A Vessel Unto Honor

 A Vessel Unto Honour

 

2 Timothy 2

19 – Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

20 – But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour and some to dishonour.

21 – If a man therefore purge himself from these (every sinful ways), he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

Vessel = A hollow container such as a bowl, cup, kettle, jug, or a vase.  It’s purpose is to hold something within it.

We probably all have a favorite vessel – a favorite coffee cup; a favorite drink tumbler that has a picture of our favorite people on it, maybe a decoration or a team that we like, maybe you like it for the size and color.  Whatever the reason, it’s the one you look for and want to use all the time.

Those that like to cook will have their favorite mixing bowl or a favorite pan they like to use often.

Some like to collect decorative tea pots or tea cups.  They have no useful purpose other than to be placed throughout the kitchen as decoration.

THE OLD TESTAMENT TABERNACLE:

There were many vessels throughout the old testament Tabernacle.  Each had a particular purpose.  

There was the table and all its vessels.  The altar of burn offering with all its vessels.  The candlestick and all its vessels.

And each one was to be anointed and consecrated to the Lord – used only for God and the purpose He instructed each were to be used for.  

WHEN AT WAR:

When the children of Israel went to war against Jericho, all of the silver and gold and every vessel of brass and iron was to be brought and placed in the treasury of the house of the Lord.  

What once belonged to the enemy would now be used for the Lord.  What remained in Jericho was considered accursed and burnt with fire.  But everything that the Lord said to bring out was redeemed and became vessels for His use. 

God allowed Rahab and her family to be spared and delivered out of Jericho because she chose to do what was right before God and hide the 2 spies that Joshua sent to spy out the city. 

Because of her actions, she not only saved her family but she also became redeemed and married a man named Salmon (most likely one of the spies she saved).  Rahab and Salmon had a son named Boaz who married Ruth.  Boaz and Ruth had a son named Obed.  Obed had a son named Jesse.  Jesse had a son named David who became King of Israel. Rahab is the great-great-great grandmother of Kind David.  A former harlot became a vessel unto honour, a beautiful story of God’s redemption.

 

THE POTTER’S VESSEL   (Jeremiah 18)

God sent Jeremiah to the potter’s house.   Jeremiah watched as the potter worked to make a vessel on his potter’s wheel.  But that vessel became married in his hands as he worked with it.  So, he remade the marred vessel into another vessel as it seemed good for the Potter to make it (Jer 18:4)

The vessel didn’t work out to be what the potter first designed it to be.  But rather than throw the clay away, he kept working to make it into a different vessel.  This time it conformed and allowed itself to be transformed to the potter’s will.

God asked His people, “Cannot I do with you as this potter did? Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand.”

God wants to mold us and shape us into vessels of honor for His glory just as that potter did with the clay in his hands.  Thank God for His mercy!  He doesn’t just throw the clay away but He works to conform and transform us into HIS image. 

Yet sometimes we fight against His will.  We want to do things our way, the way we think things should be and how it should go.  When we do, we become marred.

Romans 9:20-23 – shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it, why hast thou made me thus?  Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? ….that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory.

Isaiah 29:16 – Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? Or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?

Don’t become marred in the potter’s hands.  He knows what He’s doing.  He DOES have understanding.  His ways are not our ways nor are His thoughts the way that we think.  His ways are so much higher.

Isaiah 64:8 – But now, O Lord, Thou are our Father: we are the clay, and thou our potter: and we all are the work of Thy hand.

Stay moldable.  Don’t resist or fight against what God wants to do in you, the things He’s trying to work out of you, the form He’s trying to form you into.  Don’t become a vessel marred in the potter’s hands.

Going back to 2 Timothy 2

19 – Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

21 – If a man therefore purge himself from these (every sinful ways), he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

Purge = cleanse thoroughly

We expect God to do the cleansing and purging.  And He does and will.  But there comes a point when we have to do our part - what we know we should be doing or not doing.

James 4:17 - Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Paul taught Timothy that WE are to depart from iniquity and purge ourself from sin.   We have to take steps to get sin out of our heart and life.

Paul warns what the works of the flesh are in Galatians 5

19 – Now the works of the flesh are manifest which are these:

Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness = these all deal with immoral issues and desires of the flesh rather than the will of the Spirit.

Idolatry – There are some religions that have idols set up which they worship.  But in our society, idols have become sports icons or concert singers.  It can also be our phones or anything in our life that becomes more important than time spent with our Savior.  We need to examine ourself and be sure we do not have any idols.

Witchcraft – witches, warlocks, wizards, sorcerers, spell casting,  horoscopes, fortune telling, ouija boards, crystal balls, cauldrons, palm reading,  mind reading, telepathy, and such like.

Movies and tv shows like to make witchcraft, scorcery, and wizardry look so innocent and cute but it’s not.  I haven’t kept up with what the latest shows are that are pushing for their adoration. But it began years ago with ‘I dream of Jeannie’ and ‘Bewitched’ and Cinderella’s ‘fairy godmother.’  Disney even had Mickey Mouse working wizardry and scorcery making it appear to be so innocent and cute to get the masses to accept and embrace it. Then it progressed to Wicked and series like Harry Potter – all trying to indoctrinate the minds that witches, sorcerers, and wizards are good while Christians are bad.

Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil. (Isaiah 5:20) Can you see how the devil has so subtly worked?

Rebellion is also likened to witchcraft.  1 Samuel 15:23 says: rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.

The definition of rebellion means: bitter, open resistance to authority or control.  God likened it to the sin of witchcraft. 

Continuing on….

The next several address wrong emotions.

Hatred  - hostility, opposition                      variance - strife/quarreling

emulations - jealousy/malice/indignation

wrath - fierce anger

strife - contentions 

seditions - divisions  (these are those who cause division in the body of Christ.  Those that sow discord. Paul said to mark them and avoid them. (Rom 16:17)

God lists ‘those that sow discord among brethren’ as one of the 7 things that God hates and calls an abomination. (Proverbs 6:16-19)

Paul said those that do these things (those that are spreading envyings, and strife and divisions) are carnal.  They’re not walking in the spirit.  They’re walking in the flesh.

Heresies – these are teachings and things that do not line up with the what the Scriptures say.  There is so much false doctrine floating around which is more easily accessible due to the internet. Guard your heart and mind against false doctrine and heresies.  The more you know the Word of God, the more you’ll be able to tell what isn’t the Word of God.

Envyings – jealousy, wishing ill-will, does or says something out of spite

Murders – this can be physically inflicted but it can also be emotionally inflicted. 

That old saying, ‘sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me’ is not accurate.  Words can inflict more damage than a physical wound.  Physical wounds heal and leave a scar but wounds inflicted by words can leave lasting gaping wounds in the mind and heart that are difficult to heal and get past.  

Galatians 5:15 warns just a few verses back – But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.  Paul is addressing gossip and backbiting in this Scripture as well as in Romans 1:30.

Do you know why it’s called ‘backbiting’?  Because the words spread maliciously to wound and mar someone’s character is done privately behind their back.  The purpose and intent of the gossiper is to turn others against that person, too.  They are biting and devouring the one being talked against.  God said He hates it and it is an abomination.  That spirit behind that is not of God. Be careful giving ear to a backbiter – that spirit spreads easily.   

The Bible tells us how to stop a backbiting tongue.  It’s hard to do.  Most of us just walk away and pray for them but Proverbs admonishes….

Proverbs 25:23 – The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

Drunkenness – intoxication (that’s why we preach and teach against alcohol consumption)

Revellings – Rioting/Carousal (the act of celebrating and enjoying yourself by drinking alcohol and speaking and laughing loudly with others)

And such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Paul addressed these and other sins in Romans 1:29-32

Being filled with all unrighteousness: fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, murder, debate (quarreling), deceit (concealing or misrepresenting the truth), malignity (mischievous, bad character),  whisperers (slanderers – gossip is slander), backbiters (talk against, slander), haters of God, despiteful (insulter), proud (haughty, thinking better than others), boasters (brag on self a lot), inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents (unpersuadable, rebellious), without understanding, covenantbreakers (won’t keep their promises), without natural affections, implacable (cannot be appeased or pacified), unmerciful (no compassion or forgiveness).

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them = meaning: they either support those doing these various things and those that are doing these things are happy others are joining in with how they feel and act.

But we know through Scripture that:

Those that do these things are not pleasing to God. 
Those that do these things will not make it to heaven. 
These are things we need to purge out of ourself.

2 Timothy 2

19 – Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

21 – If a man therefore purge himself from these (every sinful ways), he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

We are to purge ourself from these and depart from iniquity.

20 – But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour and some to dishonour.

Those that do these things are vessels unto dishonour. 

But IF we purge ourself from these and depart from iniquity, WE SHALL BE A VESSEL UNTO HONOUR (valuable, esteemed in the highest degree), sanctified (holy, consecrated, purified) and meet (useful, profitable) for the Master’s use, and prepared (made ready) unto every good work.

 

What is evident?

What is sitting beside your chair that you sit in most?

Can the Bible be seen? Found?

Or is it only the TV remote?

And maybe your favorite drink cup? 

Maybe your favorite novel?

If someone sees your Bible, is there evidence that it is often read?

Or is it gathering dust?

Hidden away?

While the TV remote has shiny spots all over it from the oil of your hands and frequent use?

What noise is blasting in your home most of the day?

Can the sound of prayer heard at times?

Or is it mainly/only the sound coming from the TV screen? Hulu? Netflix? Etc.

I could ask more

But I'll leave it at these thoughts.

I just wonder how this makes Jesus feel?

😔

Food Allergies Are Not a Joke

I normally keep my personal business off from here and this is not for sympathy but hopefully to bring understanding concerning food allergies.  It's lengthy but it's from my heart. 

While some think the first picture is funny, to those who have food allergies to some or all those things, it is hurtful (especially if it's been brought to their attention and they choose to delete and ignore in order to gain the laughs).  It is not a diet fad, contrary to what some may think.  It is a food allergy which is causing damage to the body. These foods have to be avoided in order for the body to heal. 

There are some who are connected to me who also have gluten intolerance.  Others may have Celiac (extremely serious condition).  Some of us also have the allergy to dairy and eggs.  

You may think, "just stick with meats, veggies, and fruits." Some can and are.  Some cannot. I just saw a post this morning from a woman who has numerous food allergies and her doctor said she's malnourished yet she is restricted by what she can actually eat.  She is struggling.  

You may think (as i once did), " God made these foods.  How can they be bad?" Yes, God made them but man has genetically modified, changed, coated with chemicals,  and processed this food which has caused allergic reactions in some.  

Some may have a more serious and fatal reaction than others to these allergies, but all are serious medical conditions. 

It was literally causing my body to become deficient in vitamins. My hair was falling out.  I was in constant pain.  I had other symptoms but what caught my attention the most was when my white blood cell count was getting lower.  The doctor said the inflammation it was causing in my body could eventually lead to cancer.  Since I have cut out gluten, all this is improving.  

But it's a struggle and can be stressful.

Eating out:

It is not as easy as it used to be. 

So many Fast food places are not safe. 

Cross-contamination is a very present danger, especially if someone has celiac.  

Even a few bread crumbs from regular bread in a jar of mayo can adversely affect those who have to avoid Gluten. Not an exaggeration but is a reality.

Going to the store: 

We have to read labels carefully.  

If a person has any of the other added food restrictions,  it becomes even more stressful. 

Then, the price to avoid Gluten is ridiculously high. 

(Scroll in and look at those prices) 

That adds a lot of stress to someone who may already have a limited budget. 

Then you buy a product (Example: bread) and it may or may not taste good. It may or may not have huge holes  throughout so your food falls through.   

Again,  this is not posted for sympathy but rather to hopefully bring a little more understanding (and this is just a tip off the iceburg). 

Food allergies are not a joke.

Tithes and Offerings

 Malachi 3 (KJV)

⁸ WILL A MAN ROB GOD? 

Yet ye have robbed Me. 

But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? 

IN TITHES AND OFFERINGS.

⁹ YE ARE CURSED WITH A CURSE: 

FOR YE HAVE ROBBED ME...

Some think tithing is a man made mandate 

BUT GOD SAID a person is robbing HIM

(not the Church, not the pastor)

when they do not pay tithes and offerings.

God went further to say 

a person who does not pay HIM 

their Tithes and Offerings

is cursed with a curse. 

If you say you are a Christian yet are not giving your tithes and offerings,  you're robbing God and bringing a curse upon yourself. 

Some will say, "I can't afford to." 

Truth is, you can't afford NOT to.

Even if you're not currently attending a Church somewhere (which you need to be - that's Scriptural as well). 

If you obey God and do as He instructs, He has given this assurance...

Malachi 3 (KJV)

¹⁰ Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, 

that there may be meat in mine house, 

and prove me now herewith, 

saith the LORD of hosts, 

if I will not open you the windows of heaven, 

and pour you out a blessing, 

that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

¹¹ And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, 

and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; 

neither shall your vine cast her fruit 

before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

¹² And all nations shall call you blessed: 

for ye shall be a delightsome land, 

saith the LORD of hosts.

It's God's Word, not man's.  

That They May See Your GOOD WORKS

 

THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR
GOOD WORKS

 

The Bible mentions Good Work(s) at least 28 times in the New Testament.

Jesus instructed us in Matthew 5:16 – Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your GOOD WORKS, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Jesus said when people see our light shining and it reveals our GOOD WORKS that it will cause them to glorify our Heavenly Father.

 

Paul taught in 2 Corinthians 9:8 – And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every GOOD WORK.

Ephesians 2:10 – For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto GOOD WORKS, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

We are to walk in Good Works.

 

Philippians 1:6 – Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a GOOD WORK in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

God has BEGUN the Good Work in us.  It’s up to us to let Him continue that Good Work.  We have to stay moldable in His hands and allow Him to transform us into His image. 

 

Paul taught in Hebrews 13:21 – Make you perfect in every GOOD WORK to DO HIS WILL, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Doing HIS WILL, not our will.  We get that confused at times. 

Colossians 1:10 – That ye might walk worthy of the LORD unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every GOOD WORK, and increasing in the knowledge of God.

We are to be fruitful in every GOOD WORK and increase in the Knowledge of God.  That is why Church attendance is important.  That is why Bible studies are important.  That is why daily Bible reading is important.  That is why daily prayer time is important.  It is how we will increase in the Knowledge of God.

 

The Book of Titus instructs us twice to MAINTAIN Good Works:

Titus 3:8 – This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Titus 3:14 – And let ours also learn to MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

 

Titus teaches us that we are to be a pattern (an example) of Good Works…. 

Titus 2:7 – In all things shewing thyself a pattern of GOOD WORKS: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

 

We are to be zealous of Good Works…

Titus 2:14 – Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purity unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of GOOD WORKS.

 

We should provoke others to be loving and exhibit Good Works….

Hebrews 10:24 – And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and GOOD WORKS.

 

 

Jesus went around doing many GOOD WORKS – He healed the sick, raised the dead, delivered those who were bound and oppressed with unclean spirits, fed multitudes, and even called His betrayer ‘friend’ reaching one more time for His soul.

John 10:32 – Jesus answered them, Many GOOD WORKS have I shewed you from My Father; for which of those works do you stone Me?

John 10:33 – The Jews answered Him, saying, For a GOOD WORK we stone Thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that Thou, being a man, makest Thyself God.

They didn’t mind Jesus doing things FOR them, but they did not want Him being Lord over them.   They wanted Him to be servant, but they did not want Him to be King.

 

Paul instructs Timothy concerning what some of the GOOD WORKS are that he is to instruct and look for concerning whether it was the Church’s responsibility to help provide for the widows.

First requirement was that she did not have family to take her in and care for her needs. (1 Timothy 5:4)  It must also be said of her that she….

1 Timothy 5:10 – Well reported of for GOOD WORKS; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have DILIGENTLY FOLLOWED EVERY GOOD WORK.

 

Paul explained to Timothy that some good works are easy to see:

1 Timothy 5:25 - Likewise also the GOOD WORKS of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

1 Timothy 6:18 – That they DO GOOD, that they BE RICH IN GOOD WORKS, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.

 

The book of Acts mentions a disciple of Jesus named Dorcas/Tabitha whose works were easy to see…. 

Acts 9:36 – Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of GOOD WORKS and almsdeeds which she did.

She was full of GOOD WORKS and was a giving person.  Many mourned when she passed away and showed off the clothes and coats she had sewn.  Peter prayed and God brought her back to life to continue the work she was doing.

While those present focused on her sewing skills and her generous heart, the greatest of all the works she did is mentioned in Acts chapter 9 verse 36 – she was a DISCIPLE.  Disciple means ‘pupil’.  Tabitha was a student of Jesus, studying and learning about His Word and His ways.

I’ve seen and heard the accolades given about those who have passed away: they were classy, they were talented, they were smart, they were pretty/handsome, they were creative, they were a good cook, they were a good mechanic or carpenter, and the list goes on.  But, to me, the greatest compliment a person could receive is that they were a disciple of Jesus. 

After my first husband passed away, I was sitting in Church service grieving.  My mind was still reeling with shock.  I opened my Bible and a verse literally jumped out at me:

Acts 11:24 – For he was a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

I felt God was giving me comfort in my mourning so I placed it on his headstone.  While others see and are impressed by the skills or abilities of a person, God looks at what a person is doing FOR Him and what they’re doing to SERVE Him.

Can that Scripture be said about you? About me?  Will it be said that we are good (not doing that which is evil or immoral)?  Will it be said that we are FULL of the Holy Ghost? And that we’re FULL of faith? 

Will it be said that we have been a soul winner and led many to Christ?   Will there be anyone in heaven who will meet and greet us and thank us for inviting them to Church?  Will there be anyone who will say, “Because of you, I lived for Christ?”  Sombering to think about because that is the Great Commission Jesus gave to us – reach the lost.

Are we encouraging others to CLEAVE unto the Lord as Barnabas did? (vs 23)  Cleave means: to glue, to adhere, to join, to stick.  Merriam-Webster defines it the best: To adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly.  Are we exampling to others that we are CLEAVING, that we are sticking firmly and unwaveringly to the Lord? 

 

Some became upset when they saw Mary enter the house where Jesus was in Bethany and begin to pour ointment from her alabaster box onto Jesus’ head. They knew the box alone was made from a precious stone that could be dyed into any color or shape so it was costly.  They also knew that within that stone box was a highly valuable oil (Myrrh) that cost more than a year’s wages.

The disciples who sat with Him called it ‘a waste’ but Jesus rebuked them and called it a ‘Good Work’. 

Matthew 26:10 + Mark 14:6  – And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her?  she hath wrought a GOOD WORK on Me.

To others, the sacrifice cost far too much to be poured out like that.  To those standing by: it was not necessary to do all that for Jesus. But to Mary, who had been forgiven and set free from unclean spirits and infirmities (Luke 8:2), she was willing to sacrifice whatever she could for Jesus.  She did not withhold giving of her best just because others felt it was unnecessary and ‘a waste.’ 

Whatever you give up for Jesus is not a waste!  It matters not what others may say or how they feel about it.  It only matters what Jesus feels and thinks about it.  He called it a GOOD WORK.

 

Paul admonished Timothy:

2 Timothy 2:21 – If a man therefore purge himself from these (every sinful ways), he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for the Master’s use, and prepared unto every GOOD WORK.

 

Titus 1:16 warns – They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every GOOD WORK reprobate.

There are those who claim to know God yet their actions reveal otherwise.  They are disobedient to God’s Word and teachings.  Their ways are detestable and idolatrous.  Their works are unapproved and rejected by God.  That is what reprobate means.

 

Some will speak against you and call your works ‘evil’ –

1 Peter 2:12 – Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your GOOD WORKS, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

We are living in that day when good is called evil and evil is called good. 

But the Bible warns in Ecclesiastes 12:14 – For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.

What we do, what we say, what we think about, even what we post on social media sites – others see but also God sees.

 He said our works, whether good or evil, will be brought into Judgment. We will have to give account for it.  Are our words presenting a good witness?  Are our actions presenting a good witness?  The pictures or videos we post or things we share – what kind of witness are presenting?  Would Jesus post that?  Would He share that?  Is He pleased with it?  We’ll one day give account so make sure it has His approval.

 

What if none of this fits us and we think our works are good?  There’s one more area to examine…..

Jesus had John write letters to 7 churches which were in Asia.  Many received strong rebukes.  Ephesus probably thought they were doing very well, and they were in many areas….

Revelation 2:1-3 – I know thy WORKS, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for My Name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

Revelation 2:4 – Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because THOU HAST LEFT THY FIRST LOVE.

Revelation 2:5 – Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and DO THE FIRST WORKS; or else I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of this place, except thou repent.

They had everything right but they had grown slack and cold in their Bible reading and prayer time.  They may not have been straying but they were not praying like they did when they first received the Holy Ghost.  They were busy in the Kingdom but had grown slack in their time with the King of the Kingdom.

When we get this right, we’ll get the rest of it right. 

If you have slacked up on your Bible reading, start reading it again tonight. 

If you have slacked up on your prayer time, start tonight spending more time with the Savior.   

You may have to make yourself pray and read your Bible more.  But do it!

If you haven’t fasted in a while or maybe never, begin soon to deny the flesh of its wants and desires in order to submit your will to His will.

Pre-service prayer is a vital time before each Church service.  It’s the time when we declutter our mind from all the chaos of the morning or day and get our focus on the One who we gathered together to worship.   Pre-service prayer can make a difference on how you respond to the worship songs and preaching.

Titus cautioned to MAINTAIN these Good Works – because things will arise to distract and choke out our time with Jesus.  Maintaining takes work because it goes against the will of the flesh.  We can find all kinds of reasons as an excuse but Jesus warned that we have FALLEN if we have left our First Love (spending time with Him).

Fallen?  Yes, Jesus said we’ve fallen. Return to your First Love if you’ve fallen.  Work to maintain if you haven’t. 

Do all these other Good Works but don’t let the fire of the Holy Ghost dim or go out. Revive it through prayer and Bible reading so that our light will shine before men, that they may see our GOOD WORKS, and glorify our Father. Matthew 5:16

Those Who Minister Are To Be Holy

My response concerning a question about what happened to the old time specials and singing where anybody who wanted to could get up to sing.....

I don't think it's because churches are not wanting to have it but we're living in a very different time.  It used to be that they'd have anybody who wanted to come up and sing but by allowing some to be on the platform was allowing sin on the platform.  

Too many now want a stage but not an altar.  

They want a spotlight but don't want the Light of Jesus to shine a light on their sins.

They want to come as they are and remain as they are.

The platform (not stage) is a holy place where the ministers stand to minister before the people and before God.

Those who stand there are to be holy examples unto the people. 

I heard a minister once say, "What you allow on the platform is what will be in your pews."

We want to use people in their capacity but we feel a strong conviction through Scripture that it takes more than talent to be on a platform to minister.   It takes holiness and separation from the world....inside and out. 

God required it from those who stood to minister before Him.  He had many laws and requirements regarding it.   We are in the New Testament era but He still requires holiness and separation from the world.   He hasn't changed.  We have.  

Feeling Like God Is So Far Away?

Feeling like God is so far away?

When you feel that way, His Word instructs:

DRAW NIGH to God, 

and HE WILL draw nigh to you. 

  — James 4:8 (KJV)

How much are you praying?

How much time are you spending reading His letters (the Bible)?

Is there unrepented sin in your life?

James continues to instruct in that verse...

CLEANSE your hands, ye sinners; 

and PURIFY your hearts, ye double minded.

Once you begin to make those steps to draw closer to God, His Word promises He WILL draw near to you. 

He's waiting  -   -   -  on you

You Can't Stay Silent to Reach the Lost

You will not reach the lost nor convert the sinner from the err of their ways by staying silent or only posting pictures of yourself or food. 

The Bible instructs to 'compel' them to come in. (Luke 14:23)

Compel means "force or oblige (someone) to do something."

Paul went into various religious meeting places and disputed DAILY FOR YEARS teaching and correcting false doctrine and erroneous philosophies. 

Paul spoke BOLDLY for 3 months DISPUTING and PERSUADING the things concerning the Kingdom of God.  (Acts 19:8)

Acts 19:9-10 says he DISPUTED DAILY for TWO YEARS. 

Sound Biblical Doctrine is important. 

Paul's actions proved that. 

WHAT A PERSON BELIEVES AND FOLLOWS DETERMINES WHERE THEY WILL SPEND ETERNITY. 

There is a world lost and dying.  Time is running out. We must not stay silent. 

We must.....

Teach the Word.

Teach the Truth.

Teach it boldly.

Speak the Truth in love but speak - the - Truth without fear or favor of man.

Eternity is coming fast.

Souls are depending on you to show them the way.

Earnestly Contend for the Faith 

Jude 1:3

....it was needful for me to write unto you, 

and exhort you that ye should 

EARNESTLY CONTEND 

FOR THE FAITH 

which was once delivered unto the saints.

Earnestly  = with sincere and intense conviction

Contend = assert something as a position in an argument

Jesus instructed us to teach and make Disciples.

Pray for boldness and wisdom then Go make Disciples, teaching them to observe whatsoever things Jesus commanded.

What Owns You? A study on Nicotene, Snuff, Vaping and Drugs

WHAT OWNS YOU?
NICOTENE, SNUFF, VAPING, and DRUGS

 

It used to be common understanding to those who professed Christianity as to why Christians should not partake in such things such as alcohol consumption, the use of nicotine or snuff, and everyone definitely understood the dangers and stayed away from using drugs.  But now, we have many who no longer think it’s wrong and some who even teach contrariwise…that its use is ok and there’s nothing wrong with it. 

This shift reveals the sad state of not just our world but now also the Church that we now need to teach ‘Christians’ WHY these things are wrong to use. 

Some have tried to excuse the usage of such citing this reason, “it’s no different than caffeine addiction.”  Does that make it ok?  But more than that, there is a HUGE difference which we are going to look at concerning each of these.

First off: ANYTHING a person is addicted to can be a sin, whether it is food, caffeine, or the aforementioned. 

Merriam-Webster defines addiction as this: “a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having HARMFUL physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as ANXIETY, IRRITABILITY, TREMORS, or NAUSEA) upon withdrawal or abstinence.

I saw a picture hanging in a restaurant a while back that had a coffee cup with a smiling face on it and the words under it, “I Own You.” 

That was very eye-opening.  I don’t want anything ‘owning’ me.  If it ‘owns’ me, it controls me.  If you are addicted to something, it has you bound to serve it.  It has dominion (authority) over you rather than you having dominion over it.

CAFFEINE:

We have all heard that caffeine can be addictive.  However, according to WebMD.com, while there is a little truth to it, that belief is a myth.

“This one has some truth to it, depending on what you mean by “addictive.” Caffeine is a stimulant to the central nervous system, and regular use of caffeine does cause MILD physical dependance. BUT caffeine doesn’t threaten your physical, social or economic health the way addictive drugs do. (Although after seeing your monthly spending at the coffee shop, you might disagree!)”

While a person may experience a headache, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, feel slightly depressed or have difficulty concentrating after they abruptly stop intaking large amounts of daily caffeine, they will only experience these symptoms for a day or so.  However, it is incomparable to the withdrawal of harmful drugs.

Caffeine use or lack thereof is not going to cause a person to harm themselves or others (although many jokes have been derived from lack of coffee). Health experts DO NOT consider caffeine dependency to be an addiction.

You can find more information concerning caffeine and the debunking of these myths on their website: webmd.com/diet/caffeine-myths-and-facts

 

SMOKING/NICOTENE:

After only the first few times of smoking, a person will become addicted.  Nicotine raises a person’s dopamine level (a pleasure hormone) which causes them to crave and return to the cigarette until it has them addicted (bound).

Some have the misconception that an occasional cigarette won’t hurt them.  According to webmd, that is a myth.  Cigarettes contain hundreds of harmful chemicals (at least 70 of those can cause cancer), therefore, every puff in is harming a person’s lungs, their blood vessels, and cells throughout the body.

Many do not realize that smoking for only a few weeks can trigger a heart attack.

 

The toxins in tobacco raise a person’s risk for cancer, heart disease, and other health problems…this includes those that claim to be ‘filtered’ or ‘light’.  Even the E-cigarettes are NOT safe.  They contain a harmful aerosol that they inhale, still placing the person at risk for lung or heart disease and cancer as well.  

Smoking not only affects and puts at risk the health of the smoker, it also puts the health of those nearby at risk as well.

SECONDHAND SMOKE:

It is more than just an annoyance, secondhand smoke adversely affects the health of others who are breathing it in.  Tens of thousands of nonsmokers die each year because they’re breathing in the smoke from others.

It is gross and extremely inconsiderate to smoke near someone.  Do they not realize or care that whoever is near to them is having to breath in what they just breathed in then breathed out of their lungs? 

Fact: Secondhand smoke can cause immediate harm to the recipient’s heart and blood vessels.

Fact: Secondhand smoke is linked to premature births, low-weight babies, and SIDS (sudden infant death).

Fact: Children who are exposed are more prone to ear infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia.  Children with asthma will have more frequent and severe attacks.

A smoker is not just harming their own body – they are harming others in a critical way!

Look on webmd.com/smoking-cessation/truth-about-smoking for more information concerning the dangers of smoking cigarettes, whether filtered, light, or E-cigs as well as information on the dangers of secondhand smoke.

 

VAPING

Vaping is the use of a device which heats liquid chemicals (called e-juice) into a mist that a person breaths in like a cigarette or pipe.  

The e-liquids (e-juice) may contain marijuana or other drugs as well as nicotine which is known to be addictive.  The liquid contains dangerous chemicals which are linked to lung disease and cancer.  

Toxic metals have also been found in the e-cig vapor.  Breathing these toxic metals in has been linked to lung, liver, immune system, and brain damage as well as cancer.

Some liquids contain flavorings. These flavorings have been found to damage a person’s DNA or kill cells that line the blood vessels.  Cinnamon and menthol have been found to be the most harmful.

Vaping has been found to make heart disease more likely.

Researchers are still looking into what other health risks may be associated with that inhaled liquid.   While they do not know all the risks associated with its use, several have died and hundreds have contracted lung injuries here in the U.S.   Because of this, the CDC is advising to avoid using it.

Again, for more information, go to the website: webmd.com/smoking-cessation/ss/slideshow-vaping-body-effects

 

SNUFF / CHEWING TOBACCO

What is snuff?  There are two types of snuff: dried (sniffed through the nostrils) and moist (placed in the mouth).

The first thing about chewing tobacco is that it is gross to the non-users.  The user spits this blackish liquid out of their mouth on to the ground or into an empty soda bottle.  Those who use these products may not care how others perceive it, so we’ll look a little more in-depth concerning its use.

Some people believe it’s a safe alternative, however, it is not! 

FACT: Snuff/Chewing Tobacco is linked to numerous health problems and contain chemicals that are known to cause cancer as well as nicotine (which is addictive).

FACT: Snuff/Chewing Tobacco increases the risk of pancreatic, throat, and mouth cancers.  It also increases the risk of developing leukoplakia (small white patches in the mouth that can turn cancerous).

FACT: Snuff/Chewing Tobacco increases the user’s heart rate and blood pressure.  Those that use it long-term are likely to die from heart disease.

FACT: Snuff/Chewing Tobacco is addictive since it contains nicotine. Withdrawals from this product are as difficult as that from smoking.

FACT: Snuff/Chewing Tobacco not only increase your risk of mouth and throat cancer, but it also increases your risk of developing other dental problems.  

FACT: Chewing tobacco contains a lot of sugar which can cause tooth decay since it’s held against the teeth.  It can also scratch your teeth and irritate your gums which increases the user’s risk of gum disease and receding or swollen gums.

FACT:  It stains the teeth and causes bad breath.  It can also cause bone loss around the user’s teeth and expose the root of the tooth, eventually causing it to fall out.

These studies have revealed there are not any ‘safe’ tobacco products. 

More information or confirmation can be found at webmd.com/smoking-cessation/is-snuffing-tobacco-safe

 

CBD OIL

The oil derived from marijuana (CBD) is gaining popularity.  So much so, that even some ‘Christians’ are promoting its use and selling it.

What is CBD?  It is a chemical found in marijuana but does not contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the psychoactive ingredient which produces a high. 

While some doctors will prescribe CBD as what they have found to be an effective anti-seizure medicine, they do not know yet whether there are any other benefits or dangers from its use.

Currently, the ONLY CBD product approved by the FDA is a PRESCRIPTION oil called Epidiolex, which is prescribed to treat 2 types of epilepsy.

They do know that CBD carries some risks.  It can cause side effects such as dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, nausea, drowsiness, and fatigue as well as interfere with other medications a person may be taking (such as blood thinners). 

There is also rise for concern since the purity and dosage varies and is unreliable between products.  Many contain less CBD than what they claim.  They also found THC (the ingredient that causes a marijuana high) in some of the products.

Further information and confirmation can be found on mayoclinic.org.

Some sites purported that potential risks and harms from its use include: adverse drug interactions, liver toxicity, as well as reproductive and developmental effects.  According to FDA.gov, CBD can cause liver injury.

The only APPROVED and physician supported usage is through a prescription for epileptic seizures.  Many ‘Christians’ are promoting and selling it as a ‘cure’ for this or a ‘remedy’ for that when there is no scientific evidence supporting their claims at this time. There are, however, side effects and the possible contamination of the mind-altering substance (THC) within some of these products.

There is a reason preachers and saints have stood against this and other mind altering drugs for all these years.  Just because the oil from marijuana is popular and now legal in many states does not mean it is safe or good for a person to use.

 

MIND ALTERING DRUGS

I believe most (or I hope) realize the dangers of mind-altering drugs so I will not spend much time discussing this issue.  It is a well known fact that drugs not only harm and can kill the user, but they can also cause the user to do irrational things and harm others while under it’s influence.  This is why drug use is illegal and those who use or sell it are sentenced to jail time. 

If the law recognizes the dangers and has outlawed their use, how much more should a Christian?

 

 

 

What does the Bible say?

Romans 6:16

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

 

Romans 6:12-14 

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

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.

For sin shall not have dominion over you!

 

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

 

We are the temple of the living God!  We are bought with a price, therefore, we are to glorify God in our body as well as our spirit because we belong to God. (1 Cor 6:20) 

If a ‘Christian’ is wanting to use these substances, the question needs to be asked, “Why?”  Because it’s now legal?  Just want to try it and see what it’s like?  Why?

The usage of these substances does not send the message to the unsaved that you are a Christian.  The usage of these substances does not glorify God.  The usage of these substances do defile and destroy our bodies which are the temple of the Living God.   

Christians, ABSTAIN from ALL APPEARANCE of evil. (1 Thess. 5:22) 

 "Finders keepers, losers weepers" 

is an unbiblical concept. (Deut. 22)

First posted to fb 12-19-15

You're being a 'devil’s advocate' ?

 

Who Are You Trying To Win?

Here we go...AGAIN 😳

I know I've posted about this a few times but i am absolutely floored with the common trend that happens in our area: Saints and ministers from neighboring churches encouraging people from other Truth teaching congregations to come to their Church.  Or tagging them in posts or inviting them to events yet not the Pastor (who is usually the last to find out about it). 

HOW can anyone feel right about this?
Or not realize they are being unethical?

We just had it happen AGAIN.  We found out last night that a minister at a neighboring Church was encouraging a family from our Church to come hear him preach at his Church although he knows they attend ours.  Thankfully they didn't go since we had Church at the same time. 

But WHY do many in this area think this is ok and acceptable?

Do they not realize or care that they're hurting and wounding their neighboring Church?

Most of all: Do they not understand they are sowing discord? Or rebellion?

We had a family attend our church for a short time.   They were disgruntled with the previous pastor and tried to pull other of their members with them when they changed.  While we want to grow, we do not want it to be at another Church’s expense, especially through the sowing of discord.  They quickly realized we did not support this, eventually became disgruntled with us as well and moved on.

There is an entire field of lost souls on the brink of eternity that need to be reached.  THOSE are the ones we are to be tagging and inviting and compelling to "come to our Church."

If the 'saved' swap Churches, it may grow that particular Church (until something causes them to move on again) but it does not grow GOD'S KINGDOM....which is our entire calling and purpose. 

I can't post this on my social media page because I am reaching for the lost and do not want to shed a negative light on Churches.  So, I post it here.  I know other Pastors and their wives have experienced the same hurts and wounds.  God sees.  I fear God too much to return the same to them. I'm not reaching for their saints, I'm reaching for THE LOST.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do?

 You remember that old saying,

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do." ?

Don't do as the Romans do.

Be a Light and shine your Light for Jesus 

Wherever you are.

This world doesn't need more to conform and be like it.

We are to be separate.  

We are to be set apart. 

“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 (KJV)

This thought and Scripture came to my mind. It's not coincidence that Paul wrote that letter to the Church in Rome. The Holy Ghost is speaking to someone.   Will you heed His voice?