Monday, June 14, 2021

What happens when we Love and Obey God?

 

JESUS commands:

Luke 10:27

King James Version

27 And he answering said, 

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God 

with all thy heart, 

and with all thy soul, 

and with all thy strength, 

and with all thy mind; 

and thy neighbour as thyself.


What happens when we love, and obey God?

The best point of reference would be Jesus.

Here's what the Lord promises:

-- We will know if the doctrine  be of God.

John 7:17

King James Version

17 If any man will do his will, 

he shall know of the doctrine, 

whether it be of God, 

or whether I speak of myself.


-- We shall be loved of the Father.

-- We shall be loved by Jesus.

-- Jesus will manifest Himself to us.

John 14:21

King James Version

21 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.


-- God will love us.

-- The Father and the Son will come unto us.

-- The Father and the Son will abode with us.

John 14:23

King James Version

23 Jesus answered and said unto him, 

If a man love me, 

he will keep my words: 

and my Father will love him, 

and we will come unto him, 

and make our abode with him.


-- We become friends of Jesus.

John 15:14

King James Version

14 Ye are my friends

if ye do whatsoever I command you.


-- Whatever we ask of the Father in Jesus' name, God will give us.

John 15:16

King James Version

16 Ye have not chosen me, 

but I have chosen you, 

and ordained you, 

that ye should go and bring forth fruit, 

and that your fruit should remain: 

that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father 

in my name, 

he may give it you.


-- We will be blessed.

Luke 11:28

King James Version

28 But he said, 

Yea rather, 

blessed are they 

that hear the word of God

and keep it.


-- We shall enter into the kingdom of heavaen.

Matthew 7:21

King James Version

21 Not every one that saith unto me, 

Lord, Lord, 

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven

but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.


Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Truth of Jesus

 

Isaiah 53:4

King James Version

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, 

and carried our sorrows: 

yet we did esteem him stricken, 

smitten of God, 

and afflicted.


Who is JESUS?

What is His purpose?

Why must we believe in Him?

Why must we follow Him?

Scripture has the answers.


Jesus,

the image of God.

Colossians 1:15

King James Version

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, 

the firstborn of every creature:


Jesus,

for whom all things were created.

Colossians 1:16

King James Version

16 For by him were all things created, 

that are in heaven, 

and that are in earth, 

visible and invisible, 

whether they be thrones, 

or dominions, 

or principalities, 

or powers: 

all things were created by him, 

and for him:


Jesus,

who existed before everything.

Colossians 1:17

King James Version

17 And he is before all things, 

and by him all things consist.


Jesus,

in whom the fullness of the Father dwelled.

Colossians 1:19

King James Version

19 For it pleased the Father 

that in him should all fulness dwell;


Jesus,

the Son of God.

John 3:16

King James Version

16 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.


Jesus,

the way.

John 14:6

King James Version

6 Jesus saith unto him, 

I am the way, 

the truth, 

and the life: 

no man cometh unto the Father, 

but by me.


Jesus, 

the head of the church.

Colossians 1:18

King James Version

18 And he is the head of the body, 

the church: 

who is the beginning, 

the firstborn from the dead; 

that in all things 

he might have the preeminence.


Jesus,

in whom the Father is pleased.

Matthew 3:17

King James Version

17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, 

This is my beloved Son, 

in whom I am well pleased.


Jesus,

the savior.

1 John 3:8

King James Version

8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; 

for the devil sinneth from the beginning. 

For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, 

that he might destroy the works of the devil.


Jesus,

the redeemer.

Colossians 1:14

King James Version

14 In whom we have redemption 

through his blood, 

even the forgiveness of sins:


Jesus,

the humble servant.

Philippians 2:7

King James Version

7 But made himself of no reputation, 

and took upon him the form of a servant, 

and was made in the likeness of men:


Jesus,

is life.

John 10:10

King James Version

10 The thief cometh not, 

but for to steal, 

and to kill, 

and to destroy: 

I am come that they might have life, 

and that they might have it more abundantly.


Jesus,

the Word of God.

Revelation 19:13

King James Version

13 And he was clothed with a vesture 

dipped in blood: 

and his name is called 

The Word of God.


Jesus,

one with God.

John 10:30

King James Version

30 I and my Father are one.


Jesus,

the Master.

Matthew 23:10

King James Version

10 Neither be ye called masters: 

for one is your Master, 

even Christ.


Jesus,

the esteemed name.

Philippians 2:10

King James Version

10 That at the name of Jesus 

every knee should bow, 

of things in heaven, 

and things in earth, 

and things under the earth;


Jesus,

rest for the weary.

Matthew 11:28

King James Version

28 Come unto me, 

all ye that labour and are heavy laden, 

and I will give you rest.


Jesus, 

our hope.

1 Peter 1:3

King James Version

3 Blessed be the God and Father 

of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

which according to his abundant mercy 

hath begotten us again 

unto a lively hope 

by the resurrection of Jesus Christ 

from the dead,


Jesus, 

provides everything.

Luke 22:35

King James Version

35 And he said unto them, 

When I sent you without purse, 

and scrip, 

and shoes, 

lacked ye any thing? 

And they said, 

Nothing.


Jesus,

in all His simplicity.

2 Corinthians 11:3

King James Version

3 But I fear, 

lest by any means,

 as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, 

so your minds should be corrupted 

from the simplicity that is in Christ.


Jesus,

a man of sorrows.

Isaiah 53:3

King James Version

3 He is despised and rejected of men; 

a man of sorrows, 

and acquainted with grief: 

and we hid as it were our faces from him; 

he was despised, 

and we esteemed him not.


Further reading:

Bible DISCOVERY


Saturday, February 13, 2021

Why Does GOD Always Seem to Show Up at the LAST Minute?

 



Proverbs 16:18

King James Version

18 Pride goeth before destruction, 

and an haughty spirit before a fall.


It seems so, doesn't it?

That GOD shows up at the last minute.

Just when all hope seems gone.

Just when you're on to your last cent.

Just when you're feeling so broken.

Just when you're about to give up. 

Just when others have given up on you.

Why do you think GOD helps?

Why do you think He shows up?

Did you pray for Him to do so?

Did you lift up your hands in surrender?

Did you finally acknowledge these:

-- That you needed GOD's help after all?

-- That you can't do it alone?

-- That you realize all your human efforts have failed you?

-- That all your friends have deserted you?

-- That even your family doesn't want to help you anymore?

-- That people are indifferent to your plight?

-- That you're now ready to be helped, saved, and corrected?

Wow, that would be the day.


Well, know this:

The moment you surrender to GOD 

is the day He can step in 

and help you.


That is the LORD's opportunity to show you something.

And YOUR golden opportunity to LEARN something.

The Bible shows that GOD does TWO things:


1. When people need help, GOD does this.

Ezekiel 20:42 

King James Version

42 And ye shall know that I am the Lord, 

when I shall bring you into the land of Israel

into the country for the which I lifted up mine hand 

to give it to your fathers.


2. When people are rebellious, GOD does this.

Ezekiel 33:29 

King James Version

29 Then shall they know that I am the Lord, 

when I have laid the land most desolate 

because of all their abominations 

which they have committed.


The common denominator?

"And ye shall know 

that I am the Lord."


On, and on, GOD reminds us of that.

And on, and on, people forget.

When the going's good, we're gone from GOD's side.

When the going gets tough, we can't wait to be by His side.

The rest of the time, people don't acknowledge GOD's POWER over our lives.

Many are not even by His side at all.

Many don't want to follow.

Many don't want to listen.

GOD is steady.

For ourselves, we teeter constantly in destruction.

All because of that ingratitude, and forgetfulness.


When God allows a situation, He's making a statement.

When God helps, He's making a statement.

When God punishes, He's making a statement.

So we shall KNOW that He is the LORD.

Still, the lessons don't stick.

And few become grateful.

Much less repentant.


Does it really have to be this way?

That we suffer first, before God helps us?

That we are finally humbled from our proud, unfaithful ways?

After all, how many people listen to the Lord?

How many people pay attention to the teachings of JESUS?

What else would it take for us to completely surrender to God?

What else would it take for us to be shame-faced, and repentant, at our foolishness?

It's human nature to be ungrateful, and forgetful.


When all is well, we forget God.

When all goes south, we seek God.

It's only when we've lost all hope, do we remember God.

It's only when we're in near-panic, do we seek God's help.

We must not test the Lord.

Matthew 4:7 

King James Version

7 Jesus said unto him

It is written again, 

Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.


GOD always shows up at the LAST minute, because we ONLY seek Him at the last minute.

That's really the truth of the matter.

The rest of the time, we think we know better.

The rest of the time, people forget Him.

Many don't even know Him.

Only when we've raised our white flags in complete humility, and surrender, does GOD effortlessly steps in.

Once you've become born again, you realize the GRIEF we cause God, the FOLLY we bring upon our own lives, and the FUTILITY of this rebellion against the ONLY POWER there is.

Malachi 3:6 

King James Version

6 For I am the Lord, 

I change not

therefore ye sons of Jacob 

are not consumed.


And that's when we all become shame-faced.

Time to turn back to GOD now.

That's why JESUS was sent.

That's why SPIRIT teaches us.

That we may remember.


Related material:

On MAN's plans

GOD's WAYS

What man FORGETS

The hard teachings


Image: Clipart Library


Updated 23 October 2023


Friday, February 12, 2021

What is the Shape of the Earth?

 

Was the earth round?

Or was it flat?

Does it matter?

It matters to me, for I care what God says in the Bible.

I care to know how God created the world.

I care to know I get His Word right.

For 17 months now, all my questions have been answered by the Word of God.

Going back to my question, "What is the shape of the earth?"

So, I searched for the telling verses.

It's important we start from the very beginning:

Genesis 1:1-2 

King James Version

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2 And the earth was without form, 

and void

and darkness was upon the face of the deep. 

And the Spirit of God 

moved upon the face of the waters.


And I learned, earth is probably a "circle", and that we are really tiny:

Isaiah 40:22 (KJV)

22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, 

and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers

that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, 

and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:


And yet, if it's a circle, why does it have "four corners"?

Isaiah 11:12 (KJV)

12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, 

and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, 

and gather together the dispersed of Judah 

from the four corners of the earth.


Revelation 7:1 (KJV)

7 And after these things I saw four angels standing 

on the four corners of the earth

holding the four winds of the earth, 

that the wind should not blow on the earth, 

nor on the sea, 

nor on any tree.


Then I was intrigued, but not surprised, by the fact that God sees the farthest corners of His creation.

But how could that be, if earth was a circle?

Job 28:24 (KJV)

24 For he looketh to the ends of the earth

and seeth under the whole heaven;


Job 37:2-3 (KJV)

2 Hear attentively the noise of his voice, 

and the sound that goeth out of his mouth.

3 He directeth it under the whole heaven, 

and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.


The next verse -- the tempting of Jesus by satan -- seems to indicate if you were standing on a very high place, you ought to be able to view the "kingdoms of the world".

Another case for "flat" earth?

Matthew 4:8 (KJV)

8 Again, the devil taketh him up 

into an exceeding high mountain, 

and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world

and the glory of them;


Wow, what a vista!

And it seems the earth has "pillars".

It could be literal, or symbolic -- like a "foundation" to "hold" up the earth -- but only God knows.

1 Samuel 2:8 (KJV)

8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, 

and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, 

to set them among princes, 

and to make them inherit the throne of glory: 

for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, 

and he hath set the world upon them.


Psalm 75:3 (KJV)

3 The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: 

I bear up the pillars of it

Selah.


But one thing for sure, the earth is firm in the hands of God.

We are safe in God's hands.

Psalm 104:5 (KJV)

5 Who laid the foundations of the earth, 

that it should not be removed for ever.


1 Chronicles 16:30 (KJV)

30 Fear before him, 

all the earth: 

the world also shall be stable, 

that it be not moved.


Psalm 93:1 (KJV)

93 The Lord reigneth, 

he is clothed with majesty; 

the Lord is clothed with strength, 

wherewith he hath girded himself: 

the world also is stablished, 

that it cannot be moved.


The earth is firm; the sky is strong.

Job 37:18 (KJV)

18 Hast thou with him spread out the sky

which is strong

and as a molten looking glass?


And the earth hangs upon "nothing".

Oh boy.

Can you imagine such a thing?

Job 26:7 (KJV)

7 He stretcheth out the north 

over the empty place, 

and hangeth the earth 

upon nothing.


Unless the Spirit of the Lord deems it, I will never be able to understand, comprehend, nor absorb His grandeur.

But as a born again, with the heart of a child, I sure can imagine it!

Psalm 104:32 (KJV)

32 He looketh on the earth, 

and it trembleth: 

he toucheth the hills, 

and they smoke.


Acknowledging His divine power, and might, I can only fear the Lord.

Proverbs 1:7 (KJV)

7 The fear of the Lord 

is the beginning of knowledge

but fools despise wisdom and instruction.


And meditate upon His magnificence, for as long as I live.

Psalm 104:33-34 (KJV)

33 I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: 

I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

34 My meditation of him shall be sweet: 

I will be glad in the Lord.


In the end, it matters not what shape the earth is.

One day, God will show me everything.

Right now, all that matters is that my heart is shaped by the Lord, obedient to His will.

Expect more musings on this blog, for I am learning quite a lot from the Bible.


(Verses sourced from Bible Study Tools.)


Updated 25 January 2022


Where is Heaven?

 

Jesus said:

John 3:12 

King James Version

12 If I have told you earthly things, 

and ye believe not, 

how shall ye believe, 

if I tell you of heavenly things?


Is there a real Heaven?

Of course, there is!

Right from the very first verse of the Bible:

Genesis 1:1 (KJV)

1 In the beginning 

God created the heaven 

and the earth.


And you know what God said Heaven was?

Isaiah 66:1 (KJV)

"Thus saith the Lord, 

The heaven is my throne, 

and the earth is my footstool

where is the house that ye build unto me? 

and where is the place of my rest?"


You know where it's located?

You'd be surprised.

The Word of God is always precise.

Genesis 1:6-8 (KJV)

6 And God said, 

Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, 

and let it divide the waters from the waters.

7 And God made the firmament, 

and divided the waters 

which were under the firmament 

from the waters 

which were above the firmament

and it was so.

8 And God called the firmament Heaven

And the evening and the morning were the second day.


Just so you know, here's where our earth is located, in relation to Heaven:

Genesis 1:9-10 (KJV)

9 And God said, 

Let the waters under the heaven 

be gathered together unto one place, 

and let the dry land appear

and it was so.

10 And God called the dry land Earth

and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: 

and God saw that it was good.


So, we're "under the heaven"; Jesus is from Heaven.

In His own words:

John 3:13 (KJV)

13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, 

but he that came down from heaven

even the Son of man which is in heaven.


What can be found in Heaven?

All things magnificent!

Here's what apostle John was shown, in a vision of the end times:

Revelation 4 (KJV)

4 After this I looked, 

and, behold, 

a door was opened in heaven

and the first voice which I heard 

was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; 

which said, 

Come up hither, 

and I will shew thee things 

which must be hereafter.

2 And immediately I was in the spirit: 

and, 

behold, 

a throne was set in heaven, 

and one sat on the throne.

3 And he that sat was to look upon 

like a jasper and a sardine stone: 

and there was a rainbow round about the throne

in sight like unto an emerald.

4 And round about the throne 

were four and twenty seats: 

and upon the seats I saw 

four and twenty elders sitting, 

clothed in white raiment

and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings 

and thunderings and voices: 

and there were seven lamps of fire 

burning before the throne, 

which are the seven Spirits of God.

6 And before the throne 

there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: 

and in the midst of the throne, 

and round about the throne, 

were four beasts full of eyes before 

and behind.

7 And the first beast was like a lion, 

and the second beast like a calf, 

and the third beast had a face as a man, 

and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

8 And the four beasts had each of them 

six wings about him; 

and they were full of eyes within

and they rest not day and night, 

saying, 

Holy, holy, holy, 

Lord God Almighty, 

which was, 

and is, 

and is to come.

9 And when those beasts give glory and honour 

and thanks to him that sat on the throne, 

who liveth for ever and ever,

10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him 

that sat on the throne, 

and worship him that liveth for ever and ever

and cast their crowns before the throne, 

saying,

11 Thou art worthy, 

O Lord, 

to receive glory and honour and power: 

for thou hast created all things, 

and for thy pleasure 

they are and were created.


How can we reach Heaven?

Colossians 3:1-2 (KJV)

3 If ye then be risen with Christ, 

seek those things which are above

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above

not on things on the earth.


Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV)

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth

where moth and rust doth corrupt, 

and where thieves break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, 

where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt

and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is, 

there will your heart be also.


Jesus also made a statement about what it takes to be with Him:

John 5:24 (KJV)

24 Verily, verily, 

I say unto you, 

He that heareth my word, 

and believeth on him that sent me, 

hath everlasting life, 

and shall not come into condemnation; 

but is passed from death unto life.


Life on earth is definitely not heavenly.

So, we seek Heaven.

2 Peter 3:13 (KJV)

13 Nevertheless we, 

according to his promise, 

look for new heavens and a new earth, 

wherein dwelleth righteousness.


And in the end, we shall find it.

Revelation 21:1-5 (KJV)

21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth

for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; 

and there was no more sea.

2 And I John saw the holy city, 

new Jerusalem, 

coming down from God out of heaven

prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, 

Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, 

and he will dwell with them, 

and they shall be his people

and God himself shall be with them, 

and be their God.

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; 

and there shall be no more death, 

neither sorrow, 

nor crying

neither shall there be any more pain: 

for the former things are passed away.

5 And he that sat upon the throne said, 

Behold, I make all things new

And he said unto me, 

Write: 

for these words are true and faithful.


If we are God's own:

Revelation 21:27 (KJV)

27 And there shall in no wise enter into it 

any thing that defileth, 

neither whatsoever worketh abomination, 

or maketh a lie: 

but they which are written 

in the Lamb's book of life.


Related material:

KINGDOM of HEAVEN


Updated 25 January 2022


Some REMARKABLE things

 Psalm 100:5 King James Version 5 For the Lord is good;  his mercy is everlasting;  and his truth endureth to all generations . It is truly ...