Responsibilities!
1 John 2:29...................29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him. .NKJV
1 John 3:3....3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. NKJV
1 John 3:21-23.................... 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. 22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. NKJV
John 17:11-19…. 11 Now I am no longer in the
world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through
Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. 12
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You
gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that
the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to You, and these things I
speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I
have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of
the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take
them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They
are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your
truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent
them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also
may be sanctified by the truth. NKJV
We are to be:
1. Free
of worldly influence…SANCTIFIED BY THE WORD (verse 17)
2. Very much in the unsaved world, but participants in the government and social processes..............like voting!
3. No longing living in the sinful nature but living according to righteousness
4. Sanctified, having the word of God in our lives..SO...we look and act differently!
1 Timothy 4:6-7.................6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7 But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. NKJV
Exercise: Timothy is told to exercise himself toward godliness. He was instructed to give that which he was nourished in and it is those words of faith and of the good doctrine Timothy was commended on........to continue to follow carefully.
Proverbs 15:26.......26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, But the words of the pure are pleasant. NKJV
Those who follow after righteousness, those in right standing with God have pure words that are pleasant! They are a joy to be around! They encourage you, love God and always have a testimony of faith on the goodness of God in their lives!
How interesting today, we see so many speaking out about what was sent to another either in email, text, or twit, and was in regard to hate, bullying, and meanness for others to see. So sad that people want to openly regard hate for another. Was asked to watch this concert by my friend was asked to have this concernt up north. He has a band and has had such favor with God, that this concert was going to have livestreaming. How awesome was that?
So my husband and I tuned in and waited for concert to begin. On the side of the window box, it stated you could leave a tweet message. It also stated to write something kind! WOW! People have to be REMINDED TO WRITE SOMETHING KIND! So I wrote out the message and sent it.BUT MY THOUGHT PROCESS TOOK ME TO THE SPOT, how did our world get so out of balance AND GET SO UGLY?
If there are anger issues, one needs to find out why they are so angry. Blaming others, does not release us out of a prison of anger, anymore than a bath or shower will remove pain from one's heart. Those issues are to be addressed through the Word of God. Talking with others generally will not help you, but may make things worse. We really need the Word of God to wash those areas of hurt and pain. Unless, someone just wants others on their side, so they can sin all they want, so they can curse others all they want, and continue to walk in anger, resentment, and the "the world owes me" mentality, then "that being kind" will not be seen BY anyone. Nope, being kind will not exist!
Those who follow after righteousness, those in right standing with God have pure words that are pleasant! They are a joy to be around! They encourage you, love God and always have a testimony of faith on the goodness of God in their lives!
How interesting today, we see so many speaking out about what was sent to another either in email, text, or twit, and was in regard to hate, bullying, and meanness for others to see. So sad that people want to openly regard hate for another. Was asked to watch this concert by my friend was asked to have this concernt up north. He has a band and has had such favor with God, that this concert was going to have livestreaming. How awesome was that?
So my husband and I tuned in and waited for concert to begin. On the side of the window box, it stated you could leave a tweet message. It also stated to write something kind! WOW! People have to be REMINDED TO WRITE SOMETHING KIND! So I wrote out the message and sent it.BUT MY THOUGHT PROCESS TOOK ME TO THE SPOT, how did our world get so out of balance AND GET SO UGLY?
If there are anger issues, one needs to find out why they are so angry. Blaming others, does not release us out of a prison of anger, anymore than a bath or shower will remove pain from one's heart. Those issues are to be addressed through the Word of God. Talking with others generally will not help you, but may make things worse. We really need the Word of God to wash those areas of hurt and pain. Unless, someone just wants others on their side, so they can sin all they want, so they can curse others all they want, and continue to walk in anger, resentment, and the "the world owes me" mentality, then "that being kind" will not be seen BY anyone. Nope, being kind will not exist!
Learning our responsibilities, is much like learning our way through life. Do this and don't do that. Eat this, and don't eat that. Watch this and don't watch that! All those do's and don't's can have one questioning everything they encounter.
It is choosing good over evil. It would be like Eve tasting the fruit of the tree of knowledge just to find out what happens. Instruction and correction are for our benefit. If we choose not to be instructed or corrected then we walk down a path with many problems, sink holes, and disasters. I desire to avoid those!
Proverbs 12:1...........Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,
But he who hates correction is stupid. NKJV
Proverbs 13:18..........18 Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction,
But he who regards a rebuke will be honored. NKJV
"BUT HE WHO REGARDS A REBUKE WILL BE HONORED."
If we have the instruction to not "touch" then why do so many want to touch what they should NOT HAVE OR INVITED INTO THEIR LIVES?
Proverbs 12:1...........Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,
But he who hates correction is stupid. NKJV
Proverbs 13:18..........18 Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction,
But he who regards a rebuke will be honored. NKJV
If we have the instruction to not "touch" then why do so many want to touch what they should NOT HAVE OR INVITED INTO THEIR LIVES?
YOU eat too much chocolate cake every day, you gain a weighty problem. Our walking with God is seeing Him in the Words He placed for us to see, hear and adhere to for our walk through this life.
Timothy is told in 1 Timothy 4:7 to exercise toward godliness! Yes that godliness has a look about it! Take a look at all those who go to gyms and exercise daily. They are not doing it to remain the same size they are. No, about half of those attending a gym for exercise are wanting that next look they saw in Vogue. They want that model's size, even though the model is 5' 7 inches tall. They desire to be pounds smaller and to do that in most cases, is remove those "bones from your body". Am I right about this? Now there are some who go, like firefighters who want to remain in strength when they fight fires. There are those who do that endurance training and who are part of the "wilderness rescue" group. You know those men and women who will backpack into the farthest reaches where there is "NO CELL SERVICE" to reach someone who has either gotten lost, fell from a glacier climb to the top of a mountain peak or one who suddenly died.
Timothy is told in 1 Timothy 4:7 to exercise toward godliness! Yes that godliness has a look about it! Take a look at all those who go to gyms and exercise daily. They are not doing it to remain the same size they are. No, about half of those attending a gym for exercise are wanting that next look they saw in Vogue. They want that model's size, even though the model is 5' 7 inches tall. They desire to be pounds smaller and to do that in most cases, is remove those "bones from your body". Am I right about this? Now there are some who go, like firefighters who want to remain in strength when they fight fires. There are those who do that endurance training and who are part of the "wilderness rescue" group. You know those men and women who will backpack into the farthest reaches where there is "NO CELL SERVICE" to reach someone who has either gotten lost, fell from a glacier climb to the top of a mountain peak or one who suddenly died.
Seriously, I have worked in a gym and seen how many want that "skinny" look to wear those "skinny" jeans. Just had seen a warning on the news (KATU) in the past 10 days about some lady wearing those "skinny" jeans. She was not a twenty something, but older. She had worn the said jeans to help a friend move. Well, it seems that all that up and down bending with boxes caused her some leg pain and much swelling from the knees down to feet. She had to go to the hospital and they found this nerve damage being created by the "skinny" jeans. With the intense tight fit, nerves were being pinched dramatically. She was warned about wearing them and that it was possible for her to lose her legs if that kind of problem continued. Yes, they mentioned to this lady that there could be amputation if she continued to wear them. To me that is dangerous. It was clear to see that this woman was in major pain and the swelling caused her grief. Instruction came and will she follow it?
But let's think about exercising! What ways are we "exercising" our responsibilities? Are we committed to be sanctified and look different to the world? Are we as those church goers sanctified and ready to recognize someone in pain, someone who hides, someone who may be defiant, but feels so lost and abandoned.
Exercising comes from the day to day routines that involve others and not just family members.
Each of us though, either good or not so good have made a commitment to exercise in the things of God. Our commitment to God is known by others. Anyone can know in the first 5 minutes of conversation where our heart resides.
In writing this, I thought of my brother-in-law. He rises early and gets things done. He grabs that "special" cap, and off he goes to do errands and minister. He wears that cap with some writing on it. And many people know exactly what it means and gives him a thumbs up!
I think of my sister and brother-in-law and how they daily fill up on the Word of God. They pray together and minister life to others. They are always looking out to hand someone a new Bible, a word of encouragement or give them a new book to read about something on Jesus and His coming again soon.
Matthew 5:13-16.........13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. NKJV
In the pass couple of weeks, it was been a hard place for me in remembering my step-dad and how good he was to my mother, especially in these last years of life. I am in the peace of God, knowing that I cannot travel, yet with all that has transpired in the last two weeks, still God is with me and my family back East. With the blood testing continuing with blood draws for me on a monthly basis right now, I have had to turn my attention to praying for my family as they see many things multiplied as in caring for two properties. They have increased meal preparation and trips to the Dr. for check-ups.
With the passing of my step-dad very recently, and mother in the hospital for almost a weeks, I think of all the opportunities for my sister and brother-in-law to minister to other people. They took on the daily caring of our mother in the hospital but also ministered life to others about Jesus.
How many of us would have coiled up in a ball or like a babe and just became silent? How many of us would refuse to continue to live when someone close to us dies? How many choose to give up when there are so many still living out in the world and may be on their way to someplace that is away from God entirely and for an eternity? Would anger show up or some other bad emotion? Are we giving our best to those around us or do we want our way "when others are hurting from loss"?
But let's think about exercising! What ways are we "exercising" our responsibilities? Are we committed to be sanctified and look different to the world? Are we as those church goers sanctified and ready to recognize someone in pain, someone who hides, someone who may be defiant, but feels so lost and abandoned.
Exercising comes from the day to day routines that involve others and not just family members.
Each of us though, either good or not so good have made a commitment to exercise in the things of God. Our commitment to God is known by others. Anyone can know in the first 5 minutes of conversation where our heart resides.
In writing this, I thought of my brother-in-law. He rises early and gets things done. He grabs that "special" cap, and off he goes to do errands and minister. He wears that cap with some writing on it. And many people know exactly what it means and gives him a thumbs up!
I think of my sister and brother-in-law and how they daily fill up on the Word of God. They pray together and minister life to others. They are always looking out to hand someone a new Bible, a word of encouragement or give them a new book to read about something on Jesus and His coming again soon.
Matthew 5:13-16.........13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. NKJV
In the pass couple of weeks, it was been a hard place for me in remembering my step-dad and how good he was to my mother, especially in these last years of life. I am in the peace of God, knowing that I cannot travel, yet with all that has transpired in the last two weeks, still God is with me and my family back East. With the blood testing continuing with blood draws for me on a monthly basis right now, I have had to turn my attention to praying for my family as they see many things multiplied as in caring for two properties. They have increased meal preparation and trips to the Dr. for check-ups.
With the passing of my step-dad very recently, and mother in the hospital for almost a weeks, I think of all the opportunities for my sister and brother-in-law to minister to other people. They took on the daily caring of our mother in the hospital but also ministered life to others about Jesus.
How many of us would have coiled up in a ball or like a babe and just became silent? How many of us would refuse to continue to live when someone close to us dies? How many choose to give up when there are so many still living out in the world and may be on their way to someplace that is away from God entirely and for an eternity? Would anger show up or some other bad emotion? Are we giving our best to those around us or do we want our way "when others are hurting from loss"?
On their way out of hospital and the city the other day, my brother-in-law had to stop for some meds for our mother. It was one of those hot days in the south. He wanted to leave the car running with the air condition on high with my sister and mother in the car while he picked up the meds. He was not going to leave them in a "hot car". He of course had stopped at Costco!
YES, it was a Friday and was probably very busy there. I was imagining this "long, very long" line he got in to purchase the meds. In the course of the line and conversation, and seeing my brother-in- laws' cap, the pharmacist mentioned she was having trouble with a son in that he would not talk with her anymore. In the length of the line and that conversation, my brother-n-law encouraged her in the Lord and prayed right there in line, for the return of the son to his mother!
YES, it was a Friday and was probably very busy there. I was imagining this "long, very long" line he got in to purchase the meds. In the course of the line and conversation, and seeing my brother-in- laws' cap, the pharmacist mentioned she was having trouble with a son in that he would not talk with her anymore. In the length of the line and that conversation, my brother-n-law encouraged her in the Lord and prayed right there in line, for the return of the son to his mother!
Responsibilities!
From Matthew 5.......we are to be the salt that preserves life, just like verse 13 states..........if that salt loses its flavor, then how shall it be seasoned? In early years of this country, many used the salt on meat that they stored in meathouses. It was suppose to cure and help the meat to last for periods of time.( in reading on this, I found there was a preservation method and is reported throughout the history keeping of this country)
My brother-in-law last week at Costco, was salt to a woman languishing in such pain that her son will not talk with her. He was a son who had rejected her! But I believe that all has changed dramatically. Salt was given to this woman, to give hope and help her continue forward. My brother-in-law was and is that light that gives light to all who are in the house and at Costco! Halllelujah for those who are salt and light!
My brother-in-law last week at Costco, was salt to a woman languishing in such pain that her son will not talk with her. He was a son who had rejected her! But I believe that all has changed dramatically. Salt was given to this woman, to give hope and help her continue forward. My brother-in-law was and is that light that gives light to all who are in the house and at Costco! Halllelujah for those who are salt and light!
John 12:36...........36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." NIV
Be responsible today and wash in that Word that sanctifies. Get that head up, and shoulders squared, and walk firmly with faith in your heart knowing it is not over. Whatever may be on the horizon, you have the salt to be light to someone who may be in pain, who may have a loss as well, but God has the answer!
I believe my brother-in-law and sister were light to many. And if all knew the entire story, many would know that we too had a loss, but it did not show. They kept going forward and spread the love of God to others. Can we here do as much?
God met them at every juncture, every decision, every moment, and He caused strength to rise up in them and keep them going through out an emotional week.
My prayer today is for all those who are battling illness, sickness caused by disease, those who have to deal with a loss.
Father, thank YOU for Jesus, the Son of YOUR Love.(Col 1:12-14.... 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. NKJV)
As we have been delivered from the power of darkness and moved into the kingdom of YOUR dear Son, the son of YOUR love, we are thankful. We give praise that we can operate in the Light of YOU and see what is before us. Help us to be the responsible ones who will move in the power of God and not judge others because they are having some issue with anger at the moment. We all have experienced some anger due to loss or illness or even a brokenheart! Those who are of God know when we are not to sin in anger at anyone or anything.
Our desire is to reach and touch lives for the kingdom of God that has come through Jesus our Lord and Savior. We choose to be those who will be salt to those in pain and anguish. We choose to be those who will abide in truth and be committed to be responsible when others cross our paths who may have a loss or dealing with a disease that refuses to die. We need to understand that anger that comes when death changes everything, but does not have to defeat us!
Father, YOUR word is true, and we confess and profess that YOU are for us. YOU will never leave us or forsake us. We ask today to be those who will encourage those who have trials or tribulations that are weighing them down. Today we come boldly to the throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in this time of need. (Heb. 4:16) Strengthen hearts for the battle ahead and give patience as we wait on You. We pray to be those who rejoice in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfast in prayer.(Romans 12:12)
As we live this journey, help us to reach out to others with encouraging words that give life. Help us to be "kind" when we are wanting to choose bedtime for our daytime. Help us to make the right decisions and give some time to others, even if it is just making that phone call, sending a card, or giving a needed hug to someone who is hurting. Help us to create new habits that will exercise our faith in going and doing all the while relying on YOUR grace and goodness to us!
Help us to "kick the habit" of wearing black clothes every day. Help us to be colorful in our dress, in our prayer life, and in our walk with others.
Father, the Word states in Psalm 138:7-8 that though we walk in the midst of trouble, YOU preserve our lives. You stretch out Your hand against the anger of our foes, with YOUR right hand You save us. YOU, Lord, will fulfill Your purpose for us. Your love , O Lord endures forever----do not abandon the works of Your hands. Amen.
God met them at every juncture, every decision, every moment, and He caused strength to rise up in them and keep them going through out an emotional week.
My prayer today is for all those who are battling illness, sickness caused by disease, those who have to deal with a loss.
Father, thank YOU for Jesus, the Son of YOUR Love.(Col 1:12-14.... 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. NKJV)
As we have been delivered from the power of darkness and moved into the kingdom of YOUR dear Son, the son of YOUR love, we are thankful. We give praise that we can operate in the Light of YOU and see what is before us. Help us to be the responsible ones who will move in the power of God and not judge others because they are having some issue with anger at the moment. We all have experienced some anger due to loss or illness or even a brokenheart! Those who are of God know when we are not to sin in anger at anyone or anything.
Our desire is to reach and touch lives for the kingdom of God that has come through Jesus our Lord and Savior. We choose to be those who will be salt to those in pain and anguish. We choose to be those who will abide in truth and be committed to be responsible when others cross our paths who may have a loss or dealing with a disease that refuses to die. We need to understand that anger that comes when death changes everything, but does not have to defeat us!
Father, YOUR word is true, and we confess and profess that YOU are for us. YOU will never leave us or forsake us. We ask today to be those who will encourage those who have trials or tribulations that are weighing them down. Today we come boldly to the throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in this time of need. (Heb. 4:16) Strengthen hearts for the battle ahead and give patience as we wait on You. We pray to be those who rejoice in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfast in prayer.(Romans 12:12)
As we live this journey, help us to reach out to others with encouraging words that give life. Help us to be "kind" when we are wanting to choose bedtime for our daytime. Help us to make the right decisions and give some time to others, even if it is just making that phone call, sending a card, or giving a needed hug to someone who is hurting. Help us to create new habits that will exercise our faith in going and doing all the while relying on YOUR grace and goodness to us!
Help us to "kick the habit" of wearing black clothes every day. Help us to be colorful in our dress, in our prayer life, and in our walk with others.
Father, the Word states in Psalm 138:7-8 that though we walk in the midst of trouble, YOU preserve our lives. You stretch out Your hand against the anger of our foes, with YOUR right hand You save us. YOU, Lord, will fulfill Your purpose for us. Your love , O Lord endures forever----do not abandon the works of Your hands. Amen.
You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV
No comments:
Post a Comment