Thieves

Recently thieves broke into the home of two Christian ladies and stole everything they could find.  These ladies are teachers of the Bible, they are examples of a separated couple who put the Lord ahead of all and still the thieves came to steal from them. These ladies were careful to secure their home with locks and secure windows, yet they broke in and removed things of value and important papers. Let's look at what the Bible says in a few verses about thieves.

 

Exo 22:2  If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.
Exo 22:3  If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.
Exo 22:4  If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.

 

A thief killed in the act of stealing , has met with justice. A thief caught in daylight  shall make full restitution, even restoring double if an animal is caught in his possession. Often a thief is not looked for or caught in our city and if found they rarely spend time in prison.

 

Judas was a thief

John 12:3  Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
Jonh 12:4  Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,
John 12:5  Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
John 12:6  This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
Jonh 12:7  Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

 

There are spiritual thieves, false teachers, preachers and prophets who lead the flock astray and make merchandise of them.

 

John 10:1  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

Jonh 10:10  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.

Satan is a thief of souls

 

Luk 12:33  Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
Luk 12:34  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

 

Spiritually we are to place our greatest treasure in heaven, doing spiritual good works. The day of he Lord is a time of tribulation and the wrath of God. We are not under his wrath and hopefully we will not experience this time; but we will know the season.

1Th 5:2  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
1Th 5:3  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
1Th 5:4  But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
1Th 5:5  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

We shall know the season of these events. It is to be expected that the Church will be raptured first. Next comes the evil days of the one world order, the one world monetary system. We can see this coming, and then the arrival of the  beast and the false prophet promising peace, but coming against God's people. The day of the Lord is judgement sent from God on the evil doers in this world. It is at the end of this age before Jesus returns to earth. Do not let the spiritual thief steal you away from faith in Jesus, he is coming soon. The wrath of God will not fall on God's people.

 

Eaglewings Ministries

 

Autumn leaves of red and gold

The Crape Myrtle leaves fall on my car. A
closer look proves that they are quite beautiful.
These are simple blessings of God's design.

Nearer Lord to thee..

Psa 119:63  I am a companion of all them that fear thee,
 and of them that keep thy precepts. 

Asking for directions?
One group is open sided, the other closed.

John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

Beware of false prophets.

1Jn 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 

Just out of seminary,
but will they teach the whole word of truth?

Act 20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Act 20:29  For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Some come to church seeking healing.

Luke 4:40  Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. 

Nothing like close fellowship.

1Jn 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 

The leaves are packed like sardines,
but are we not one body in the Lord?

Rom 12:5  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 

All bow at the feet of Jesus.

Rev 4:10  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, 

Rev 4:11  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. 

False Deceivers

It is Halloween day and as I drove home from a concert last night I noticed several yards that were elaborately decorated with ghosts, pumpkin faces, witches and some had expensive props with colored lights strung up. For some there is almost as much celebrating for this dark day as is done for Christmas. To many people there may be little difference in the days to them, all is for fun and treats. Not many are sad at Halloween,  maybe strung out on sugar, but at Christmas, many are sad. Perhaps this is conviction, the Lord seeking to draw the lost back to him. At worst it is the devil and the flesh remembering happier times. Let us hold onto what is good each day while we are alive on this earth for we are witnesses of a better time, the time of our meeting Jesus and our conversion from darkness to the kingdom of light. Paul encouraged a Bishop of God in his letter to Titus.

Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Holding fast, he is anchored in the word of God. By the word he is able to correct and encourage others. The word of God is able to bring God's power for a new life to some of the skeptics and enemies of the Lord.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

We must be subject to God's word and his direction. Too many are living evil lives, even some of those who are in the church; they are not disciples of Jesus Christ. We need to obey God and his word.

False ones

Titus 1:10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:

unruly; not under submission to authority

vain talkers; speaking empty worthless words

deceivers; seducers, flatterer, seeking to take advantage of you

the circumcision; the old covenant Jews, those who do not understand nor receive the grace of Jesus, or those who wish to put Jewish customs upon the Christians. For example, insisting in circumcision.

Gal 5:10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
Gal 5:11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
Gal 5:12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Titus 1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

These dangerous false teachers must be exposed and stopped, they are seeking your money. They want to use you and are dangerous to follow, for they are not of God. Nothing is so sad as to seek to come out of the darkness and then to be subject to a false religious guide. Jesus is the light and the new life, follow him.

Diotrephes and Demetrius

Diotrephes and Demetrius, which are we most like?

3 John 1:9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
3 John 1:10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
3 John 1:11 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.

This was a shepherd with the heart of a devil. We must not be under bondage to such a man.

Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Is the shepherd you follow hospitable? Does he love people with a humble heart? Does he preach the truth? This is required of a Pastor.

3 John 1:12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

Demetrius was a respected man of good report. It is important to be of good report if we are followers of Jesus. Many by their fleshly ways claim to be Christians and bring a bad witness to the name of our Lord.

Rom 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Wherever the Bible is read these two men shall be spoken of. Are you a loving and caring shepherd or seeking to be the focus, jealous of others and lording it over the flock of God? Demetrius had a good reputation and spoke truth. Let us love one another as Christ loved us living holy separated lives and speaking the truth.

The birthplace controversy

John 7:40 ... "This man surely is the Prophet."

41 Others said, "He is the Messiah." Still others said, "But he can't be! Will the Messiah come from Galilee?

42 For the Scriptures clearly state that the Messiah will be born of the royal line of David, in Bethlehem, the village where King David was born."

43 So the crowd was divided in their opinion about him.

44 And some wanted him arrested, but no one touched him.

45 The Temple guards who had been sent to arrest him returned to the leading priests and Pharisees. "Why didn't you bring him in?" they demanded.

46 "We have never heard anyone talk like this!" the guards responded.

47 "Have you been led astray, too?" the Pharisees mocked.

48 "Is there a single one of us rulers or Pharisees who believes in him?

49 These ignorant crowds do, but what do they know about it? A curse on them anyway!"

50 Nicodemus, the leader who had met with Jesus earlier, then spoke up.

51 "Is it legal to convict a man before he is given a hearing?" he asked.

52 They replied, "Are you from Galilee, too? Search the Scriptures and see for yourself -- no prophet ever comes from Galilee!"

53 Then the meeting broke up and everybody went home. (NLT)

The birthplace controversy was happening regarding Jesus' being a true prophet. It was a test from scriptures to prove that he was the real messiah of the Jews. The religious leaders saw his works and his words, they were wonderful, yet they did not want to believe in him, so they used his birthplace as evidence that he was not their messiah. They assumed that Jesus was from Nazareth. Mary, his birth mother was from Nazareth as was his legal father Joseph. He lived and increased in wisdom and stature, living in Nazareth.

Mark 1:9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

The prophet Micah gave his birthplace as the city of David with another proof, that he was from everlasting. Only God is from everlasting.

Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

We know from the Bible that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, where Mary and Joseph went to be registered for taxation purposes, because both he and Mary were of the lineage of king David. The Messiah was to inherit an eternal kingdom and be of the house of David.

Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

There are so many proofs that Jesus is the Messiah that came to save the Jews and then the Gentiles, through faith in his works. The very works of Jesus proved that he was from God. I will let the reader look for all the evidence and proofs that Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ, the savior from our sins through our belief in him. It takes little evidence for an unbeliever to continue in unbelief. A believer should find many reasons for believing, for there are many proofs.

John 14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:7  If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 

John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 

John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
John 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

Jesus is Lord and his life was lived in truth. There is another birthplace controversy regarding our president.  People believe because they choose to believe in him. Others do not believe him, they say that he is not a man of truth. Truth matters and we are to know a true or false ruler by their fruit. Again, it comes down to belief or unbelief and it is up to each of us to believe either the truth or the lie. I want to believe and live in truth. Truth is important to me and the children of God. We can think we know something and not know enough truth to really know. There is an abundance of proof that Jesus is the Messiah, the eternal Son of God. The Bible tells us so and we are to make our salvation sure. We will be tested. Will we live and die believing in Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior? I believe in him and my eyes are fixed on him. He is faithful and true and he is my Lord and Savior.

A deceiver

  

2 Sam 15:1  And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
2 Sam 15:2  And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
2 Sam 15:3  And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.
2 Sam 15:4  Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!
2 Sam 15:5  And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.
2 Sam 15:6  And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

 

Absalom was out to steal the kingdom away from his father David. He was young and handsome with a full head of hair, He was friendly and he hugged the people. Believe me when I say we must watch out for those who seek to win over people, seeming to care for them. We may be embracing the devil in disguise. Remember how Jesus was betrayed with a kiss.

 

People are so ignorant. A nation will elect a devil if he looks like he will give them something for nothing. People are moved by emotions, "I don't care what you say, I want to know that you care." Well, you had better listen to what is said and look beyond the pretending of a wolf who appears to love the sheep. We must  discern the spirits. Many choose leaders by appearance,  as when the nation of Israel chose Saul as their king.

 

1 Sam 9:2  ... Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.

 

Saul failed to obey the LORD and was rejected by him. I cannot understand how so many people will keep following a man who is a liar and who will say anything to appear to please the people, but will not follow God. This is a  false shepherd who comes to be one of us, but whose heart has an evil plan.

 

John 10:10  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.

We must be careful, many sheep will cuddle up to an affectionate wolf in sheep's clothing. Examine the fruit, not just what seems to look good. A politician will win hearts by kissing babies, but his true plan is to kill them. King Herod wanted to know where the new king of the Jews was.

 

Mat 2:8  ...Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

His true intent was to destroy the child.  A politician will embrace illegal aliens to get more votes, but he will become a tyrant once his power is securred. The more we trust false words and false appearances, the more likely we will allow evil to take root. The false leaders will not keep the laws.

 

Prov 29:18  Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
 

If we follow people who will not follow God we all will fall.

 

Mat 15:10  And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:
Mat 15:11  Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
Mat 15:12  Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
Mat 15:13  But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
Mat 15:14  Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Follow Jesus and be careful who you trust, there are many deceivers.