8/5/2012 ~ Silence of The Scriptures
|
The Bible is the “blueprint” for the construction of Christ’s church.
You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that
you may keep the commandments of the Lord ... ~ Deuteronomy 4:2
We are instructed to pay particular attention to the Word of God.
"Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it;
you shall not add to it nor take away from it." ~ Deuteronomy 12:32
Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in
Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, ... ~ Proverbs 30:5-6
Protected by the shield of God or a manufactured one of man?
"And see to it that you make them according to the pattern
which was shown you on the mountain." ~ Exodus 25:40
... as Moses was divinely instructed ... For He said, "See that you make all
things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain." ~ Hebrews 8:5
" '... who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not
commanded him to speak, ... shall die.' "... ~ Deuteronomy 18:20
We are told not to presume.
... The One to be Ruler in Israel, ... ~ Micah 5:2 <─┐
For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe
Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. ~ Hebrews 7:14
└─> ... Christ came as High Priest ...
Things not spoken of in the Mosaic Law were not to be considered.
Instructions were given for the Levitical Priesthood, not one from Judah.
Today in our new covenant with God, Jesus is now our High Priest.
Those things not spoken of naturally should not be considered.
● It is God’s plan, not ours.
Supposing to know better than God and making
assumptions and practicing human doctrine will be (is) condemning.
"... you have made the commandment of God of no effect
by your tradition." ~ Matthew 15:6
... "All too well you reject the commandment of God,
that you may keep your tradition." ~ Mark 7:1-9
The pattern had become lost, corrupted ...
... by men practicing creations of their own desires.
~ What pleases us does not mean it pleases God.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction, ... ~ 2nd Timothy 3:16-17
WE MUST TAKE THE DIVINE WORD OF GOD SERIOUSLY.
God calls for His Way over practices introduced by man’s creation.
For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you
the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, ... ~ 2nd Peter 1:16-21
Scripture is not intended to be twisted by any private interpretation.
... He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him
... ~ 2nd John 1:9-11
The Bible is clear about what is not written,
→ it is not part of God’s pattern!
... If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him
the plagues that are written in this book; ... ~ Revelation 22:18-19
|
"Thus saith the Lord ..." (400+ times in O.T.)
|
If a contractor cannot find something on the blueprint,
~ what does he do? — NOTHING!
There are those who disobeyed God’s silence.
↓
... but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain
was very angry, and his countenance fell. ~ Genesis 4:1-5
... offered profane fire ..., which He had not commanded them. So fire
went out from the Lord and devoured them, ... ~ Leviticus 10:1-3
... the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not believe Me, to
hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring
this assembly into the land which I have given them." ~ Numbers 20:7-12
Moses spoke of his own making, displeasing the Lord.
... Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen stumbled. Then the
anger of the LORD was aroused against Uzza, ... ~ 1st Chronicles 13:7-10
God is particular to details.
"For because you did not do it the first time, the LORD our God
broke out against us, ..." ~ 1st Chronicles 15:13-15
... because the LORD had struck him. King Uzziah was a leper
until the day of his death. ... ~ 2nd Chronicles 26:16-21
Doing things outside instructions of worship,
~ given from God, invites His condemnation.
Not following His Word is punishing if not lethal.
|
Person
|
Situation
|
Judgment
|
|
Cain
|
Insincere offering/anger
|
Banishment
|
Arron's sons
Nadab & Abihu
|
Profane fire offering
|
Immediate Death
|
|
Moses
|
Spoke to the people directly
Not the rock as commanded
|
Banishment
|
|
Uzza
|
Hand on the ark as
the oxen stumbled
|
Immediate Death
|
|
King Uzziah
|
Temple violation, insistent
upon offering incense
|
Instant leprosy
until his death
|
If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. ... ~ 1st Peter 4:11
We are told to speak the words of God, not creations of man.
Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing
this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. ~ 1st Timothy 4:16
In worship, do we strive to please God or ourselves?
Is it God's proclaimed word or Man's conception?
~ Pursue God ~
|
8/26/2012 ~ Mindful of The Presence of The Lord
|
Are you looking for the Lord?
↓
... "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down,
for today I must stay at your house." ... ~ Luke 19:1-6
↓
Your willingness to receive the Lord
determines His presence coming to you.
\ | /
~ Fellowship with God – In communion with Him ~
/ | \
"... be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins;
and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." ~ Acts 2:38
|
Presence of the Lord = Holy Spirit
|
... Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,
so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, ..."
~ Acts 3:17-19
The Word is clearly repeated for individuals to understand.
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; ...
~ Psalm 16:11
His word elevates the conscious of our consciousness.
" '... You have made known to me the ways of life;
You will make me full of joy in Your presence.' " ~ Acts 2:25-28
... Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. ~ Psalms 95:1-2
To be with the Lord is a joyful song earnestly sung.
Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.
~ Psalm 100:2
There would be those that do not desire the Presence of The Lord.
↓
... Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God ...
~ Genesis 3:8
⭩ ⭨
... Cain went out from the presence of the LORD
and dwelt in the land of Nod ... ~ Genesis 4:16
↓ ↓ ↓
But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. ...
~ Jonah 1:3
\ | /
Because they did not believe in God, And did not trust in His salvation.
~ Psalm 78:22
/ | \
It is an evil thing not to want the Lord.
The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God;
God is in none of his thoughts. ~ Psalms 10:4
... they did not like to retain God in their knowledge,
God gave them over to a debased mind, ... ~ Romans 1:28
... in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on
those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be
punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord ...
~ 2nd Thessalonians 1:2-9
Judgment will be harsh for those that have rejected God.
X
It is a fearful thing for each of us as we approach eternal judgment.
... Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. ~ Psalms 51:10-11
The Lord plainly does not hide from any of us.
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
~ Psalm 139:7
To always acknowledge His Presence strengthens one's resolve.
... "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him,
and We will come to him and make Our home with him." ~ John 14:23
He asks that we search Him out and obey His Word.
"... If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him
and dine with him, and he with Me." ~ Revelation 3:20
He will come to those who love Him in the presence of His truth.
|
Presence of the Lord = Holy Spirit = His Word
|
But the LORD was gracious to them, had compassion on them, and regarded
them, because of His covenant with Abraham, ... ~ 2nd Kings 13:23
The Lord does not desire to cast us away from His Presence.
For because of the anger of the LORD this happened in Jerusalem and
Judah, that He finally cast them out from His presence. ... ~ 2nd Kings 24:20
Rebellion and rejection of His ways will cast one away.
... The upright shall dwell in Your presence. ~ Psalm 140:13
Are You Mindful of
the Presence of the Lord?
|
|
Condition
|
Spectacle
|
Result
|
Abide in Him
Seeking His Word
|
Mutual
Presence
|
Eternal Communion
|
Abide in Self: Views
of Human Tolerance
|
Ignored
Presence
|
Cast Away
|
" 'Do you not fear Me?' says the LORD. 'Will you not tremble at My presence,
Who have placed the sand as the bound of the sea, ... ' " ~ Jeremiah 5:22
The Presence of the Lord is in each grain of sand.
.
The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
~ Job 33:4
_ \ | / _
Without God, there is no presence.
|
It is not being mindful of the Presence of The Lord
that causes us to stumble in self serving desires.
I would like to Thank my very dear friend and brother in Christ, Kevin Fox.
|
9/16/2012 ~ Grace + Faith + Works
|
|
GRACE = RED
|
FAITH = BLUE
|
WORKS = GOLD
|
It is God that explains through His Word.
↓
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
~ Titus 2:11
... grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. ~ John 1:17
Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
~ Ephesians 6:24
To have Grace one must love Jesus Christ in all sincerity,
~ all that He is and not just in part.
|
[ GRACE TO THOSE THAT LOVE JESUS CHRIST IN SINCERITY ]
|
Fullness can not be held by that which withholds from all.
... to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up ... ~ Acts 20:32
|
[ HIS GRACE TO THOSE BUILT UP BY THE WORD ]
|
... desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow ... ~ 1st Peter 2:2
... everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled
in the word of righteousness, ... ~ Hebrews 5:12-14
We are called to grow in righteousness through His Word.
... grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ ...
~ 2nd Peter 3:18
|
GRACE x PEACE = KNOWLEDGE OF GOD + JESUS OUR LORD
|
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God
and of Jesus our Lord, ... ~ 2nd Peter 1:2-11
| X |
X |
Heaven
ENTRANCE TO GRACE
/ | \
|
| X |
X |
⭦ ↑ ⭧
GROWING
RIGHTEOUSNESS
|
|
|
⭧
| |
|
|
OUR CONTINUING
DILIGENT STUDY
"SURE ELECTION"
|
|
|
|
⭧
|
|
|
HIS WORD
|
|
|
|
|
... so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord. ~ Romans 5:20-21
... whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience
leading to righteousness? ~ Romans 6:16
|
RIGHTEOUSNESS
|
=
|
OBEDIENCE
THROUGH
CHRIST
|
=
|
ETERNAL LIFE
|
|
... access by faith into this grace in which we stand ... ~ Romans 5:2
|
[ GRACE TO THOSE WHO STAND BY FAITH ]
|
... "The just shall live by faith." ~ Romans 1:17
|
THE RIGHTEOUS = THE JUST = LIVE BY FAITH
|
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for;
the evidence of things not seen. ~ Hebrews 11:1
... let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably
with reverence and godly fear. ~ Hebrews 12:28
[ HIS GRACE
|
TO
|
THOSE WHO SERVE GOD ACCEPTABLY
WITH REVERENCE AND GODLY FEAR
|
]
|
|
... God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." ~ James 4:6
... made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), ...
~ Ephesians 2:4-5
... grace you have been saved through faith, ...
created in Christ Jesus for good works, ... ~ Ephesians 2:8-10
|
GRACE = SALVATION ↔ FAITH + WALKING IN GOOD WORKS
|
... a man is not justified by the works of the law
but by faith in Jesus Christ, ... ~ Galatians 2:16
|
JUSTIFICATION = FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST +
GOOD WORKS
|
... a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
~ Romans 3:21-28
... a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. ~ James 2:24
"This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."
~ John 6:29
We can not ignore the whole council of God.
|
|
GRACE
|
TRUTH
|
FAITH
|
WORKS
|
|
SOURCE
|
Jesus
Christ
|
Jesus
Christ
|
The
Individual
|
The
Individual
|
|
ACTION
|
Salvation
|
His Word
|
Hope
|
Belief
|
|
REQUIREMENT
|
Faith
& Works
|
His Word
John 1:14
|
Believe
|
Love Christ
in sincerity
|
... written for our learning, that we through the patience and
comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. ~ Romans 15:4
... Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.
~ Proverbs 16:2-3
Old Testament scripture verifies New Testament principles.
And the Lord said to Joshua: "See! I have given Jericho into your hand, ...
~ Joshua 6:2
Divine Time maintains Timeless Assurance.
... Then the people went up into the city, every man straight ...
~ Joshua 6:20
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled ...
~ Hebrews 11:30
... went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the
saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored ... ~ 2nd Kings 5:14
By faith one obeys truth that is heard to obtain salvation.
... "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, ..."
~ Act 16:30-34
↓
Ac 16:30 And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31 So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you
and your household." 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to
all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night
and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.
34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them;
and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.
|
Salvation Principles Taught:
†
|
● Believe
|
John 3:36
|
|
● Hear
|
James 1:22
|
|
● Repent
|
2nd Peter 3:9
|
|
● Baptized
|
1st Peter 3:21
|
|
Grace + Faith + Works = Salvation
|
... faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. ~ Romans 10:17
One must be open to the whole council of God.
I would like to Thank my brother in Christ, Richard Thetford
|
9/20/2012 ~ Counterfeit Religion
|
How can one tell if what one has is genuine, the real article?
Untaught people will not be able to tell
the difference between real and fake.
~
One must study the genuine piece to
be able to tell between truth and lies.
~
Guides and or patterns have been established
to deliver unfailing and repeatable results.
~
One has to see or know reality to spot worthlessness.
It is authentic truth that is respected in all matters.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. ... ~ Hosea 4:6
We must cleave truth from that which has been given as truth.
↓
... Moses was divinely instructed ... "See that you make all things
according to the pattern shown you on the mountain." ... ~ Hebrews 8:5-6
↑
God's commands are clear enough for each individual to plainly understand.
Acceptance or rejection of His word is a matter of choice.
Humble or proud defines one’s pursuit of God or not.
↓
"Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but
now commands all men everywhere to repent, ..." ~ Acts 17:30
God through Jesus Christ chose Paul to show us the pattern He calls for.
↓
... in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern
to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
~ 1st Timothy 1:16
The (HIS) church has to follow the pattern Jesus Christ gave.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been
given to Me in heaven and on the earth. ... ~ Matthew 28:18-20
\ | /
CLEARLY
/ | \
... gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, ...
~ Ephesians 1:22-23
ONE WAY
|
|
JESUS
CHRIST
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HIS WORD
|
|
|
P
E
T
E
R
|
|
P
A
U
L
|
|
|
PROVED BY
HIS WORD
|
|
|
|
|
Directed By
The Holy Spirit
|
|
|
His Glory is our inspiration.
And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. ~ Colossians 1:17
... He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; ...
~ John 16:13
TRUTH
... He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
~ 1st John 2:3-6
"And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever
you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, ..." ~ Matthew 16:19
↑
Peter was instructed directly by God for our benefit.
Paul was instructed directly by God for our benefit.
↓
... acknowledge that the things which I write to you
are the commandments of the Lord. ~ 1st Corinthians 14:37
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction, in righteousness, ...
~ 2nd Timothy 3:16-17
ALL SCRIPTURE MAINTAINS UNITY.
We are of God. He who knows God hears us;
he who is not of God does not hear us. ... ~ 1st John 4:6
Open hearts allow God’s Own once delivered truth to be written there.
... which is not another; but there are some who trouble you
and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. ~ Galatians 1:7
Perverting the Gospel of Christ is troubling.
... which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction,
as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. ~ 2nd Peter 3:14-16
... if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than
what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. ~ Galatians 1:8
It is abundantly clear what each of us must do, Hear Him!
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine
and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. ~ Acts 2:42
For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: ...
~ 1st Corinthians 11:23
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those
who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. ~ Philippians 3:17
God’s genuine once delivered instructions are for all to assimilate.
Test all things; hold fast what is good. ~ 1st Thessalonians 5:21
One must diligently examine these things ...
... for one’s own self ... to be in fellowship with God.
... holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be
able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
~ Titus 1:9
Sound doctrine has been given to us by God.
SOUND
DOCTRINE
|
=
|
THE
REAL
THING
|
=
|
OUR
GUIDE
|
=
|
SET
PATTERN
|
|
... showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine
showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech ...
~ Titus 2:6-8
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
~ Titus 2:11
... that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried
about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, ~ Ephesians 4:14
The truth is a serious matter and it is essential for each one of us
to examine the Bible to find out the reality of God’s doctrine.
... who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach
everywhere in every church. ~ 1st Corinthians 4:17
What has been taught remains the same.
~ God has delivered unchangeable truth ~
... no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy
never came by the will of man, but holy men of God ... ~ 2nd Peter 1:20-21
... to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith
which was once for all delivered to the saints. ~ Jude 1:3
We are told these teachings of God have been once delivered.
So called “Progressive Revelation” is for those of deceiving spirits.
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of
your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God ... ~ Ephesians 4:4-6
God does not divide His own church.
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace,
as in all the churches of the saints. ~ 1st Corinthians 14:33
... do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are
of God; because many false prophets have gone out ... ~ 1st John 4:1
Common ground with God can only be found in God
→ through His once proclaimed Word, as it is in truth,
His One True Way.
... "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship
in spirit and truth." ~ John 4:23-24
"Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which
the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God
which He purchased with His own blood." ~ Acts 20:28
God has told us what to do.
"... 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with
their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' " ~ Matthew 15:8-9
Do we choose the commandments of God or the commandments of men?
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
~ Proverbs 14:12
\ | /
Right for us or God?
/ | \
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
~ Proverbs 16:25
It is so sad to witness deceived souls.
" ' I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me,
you who practice lawlessness!' " ... ~ Matthew 7:21-23
|
LAWLESSNESS = DISOBEDIENCE
|
One can believe what one likes,
... but if it is not in line with the Gospel of Christ,
... doom is assured and there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Know God is detail oriented.
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, ...
~ Romans 15:4
↓
... Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the
oxen stumbled. ... and God struck him there for his error; and he died ...
~ 2nd Samuel 6:3-7
↑
... they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die.~ Numbers 4:15
The God of the Old Testament has not changed
and still expects us to be obedient to His Word.
~
By this, we shall be judged.
↓ ↓ ↓
"... the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day." ~ John 12:48
It is His once delivered church over any of our whims.
~ One needs to follow His truth.
... For true Salvation.
... "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back,
is fit for the kingdom of God." ~ Luke 9:62
... he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. ...
~ Matthew 10:37-39
"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
~ John 8:32
It is more important than any other relationship one has.
One's Eternity is based on the truth.
I would like to again Thank my brother in Christ, Richard Thetford
|
9/21/2012 ~ Peace of Mind
|
This is a tough world to find sanctuary in,
especially with Satan tearing at our spirits.
Many adults miss the innocence of youth with the complications of age.
SOME THINGS WE ALL HAVE IN COMMON.
We should all desire a greater sense
of Spirituality and Personal Happiness.
| |
1. Seek to eliminate suspicion
and resentment
|
Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, ... ~ Proverbs 27:4
\ | /
Don't nurse a grudge
/ | \
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. ...
~ James 5:9
He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is
no cause for stumbling in him. ... ~ 1st John 2:10-11
\ | /
Cultivate love
/ | \
... If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love
has been perfected in us. ~ 1st John 4:7-12
Hate is the cancer consuming one in bitterness.
The cure is spotless, a pure heart in union with God.
... be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
~ 2nd Peter 3:14
| |
2. Do not live in the past
|
→ Pre-occupation leads to aching depression
⭩
He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses
and forsakes them will have mercy. ~ Proverbs 28:13
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ~ 1st John 1:9
\ | /
If living in the past - repent
/ | \
"For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and
their lawless deeds I will remember no more." ~ Hebrews 8:12
~ God has told us that he will forgive us.
To move on and be strengthened, one must forgive oneself.
The anchors of sorrow must be released.
| |
3. Do not waste time and energy
fighting conditions you can not change
|
Some things just cannot be changed and must be endured.
And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
~ 1st Timothy 6:8
\ | /
Learn to be content.
/ | \
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content
with such things as you have. ... ~ Hebrews 13:5
If you’re not content with what you have right now,
... you never will be.
| |
4. Make yourself stay involved
with the living world
|
→ Resist the temptation to withdraw.
"It is not good that man should be alone; ..." ~ Genesis 2:18
Sorrow and the lack of engagement leaves one hollow.
... but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any
of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
\ | /
The church is for our benefit
/ | \
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, ... ~ Hebrews 10:24-25
| |
5. Do not indulge in self pity
when life hands you a raw deal
|
⭨ ↓ ⭩
→ All have "fiery trials"
/ | \
... do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you,
as though some strange thing happened to you; ... ~ 1st Peter 4:12-14
- We're promised a way of escape
↓
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God
is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able,
... ~ 1st Corinthians 10:13
- Others have overcome
/ | \
... Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are
experienced by your brotherhood in the world. ... ~ 1st Peter 5:8-10
... that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation;
but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." ~ John 16:33
... casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. ~ 1st Peter 5:6-7
It is a matter of submitting to the Lord.
Faith is found in strength of trust.
| |
6. Cultivate love, joy, compassion,
loyalty and good humor
|
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. ... ~ Galatians 5:22-23
\ | /
Christians are to be filled with the Spirit.
/ | \
... be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, ...
~ Ephesians 5:18-21
The spirit of L♥ve heals the greatest of fools.
| |
7. Don’t expect too much of yourself
|
— Don't set unreasonable goals.
"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world,
and loses his own soul? ..." ~ Matthew 16:26
— Be a faithful Christian.
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness
of mind let each esteem others better than himself. ... ~ Philippians 2:3
But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves
in the abundance of peace. ~ Psalms 37:11
● For us alive, simply waiting for God can be better
than if consumed by self-seeking grand expectations.
~
God did not promise us a lifestyle, He promised us life.
His desire is to create us from the inside, not the outside.
| |
8. Have something bigger and better
than yourself to believe in
|
┌─> Innocence of heart.
— Children trust in someone bigger and better than themselves.
Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; ... ~ Psalms 62:1-2
\ | /
— Put your faith in God
/ | \
... things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure, ... meditate on these things. ~ Philippians 4:5-8
Truly, one must meditate on what is good to obtain peace of mind.
|
PEACE OF MIND = HEART OF GOD
|
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, ... ~ Colossians 3:15
The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness,
quietness and assurance forever. ~ Isaiah 32:17
1. Seek to eliminate suspicion
and resentment
2. Do not live in the past
3. Do not waste time and energy
fighting conditions you can not change
4. Make yourself stay involved
with the living world
5. Do not indulge in self pity
when life hands you a raw deal
6. Cultivate love, joy, compassion,
loyalty and good humor
7. Don’t expect too much of yourself
8. Have something bigger and better
than yourself to believe in
|
... Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace;
and the God of love and peace will be with you. ~ 2nd Corinthians 13:11
PEACE OF MIND IS A MEASURE OF FAITH
I would like to yet again Thank my brother in Christ, Richard Thetford
|
|
Reactor
