things that are hard to bear, severe, grievous, rough, rugged, and dangerous.  When used of persons, it indicates that they are hostile, angry, cruel, bad-tempered, nasty, and generally mean-spirited. This same Greek word is used to describe the mental condition of the men possessed with ’devils’, who were ‘exceeding fierce’ in Matthew 8:28.

“…For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Tim. 3:2-5)

At the same time this falling away from the faith will prepare the way for the greater apostasy that’s prophesied in 2 Thessalonians 2 (belonging to the dispensation that follows after this one). Thus the apostasy of 1 Timothy 4 is the beginning opposition to the mystery of godliness, which resistance reaches its fullness in the manifestation of the man of sin. In order for the apostasy that’s foretold in 1 Timothy 4 to be carried out, two entities need to work together. One is spiritual and the other human. The spiritual entities’ responsibility is to seduce with their doctrines of demons, while the human agents, with their seared consciences, become ‘lie-speakers’. These pawns of the devil are similar to those that will be taken in and deceived in the future because they received not the love of the truth…and had pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thess. 2:9-11). Interesting to note that references to ‘The Truth’ and ‘the Word of God’ are positioned on either side of the departure in 1 Timothy 3:15 and 4:5. It’s ‘The Truth’ that sets the captive free (2 Tim. 2:25-26), and it’s away from ‘The Truth’ that the false teachers will redirect the ears of those who willingly become ensnared to do the devil’s bidding (2 Tim. 2:26, 3:6). 

                The darkness only deepens as the end of the ages draws near.  Mind you, these warnings are for believers. Just as ‘faith comes by hearing’ so does deception. Either the believer holds fast to the mystery of godliness (and the Head of the body), or they start upon a downward path that leads via the doctrine of myths to the mystery of iniquity (a ‘form of godliness’ that’s devoid of power).  This should be enough to warn the believer to be vigilant and to make sure all the armor of God is in place. It’s vital that the believer’s focus is on the Lord and His Word no matter how it becomes attacked or ignored (Eph. 6:10-18, 2 Tim. 4:2, Col. 2:8, 16-21).

                So hold fast to God’s faithful word and don’t be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Eph. 5:17, Titus 1:9). And remember our true citizenship is in heaven where our blessed hope and our glorious and great God and Savior Jesus Christ await us (Phil. 3:20-21, Titus 2:13).

Laura

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2 Sources of All Voices

Disinformation may be the most powerful form of deception.

VOICE CHOICE

By Laura Kestly

Cacophony of voices

dictating one’s choices

Babbling media

on overload

Itching ears fall for gurus

indulge selfish egos

Lies spun and believed

 bought and sold

God’s voice reigns supremely

spoke the world into being

It is powerful,

pure, tried and true

Hearing ears bring forth true faith

believing what God says

discerning the truth

and His will.

BEHIND ALL THE VOICES TODAY ARE JUST 2 SOURCES.

One is good. One is evil. One brings forth life. One brings forth death.  To be able to discern between the two one must know the character and attributes behind the voices— for they speak out of what they are.

The voice that tempts the flesh is not from God (James 1:13-15, 1 Jn. 2:16). Contrarily, God provides a way for one to escape temptation (1 Cor. 10:13). God provided a way for Adam and Eve as well. It’s not only important to hear God’s voice, but to also obey it. God told the first couple that they could freely eat of any tree in the garden except of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If they did they would surely die (Gen. 2:17).

 Sadly they were ensnared in Satan’s web of deceit and ate of what God warned them not to. Their disobedience to His Word brought sin and death into the world (Rom. 5:12, 6:23).  Here’s how Eve was beguiled (Gen. 3:13, 2 Cor. 11:3, 1 Tim. 2:14):          

1) The first lie (Genesis 3:1) involved QUESTIONING God’s Word, “Did God actually say…”

2) The second lie (Genesis 3:4) was in CONTRADICTING God’s Word (Gen. 2:17), “You will not surely die”. 

                This lie has become the foundation of Spiritism and man’s traditional belief regarding death.

3) The third lie (Genesis 3:5) was in DELUDING Eve to believe, “…you will be like God”. 

                This claim led to Satan’s own downfall (Isaiah 14:12-15).

Now contrast this with Jesus Christ’s responses to the devil’s temptations in the wilderness.

To each temptation, Jesus used God’s WRITTEN WORD of truth to counteract Satan’s lies (Matt. 4:1-11):

                “It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Deut. 8:3);

                “It is written again, You shall not tempt the Lord your God.” (Deut. 6:16);

                “…For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” (Deut. 6:13).

                Is it any wonder then that the good Word of God is under such attack by the evil one in the world today?

The Bible is like no other book. No other book can make the great claim of its divine nature, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (literally God-breathed) (2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Pet. 1:20-21). 

The same voice Who spoke the world into being and upholds all things by the word of His power would condescend to communicate with humankind at all is quite amazing (Ps. 33:6,9, Gen. 1, Heb. 1:1-3, 11:3, Jer. 10:12). Unlike man’s predictions, the prophecies of Scripture have never been wrong.  Not one has failed and never will. Even archaeologic discoveries demonstrate that fact (not fantasy) supports the Old Testament narratives.  

                Since the Truth of God is spiritually discerned, in order to hear God’s voice, it must be approached with humility, reverence and a believing faith. (Rom. 10:17, Heb. 11:6, 1 Cor. 2:13-14). God’s Word is a living weapon sharper than any two-edged sword. It’s for the mature believer whose powers of discernment have been trained by constant practice, enabling them to distinguish good (the Spirit) from evil (the flesh) (Eph. 6:17, Heb. 4:12, 5:14, John 3:6).

The definition of deceit is concealment, or distortion of the truth for the purpose of misleading.

                Satan continues to use the same tactics of taking God’s Word and twisting it just so, by omitting words or adding them to pervert God’s truth and His original intent. We must know God’s Word for ourselves and not just receive it second hand (Acts 17:11). It must be rightly divided and not taken out of context. One must not read into it what’s not there (2 Tim. 2:15, Rom. 15:4).

One can only stand against the lies and wiles of the enemy in God’s strength and armor (Eph. 6:10-11). “For although we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:3-5).

Be careful what your ears take in today. Discern the source behind what you hear. 

Ask yourself:

Does what I hear line up with God’s truth, attributes, and ways that are brought in love and promote the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23)? Or

Does what I hear come from the enemy that entices the lusts of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21) ultimately bringing fear, confusion, and despair?

Do not be deceived with misinformation. Be ready to counteract it with, “But God says…”

                                                                                Laura

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PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

I remember as a young girl practicing scales on the piano. It wasn’t my favorite part of playing. I wanted to play the songs right away, but in order to play the songs well, practicing the scales and doing the drills were necessary.  It was the same when I played basketball in high school. Our team had to work on the drills and practice the plays so we’d have more success in game situations. Really any activity from golf to painting, cooking to sewing, or even training a puppy the basics of ‘sit’, ‘stay’, etc. requires patience, perseverance and practice to prepare for success down the road.

                When life is looked upon as a giant practice field where opportunities of discipline and training exist in preparation for the resurrection life that is to come, even disappointments, hardships and irritating situations will become purposeful.

                To be able to walk worthy as a believer is called to, one must first be familiar with God’s instructions. The only way to do this is to prioritize reading and studying the Bible each day and then prayerfully putting what it says into practice.

                As in mastering an instrument, one must be able to recognize the notes before you can play it. Or in basketball, memorizing the plays before you can run them—so it is with the Christian walk. How can one practice what God has instructed if they haven’t read what He’s written for them in His Word? 

                To have any success in knowing God’s Word and practicing it effectively, it takes more than scanning through some verses here and there. It requires diligence, work, and careful care—dividing the word of truth in a way that’s approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:16). The payoff will be a mind that’s renewed, as well as the ability to discern God’s good, acceptable and perfect will(Romans 12:2, Col. 3:10, 2 Tim. 3:16, Heb. 11:6, Jer. 29:13, Gal. 5:22-23).

                ‘Practice’ isn’t based on outward works displayed to impress others with false humility. It deals with the inner man. The Proverbs are full of wisdom re: the heart of the inner man (Prov. 2:2, 4:23-27, 14:30, Prov. 23:7, 12…). The apostle Paul, in his prayer for the Ephesian believers, asked God for them to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man. A strong inner man/woman has their senses trained to discern both good and evil (Eph. 3:16, Heb. 5:14).

                How we respond when we’re tired, stressed, or don’t get our way matters. Do we display impatience, snap at others, raise our voices, complain, gossip, etc.?  All areas that incite our fleshly nature to act out in these ways are opportunities ‘to put into practice’ God’s ways, displaying the fruit of the Spirit instead (1 John 2:16-17, Gal. 5:16, 19-26).

                It’s not always easy and I fall short too often, but God’s grace is sufficient and His mercies are new every morning (2 Cor. 12:9, Lam. 3:22-23).  We all struggle in different areas of the flesh that we need extra ‘practice’ in. Some of mine are in the ‘verbal’ realm. Whether it’s dominating a conversation or trying to debate with those with differing ideas, opinions or beliefs than my own, I am convicted (sometimes afterwards) of God’s words of truth: “…be swift to hear, slow to speak” (James 1:19); “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Phil. 2:3); “Don’t be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart say anything hastily before God…Therefore let your words be few…a fool’s voice is known by his many words” (Eccl. 5:2-3); or lastly “…a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition…” (2 Tim. 2:24-25). These exercises, even as I fail at them, remind me that it’s back to the ‘practice field’ awaiting another opportunity to hopefully ‘nail it’ next time, while accepting God’s chastisement in humility as He corrects in love.  Although it may not seem pleasant at the time, afterward it’ll yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness when we allow ourselves to be trained by it (Heb. 12:5-11, Gal. 5:22-23).

                The key for success on the playing field is to become aware of our areas of weakness that need to be crucified and replaced by the Lord Jesus Christ, which makes no room for the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21, 24, 1 John 2:16-17, Rom. 13:14). This is crucial as well as taking more care to pray up when a situation arises that one may be more inclined to be tempted to sin in (Phil. 4:6). Don’t be too hard on yourself when you fail—if at first you don’t succeed, ‘try, try again’. You can be confident that He Which has begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6).

So put forth your time exercising and practicing toward the things that will make a difference on ‘game day’ (1 Tim. 4:7-8, 2 Cor. 4:16-18).

Laura                                                                                    

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Good Tidings of Comfort & Joy

IMG_4261One of the earliest and most beloved Christmas carols, “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” has appealed to many over the years due to its light, lively style and upbeat tempo. Not only does the music reflect the joy in the ‘good tidings’ (or good news) of the birth of Christ, but the lyrics as well. Christ’s birth, after all, is something to be celebrated and this enduring carol is a reminder of that. Interestingly the old English meaning of the word “rest” in the title of the song meant to “keep” or “make”, encouraging those of the time period it was written to allow God to “keep” or “make” them merry and then went on to tell the reasons why.

Even though the day we celebrate Christmas is not when Christ was actually born, it’s a day we set aside to celebrate God’s goodness & promises fulfilled of the coming Savior. God’s written prophecy is important. Romans 15:4 says, “For whatever things were written before was written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”

Here are some of the prophecies fulfilled when Christ was born:                                 •He would be born of the offspring of the woman (Gen. 3:15)—fulfilled: Luke 2:7, Gal. 4:4; •He would come from the tribe of Judah (Micah 5:2)—fulfilled: Matt. 1:1-3, Heb. 7:14, Rev. 5:5; •He would be born in the town of Bethlehem of Judea (Micah 5:2-5) —fulfilled: Matt. 2:1-6; •He would be born a king of the line of David (Isaiah 9:6-7) —fulfilled: Matt. 1:1, Luke 1:32, Acts 13:22-23; •He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) —fulfilled: Matt. 1:18-23, Luke 1:26-35; •He would be a rod out of the stem of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1-2) —fulfilled: Matt. 1:6, Acts 13:22-23; •He would have an eternal existence, “Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2) —confirmed: John 1:1-2, 8:58, Col. 1:15-19.

Christmas is about God’s faithfulness now and the hope (for those that believe in Christ) for what God has promised in His Word. This is what brings one comfort & joy in the midst of loss, trying times, and the hardships of living in this present fallen world.

As we understand and embrace these good tidings of joy, we’re also encouraged to share them with those around us—shining God’s love and hope to our dark world (Rom. 15:5, 2 Cor. 1:3-4, Phil. 2:1-2).

God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay,
Remember, Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day.
To save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray,

O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.

From God our Heav’nly Father a blessed Angel came,
And unto certain Shepherds brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by Name,

O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.

“Fear not then, “said the Angel, “Let nothing you afright,
This day is born a Savior a blessed holy sight,
To free all those who trust in Him from Satan’s pow’r and might.”

O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.

Now to the Lord sing praises, all you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace;
This Holy Child of Christmas shall fill our hearts with grace:

O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.

Have a Merry Christmas with Good Tidings of Comfort and Joy!

Laura

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CONTENTMENT IN EVERY STATE

In whatever state be content us map

Are you satisfied or do you yearn for more?

As I get older and sift through ‘stuff’ I’ve purchased and slowly collected through the years (trying to decide whether to discard, give-a-way or repurpose) & also tend to the upkeep and needs of our aging 20 year old home, the thought of time spent on ‘stuff’ that doesn’t last permeates my mind (Matt. 6:19-20, 2 Cor. 4:16-18, Col. 3:1-3).
I truly desire to minimize managing my ‘stuff’ as I believe that this is one of the enemy’s most deceptive tactics to keep us derailed away from the purpose God has for our lives. The worldly mindset of staying current with the ever changing modern technology & social media—trending home décor—the latest fashions—beauty, health, exercise and diets to keep the illusion of youth & looking outwardly like we ‘have it all together’ can be time consuming and exhausting!
I aspire to be more like the apostle Paul who could truly testify to the statement that, “…I have learned, in whatsoever state I am…to be content” (Phil. 4:11). He, after all, was imprisoned numerous times, often brought near death with countless beatings. He was lashed 39 times, beaten with rods 3 times, even stoned once. He was shipwrecked 3 times including a night & day adrift at sea. On frequent journeys, in the city, wilderness and sea, he experienced danger from rivers, robbers, his own people, and Gentiles. Paul toiled in hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food and in cold and exposure. And if that wasn’t enough to bear, there was the daily pressure and anxiety on him for all the churches he was ministering to (2 Cor. 11:23-29). He had good reason to be discontent but instead boasted of things that showed his weakness and of those things that he was allowed to suffer with that kept him from becoming conceited. He truly knew and understood through experience that God’s grace was sufficient for him and contrary to the world’s ways, God’s power was made perfect in weakness, for when he was weak, then he was strong (2 Cor. 12:7-10).
King Solomon, on the other hand, although he’d been blessed with great wisdom, ‘played the fool’ as he amassed riches, property, treasures, wives (700), and concubines (300). He had the most & best of everything (1 Kings 10:23, 11:3, Eccl. 2:10). The 3 steps of his downfall were wealth, weapons, and women (1 Kings 10:14-29, 16-21, 11:1-40). If he’d only heeded the Lord’s instruction he would not have been led astray and turn toward idolatry (Deut. 17:16-17, 1 Kings 3:14, 9:4-9, 11:4-8). Thankfully at his life’s end he came to his senses, realizing that all of it was vanity and that only through “fearing God” and heeding God’s Word can one truly be satisfied (Eccl. 12:8, 13-14).
All of us, as well, when we veer from the Lord’s Word that instructs and guides us in the best way to live in our fallen world, slip out of contentment too (2 Timothy 3:16). Time after time, with example after example, from Adam & Eve to Abraham, David, Solomon, … whenever one leaned on his own (fallible) understanding and the world’s bent ways, the path that they veered on led to heartache and woe (Prov. 3:5-7).

The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy that “…godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it’s certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim. 6:6-10). Note he doesn’t say money in itself is bad, but the desire for it. It’s the ‘love of money’—always looking toward it to fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21). Paul goes on to write for those who are rich to not be high-minded or trust in uncertain riches but instead in the living God, Who gives richly all things to enjoy. They should be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life (1 Tim. 6:17-19). When our conduct is without covetousness (the love of money), we can be content with what we presently have (Heb. 13:5).


So as you can see, contentment isn’t a ‘stop on the way’, it’s our gauge of where we are in relation to our trust in the Lord—at all times—in hardships, periods of struggle, grief, or pain to times of joy, bounty, and rest. Our aim should be to stay on an ‘even keel’ with life’s ups and downs and realize that when we’re feeling like we’re being ‘rocked out of the boat’; we most likely allowed fear of something to creep in.
As Paul encouraged the Philippians, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” and the result of this will be, “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).

I know that when I feel like I’m heading toward ’going overboard’ or ’capsizing’ in my life, I pause to think about what I didn’t give over to the Lord in prayer and in what way I’m not trusting in Him, but leaning on my own understanding. I also remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7). The power that God gives is so mighty that it can pull down any stronghold, as we cast down any thoughts that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God and bring them into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:3-5, Eph. 6:10). If we meditate on God’s Word and the areas that He instructs us to focus on—the things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8), we’ll have less time to look to the things that are temporary and perishing– as all men and women’s lives end in death—returning to dust and the spirit to God the Giver (2 Cor. 4:16-18, Eccl. 3:18-20, 7:2, 12:7-8, Col. 3:1-3).
We can rejoice and be content as God supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus as we await our blessed hope and His appearing (Titus 2:13, Col. 3:4, Phil. 4:19, 2 Cor. 12:9)!     Laura

God's Grace is Sufficient

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