The LORD'S fifth Commandment
Exodus
20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
To honour is to give weight to, to respect and to adore; that is according to God.
In this day and age most of society has all but forgotten the commandment our loving Father has given us to honour our parents; most of those that still think on it, likely tend to pick and choose in which times and contexts this commandment applies.
If we stop for a moment and reflect on scripture, we see the LORD giving us His desire of giving our elders, namely our parents, honour.
Honour in respect, obedience, servitude and adoration, this of course is under the pretense that parent and child are living in the will of God.
Proverbs
1:8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
1:9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
Respecting and loving our parents means much more than listening to and not arguing with them. I believe God calls us to look up to them, follow their example and direction and to revere their importance to God as well as to ourselves.
In hebrew, honour means to make heavy, to be burdensome. God calls us to take the gift of our parents with great weight and consideration and to honour the heritage of our families with the lives we choose to live.
Proverbs
30:17 The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
By the grace of God alone we are brought up in God fearing, loving families. We need to value the place our parents and elders hold not only in our own lives but in the importance they hold to God.
Remember, God is our eternal parent. He will love us, keep us and treasure us forever because we are His; if and only if, we choose to honour Him.
Be heavy in honour and your troubles will be lite!
God bless xo
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
THIS rest is Holy!
The seventh day and His fourth Commandment.
Exodus
20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
20:9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
20:11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
This day as it were, is much more than meets the eye. This day is specifically named, spoken for by our LORD and deemed as Holy.
As believers, God calls of us to do many things for His will, this Holy day, this time, He has given for us, not for Himself.
Mark
2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
This day is His gift. His knowledge and understanding of His creation, our best intentions and purpose He knows and that is rest. We need rest.
Matthew
11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
We need rest in Him. Time to silence the world around us and just be in His presence. God has given us everything that is good. He has given us our very lives. He also gives us the commandment to stop, slow down and separate from our flesh and focus on our spirit, His Spirit.
We are spirit first and God is and should be the forefront of all our lives but this time is special. His Holy day, where we do not labor or want for anything but His goodness, His Word and His Spirit.
We also do not participate in things that require others to labor, to separate their time, that should be given to resting in the LORD, to serve our needs.
Isaiah
58:13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
58:14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
He knows what we need, we need Him. God alone provides everything we need to thrive in His goodness through His Ten Commandments.
We give Him all of ourselves if we truly believe on Him, this includes following His command to rest.
So on that Holy day, above all else, take rest. Take rest in His Word and His Spirit and fulfill His desire for us by showing Him that respect.
Genesis
2:3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
God bless my friends xo
Exodus
20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
20:9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
20:11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
This day as it were, is much more than meets the eye. This day is specifically named, spoken for by our LORD and deemed as Holy.
As believers, God calls of us to do many things for His will, this Holy day, this time, He has given for us, not for Himself.
Mark
2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
This day is His gift. His knowledge and understanding of His creation, our best intentions and purpose He knows and that is rest. We need rest.
Matthew
11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
We need rest in Him. Time to silence the world around us and just be in His presence. God has given us everything that is good. He has given us our very lives. He also gives us the commandment to stop, slow down and separate from our flesh and focus on our spirit, His Spirit.
We are spirit first and God is and should be the forefront of all our lives but this time is special. His Holy day, where we do not labor or want for anything but His goodness, His Word and His Spirit.
We also do not participate in things that require others to labor, to separate their time, that should be given to resting in the LORD, to serve our needs.
Isaiah
58:13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
58:14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
He knows what we need, we need Him. God alone provides everything we need to thrive in His goodness through His Ten Commandments.
We give Him all of ourselves if we truly believe on Him, this includes following His command to rest.
So on that Holy day, above all else, take rest. Take rest in His Word and His Spirit and fulfill His desire for us by showing Him that respect.
Genesis
2:3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
God bless my friends xo
What is in a Name?
God's third Commandment.
Exodus
20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
The name of the LORD is TRULY everything to a man who does love his God.
The name of God is His promise, His honor, His holiness and His peace. Everything God is and does, is fulfilled in His name.
God gives us numerous examples of how man does take His name in vain. To use His name as profanity is disrespectful and blasphemy will not be tolerated by God. Those who tell lies or even misguide others in the name of God shall be held accountable.
Leviticus
24:16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall be put to death.
We are expected and should desire, as children of our LORD, to hold the utmost respect for the name of our Father and to know the power of the great I AM.
We are to pray in His name, we receive in His name and we sing praises in His name!
John
14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Psalm
69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
In His glorious name are all good things done in those who believe. Those who vainly use the name of God or do deeds that are self serving in His name will certainly be as the shadow.
Ecclesiastes
6:12 For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
God's promise to those who follow is given on His very name. The Name that shall be forever more.
1 Samuel
12:21 And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.
12:22 For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.
As His children, His creation, who loves Him with every breath, we shall have Him first in our lives. Our thoughts, our words and our actions belong to Him.
In His image are we created, in His love are we given life, in His power are we healed, in His mercy are we forgiven and in His NAME are we saved.
Vanity is emptiness. It is Satan's favorite sin. Those who choose to live in emptiness, for emptiness and by emptiness of self will surely reside in that hollow and dark place forever.
Love our Father with your entire walk, honor His name and follow His commandments. He does then promise your soul will forever belong in Him.
John
17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be as one, as we are.
17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
God bless xo
Exodus
20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
The name of the LORD is TRULY everything to a man who does love his God.
The name of God is His promise, His honor, His holiness and His peace. Everything God is and does, is fulfilled in His name.
God gives us numerous examples of how man does take His name in vain. To use His name as profanity is disrespectful and blasphemy will not be tolerated by God. Those who tell lies or even misguide others in the name of God shall be held accountable.
Leviticus
24:16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall be put to death.
We are expected and should desire, as children of our LORD, to hold the utmost respect for the name of our Father and to know the power of the great I AM.
We are to pray in His name, we receive in His name and we sing praises in His name!
John
14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Psalm
69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
In His glorious name are all good things done in those who believe. Those who vainly use the name of God or do deeds that are self serving in His name will certainly be as the shadow.
Ecclesiastes
6:12 For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
God's promise to those who follow is given on His very name. The Name that shall be forever more.
1 Samuel
12:21 And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.
12:22 For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.
As His children, His creation, who loves Him with every breath, we shall have Him first in our lives. Our thoughts, our words and our actions belong to Him.
In His image are we created, in His love are we given life, in His power are we healed, in His mercy are we forgiven and in His NAME are we saved.
Vanity is emptiness. It is Satan's favorite sin. Those who choose to live in emptiness, for emptiness and by emptiness of self will surely reside in that hollow and dark place forever.
Love our Father with your entire walk, honor His name and follow His commandments. He does then promise your soul will forever belong in Him.
John
17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be as one, as we are.
17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
God bless xo
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Statues and money and man...Oh My!
His second commandment. His standard for worship and adoration as well as His intolerance for man building foundations upon men or worse… what do we worship?
Exodus
20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
20:6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
God does not call for us to create and worship graven images of His likeness; He is Spirit AND He has no need for man to worship things made by man.
Do you know who needs graven images, etched into stone or gold to be a pillar of power and hierarchy, a place of refuge for the lost who have no hope in God?
Man does.
The man who has fallen so far away in faith, who cannot bring himself to fall short of the glory of God, the man who would rather put his trust in man because accountability for his life to a living God is simply too much a burden to bear.
What a sad realization.
God does warn man time and time again, He will not stand for such indignation and He does tell us the cost of those moments we choose to worship any other than Him alone.
Leviticus
26:1 Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.
26:30 And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.
Isaiah
42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
God is all Spirit. He has no desire to watch His children worship physical objects erected by the hands of man, in His name or in the name of any other.
God asks us as spiritual beings first, to show our worship, our adoration and commitment to Him in many ways, save for bowing down to images conjured up by man.
John
4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Psalm
132:7 We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.
God loves His children to worship, to sing praises and to give thanks to His Mighty Hand, amen. He calls us to walk in His way, follow His commandments and to love Him alone.
To live righteously in our walk, with the will of our LORD as our only desire, this is worship, this is how we show our Father that He is our hearts desire.
There is a word we all know called vanity, being vain. This word, as we think of it, means selfish, ego, considering one's value to be higher than others. Do you know what it means in the language of God's chosen?
Emptiness.
Everytime we stand as God's creation and bow down to graven images made by man, we do surely test the merciful limits of God and we do so in vain.
Deuteronomy
6:16 Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.
6:17 Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.
6:18 And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers.
Remember, graven images are not just golden statues and temples. Money, material items, the earth itself and MAN all become “images" we worship when we adore the created and not our CREATOR!
Bow down for the LORD alone, live in His righteousness and sing His praises, on your knees and with your spirit…
so He can hear you.
Be blessed xo
Exodus
20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
20:6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
God does not call for us to create and worship graven images of His likeness; He is Spirit AND He has no need for man to worship things made by man.
Do you know who needs graven images, etched into stone or gold to be a pillar of power and hierarchy, a place of refuge for the lost who have no hope in God?
Man does.
The man who has fallen so far away in faith, who cannot bring himself to fall short of the glory of God, the man who would rather put his trust in man because accountability for his life to a living God is simply too much a burden to bear.
What a sad realization.
God does warn man time and time again, He will not stand for such indignation and He does tell us the cost of those moments we choose to worship any other than Him alone.
Leviticus
26:1 Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.
26:30 And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.
Isaiah
42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
God is all Spirit. He has no desire to watch His children worship physical objects erected by the hands of man, in His name or in the name of any other.
God asks us as spiritual beings first, to show our worship, our adoration and commitment to Him in many ways, save for bowing down to images conjured up by man.
John
4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Psalm
132:7 We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.
God loves His children to worship, to sing praises and to give thanks to His Mighty Hand, amen. He calls us to walk in His way, follow His commandments and to love Him alone.
To live righteously in our walk, with the will of our LORD as our only desire, this is worship, this is how we show our Father that He is our hearts desire.
There is a word we all know called vanity, being vain. This word, as we think of it, means selfish, ego, considering one's value to be higher than others. Do you know what it means in the language of God's chosen?
Emptiness.
Everytime we stand as God's creation and bow down to graven images made by man, we do surely test the merciful limits of God and we do so in vain.
Deuteronomy
6:16 Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.
6:17 Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.
6:18 And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers.
Remember, graven images are not just golden statues and temples. Money, material items, the earth itself and MAN all become “images" we worship when we adore the created and not our CREATOR!
Bow down for the LORD alone, live in His righteousness and sing His praises, on your knees and with your spirit…
so He can hear you.
Be blessed xo
Let us start from The Beginning
These words are the first of many, given to His people as the standard of which a man's heart shall be judged.
This is His first commandment.
Exodus
20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Living in Spirit, we do come to understand, that our eternal usefulness is dependant on how much we invest in our LORD here, today, in this life on earth. Do we, as Christians, follow the Ten Commandments? Do we truly love God with all our hearts, souls and minds? And do we still, seek for discernment and pray steadfastly for His will to be our own?
I do. I pray you do as well, amen.
God made these words special. Like, really special, and they are His first words for a very important reason. Would you want to spend eternity not knowing if the guy next to you would turn from our LORD and give his heart to another? Me either.
God, in all His perfection knows His plan and His people will forever take part in carrying out His will. Therefore, His people must have hearts that are truly and purely His. This begins, and truly ends with His first commandment.
Exodus
18:11 Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.
22:20 He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.
23:24 Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.
The LORD will not stand for any man, for His sake OR for our own, who will turn to any god but He who is the GOD.
So what is a god? By what measure do we set a standard of divinity and power? Sadly, most of us are far from grace in reality when it comes to this first and all important commandment.
Any “thing" we place above God within our lives, however small, for however briefly, is putting other gods before the Almighty.
That greed, that power, those clothes and cars, even those twinges of doubt and worry over life's discrepancies… all shorten our faith and we are but for a moment at times, showing God that we will turn from Him.
Matthew
6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
This scripture in Matthew is literal in so many ways. Clearly we cannot claim to love God with all we are and yet be of this world. We must also see how this applies to losing faith, giving into flesh, fear, doubt and how anything, be it material or simply an emotion can quickly become god like if we feed it.
Jeremiah
17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
And oh how we as Christians fall for this. That serpent knows the depths of your heart as well and he does make a quick work of your love for your pastor, your leaders in faith, your friends.
We must stay ever close to God and focus on the fruit of those around us so that we do not lay adoration and glory upon any man.
Matthew
15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Fruit. Fruit. Fruit.
And then there's the saddest part of us all...
Acts
17:22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
17:25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Remember with each desire of your heart, every feeling of lust, envy, fear, worry and yearning of the flesh, we are worshipping the unknown god.
Our Father loves us to a measure our physical selves simply cannot comprehend. He wants and needs every piece of who we are to want Him and to love Him, this so we may forever be a part of leading others to becoming sons of THE LIVING GOD!!
Let us love with our whole heart the God we know. Our Father who created us in His image, to forever remain ALIVE in Him eternally, fulfilling His will.
Mark
12:32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
12:33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.
Be blessed xo
This is His first commandment.
Exodus
20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Living in Spirit, we do come to understand, that our eternal usefulness is dependant on how much we invest in our LORD here, today, in this life on earth. Do we, as Christians, follow the Ten Commandments? Do we truly love God with all our hearts, souls and minds? And do we still, seek for discernment and pray steadfastly for His will to be our own?
I do. I pray you do as well, amen.
God made these words special. Like, really special, and they are His first words for a very important reason. Would you want to spend eternity not knowing if the guy next to you would turn from our LORD and give his heart to another? Me either.
God, in all His perfection knows His plan and His people will forever take part in carrying out His will. Therefore, His people must have hearts that are truly and purely His. This begins, and truly ends with His first commandment.
Exodus
18:11 Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.
22:20 He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.
23:24 Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.
The LORD will not stand for any man, for His sake OR for our own, who will turn to any god but He who is the GOD.
So what is a god? By what measure do we set a standard of divinity and power? Sadly, most of us are far from grace in reality when it comes to this first and all important commandment.
Any “thing" we place above God within our lives, however small, for however briefly, is putting other gods before the Almighty.
That greed, that power, those clothes and cars, even those twinges of doubt and worry over life's discrepancies… all shorten our faith and we are but for a moment at times, showing God that we will turn from Him.
Matthew
6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
This scripture in Matthew is literal in so many ways. Clearly we cannot claim to love God with all we are and yet be of this world. We must also see how this applies to losing faith, giving into flesh, fear, doubt and how anything, be it material or simply an emotion can quickly become god like if we feed it.
Jeremiah
17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
And oh how we as Christians fall for this. That serpent knows the depths of your heart as well and he does make a quick work of your love for your pastor, your leaders in faith, your friends.
We must stay ever close to God and focus on the fruit of those around us so that we do not lay adoration and glory upon any man.
Matthew
15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Fruit. Fruit. Fruit.
And then there's the saddest part of us all...
Acts
17:22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
17:25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Remember with each desire of your heart, every feeling of lust, envy, fear, worry and yearning of the flesh, we are worshipping the unknown god.
Our Father loves us to a measure our physical selves simply cannot comprehend. He wants and needs every piece of who we are to want Him and to love Him, this so we may forever be a part of leading others to becoming sons of THE LIVING GOD!!
Let us love with our whole heart the God we know. Our Father who created us in His image, to forever remain ALIVE in Him eternally, fulfilling His will.
Mark
12:32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
12:33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.
Be blessed xo
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Falling from Grace
So, you believe you have been saved by grace… one time, forever saved and being sorry in the name of Jesus shall eternally set you free… here is His gift to you, again.
James
4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
We are taught in today's world by our pastors, our teachers and often by our parents growing up, that we are created in sin, given life everlasting and we are covered by grace in the life and death of our LORD Jesus Christ, amen. Now of course, here comes the part where I tell you some of this is true, God's Word is faithful.
BUT… here comes the part where I tell you sadly, much of what you may have been led to believe about that beautiful gift grace, may not be truth, God's truth.
I'll let Paul tell you why…
Ephesians
2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)
2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
2:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
This is you. And this is me. This is ALL of us. We are lowly, sinful flesh that can only be made whole in the goodness of our Father God, amen. This scripture above perfectly describes grace, REAL grace… it is who Jesus is, what He did for our sake and the standard in which God calls us to live by if we want to receive that eternal gift called grace.
Grace is SO much more than;
*We are sinners who fell away from God
*God sent Jesus to live amongst us, to show us The Way
*Jesus had to die to become the final sacrifice that would atone for all sin
*We are freely able to gauge our own appropriateness of "sin” and maybe repent *BUT if we sin again, grace covers us so we're good!
Jesus is grace. He calls us to believe on Him, follow in His example, follow the will of God and to obey His commandments.
Grace, in the language of God's people (hebrew) means favor. God was willing, yes because we were SO far away from His will, to send His power, His authority and His Spirit to this earth to show FAVOR to His children.
God did so love His children, that He allowed for His spirit to manifest in the flesh of Jesus so that we may have the everlasting example to strive in to become sons of God;
Yes that Holy flesh that was made and kept perfect did atone for sin in those whose names are written in His book,
And yes, we are given grace ie FAVOR in that the LORD was and is willing to forgive us from our sin if we truly repent, follow the Ten Commandments and refrain from committing those sins again.
Many also believe that we are under grace therefore we are NOT under the law…
Romans
6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Jesus clarifies very well here in saying we are made free from sin only in that we are shown favor by God, if we follow His Word we will become servants of righteousness! This is INSTEAD of being doomed to be apart from God because of our sins eternally AND that this will only be gifted to us IF we love God with all our hearts, souls and minds and by following His commandments.
2 Peter
3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
If we are saved by grace alone as many do believe, than growing in grace as said by the LORD himself would not be a possible thing to do! This one scripture verily does describe what we are to do; we are to grow in favor of our LORD, this by growing in knowledge of Him as He was in flesh as well as who He is in Spirit.
It is following His commandments, repenting for sin and abstaining from what is NOT of Him.
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.
Again, Jesus is grace, He is the gift of favor bestowed upon those that choose to follow the will of God; through believing He is God in the flesh, following His Ten Commandments and in being fully accountable for oneself to God.
This is how we eternally receive that beautiful, amazing gift we call Jesus who is our grace.
God is TRULY in favor for us! It is all for us, so that we may be useful and purposeful to His eternal plan. He must have accountability in His children and has given us His standard in His Word. In His gift of grace (Jesus), He did not absolve any one thing previously written or any one thing planned for the future. GOD DOES NOT CHANGE… we do. Either continually growing in His favor amen or falling to the deception of I'm trying and good enough.
Be accountable. Be full of good works. Be favourable.
Matthew
7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
God bless xo
James
4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
We are taught in today's world by our pastors, our teachers and often by our parents growing up, that we are created in sin, given life everlasting and we are covered by grace in the life and death of our LORD Jesus Christ, amen. Now of course, here comes the part where I tell you some of this is true, God's Word is faithful.
BUT… here comes the part where I tell you sadly, much of what you may have been led to believe about that beautiful gift grace, may not be truth, God's truth.
I'll let Paul tell you why…
Ephesians
2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)
2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
2:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
This is you. And this is me. This is ALL of us. We are lowly, sinful flesh that can only be made whole in the goodness of our Father God, amen. This scripture above perfectly describes grace, REAL grace… it is who Jesus is, what He did for our sake and the standard in which God calls us to live by if we want to receive that eternal gift called grace.
Grace is SO much more than;
*We are sinners who fell away from God
*God sent Jesus to live amongst us, to show us The Way
*Jesus had to die to become the final sacrifice that would atone for all sin
*We are freely able to gauge our own appropriateness of "sin” and maybe repent *BUT if we sin again, grace covers us so we're good!
Jesus is grace. He calls us to believe on Him, follow in His example, follow the will of God and to obey His commandments.
Grace, in the language of God's people (hebrew) means favor. God was willing, yes because we were SO far away from His will, to send His power, His authority and His Spirit to this earth to show FAVOR to His children.
God did so love His children, that He allowed for His spirit to manifest in the flesh of Jesus so that we may have the everlasting example to strive in to become sons of God;
Yes that Holy flesh that was made and kept perfect did atone for sin in those whose names are written in His book,
And yes, we are given grace ie FAVOR in that the LORD was and is willing to forgive us from our sin if we truly repent, follow the Ten Commandments and refrain from committing those sins again.
Many also believe that we are under grace therefore we are NOT under the law…
Romans
6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Jesus clarifies very well here in saying we are made free from sin only in that we are shown favor by God, if we follow His Word we will become servants of righteousness! This is INSTEAD of being doomed to be apart from God because of our sins eternally AND that this will only be gifted to us IF we love God with all our hearts, souls and minds and by following His commandments.
2 Peter
3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
If we are saved by grace alone as many do believe, than growing in grace as said by the LORD himself would not be a possible thing to do! This one scripture verily does describe what we are to do; we are to grow in favor of our LORD, this by growing in knowledge of Him as He was in flesh as well as who He is in Spirit.
It is following His commandments, repenting for sin and abstaining from what is NOT of Him.
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.
Again, Jesus is grace, He is the gift of favor bestowed upon those that choose to follow the will of God; through believing He is God in the flesh, following His Ten Commandments and in being fully accountable for oneself to God.
This is how we eternally receive that beautiful, amazing gift we call Jesus who is our grace.
God is TRULY in favor for us! It is all for us, so that we may be useful and purposeful to His eternal plan. He must have accountability in His children and has given us His standard in His Word. In His gift of grace (Jesus), He did not absolve any one thing previously written or any one thing planned for the future. GOD DOES NOT CHANGE… we do. Either continually growing in His favor amen or falling to the deception of I'm trying and good enough.
Be accountable. Be full of good works. Be favourable.
Matthew
7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
God bless xo
Thursday, December 22, 2016
And then there were Ten
Exodus
20:1 And God spake all these words, saying,
20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
20:13 Thou shalt not kill.
20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
20:15 Thou shalt not steal.
20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
These are the commandments of THE God, our Father, the Alpha and Omega. These commandments were and are the Law.
They are separate from the other laws God did give in the old testament (laws of sacrifice) in that they are to be followed still today.
Here is your LORD, in the NEW TESTAMENT, testifying that these commandments shall forever be followed, on earth, by those that truly love Him.
Mark
10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
10:20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
Luke
1:5 THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
Now there are many who will say; but Jesus says there are only two commandments He asks of us to follow, the old covenant is gone, replaced by grace in the death and resurrection of Christ…
This is NOT what is written in the Word of God. Jesus is the fulfillment of God's law. God does not simply “replace" His commands for His people.
Matthew
22:36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
So, the question this man asked is; which is the GREATEST commandment IN the Law? Jesus responds with loving God with all your heart, soul and mind. The second GREATEST is to love thy neighbor as thyself.
IMPORTANT VERSE coming up!!!
“On these commandments hang ALL the law and the prophets.” (because the Law is encompassed in these scriptures)
Jesus DID declare that these two commandments are in fact the most important, but why??
If you truly love God, you will love Him with all your heart, soul and mind. AND if you love your neighbor as yourself, you will NOT dishonor, murder, steal, lie to or covet him, correct?
Many, many people are mislead into thinking that this scripture somehow implies or even outright states that there are only two commandments to be followed in the NEW TESTAMENT… this is incorrect.
Yes, many of the original Ten Commandments are applicable so to speak, within these two commandments given by Jesus BUT there are others not specifically spoken for in this scripture (honor thy father and thy mother, keep the Sabbath) that are STILL ever important and commanded by God to be followed. These commandments would not fall away or change simply because they are not named here because God AND His Word does not change.
There is nowhere in God's Word that states the ten commandments should at any point NOT be followed. They MUST be followed, if we wish to return to our Father! (Lev 22:31)
There is further scripture that confirms again, that the Ten Commandments are to always be followed by all men who truly love God. These are from the end of time on this earth, the end of His written Word and yet the Commandments remain.
Revelation
12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Again here…
Revelation
22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Now remember...Jesus said to follow the commandments in Matthew and in Mark so these scriptures are NOT to mean only follow the two that so many are clinging to today.
God created those ten standards to live eternally by for many reasons; He loves us, we were sinful, sinful humans who had chosen to fall away...and guess what? We are STILL those sinful humans!!! And we need His laws to exist and live eternally within His Kingdom!
When did we reach a point where we don't need to honor our father and mother? When have we not needed to remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy?
God is the same yesterday, today and forever, amen. His Will was spoken and He meant Every. Last. Word.
Here is His continued promise to those who believe and hear His Word as He has given it...
Revelation
14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
And here is His promise for those who do not…
Revelation
22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Be thoughtful and full of discernment as you draw nigh to the Father. Pray for His written Word to speak to your very soul, for there are others quietly vying for it as well...
Matthew
15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Be well in His commandments my friends...ALL of them. Xo
20:1 And God spake all these words, saying,
20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
20:13 Thou shalt not kill.
20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
20:15 Thou shalt not steal.
20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
These are the commandments of THE God, our Father, the Alpha and Omega. These commandments were and are the Law.
They are separate from the other laws God did give in the old testament (laws of sacrifice) in that they are to be followed still today.
Here is your LORD, in the NEW TESTAMENT, testifying that these commandments shall forever be followed, on earth, by those that truly love Him.
Mark
10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
10:20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
Luke
1:5 THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
Now there are many who will say; but Jesus says there are only two commandments He asks of us to follow, the old covenant is gone, replaced by grace in the death and resurrection of Christ…
This is NOT what is written in the Word of God. Jesus is the fulfillment of God's law. God does not simply “replace" His commands for His people.
Matthew
22:36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
So, the question this man asked is; which is the GREATEST commandment IN the Law? Jesus responds with loving God with all your heart, soul and mind. The second GREATEST is to love thy neighbor as thyself.
IMPORTANT VERSE coming up!!!
“On these commandments hang ALL the law and the prophets.” (because the Law is encompassed in these scriptures)
Jesus DID declare that these two commandments are in fact the most important, but why??
If you truly love God, you will love Him with all your heart, soul and mind. AND if you love your neighbor as yourself, you will NOT dishonor, murder, steal, lie to or covet him, correct?
Many, many people are mislead into thinking that this scripture somehow implies or even outright states that there are only two commandments to be followed in the NEW TESTAMENT… this is incorrect.
Yes, many of the original Ten Commandments are applicable so to speak, within these two commandments given by Jesus BUT there are others not specifically spoken for in this scripture (honor thy father and thy mother, keep the Sabbath) that are STILL ever important and commanded by God to be followed. These commandments would not fall away or change simply because they are not named here because God AND His Word does not change.
There is nowhere in God's Word that states the ten commandments should at any point NOT be followed. They MUST be followed, if we wish to return to our Father! (Lev 22:31)
There is further scripture that confirms again, that the Ten Commandments are to always be followed by all men who truly love God. These are from the end of time on this earth, the end of His written Word and yet the Commandments remain.
Revelation
12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Again here…
Revelation
22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Now remember...Jesus said to follow the commandments in Matthew and in Mark so these scriptures are NOT to mean only follow the two that so many are clinging to today.
God created those ten standards to live eternally by for many reasons; He loves us, we were sinful, sinful humans who had chosen to fall away...and guess what? We are STILL those sinful humans!!! And we need His laws to exist and live eternally within His Kingdom!
When did we reach a point where we don't need to honor our father and mother? When have we not needed to remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy?
God is the same yesterday, today and forever, amen. His Will was spoken and He meant Every. Last. Word.
Here is His continued promise to those who believe and hear His Word as He has given it...
Revelation
14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
And here is His promise for those who do not…
Revelation
22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Be thoughtful and full of discernment as you draw nigh to the Father. Pray for His written Word to speak to your very soul, for there are others quietly vying for it as well...
Matthew
15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Be well in His commandments my friends...ALL of them. Xo
Sunday, December 18, 2016
You can't have one without the other...
Greetings friends!
As we anxiously await for Christmas day to arrive, we willfully reflect on this past year and hopefully on what Christmas truly means as a child of God.
We celebrate the birth of our Savior, God in the flesh and the grace that was and is bestowed upon those that truly follow the LORD and His will, amen.
There is much to ponder as the end of another year approaches and one of those thoughts may be; am I building my relationship with Christ by faith or works alone?
This tends to be a hot topic among many Christians and despite what many a man will tell us, GOD tells us there is no fruitful faith without works and no fruitful works without faith. The scripture to follow ensures this.
James
2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Well, there you have it folks. There it is for all to see, the very words of the Almighty. There should be no room for confusion or disillusion in whether we can be saved by grace (forgiveness/faith) alone. We are to consider our faith and works as ONE testimony to our Father.
Another important aspect of this scripture that should be noted, God does not appear to be overly impressed by self serving gestures of kindness towards others or serving Him in public to save face with man.
These kinds of “works" are not advocated in this scripture or anywhere for that matter, but it tends to be where most Christians stumble. (Earning works)
By the examples given in this scripture, one could gather “works" to mean having the faith to answer God's call, when and how HE is asking us to AND for our desire to be HIS desire NO MATTER WHAT HE ASKS!!
If we have faith, real, real faith, there is nothing we fear in trusting His will and if we act on that faith wholeheartedly without hesitation or doubt, we have shown Him our works!
No matter what He asks, we have faith that His will is truth and we honor that in following (works).
So as we spend time with loved ones, celebrating the birth of Christ on earth, take a moment to be with God and search your heart. Hopefully we are led to faithfully improve our work ethic with each and every moment He gives us!
God bless and Merry Christmas!! Xo
As we anxiously await for Christmas day to arrive, we willfully reflect on this past year and hopefully on what Christmas truly means as a child of God.
We celebrate the birth of our Savior, God in the flesh and the grace that was and is bestowed upon those that truly follow the LORD and His will, amen.
There is much to ponder as the end of another year approaches and one of those thoughts may be; am I building my relationship with Christ by faith or works alone?
This tends to be a hot topic among many Christians and despite what many a man will tell us, GOD tells us there is no fruitful faith without works and no fruitful works without faith. The scripture to follow ensures this.
James
2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Well, there you have it folks. There it is for all to see, the very words of the Almighty. There should be no room for confusion or disillusion in whether we can be saved by grace (forgiveness/faith) alone. We are to consider our faith and works as ONE testimony to our Father.
Another important aspect of this scripture that should be noted, God does not appear to be overly impressed by self serving gestures of kindness towards others or serving Him in public to save face with man.
These kinds of “works" are not advocated in this scripture or anywhere for that matter, but it tends to be where most Christians stumble. (Earning works)
By the examples given in this scripture, one could gather “works" to mean having the faith to answer God's call, when and how HE is asking us to AND for our desire to be HIS desire NO MATTER WHAT HE ASKS!!
If we have faith, real, real faith, there is nothing we fear in trusting His will and if we act on that faith wholeheartedly without hesitation or doubt, we have shown Him our works!
No matter what He asks, we have faith that His will is truth and we honor that in following (works).
So as we spend time with loved ones, celebrating the birth of Christ on earth, take a moment to be with God and search your heart. Hopefully we are led to faithfully improve our work ethic with each and every moment He gives us!
God bless and Merry Christmas!! Xo
Saturday, November 12, 2016
For our Father...love, Your Children
Father...
It is with my soul alone that I give this prayer to You.
You are the Alpha and Omega, the Truth and the Light, our eternal lover.
You alone know all things, the Creator of great and small and You alone shall reign forever and ever, amen.
May our hearts be overflowing with joy at the sound of Your Name and that we are lifted up in Your grace through our failures.
May we fall to our knees, stripping ourselves of this dying flesh and let us cry out to You LORD, unworthy are we, grace upon grace You give and You are.
May we let nothing stand between our souls and Yours Father, in that moment we are known by You of our scent alone.
You are wisdom and Truth, may all of the heavens and the earth fall short in Your glory and righteousness LORD, amen.
May Your Holy Spirit fill this place and that we may share in being a Light in this world for Your will alone.
Let us breathe You in Father, for we are made full in Your Spirit LORD.
We belong to YOU Father, we are the children of Jehovah, the Almighty King who reigns forever more.
Thank you Father, for Your tender love and mercies, for Your Commandments and for Your promise LORD.
What a joy that is in our souls to be called by name in Your Holiness.
May all of the desires of our hearts be Your will Father, and oh let us be so grateful...
In the stillness You call and it shall be Your Name alone we will worship forever and ever, amen.
Psalm 86:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
God Bless xo
The Eternal Trust Fall
When we imagine ourselves separate of flesh and fully engaging in spirit, we have embraced the gentle goodness of our Father.
We turn from the unwise mouths of men and walk in spirit, humbly, into the faithful hands that made us.
This place does not exist in our imaginations dear friends, it is real and is the Spirit of which we came…
Welcome home.
1 Corinthians
2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
Humility. Discernment. Faith.
What an amazing God we serve. His goodness is endless and His love is beyond any measurable understanding we can fathom.
Paul, so beautifully sharing his love for God and his understanding of Spirit. God gives us everything we need to be in Him in this walk. If we grow in Spirit, really cling to His word, His very soul, the Holy Spirit will lead us in Truth.
We will fall away from the false pretenses of man and of this world, the fallen and the wicked, the blind and the deaf in hearing. We will be free to receive the gifts of our LORD and Savior, amen.
Walk humbly, walk righteously in the ways of our LORD and follow His commandments. In His example we strive and we thrive, eternally, in fulfilling His promise amen.
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Be well in Spirit my friends xo
We turn from the unwise mouths of men and walk in spirit, humbly, into the faithful hands that made us.
This place does not exist in our imaginations dear friends, it is real and is the Spirit of which we came…
Welcome home.
1 Corinthians
2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.
Humility. Discernment. Faith.
What an amazing God we serve. His goodness is endless and His love is beyond any measurable understanding we can fathom.
Paul, so beautifully sharing his love for God and his understanding of Spirit. God gives us everything we need to be in Him in this walk. If we grow in Spirit, really cling to His word, His very soul, the Holy Spirit will lead us in Truth.
We will fall away from the false pretenses of man and of this world, the fallen and the wicked, the blind and the deaf in hearing. We will be free to receive the gifts of our LORD and Savior, amen.
Walk humbly, walk righteously in the ways of our LORD and follow His commandments. In His example we strive and we thrive, eternally, in fulfilling His promise amen.
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Be well in Spirit my friends xo
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