1John 5:11 And the witness is this, that God gave unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
1Jn 5:12 He that hath the Son hath the life; he that hath not the Son of God hath not the life.
Beautiful promises that agree with this beautiful verse.
John 3:16 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.
Believe in Jesus, the Son of God, and receive the promise of eternal life.
Exo 18:13 The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening.
Exo 18:14 When Moses' father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?”
Exo 18:19 Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God,
Exo 18:20 and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do.
Exo 18:21 Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
Exo 18:22 And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.
Exo 18:23 If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.”
Exo 18:24 So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said.
Pro 11:14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
Moses was taking on too much. Only God can judge everyone in righteousness. God gave all authority to His Son as our judge. Whenever a person seeks to have absolute power over people they become little gods. They rule with mistrust and by force, to force their will on a people. A left leaning communist/socialist leader, who ignores our constitution, can bring tyranny on the people. One such example is Kim Jong un, the dictator of North Korea. In my opinion many of the Democrat governors are acting as dictators, little gods in a country founded on individual freedoms. What if our election was rigged? What if our nation will be led, or forced to obey ungodly counselors? I pray that this will not happen.
Psa 38:14 I have become like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth are no rebukes.
Psa 38:15 But for you, O LORD, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer.
Why do I pick out these verses to share after speaking of thanksgiving and praise? Truth is, I have felt like this. My ears do not always hear what is said and I have nothing to say and yet I have shared my concerns with the Lord. Like Abraham and Sarah, like Zechariah and Elizabeth, he often moves in the latter years to bring forth his miracles, his blessings. He remembers our prayers and he knows our hearts. Perhaps he wants for us to take our hands off, to give him the control of events. We learn to be content, no matter what the circumstances. We do still give him our thanks and our praise, for he is worthy and he loves us.
1Ch 16:9 Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!
1Ch 16:10 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!
1Ch 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!
1Ch 16:12 Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered,
1Ch 16:13 O offspring of Israel his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones!
1Ch 16:14 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
1Ch 16:15 Remember his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations,
The occasion was placing the Ark of the Covenant in the tent made for it in Jerualem. Jerusalem would become the holy city of David, the place of the Ark of the Covenant. There was thanksgiving and praise to the God of Israel.
1Ch 16:5 Asaph was the chief, (among the Levites)... who were to play harps and lyres; Asaph was to sound the cymbals,
1Ch 16:6 and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests were to blow trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God.
Let our thanks be not only solemn and deliberate, but may they be from the heart with music and instruments of praise. We especially need to praise God in difficult times when we are feeling less than joyful. We have much to be thankful for, especially in the presence of our LORD. He is in our heartfelt praises.
Psa 150:1 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens!
Psa 150:2 Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness!
Psa 150:3 Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp!
Psa 150:4 Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!
Psa 150:5 Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Psa 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
Php 4:13 Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.
It is a secret no more; Christ Jesus is our strength to do what we must do. After coming to Jesus, all things become knew as we see through his eyes. What is important to him should be important to us as we learn more of him in the Bible.
The western song writer, Stuart Hamblen, came to Jesus during a Billy Graham crusade. Stuart witnessed to his movie star friend, John Wayne and John replied "it is no secret what God can do". This became the title of a new song.
It is no Secret What God Can do
Luke 1:39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah,
Luk 1:40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
Luk 1:41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit,
Luk 1:42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
Elizabeth was pregnant 6 months with John the Baptist who was filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb
Luke 1:15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.
Jesus was in the womb of Mary and when she came to Elizabeth the baby John leaped in her. The Holy Spirit in John was aware of Jesus in the womb. Jesus is the Son of God who came from heaven to identify in every way what it is like to be human. Even in the earliest stages of physical development John recognized the presence of Jesus in the womb of Mary. Not only this, but as a result of this encounter John's mother was filled with the Holy Spirit.
This is a real example of the sacredness of a baby in the mother's womb. The women are blessed by the children. They are sacred vessels to bring forth life. May all the children see Jesus at an early age and be filled with the Holy Spirit. May we by the Spirit see Jesus who came in a human body to give his life in our place, so that we may live with him. Jesus overcame death and lives forever. Chose life with Jesus.
Luk 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.
Luk 1:7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.
Luk 1:8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty,
Luk 1:9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.
Luk 1:10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.
Luk 1:11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
Luk 1:12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.
Luk 1:13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
Luk 1:14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth,
Luk 1:15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.
Luk 1:16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God,
Luk 1:17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”
Let me see what I can as a summery of this event. Zechariah was a priest that had the privilege of lighting incense in the holy temple of God. Incense is a symbol for the prayers to God. An angel appeared before him; the word for angel means "messenger". The angel had a message to give. God had heard their prayers for a son and even though they were past the age of child bearing he would have a son named John. The son would be filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb. Here is proof against abortion, that the child may be called of God from the womb. The child would go before the Messiah Jesus and preach repentance, for the kingdom of God is at hand. Repentance will heal the hearts of the people of the land. "and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” Our land needs to turn to God and the hearts healed with love poured out for the restoration of families, and the anticipation of the return of Jesus. Let us join hearts and pray for our nation and our families, in the name of Jesus, amen.
Philippians 4:4 Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy.
Php 4:5 Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon.
Php 4:6 Don't worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have.
Php 4:7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God's peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds. (Easy Read Version).
Personally when I was undergoing recurrences of cancer at an early age, peace would come to me from God. A peace that the world does not know. Last year when I had an operation that turned out to be a cyst, I came to the recovery room with overwhelming joy. I am alive and I thank you my Lord. Joy and peace are fruits of the spirit that belong to those who are saved in Christ Jesus. Thank you Jesus.
JOY
1Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
1Pe 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
PEACE
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Exo 16:31 And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.
The LORD fed his people wityh Manna from heaven. He did this for forty years, until they entered the promise land. The description of Manna gave me the idea to make a "Manna bread." Here is my recipe.
2 cups flour
oil
honey to your taste
enough milk to make a dough. I added raisins, like found in the promise land.
flatten out on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven at 375 for 12 minutes, until cooked through. The hot steaming unleavened bread is a quick snack to fulfill your hunger and tastes like wafers made of honey.
If you desire a bit more flavor sprinkle the top with cinnamon and sugar. Let me know if you like this...
Exo 16:2 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:
Exo 16:3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.
Exo 16:4 Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.
The children of Israel were rescued from slavery in Egypt, they passed through the Red Sea that God parted for them. Instead of thanksgiving, they murmured and complained. They were a bunch of complainers, like so many of us today. They were hungry and they had not learned to trust God. The LORD Jehovah said unto Moses, I will rain bread from heaven and test them to see if they will obey my law. The bread would be called "manna", meaning, "what is it"?
Do you remember the Lord's prayer?
Mat 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Mat 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Mat 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
We are to call upon the Lord who is holy, to follow his will and to depend on him for our daily bread. To be forgiven of our complaining and sins, we are also to forgive others, not be led into temptation, but to be delivered from evil. We are to trust in God forever, for he is our king. Jesus is our spiritual bread from heaven, He is the living word of God from heaven who came to bring us to the Father in heaven. Praise God.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren,..if there be any praise, ..think on these things.
praise: commendation, praiseworthy
We should make it a habit to comment on the good behavior and words of others, edifying the body of Christ. Let us worship and praise our God together for he is worthy
Psa 7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
Psa 9:1 .... I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
Praise that is flattery may not be good. Praise God rather than man. We should not accept praise that belongs to God. and we should not be afraid to publicly give praise to Jesus.
John 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Psa 9:2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
Our work should be as to give praise to God. He has given us life and abilities and each new day.
Phl 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Thank You Jesus, you are all of these things...
True
Honest
Just
Pure
Lovely
Good Report
Virtue
Praise
We are to think on these things.
virtue: moral goodness, moral excellence, such as, modesty and purity. Conformity of one's life and conduct to moral and ethical principles; Godly character. Honesty, courage, compassion, generosity, fidelity, integrity, fairness, self-control, and prudence are all examples of virtues
Virtue is a word we do not hear in a world that has no shame. Bad behavior I suppose is a result of not desiring moral training about God and his commandments. On the internet I have talked to people who were victims of human bondage, even tortured in a satanic cult. They had no hope of having virtue until they were shown that Jesus came to pay the price for their sins and shame, on the cross at Calvary. They are forgiven and made clean and virtuous again, by the grace of God. Thank you Jesus.
Pro 12:4 A virtuous woman [is] a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed [is] as rottenness in his bones.
Eph 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Eph 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
The church is not a building, the church are those who are forgiven and become adopted people of God who receive eternal life with God. No matter how bad we may be, Jesus wants to make you good and acceptable to God. God has power to forgive your sins through Jesus.
2Pe 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2Pe 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
2Pe 1:6 And to knowledge temperance (self-control); and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
2Pe 1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
2Pe 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things [are] of good report... think on these things.
good report: uttering good words, sounding well, commendable, good news
Pro 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat. (refreshes the bones)
No man can receive the good report from God without faith.
Hbr 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hbr 11:2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Isa 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
Have you received the good news?
Isa 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Jesus fulfilled this prophesy. Have you believed the good report?
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are lovely, .. think on these things.
lovely: pleasing, agreeable;
Merriam-Webster's definition:
Used to describe a person as being kind, friendly and pleasant to be with
Lovely is as lovely does.
I do not like strife and divisions, this is not pleasing to the Lord. As a photographer I seek to capture things that are lovely, usually things of God's own making. We are to focus on lovely things, and cast down the works of the evil one. Jesus is the most lovely name above all names.
Songs 5:16 His mouth [is] most sweet: yea, he [is] altogether lovely. This [is] my beloved, and this [is] my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
Music and the arts can be lovely and uplifting. But nothing should fill our hearts and replace our worship and love for the Lord. The words of God are more than lovely, they must be heeded.
Eze 33:32 And, lo, thou [art] unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.
Outward beauty can be vain and self centered. A lovely person is a giving person who has a heart of love and encouragement for others. I often see this loveliness in the graceful words and deeds of some of the elderly mothers in the church.
Titus 2:2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.
Tit 2:3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,
Tit 2:4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,
Tit 2:5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Tit 2:6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.
Tit 2:7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,
Tit 2:8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
Sometimes our thoughts are not lovely, we cast them down. The world may give us a bit of sarcasm as a defense and bitterness, give these to God. In Jesus we can be of a more lovely character. Jesus loves us and what he sees in us matters.
Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things [are] pure, .. think on these things.
pure: not contaminated. no sin mixed in
A christian is made the righteousness of God by Jesus' death and resurrection, by faith in him. We need to be his disciples, knowing right from wrong. Do we know and walk in His truth? Are we pure from the contamination of the flesh, the world and the devil? We are not to invite evil into our lives.
Pro 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Titus 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
1Peter 1:22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,
1Pe 1:23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;
Joh 15:12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Joh 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things [are] just, .. think on these things.
just: in accordance to Gods laws, perfect agreement between his nature and his acts
We must walk our talk. We will be held accountable for every idle word or deed. Will we be rewarded at his return? Are we the cause of blessings to our families?
Proverbs 20:7 The just [man] walketh in his integrity: his children [are] blessed after him.
John the Baptist was true to what God called him to be. He preached repentance, and preparation for the coming Messiah. John didn't teach "tolerance," or that God is "love", who will wink at your sin.
Mark 6:20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
In our nation those who speak of tolerance are the most intolerant. They blur the laws, accusing others of what they do. They make unjust laws, laws that God does not approve of.
Mat 13:49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
Mat 13:50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
God wants us to be forgiven of our sins through Jesus.
Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things [are] honest...think on these things.
honest: A character trait...being true, trustworthy, honorable, honest and good, worthy of respect
We were taught that George Washington was an honest man. That was way back when schools taught respect for our founding fathers. It is hard to be led by someone who is a liar. We are to be trustworthy and true to God's word as God is true to His word. A person's reputation should be one of honesty. A man's handshake was a contract because of his honest character. Now, we must have contracts in writing and still the character of the person may not even keep a legal contract. Some are not trustworthy and because of this they should be avoided. Others may not be truthful, but we can keep our word and be honest. A good reputation is earned and shows the character of the person.
Rom 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
The first deacons in the church, who served the people serving the tables, were chosen because they were honest and of good character.
Act 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
1Pe 2:12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
Honesty with wisdom is a valuable trait. Are you a good judge of character?
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true...think on these things.
true : unconcealed, true to fact, without partiality, and without hypocrisy
Truth comes from God , he has shown us truth through the law and the prophets and finally through his Son Jesus. Through Jesus we receive truth; He is the Word of truth.(John 1:1)
John 17:16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Having received the testimony of Jesus, we become new creations, sealed by the Holy Spirit. His Spirit testifies that Gods word is true.
Joh 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
How can truth and error abide in our hearts? We are to choose to follow the word of truth, not worldly or demonic error. Sorry, no horoscopes for a child of God. We must speak the truth.
Eph 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.
God has shed his love abroad into our hearts, We are to love one another without deceit. No hidden daggers of jealousy or gossip.
1Pe 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:
Remember, the devil is a liar and no truth dwells in him. Jesus was aware of those leaders around him who were evil and had no truth.
Joh 8:44 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.
The truth is, that if you love God then you will love truth. God's love comes to us in his truth. If we love truth then we will hate lies and dishonesty. Our recent election was not done in truth. Will we be able to correct the illegal vote counting? Will it make a difference? There will be consequences, we must trust God.
John 10:7 So Jesus said again, "I assure you, I am the gate for the sheep.
Joh 10:8 All those who came before me were thieves and robbers. The sheep did not listen to them.
Joh 10:9 I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved. They will be able to come in and go out. They will find everything they need.
Joh 10:10 A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.
Joh 10:11 "I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.
The devil is a thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy, and he is at work in the world. We see his working in politics. Jesus is the good shepherd who came to give life, that is full and good.
We see what is going on in the world and there is spiritual warfare happening along with it.
Eph 6:12 Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world's darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places.
Jesus is the way for your soul to be saved. He is our peace. Be aware of the evil but put your trust in Jesus.
Philippians 3:18 There are many who live like enemies of the cross of Christ. I have often told you about them. And it makes me cry to tell you about them now.
Php 3:19 The way they live is leading them to destruction. They have replaced God with their own desires. They do shameful things, and they are proud of what they do. They think only about earthly things.
Php 3:20 But the government that rules us is in heaven. We are waiting for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from there.
Php 3:21 He will change our humble bodies and make them like his own glorious body. Christ can do this by his power, with which he is able to rule everything. (ERV- Easy Read Version)
At this time we do not know who will be the president of the United States for the next four years. I suppose we will get what we deserve. I tire of politics, there is so much trickery and deceit with fake news and manipulation. The founders of our nation said that our system of government will only work if our people are God fearing. Too many do not fear God to their destruction. For those who trust in Jesus Christ there is a government that rules us in heaven. Jehovah God has given us his laws and his grace in Jesus. We are waiting for our Savior to come for us and to change our mortal bodies to be like his glorious body.
John 14:1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
1John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
1John 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
In witnessing this is sometimes asked; "do you confess that Jesus is the son of God". Some have never heard of Jesus, and some are enemies of God. In truth some would say, "I don't know". The Spirit of God must awaken the soul to come to Jesus. When I was first made aware of the presence of God, I witnessed of his reality. At that time I knew the name of Jesus, but not much more. In the book of John it mentions that the name of Jesus has power, even believing in his name could give you power to be a son (or daughter) of God.
John 1:12 But as many as received him (Jesus), to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
God must draw you to Jesus. The Spirit of God awakens you to his presence and you submit to him, to our God who is almighty and who we were meant to be connected to in fellowship and in worship. Through Jesus we have access to the throne room of God. We are become adopted sons of God. Whosoever will confess Jesus shall receive eternal life.
John 3:16 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.
Hab 3:17 Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls,
Hab 3:18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
Hab 3:19 GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places.
This is for people of faith in God. Living by faith, it does not matter what the circumstances around us are, we trust in God. What may follow a plague? In the Bible it often is famine, a shortage of food. What if the nation is changed by having radical left people in control? We trust in God. What if we are persecuted? We trust in God and we have his strength. He makes my feet like a deer's , able to walk in high places. I think of the wild goats who climb steep cliffs with ease. No, I do not plan to try mountain climbing. The high places I see refers to places where God is.
Amos 4:13 For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name.
In the spirit, we are with Jesus in heavenly places.
Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Eph 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
