2015

For Jerusalem will stumble, and Judah will fall, because they speak out against the LORD and refuse to obey him. They provoke him to his face. The very look on their faces gives them away. They display their sin like the people of Sodom and don’t even try to hide it. They are doomed! They have brought destruction upon themselves. Tell the godly that all will be well for them. They will enjoy the rich reward they have earned! But the wicked are doomed, for they will get exactly what they deserve. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭3‬:‭8-11‬ NLT)

As read this morning I was halfway wondering if Isaiah was writing about America in 2015?

I love that His word says, If MY people who are called by my name.  If my people will humble themselves and pray. If we turn from our wicked ways. He will heal our land.  It is time to pray. It is time to repent. 

Here is my hope though from the reading in Isaiah today:

Tell the godly that all will be well for them. They will enjoy the rich reward they have earned! But the wicked are doomed, for they will get exactly what they deserve.  

By the way, I don’t want anyone to misunderstand this reference. Our rich reward is in Heaven. It is not here on earth. This doesn’t mean we will avoid all suffering here, but we have the assurance of our rich reward in Heaven. This truth is better then anything here on earth anyways!

Seen and Unseen!

Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light. (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭5‬:‭24-25‬ NLT)

All scripture is true!

This is an empowering and troubling passage of scripture all at the same time. I am thankful for the Grace and Mercy of the Lord. It is only possible by the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ shedding His blood. It washes me clean, and I am presented to the Lord as a son!  
I want to please Him in all I do. I am thankful for forgiveness. I recognize all intentions of the heart are seen by Him. The world may never know the good or the bad, but He does. Thank You for Your forgiveness, and thank You for the undeserved reward You have stored up for me!

What is the Most Important?

6If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters,Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. 7Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. (1 Timothy 4:6-7 NLT)

This passage of scripture is Paul instructing Timothy in his pastoral and leadership skills.  He is making him aware that things will change in the hearts of man as we draw closer to the return of Jesus Christ.  He is also making Him aware that he needs to lead.  He needs to be confident in the gifts and the callings of the Lord.  Right in the middle of these book ends of chapter 4 is this verse.

6If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters,Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. 7Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.

When I read this verse I think about umpteen doctrinal and theological difference between friends, denominations, and even family members.  Here is my take away from this passage of scripture.  Focus on the things that matter, and disregard the things that don’t.  Good, Godly men and women have tried to figure out deep and meaningful spiritual truths for more than 6,000 years.  There have always been differences, and there will probably always be differences.  We are to focus on the one thing that should unite every Bible believing Christian.  Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no one comes to Father except by Him.  If this is our focus then we can be united in speaking truth to our friends, family, co-workers, and those we come in contact with.

Does pre, mid, or post tribulation views matter?  When the tribulation happens it will matter.  Are there are other deep and meaningful doctrines and theologies that people are unable to resolve.  Yep, but they don’t matter in the grand scheme of things.  Focus on the most important part-Jesus! Everything else will work itself out in the end.  Remember we are only here for 100 years if we live a really long life.  We have eternity with Jesus, who may or may not explain all of the differences when you get there, but honestly, you won’t care.  You will be in Heaven for eternity!

His Covenant With You Is Not Forgotten!

“Nevertheless I will remember My covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you. (‭Ezekiel‬ ‭16‬:‭60‬ NKJV)

God is not a liar!