The Biblical Path of Life

Category: Picture with verse and blog

  • A “Kadesh-barnea” Moment

    “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”

    Romans 6:13

    Many people have recognized the sin in their lives, acknowledging the need of a Saviour, and then taken the step of salvation found only in Jesus. That one has then been “born again”, becoming a new creature in Christ. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This is the beginning of a new life found only in Christ.

    However, so many Christians never make any progression from that stage of this new life. They have become a Christian, but that is pretty much it. They have taken no steps to grow, becoming that new creation where the old things pass away and all things become new. This is a very sad thing. Understand a picture of this. No one wants their newborn baby to remain a baby forever but to grow each and every day, becoming a child and eventually an amazing adult. God wants each one who becomes a Christian to grow each and every day, becoming a mature Christian. It takes a decision on the part of the Christian as to whether they are willing to grow in Christ or not. There are many pictures of this throughout the Old Testament. A very vivid picture of this is when Moses led the people to the brink of the Promised Land (see Numbers 13).

    Moses sent twelve spies into the land to bring back a report. Ten of the men brought back a report of fear, declaring they looked like grasshoppers in the sight of the people, for there were giants in the land. “32. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. 33. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:32-33). However, two men brought back a good report. “And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30). Caleb and Joshua declared that God would bring them into the land. “7. And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. 8. If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey” (Numbers 14:7-8). They went on to remind the people that God was with them; “fear them not” (see Numbers 14:9). Most remember that the people listened to the ten who said “no” instead of the two who believed God.

    Many people call this the “Kadesh-barnea” moment in the life of Israel. “Likewise when the LORD sent you from Kadeshbarnea, saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given you; then ye rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God, and ye believed him not, nor hearkened to his voice” (Deuteronomy 9:23). Because they refused to obey God, entering into the Promised Land, all over the age of twenty, except for Joshua and Caleb, died in the land in which they chose to remain. God allowed the children to grow up and enter the Promised Land. This people refused to grow in their faith and walk with God.

    When one becomes a Christian, becoming that new creature where old things pass away, it takes a definite decision to move forward. It is at that point of decision that one becomes more than a new creation, for all things become new (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). A Christian is to begin a new life, putting away the old “conversation” (means lifestyle) which is corrupt. “22. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). One has put off the old life and then be “renewed in the spirit of your mind”.

    With this new life, putting off the old and being renewed in the mind, one must remember that they are now dead to sin and alive unto God. “11. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God” (Romans 6:11-13). With this mindset, understanding that we are dead to sin and alive unto God, the decision to change the direction of one’s life occurs. Each person’s “Kadesh-barnea” moment: where one makes the decision to yield to God and His will, denying sin and yielding oneself unto God as members of righteousness.

    Have you come to a “Kadesh-barnea” moment where you have decided to fully follow after God and His plan for your life?

  • The Spirit

    “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”

    John 16:8

    Before Jesus left this world, He made a promise to send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God has specific jobs. Read what Jesus declared to His disciples. “7. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:7-8). The Holy Spirit has come to reprove (convict) the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. Consider if you will: in the world’s court system, first there is a crime, and when it is proven, the judgment (punishment) is determined. I see no righteousness involved.  

    However, with God it is different. The listing in God’s Word says He will convict of sin, then of righteousness, and finally of judgment. God has put righteousness between the sin and the judgment. God has interposed the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, if you do not believe in Jesus – if you refuse the gift purchased by His blood, there is no righteousness between sin and judgment. The result of this is one will just receive judgment: death and hell. “13. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death” (Revelation 20:13-14).

    Remember: All have sinned. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). But those who believe in Jesus have a provision that only God could make by the death of His Son upon the cross. “24. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26. To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Romans 3:24). This places Jesus between the sinner and the judgment. Propitiation means “to conciliate; to atone for sin; to make reconciliation for.” If you refuse this propitiation, there is no righteousness between the sin and sinner. Read the description of God telling us what Jesus did for those who believe. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). God makes Believers (Christians) the righteousness of God – because of what Jesus did upon the cross.

    We also understand that judgment will come to all. For Believers (Christians), Jesus took our judgment for us. For those who reject Jesus, judgment awaits them at death. “9. Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10. Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11. Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged” (John 16:9-11). God’s Spirit has come to reveal sin to man. God’s Spirit came to teach what Christ the Saviour’s provision is – righteousness. Notice also that Satan has already been judged. On that last week when Jesus faced the cross, He declared the judgment of the world. “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out” (John 12:31). When Jesus died on the cross, Satan lost the war. When it looks like Satan is winning the battle, remember that he has already been judged. All of Satan’s plans are destined for failure. His doom and destiny has been set. Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels. “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). It was not prepared for people. However if one fails to repent, becoming conformed to the image of God’s Son, that one will be cast into that everlasting fire – the place we call hell. God does not want anyone to perish, spending eternity in hell. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). He is longsuffering – for now.

    But recognize that God’s Spirit is the only one who can tell one’s heart of sin, righteousness and judgment. Moreover, the only sin that keeps one from heaven is the rejection of God’s Spirit that convicts the heart, revealing the need of Jesus. God forgives one who believes, giving what we need: righteousness “3. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. … 5. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:3, 5). Recognize that faith is counted as righteousness. When one believes in Jesus, one becomes a new creature: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

    Have you heard the conviction of the Holy Spirit, recognizing your need to trust upon Jesus?

    How To Be Saved

  • Love God

    “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

    Deuteronomy 6:5

    One shows love for God by obeying His commands. Moses had just reminded the Israelites of God’s Law as they were preparing to enter into the Promised Land. He instructed them to obey God’s Law. “That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged” (Deuteronomy 6:2). God was bringing them into the land that had been promised to Abraham, a land filled with many false gods. “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:5). They had previously been warned again to not worship those false gods (see Deuteronomy 4:14-31). After remembering this, read what else they were to do. “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:7). First, these words of God must be in the parents’ hearts. It would be then that they would be able to teach their children when they sit or when they walk. It is important to teach children the principles found in God’s Word in everyday life situations when they occur. In the morning when they wake, ready to start a new day, with questions in their hearts and minds. As they get ready for bed, and have had challenging circumstances from the day. The Bible says for parents to teach their children the things of God diligently! We can clearly read in these verses the importance of a parent teaching their child the ways of God – to “love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” Take note that teaching children the ways of God is important!!

    Joshua led the people after Moses died. Joshua had learned much about the importance of loving the Lord and obeying His commands. At the end of his life, before he died, Joshua left a word that has been remembered throughout the ages: “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). He understood the importance not only of knowing to love and obey the Lord himself, but to teach these things to his children. The whole family, together, would serve the Lord. By teaching this to children, they would know how to live a life pleasing to God in this world. If you read the book of Judges, the book that immediately follows this statement by Joshua, you learn what kind of a nation they became. All because the people forgot God and failed to teach God’s commandments to their children. This is to be a warning to us today!

    Remember also that King David shared things of God with his son, Solomon to prepare him to become king. King David understood the importance of teaching his son to walk in God’s ways and obey God’s commands (see 1 Kings 2:1-4).

    This was Old Testament. Does it apply to the New Testament as well?

    When Jesus was asked what the great commandment in the Law was, remember what Jesus said. “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” (Matthew 22:37). Jesus was quoting Deuteronomy. “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5). If they loved God with all of their heart, soul and might, their obedience would reveal that love of God. The Pharisees and Sadducees were supposed to know and do this. Even the religious leaders could not refute this simple answer. Yet they did not understand. They did not believe Jesus.

     “1. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:1-3).

    It is still important to obey God’s commands that are found in the Bible. When reading Romans chapter 7, one can understand the importance of obeying not necessarily the letter of “The Law” but the spirit of the Law. “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet” (Romans 7:7).

    Have you taken the time to teach your children to love God and to walk in His ways?

  • Our City of Refuge

    “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

    Romans 5:8

    God established a rule for the death of a man by a man immediately after the flood. “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man” (Genesis 9:6). This was to deter man from killing another man. God established it into His Law in Exodus. “He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death” (Exodus 21:12). God made a distinction between if one accidentally kills someone (manslaughter) and intentional killing (murder). Read how God extended His grace for manslaughter: “And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee” (Exodus 21:13). However, for murder: “But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die” (Exodus 21:14).

    In the book of Joshua, as they conquered the land, God provided six Cities of Refuge. These cities were places one could run into and hide (see Joshua 20). “That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood” (Joshua 20:3). These cities were to protect those who accidentally killed another. It prevented one from being killed by an avenger. When one fled to one of the Cities of Refuge, they had to remain within the city gates until the death of the high priest. It was then they were unconditionally set free and allowed to leave the city in safety.

    There are no physical Cities of Refuge in our world today in which one can flee to be saved from the penalty of sin. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Notice that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. In order to be freed from the wages of sin (death) one must flee to Jesus and receive the gift of God. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus became flesh (a human being) to bring us salvation. “8. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him” (Romans 5:8-9). Jesus paid our debt.

     There is a great picture of what Jesus did found in Zechariah. “And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him” (Zechariah 3:1). Joshua was dressed in filthy garments being accused by Satan. “Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel” (Zechariah 3:3). That was a picture of the sin that could not be hidden. He had no defense – for he was guilty. However, Jesus (the angel of the Lord) ordered that the filthy garments be taken away, for Jesus caused the iniquity to be taken from him. (Remember: “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us” Psalm 103:12.) Jesus then called for new garments – picturing a renewed, right relationship before God. The sin was taken away, and God’s judgment was set aside. Read what the angel of the Lord said next. “Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by” (Zechariah 3:7). After this sin was removed, God’s people were expected to walk in God’s ways, for they now had the freedom to walk with God. They were to accomplish the task set before them.

    This is a great picture of a Christian’s salvation in Jesus Christ. Under the Law, there were cities of refuge provided for those who were pursued by the avenger of blood. God provided a much better refuge. Because Jesus came, being the High Priest who made the final offering which removed sin by His death, a Christian is free. One is not confined to a “City of Refuge” because of sin until the high priest dies. Jesus already paid the penalty. Jesus died for man’s sin, becoming a refuge for all sinners who have the heart of repentance unto salvation, thus fleeing to Christ. Jesus is a much better refuge, a refuge for any sinner who has the heart to flee to Jesus.

    Jesus is the seventh, and final, City of Refuge.

    Have you trusted in Jesus to take away your sin, then becoming your City of Refuge?

  • How to Live Successfully

    “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

    Romans 12:1

    After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry land into the Promised Land, God told Joshua to circumcise all of the men. This was done in front of their enemies. The men remained still for three days healing from that circumcision. This circumcision was an act of obedience to God’s Word (see Joshua 5:1-9). One cannot help but wonder if Joshua considered what had happened to the men of Shechem (see Genesis 34). Nevertheless, Joshua obeyed God’s Word. God then allowed the Israelites to defeat the city of Jericho (see Joshua 6). “So the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noised throughout all the country” (Joshua 6:27). Joshua then proceeded to lead the people to conquer the land of Canaan (the land promised to Abraham and his descendants). “So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war” (Joshua 11:23).

    What does this have to do with Christians today?

    Consider how this relates to a Christian and their ability to walk a conquered Christian life. First, we are to understand that the Promised Land is a picture of a Christian’s life here on earth. The crossing of the Jordan into the Promised Land, is much like a picture of one’s death, burial, and resurrection when they are saved. “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Just as the Israelites were “dying” to their old life in the wilderness, they were beginning a new life in the Promised Land. One who becomes a Christian must die to their old life of sin, becoming a new creature in Christ. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

    When the men were circumcised on the enemies’ side of the Jordan, obeying God’s Word, it was as if they were a “living sacrifice” before God (see Romans 12:1: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service”). This had to be done as a first act of faith before they began the conquering of the land. They had to have wondered if the enemies would come and try to defeat them in a weakened state. It was this act of faith (recognizing God’s protection before their enemies at their weakest point), that enabled them not to conform to the way the world does things. They followed God’s Word, allowing their minds to be “transformed” proving the will of God. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2).

    This is a physical picture of what a Christian must do spiritually. A Christian must present his or her self to God, obeying God’s Word. This act of faith reveals the understanding that obedience to God’s Word is required before one can live a successful Christian life. Remember that Christians’ lives are not their own, for we have been bought with a price! “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20). It is then that a Christian is enabled to live a life, not like the rest of the world, but different from the world! This reveals the transformation of the mind that is required to “prove” (means “by implication to approve; to allow, discern”) God’s will in one’s life. Once a Christian has discerned and allowed God’s will to guide one’s life, God will help defeat all opposition. Just as God helped Joshua as he led God’s people to conquer the Promised Land. When they failed, they sought God, and God corrected. God will do the same thing in a Christian’s life.

    If Romans 12:1-2 does not happen immediately after one becomes born again, it will be almost impossible to live a successful Christian life.

    Have you presented your life to God as a living sacrifice, ready to prove God’s will in your life?

  • Joshua

    “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

    Joshua 1:9

    Joshua was born a slave in Egypt. He saw the mighty works of God revealed in the ten plagues, providing the exit of the Israelite people out of bondage. Joshua saw the parting of the Red Sea for God’s people, and the destruction of the Egyptian army. About two months later, Moses called upon Joshua to lead an army against the Amalekites. In this battle, as long as Moses’ arms were held high in the air, Joshua was able to lead the people in winning that battle until the enemy was defeated (see Exodus 17:8-16). “And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven” (Exodus 17:14). God wanted Moses to write this victory down and remind Joshua. Have you considered that this was done so that Joshua would remember this as he prepared for the battles in the Promised Land?

    Joshua was called Moses’ minister (a servant). “And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God” (Exodus 24:13). This is the time-frame when God gave Moses the “tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written” (see Exodus 24:12). Joshua was with Moses when Moses came down from the mount and saw the golden calf (see Exodus 32:17).

    While the Israelites traveled through the wilderness, Moses set up a special tent where he met with God (before the Tabernacle was built. See Exodus 33:7-11). Joshua stayed in that tent. “And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle” (Exodus 33:11).

    Most people remember that Joshua was one of the twelve spies sent to spy out the Promised Land. Only he and Caleb believed God (see Numbers 15). Joshua was not afraid to stand up with Moses and Caleb against the 10 spies, the majority. Joshua and Caleb revealed that they believed God was greater than the difficulties ahead, and God would defeat the enemies for them. However, because the people listened to the ten spies, God declared they would wander in that wilderness for forty years until that generation died. All died in the wilderness except for Joshua and Caleb, two who believed God. Even with the delay of 40 years to enter the Promised Land, Joshua stayed with Moses. For those 40 years in the wilderness, Joshua and Caleb watched as the older generation died off, but each day brought them closer to the Promised Land.

    Looking back upon Joshua’s life, notice something. Throughout the wanderings, God was preparing Joshua to be the successor to Moses. Remember the defeat of Og, king of Bashan where Moses encouraged Joshua to not be afraid of his enemies (see Deuteronomy 3:21-28 and Numbers 21:33-35). “21. And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest. 22. Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you” (Deuteronomy 3:21-22).

    Before Moses died, he revealed God had chosen Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land (the land of Cannan). “7. And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. 8. And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8). God would be with Joshua.

    When Moses died and Joshua became the leader of God’s people, God encouraged Joshua. “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9).

    Looking back at Joshua’s life, God had been preparing him for many years for the task at hand.

    First, Joshua had to obey God. We read no hesitation on his part. Even more encouraging is that he completed what God asked him to do. “As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses” (Joshua 11:15). See also: “So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war” (Joshua 11:23).

    Remember how Joshua felt at the end of his life. “14. Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. 15. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:14-15).  

    Have you considered the things God has placed in your live to prepare you for what He has planned for you?

  • The Importance of Obedience

    “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.”

    John 6:38

    How difficult is it for you to obey? Whether it is traffic laws, the authority placed over you, or even the Bible, obedience is a choice. Most people justify to themselves all of the reasons why it is OK to stretch the boundaries that have been established all around us. To pick and choose what it is that we are willing to obey. Consider the following.

    God created a beautiful earth, perfect in every way. He created Adam and Eve, placing them in His perfect world. When they disobeyed God’s command by eating of the fruit of that one particular tree, sin entered the world. God immediately initiated His plan of redemption, allowing them to be brought back into His grace. God promised to send One to restore mankind. We understand through Scripture that God gave His only begotten Son, Jesus. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). One need only to believe upon Jesus to be redeemed.

    God sent Jesus as the solution to the problem of human sin. Jesus came to give man the opportunity to be restored from the life of sin into which all have been born. All of God’s Word points to the reasons as to why Jesus came. “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God” (Hebrews 10:7). Jesus came to do what God wanted Him to do. “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38). He understood the importance of obeying every Word of God. Why was it so important that Jesus did exactly as God required? “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40). Our lives depended upon Jesus’ obedience to every command of God. For only those who believe upon Jesus can be saved from eternal separation from God. “17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:17-18).

    Although Jesus was God come in the flesh (“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” John 1:14), He was also a man. Do you think He ever found it difficult to obey every Word of God? Remember part of Jesus’ prayer in the garden shortly before He was arrested. “And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39). Confronted with death, Jesus understood the importance of obeying; even the obedience of His death upon the cross. Jesus chose to obey God. (To remember Jesus’ prayer for Himself, His disciples, and even for those of us who would believe in Him, read John 17.)

    Having acknowledged the importance of Jesus obeying God’s Words exactly, do you understand how important God finds obedience? Nothing else is as important as obeying God and His Word. God gave the Bible to us so we would understand His heart, and what it is that He expects of us. We cannot do anything in and of ourselves to appease the wrath of God that is deserved by every human (because we are born into sin). “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36). What is the only thing we can do to appease the wrath of God? “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:29).The only work we can do is to believe upon Jesus – for He fulfilled all of the requirements of God for us.

    Jesus obeyed in every respect, fulfilling all of the requirements God had recorded in the Bible. “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4). Jesus declared He had completed it all before He died upon the cross. “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost” (John 19:30).

    Jesus is our ultimate example of obedience. “But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do…” (John 14:31). We, too, are to obey God’s Word. “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:21).

    Have you chosen to follow Jesus’ example to obey God and His Word?

  • Recognize Your Enemy

    “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.”

    Mark 8:35

    Christians have an enemy. Read what the Bible calls him: “… that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world…” (Revelation 12:9). Satan deceives the whole world. What are some of his ploys?

    Remember the first thing Satan said to Eve in the garden: “Yea, hath God said” (see Genesis 3:1). He questioned God’s Word. Satan is described as subtle (means crafty, sly). He wants you think negatively about God, to doubt God and His Word, to question what God said. Satan wants you to think suspiciously about God. The best lie sounds the most like the truth. Satan does not want you to know the truth. He would deceive you today (or at least get you to tune out) so you cannot hear God. Satan is a liar. He denies God’s truthfulness.

    Satan is a murderer – he wants you to be his victim. Remember what he told Eve: “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die” (Genesis 3:4). He lied about the fact of death.

    Read what Jesus said to the religious leaders. “43. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not” (John 8:43-45). Satan uses lust. He is a murder and there is no truth in him for he is a liar.

    It is important to understand the deceitfulness of sin (brought by lust). Those who know the least about sin are the ones who have been blinded, they have a reprobate mind of whom the Bible warns us (see Romans 1:18-32). In our world, people are encouraged to experiment with sin, experience it just a bit. If it is good and ok to do, you will find out. If it isn’t so great, you can just step away from it. They will tell you that experience is the best teacher: not somebody else’s word about it. However, when it comes to sin, experience is the worst teacher. Those who know the least about sin are the ones who are the deepest into sin. These people are most often the ones who draw others into their sin. They cannot tell light from dark (see John 1:1; John 3:19). They think they are the one who decides what is good or bad.

    Remember what the Bible teaches: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). And also: “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God” (3 John 1:11).

    Most people want to become their own god where no one tells them what to do, where to go, what to believe, or what to say. Christians are not to buy into the devil’s lies. God wants us to be like God – not become our own god. See what we are to do: “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness” (Psalm 17:15).

    What do we understand about God? There are so many, but read the following two: “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Psalm 37:4). And “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11). In spite of what these verses teach, Satan wants you to doubt the goodness of God and think negatively about Him. He encourages people to think carelessly about God, and not to believe Him.

    What is Satan’s end? “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Revelation 12:9). He will be cast out, eventually spending eternity in the lake of fire. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Revelation 20:10).

    How does one overcome the devil, the old serpent, the dragon? Read what Jesus told the people and his disciples: “34. … Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. 36. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37. Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 38. Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:34-38). Those who defeat the devil’s influence in their lives must love not their lives. Christians must love Jesus so much that they will be willing to die for their faith in Him.

    Have you quit listening to the lies of the devil, becoming one willing to lose your life for Christ’s sake?

  • Think on These Things

    “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
    Philippians 4:8

    If Christians find themselves in a place where they become discouraged with what is happening in the world around them, there are many encouraging things to be found in the Bible. Paul recorded many upon which we are to rely.

    Paul called for Believers to “stand fast in the Lord”. He had already encouraged them to have the mind of Christ. He then gave a list of instructions they were to implement in their lives helping them become more Christ-like. Nevertheless, it was not always easy. One may want to just run and hide out away from the insanity that is often found in the world around one.   

    Yet Paul called them to action. “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved” (Philippians 4:1). Read the following instructions Paul gave to help them live with the mind of Christ; things upon which to think. There are some definitions in brackets to help in the understanding of these verses. 

    Philippians 4:4-9: 

    • “4. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
    • 5. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. [Moderation means “clemency (means mercy; disposition to treat with favor and kindness; to forgive or spare; tenderness in punishing; opposed to severity; mildness of temper).”]
    • 6. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. [Careful means “to be anxious or troubled.” Supplication means “prayer for particular benefits; petition for oneself.” Keep means “to guard or preserve spiritually.”]
    • 8. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, [True means “true in conduct; upright; honest; just; sincere.”]
    • whatsoever things are honest, [Honest means “venerable (being consecrated to God and to his worship); reputable; dignified.”]  
    • whatsoever things are just, [Just means “used of dispositions (inclination; propensity; the temper or frame of mind as directed to a particular object); judgments; things to indicate their right or conformable relation to justice or righteousness.”]
    • whatsoever things are pure, [Pure means “innocent or blameless.”]
    • whatsoever things are lovely, [Lovely means “dear to someone; beloved; things that are acceptable or pleasing.”]
    • whatsoever things are of good report; [Good report means “well-spoken of; laudable; praiseworthy.”]
    • if there be any virtue, and [Virtue means “human virtue as in moral excellence; perfection; goodness of action.”]   
    • if there be any praise, [Praise means “something praiseworthy.”]  
    • think on these things.
    • 9. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” 

    Paul simply listed the things they must do in order to stand fast in their like-mindedness with Christ.

    Not only did Paul teach what should be done, he was a living example: “which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do”. Although we cannot see Paul today, we can read the example of his life. These words recorded in Philippians should bring great encouragement, and when implemented, enable Christians to have the mind of Christ. Christians should avoid the bad and negative, but dwell upon the good things that Paul described.

    Have you been encouraged to take your eyes off of the world, thinking of the goodness God provides?

  • Joseph, God’s Plan

    “And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.”

    Genesis 39:3

    No matter what happened in Joseph’s life, the presence of God was revealed in his life. The LORD was with Joseph. Remember some highlights from Joseph’s life:

    Joseph came from a dysfunctional family – Jacob (his father) was a trickster most of his life (until God got a hold of him).

    Joseph’s mom died while he was a teenager.

    Joseph was his father’s favorite (probably because he was born of Rachel – his father’s true love).

    His father gave him a special coat of many colors.

    Joseph had two amazing dreams. God revealed to Joseph that all of the world’s resources would be in his control and all of the world rulers would bow down to him.

    His brothers were wicked, ungodly, jealous of Joseph (remember the coat), and resented him (because of the dreams).

    Joseph’s brothers stripped him of his coat, threw him into a pit, and sold him as a slave.

    When Joseph made it to Egypt, he was bought by Potiphar as a slave. “2. And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man… 3. And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand” (Genesis 39:2-3).

    After Joseph became the head over Potiphar’s entire household, Potiphar’s wife began to entice him, falsely accusing Joseph.

    Potiphar had Joseph cast into prison. “But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison” (Genesis 39:21).

    Joseph became the head in the prison. “The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper” (Genesis 39:23).

    While in prison, Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s butler and baker.

    After two years, the butler remembered Joseph in prison when Pharaoh had a dream he needed interpreted.

    Pharaoh called Joseph out of prison, Joseph interpreted the dreams, and Pharaoh put him in charge of collecting and storing the grain for the future famine, making Joseph ruler only under Pharaoh. “And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?” (Genesis 41:38). 

    Because of the famine, Joseph’s brothers appeared before Joseph, whom they did not recognize, and asked for grain.

    Joseph eventually revealed himself to his brothers. Remember what Joseph acknowledged: “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5). Joseph recognized that God had planned all of these things.

    Joseph prospered no matter what happened to him, because God’s presence was evident in Joseph’s life. Joseph chose to be different. He told the truth, when his brothers were doing what was wrong (see Genesis 37:1-2). Even when his brothers hated him the more for his dreams and his words (see Genesis 37:5-8). However, Joseph did not conform to the wickedness of his brothers. This was revealed early in his life. As he followed God, living an honest life of integrity, God worked.

    We should take note of this. As Christians, Joseph is a great example of allowing God to be revealed in our lives. We should be truthful, not conforming to the wickedness that is around us. We should understand that God has a plan for each Christian’s life. How do you find out what that plan is? Pray and read your Bible. Remember what we learn in Romans. “1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). These verses will help you understand God has a plan for you, and how to find out what that plan is. First, a Christian should present that life to God, allowing Him to work in that life. Pray, asking God to transform your life. You must understand that “be ye transformed” has to come from within. What is the inner nature of a Christian? Because Jesus is in the heart and life, the influence of Jesus is what should come out. Christians are to have the mind of Christ. “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). Christians can only have the mind of Christ when we read our Bible. As we obey God’s Word, we find ourselves obeying God’s will. We are to allow God to be real in our lives. Remember what happens to a butterfly. The worm after entering the cocoon, exits a beautiful butterfly. In the same way, as Christians follow God’s Word (by renewing our minds to God’s ways), our lives will become what God wants them to be. Take note, Christians need to refuse the world’s conformity that does not let that new nature (born of Jesus) to come out into our lifestyles. When we refuse that conformity, becoming transformed, it is then that we can begin to see God working in our lives, recognizing God’s will revealed in our lives. This is how we know the will of God for us. Joseph revealed this in amazing ways. Joseph followed God, and God worked in his life. As you follow God, ask Him to continue speaking to your heart through His Word. Understand that the devil does not want you to walk in the paths God has for your life, so it will not always be easy (remember Joseph’s life!).

    Joseph did not find God’s will for his life. God’s will found Joseph. Because Joseph willingly trusted God, God was with Him, and God’s plan for Joseph’s life was revealed. This was the plan for Joseph’s life.

    Have you trusted God, recognized him working in your life, then seeing His plan to revealed in your life?