To my gay brothers and sisters...God loves you. He made you...He knew you before you were born. He has a special place in His heart for you and only you. He loves you as if you were the only person He has ever made. He watches over you, speaks to you, woos you and entreats you. He loves you so much that He became a man and suffered and died to take the punishment that justice requires of you.
Recently, there has been a group in the Seventh-day Adventist church who have joined hands with the rest of the world in promoting an "inclusive" philosophy towards homosexuality. That is the reason for this article.
God created this world as a lush, beautiful garden...a veritable paradise. When sin entered the world at the fall of Adam, that perfect creation was shattered. Sin spread like a cancer through every living creature and every plant, through every drop of water and every breath of air.
Many animals began to attack and devour one another and became venomous...many plants developed thorns and thistles and became poisonous...nothing, neither plant nor animal, was left unaffected.
It is said that Adam and Eve wept over the first fallen leaf as we weep today for the death of a child. These things were never meant to be. Death was never meant to be.
But it wasn't physical changes alone that came with the entrance of sin; there were spiritual changes taking place as well. Since that day, around 6,000 years ago, mankind has been slowly degrading both physically and spiritually. While Adam was said to be perhaps 15 feet tall or more, with a mind that was able to recall every sight, sound, touch, taste and feel that he had ever been exposed to...today men are lucky to stand even 6 feet, with minds that sometimes struggle to remember even such things as what we had for breakfast.
And while we have become more and more debased, our lusts have grown more and more perverse until now we see so much adultery, fornication and fetishes that it all seems normal. A man thinks nothing of going to a bar and bringing to bed whatever girl he strikes up a conversation with that night, oftentimes never to see her again. A woman thinks nothing of letting men use her in any vulgar way he pleases. Children now, often before puberty even begins, are engaging in sexual acts without batting an eye.
As this broken Earth has fallen further and further from it's former perfection, so too have we who inhabit it. We are all born with natures that are selfish, greedy and lustful...seeking to maximize our pleasure and minimize our discomfort. And the world just urges us on, encouraging us to be proud of who we are...to be ourselves.
But dear one, ourselves are wicked wicked things. That is what the world doesn't understand. We were made for greater things. We were made to be greater things. Pure and joyful and holy. We were made in the very image of our Creator!
We all struggle with sins...those sins which do so easily ensnare us...a man's lust to sleep with women outside of marriage, a woman's lust to sleep with men outside of marriage, a man's lust for men, a woman's lust for women...a lust for the riches and power of this world...a lust for food and drink...a pride deep within that says we know best. There are so many things we struggle with because we are a broken creation. But please know...it does get better.
The more we surrender to God and the more we decide to follow His will even though our hearts desire our own way, the more His Spirit comes in and comforts us. As we die to self, He begins living in us. And His light shines brighter and brighter until that perfect day when He shall make us brand new again...when this corruptible shall put on incorruption, and this mortal shall put on immortality. And God will wipe away every tear from our eyes; and there will be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
So please, my brothers and sisters...do not lose hope. Do not go to the right hand or to the left, but listen to that still small voice behind you saying, "This is the way, walk ye in it." Forsake self and be reborn, for if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Take hold of Jesus' loving hand and let Him lead you all the way through the gates of heaven. Trust the promise of the One who said, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." For He also said, "I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."
God's great mercy be forever with you.
With Christ's Love,
Todd
Scripture References (almost in the order I used them):
John 3:16, Jeremiah 1:5, Ezekiel 33:11, Genesis 1:28-31, Genesis 3:18, Isaiah 51:6, Romans 8:22, Romans 5:12, Matthew 24:12, Jeremiah 17:9, Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 1 John 2:16, Isaiah 53:6, Ephesians 2:10, Revelation 4:11, Isaiah 45:18, 1 Peter 2:9, Genesis 1:26-27, Hebrews 12:1, Romans 1:27, John 14:16, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Corinthians 15:31, Galatians 2:20, Proverbs 4:18, Job 11:17, 2 Peter 1:19, 1 Corinthians 15:53-54, John 3:3, Revelation 21:4, Proverbs 4:27, Isaiah 30:21, 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 16:33, John 14:2-3.
Showing posts with label Christian walk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian walk. Show all posts
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Stay Focused On That Which Is Essential For Our Salvation
"I have been shown that it is the device of the enemy to lead minds to dwell upon some obscure or unimportant point, something that is not fully revealed or is not essential to our salvation. This is made the absorbing theme, the 'present truth,' when all their investigations and suppositions only serve to make matters more obscure than before, and to confuse the minds of some who ought to be seeking for oneness through sanctification of the truth." - 14 MR
One of Satan's great deceptions is to divert our focus from that which truly matters to that which is not essential. Let us all beware of these deceptions and heed Ellen White's counsel. Let us focus on our Lord, Jesus Christ.
"Satan beguiles men now as he beguiled Eve in Eden by flattery, by kindling a desire to obtain forbidden knowledge, by exciting ambition for self-exaltation. It was cherishing these evils that caused his fall, and through them he aims to compass the ruin of men." - GC p. 554
There is a measure of pride associated with going off after fanatical doctrines and with feeling like you are privy to some exclusive, private or secret knowledge or interpretation of the Bible or, more specifically, prophecy.
This can be seen all around us with such groups as the "Shepherd's Rod" and the "Seventh-day Adventist Reform Movement," as well as those who promote such things as the 2520 "prophecy," the keeping of feast days, the pronouncing of the Father and Son's names in Hebrew only, the lunar Sabbath, the idea that God won't destroy anyone in hell, the idea that Jesus was created, the idea that the Holy Spirit is not part of the Godhead, the idea that it's a sin to shave your beard...and the list goes on and on and on.
The devil is working...but God is also working. No one is being deceived against their will. But when they've made the decision to persistently turn away from truth that God is impressing upon their hearts...He will allow them that which they wish. The end will be as follows:
"The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness." - 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
Once someone has lost a love of the pure truth, they will be blown about by every wind of doctrine. So hold fast the anchors of truth which have been given to us by God. Such is also the advice of God through Paul:
"Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle." - 2 Thessalonians 2:15
One of Satan's great deceptions is to divert our focus from that which truly matters to that which is not essential. Let us all beware of these deceptions and heed Ellen White's counsel. Let us focus on our Lord, Jesus Christ.
"Satan beguiles men now as he beguiled Eve in Eden by flattery, by kindling a desire to obtain forbidden knowledge, by exciting ambition for self-exaltation. It was cherishing these evils that caused his fall, and through them he aims to compass the ruin of men." - GC p. 554
There is a measure of pride associated with going off after fanatical doctrines and with feeling like you are privy to some exclusive, private or secret knowledge or interpretation of the Bible or, more specifically, prophecy.
This can be seen all around us with such groups as the "Shepherd's Rod" and the "Seventh-day Adventist Reform Movement," as well as those who promote such things as the 2520 "prophecy," the keeping of feast days, the pronouncing of the Father and Son's names in Hebrew only, the lunar Sabbath, the idea that God won't destroy anyone in hell, the idea that Jesus was created, the idea that the Holy Spirit is not part of the Godhead, the idea that it's a sin to shave your beard...and the list goes on and on and on.
The devil is working...but God is also working. No one is being deceived against their will. But when they've made the decision to persistently turn away from truth that God is impressing upon their hearts...He will allow them that which they wish. The end will be as follows:
"The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness." - 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
Once someone has lost a love of the pure truth, they will be blown about by every wind of doctrine. So hold fast the anchors of truth which have been given to us by God. Such is also the advice of God through Paul:
"Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle." - 2 Thessalonians 2:15
Friday, April 22, 2011
Don't Look Back
By: Rob Peralta
Recently I posted on our sister site http://www.godsloveandlaw.wordpress.com/ a post called "God sends a hummingbird" about how God sent a sign to me to quit paying homage (even occasional) to a past idol of mine- carnal music. In His infinite wisdom I would like to share further truth from these recent events. In our Christian walk we are ever learning, adjusting and hopefully growing. ALL of us are in need of growing and walking closer to God. We must humble ourselves and say "Dear Lord, show me my wrong ways, that I may correct them and walk more uprightly before you". With that hummingbird, prayer was definitely answered.
Let me explain what happened AFTER I got that sign. It was quite a dramatic sign and it did affect me. The Lord had REACHED me. I can be quite stubborn but He knows me and that did the job! So I decided once and for all to stop listening to pop and rock music. Although it was occasional, that was not right before the Lord. He expects a lot more out of me. A week went by with out me even listening ONCE to carnal music. First time in probably decades! But something occurred to me (no doubt His spirit telling me this). "Hey Rob, you have quit this long time sin but what about all those CDs, tapes, albums YOU STILL HAVE IN YOUR HOUSE?" Wow!! That was a powerful thought. Yes, I thought--- what am I doing?? Am I still holding on to them for some reason? Do I plan on listening again someday? Was the Lord's sign meaningless? Something just for now, then later I can return later? All these thoughts swirled in my head. I KNEW what I had to do!
Not wasting much time I grabbed a large trash can and started throwing EVERYTHING carnal out. The thought occurred that my collection was worth some good money, how about taking them to the record shop and cashing in? Oh no, that would be terrible. I would be in effect saying "hey give me my money, and you can go ahead and sin in this way, not me." Terrible idea, in the trash they went! 30 years of collecting the WRONG music down the drain--all for the Lord, amen I said as I did it! (Heb. 10:39) Comes to mind "But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them who believe to the saving of the soul" and our Lord's own words (Luke 9:62) "..No man who starts to plow and LOOKS BACK is fit for the kingdom of God". God only knows the depths that carnal music had on my soul, now it was over! I am free to listen to our Lord without such diversions.
So we must take a good look at ourselves. Are we still holding on to a sin in our life? Each must search their own situation. We CANNOT expect growth in our walk if we are not willing to forsake known sins we continue to cherish. If you've had a problem with lust, do you still have old playboys or x-rated DVDs in the house? If you've had a alcohol problem, do you still have old booze bottles stashed away? Maybe even the same carnal music problem? When we "let go" of our sins, we must do so ALL the way, not holding on and looking back. Our sanctification is God given process, let us not hold Him back. In Christs love, amen.
Recently I posted on our sister site http://www.godsloveandlaw.wordpress.com/ a post called "God sends a hummingbird" about how God sent a sign to me to quit paying homage (even occasional) to a past idol of mine- carnal music. In His infinite wisdom I would like to share further truth from these recent events. In our Christian walk we are ever learning, adjusting and hopefully growing. ALL of us are in need of growing and walking closer to God. We must humble ourselves and say "Dear Lord, show me my wrong ways, that I may correct them and walk more uprightly before you". With that hummingbird, prayer was definitely answered.
Let me explain what happened AFTER I got that sign. It was quite a dramatic sign and it did affect me. The Lord had REACHED me. I can be quite stubborn but He knows me and that did the job! So I decided once and for all to stop listening to pop and rock music. Although it was occasional, that was not right before the Lord. He expects a lot more out of me. A week went by with out me even listening ONCE to carnal music. First time in probably decades! But something occurred to me (no doubt His spirit telling me this). "Hey Rob, you have quit this long time sin but what about all those CDs, tapes, albums YOU STILL HAVE IN YOUR HOUSE?" Wow!! That was a powerful thought. Yes, I thought--- what am I doing?? Am I still holding on to them for some reason? Do I plan on listening again someday? Was the Lord's sign meaningless? Something just for now, then later I can return later? All these thoughts swirled in my head. I KNEW what I had to do!
Not wasting much time I grabbed a large trash can and started throwing EVERYTHING carnal out. The thought occurred that my collection was worth some good money, how about taking them to the record shop and cashing in? Oh no, that would be terrible. I would be in effect saying "hey give me my money, and you can go ahead and sin in this way, not me." Terrible idea, in the trash they went! 30 years of collecting the WRONG music down the drain--all for the Lord, amen I said as I did it! (Heb. 10:39) Comes to mind "But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them who believe to the saving of the soul" and our Lord's own words (Luke 9:62) "..No man who starts to plow and LOOKS BACK is fit for the kingdom of God". God only knows the depths that carnal music had on my soul, now it was over! I am free to listen to our Lord without such diversions.
So we must take a good look at ourselves. Are we still holding on to a sin in our life? Each must search their own situation. We CANNOT expect growth in our walk if we are not willing to forsake known sins we continue to cherish. If you've had a problem with lust, do you still have old playboys or x-rated DVDs in the house? If you've had a alcohol problem, do you still have old booze bottles stashed away? Maybe even the same carnal music problem? When we "let go" of our sins, we must do so ALL the way, not holding on and looking back. Our sanctification is God given process, let us not hold Him back. In Christs love, amen.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Awake Laodicean Church, Be Zealous!
By: Rob Peralta
As many are aware, Revelation in chapters 2 and 3 describe the 7 church history periods. From the first apostolic churches down to our current "last days" church period. Many also believe that this last church mentioned by Jesus, called the Laodicean church, describe the current Commandment keeping churches, particularly the Seventh Day Adventist church.
Unlike the letter to the Smyrna church(second church history period), where Jesus had nothing negative to say, He starts right out very direct and stern in warnings for the Laodicean church. (Rev 3:15) " I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot, I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because you are neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." A VERY DIRECT warning to "come alive"! Jesus has watched and observed the people of this last day church almost fall asleep! This is not good, we MUST awake and come alive and spread His Gospel now.
Let's say I was to give you a million dollars. Would you not spread the word all around how "great" I am? To your family, friends, maybe even write about it on the internet. How much more are we receiving from Christ our Lord? Yet many are "sitting" on their salvation, not willing to make any attempt to witness even in the smallest of ways. What we have from the Lord we put away, not willing to share the good news. Jesus says "Awake" NOW is the time to be zealous! Infact later in the letter to the Laodicea church, He says( Rev 3:19)"... Be Zealous therefore, and repent". So this is a direct command from our Lord---"Be Zealous". Repent because we've been asleep!
In my own church, I am not happy to say maybe 70 to 80% go through the motions. Meaning church functions and gathering is all that they do. They neglect the old neighbor next door, or "going out" and witnessing, or listening to the Holy Spirit to guide them on how they should spread His gospel and message. Preaching to the choir gains no new converts, unless we "act" upon the message being preached to us. Our Pastors should make "game plans" on how to win souls. So many times we hear sermons saying "smooth things" designed to comfort us and not alarm us. BUT WE SHOULD BE ALARMED! Jesus says we are LUKEWARM! That is bad.
In (Rev.3:17) Jesus says "Because thou sayest, I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou are wretched and miserable, and poor and blind and naked". Does this not describe our lukewarm church today? Many say "I know Him and understand His truths" yet do not make an effort to SPREAD IT. What good ( as Jesus points out) is it to "know" much and hold it within? Be zealous!
Ok, now that we understand what is happening with our people within the church as a whole, let's talk about what we CAN DO to obey Jesus' command to " Be Zealous". Here are some concrete ideas you can use within your community.
1) Many feel they are "just not good" at speaking to people about Jesus' message. Ok, then call 3abn and order their "free" flyers. They will even put your church phone number and address on them for you ( 100 to 1000). Go to your neigborhood and put on the doors, . On flyers that DON'T have your church address you can go to the Sunday churches. While they are in service place on all the the cars windows. If someone asks you, simply tell them it's an advertisement for Christian family TV ( health, prophecy, bible study, etc.) Here you can reach as many as 100 to 500 per Sunday. (3 abn 1-618-627-4651) SO MANY are coming to know God's truth through this station.
2)Contact Harvest time books ( 1-931-692-2777). You can order "Steps to Christ" by the box (about 40.00 for 140 books) and hand out to your contacts. Also you can buy the bumper stickers that says " The Seventh day is the Sabbath/God never changed it". While you're driving His message is being spread. (10 sets for 6.00) Harvestime books has SO MANY books (Ellen Whites, childrens books, etc.)
3) Spread your favorite Christian internet site. Pass out cards with their address. some examples are http://www.sabbathtruth.com/ and http://www.whitehorsemedia.com/ . Also a very popular one is http://www.audioverse.org/
4) Start an "operation outreach" within your church. Make a plan to "reach" people with our Lord's message. For example I started an outreach where we are raising money for our members to place a large billboard proclaiming Saturday as the Lord's day(with our phone number). It will be seen by ten's of thousands during it's two month viewing.
5) Place a small ad in your local Christian church magazine for bible study or Christian internet sites to learn the truth.
6) Order inspiring DVD's from Amazing facts http://www.amazingfacts.org/ (1-800-835-6906) The two fantastic ones, in my opinion, are the Lord's day (2 part set) and Final events. Get some friends together (hopefully including Sunday keepers) and watch and learn. Even loan it out when a person expresses interest to know more truth about the Lord. For the ultimate Sabbath DVD, order the 5 part DVD series called the "The 7th day" narrated by Hal Holbrook. (LLT productions http://www.the7thday.org/) It shows the history of the Sabbath and how it has been kept by Christians throughout history.
These are just a few of the ideas you can use to "get going" ON SPREADING HIS MESSAGE. Let us not be one of those who Jesus called "lukewarm" within our churchs. Lord be with you.
As many are aware, Revelation in chapters 2 and 3 describe the 7 church history periods. From the first apostolic churches down to our current "last days" church period. Many also believe that this last church mentioned by Jesus, called the Laodicean church, describe the current Commandment keeping churches, particularly the Seventh Day Adventist church.
Unlike the letter to the Smyrna church(second church history period), where Jesus had nothing negative to say, He starts right out very direct and stern in warnings for the Laodicean church. (Rev 3:15) " I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot, I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because you are neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." A VERY DIRECT warning to "come alive"! Jesus has watched and observed the people of this last day church almost fall asleep! This is not good, we MUST awake and come alive and spread His Gospel now.
Let's say I was to give you a million dollars. Would you not spread the word all around how "great" I am? To your family, friends, maybe even write about it on the internet. How much more are we receiving from Christ our Lord? Yet many are "sitting" on their salvation, not willing to make any attempt to witness even in the smallest of ways. What we have from the Lord we put away, not willing to share the good news. Jesus says "Awake" NOW is the time to be zealous! Infact later in the letter to the Laodicea church, He says( Rev 3:19)"... Be Zealous therefore, and repent". So this is a direct command from our Lord---"Be Zealous". Repent because we've been asleep!
In my own church, I am not happy to say maybe 70 to 80% go through the motions. Meaning church functions and gathering is all that they do. They neglect the old neighbor next door, or "going out" and witnessing, or listening to the Holy Spirit to guide them on how they should spread His gospel and message. Preaching to the choir gains no new converts, unless we "act" upon the message being preached to us. Our Pastors should make "game plans" on how to win souls. So many times we hear sermons saying "smooth things" designed to comfort us and not alarm us. BUT WE SHOULD BE ALARMED! Jesus says we are LUKEWARM! That is bad.
In (Rev.3:17) Jesus says "Because thou sayest, I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou are wretched and miserable, and poor and blind and naked". Does this not describe our lukewarm church today? Many say "I know Him and understand His truths" yet do not make an effort to SPREAD IT. What good ( as Jesus points out) is it to "know" much and hold it within? Be zealous!
Ok, now that we understand what is happening with our people within the church as a whole, let's talk about what we CAN DO to obey Jesus' command to " Be Zealous". Here are some concrete ideas you can use within your community.
1) Many feel they are "just not good" at speaking to people about Jesus' message. Ok, then call 3abn and order their "free" flyers. They will even put your church phone number and address on them for you ( 100 to 1000). Go to your neigborhood and put on the doors, . On flyers that DON'T have your church address you can go to the Sunday churches. While they are in service place on all the the cars windows. If someone asks you, simply tell them it's an advertisement for Christian family TV ( health, prophecy, bible study, etc.) Here you can reach as many as 100 to 500 per Sunday. (3 abn 1-618-627-4651) SO MANY are coming to know God's truth through this station.
2)Contact Harvest time books ( 1-931-692-2777). You can order "Steps to Christ" by the box (about 40.00 for 140 books) and hand out to your contacts. Also you can buy the bumper stickers that says " The Seventh day is the Sabbath/God never changed it". While you're driving His message is being spread. (10 sets for 6.00) Harvestime books has SO MANY books (Ellen Whites, childrens books, etc.)
3) Spread your favorite Christian internet site. Pass out cards with their address. some examples are http://www.sabbathtruth.com/ and http://www.whitehorsemedia.com/ . Also a very popular one is http://www.audioverse.org/
4) Start an "operation outreach" within your church. Make a plan to "reach" people with our Lord's message. For example I started an outreach where we are raising money for our members to place a large billboard proclaiming Saturday as the Lord's day(with our phone number). It will be seen by ten's of thousands during it's two month viewing.
5) Place a small ad in your local Christian church magazine for bible study or Christian internet sites to learn the truth.
6) Order inspiring DVD's from Amazing facts http://www.amazingfacts.org/ (1-800-835-6906) The two fantastic ones, in my opinion, are the Lord's day (2 part set) and Final events. Get some friends together (hopefully including Sunday keepers) and watch and learn. Even loan it out when a person expresses interest to know more truth about the Lord. For the ultimate Sabbath DVD, order the 5 part DVD series called the "The 7th day" narrated by Hal Holbrook. (LLT productions http://www.the7thday.org/) It shows the history of the Sabbath and how it has been kept by Christians throughout history.
These are just a few of the ideas you can use to "get going" ON SPREADING HIS MESSAGE. Let us not be one of those who Jesus called "lukewarm" within our churchs. Lord be with you.
Friday, February 18, 2011
"... Behold all things become new"
By: Rob Peralta
Oh how true that is! My brothers and sisters I so much wanted to share this message with you. Infact it is one of the rare messages that I actually was chomping at the bit to get out. I thought about writing it on Weds. night but held back due to the structure of Sabbath posts.
I was once a real "great" sinner. I was so cold hearted and selfish, it truly is amazing the Lord waited on me patiently. Why is that you ask? Well for one thing I was given much by the Lord.I wasted so much time not working for the Lord, with the gifts I had. I remember when I was 5 or 6 I actually talked to my guardian angel. I was in kindergarden and I remember hearing him speak to me and I spoke back. Unfortunately I don't remember what it was about but I do know it happened. Perhaps my personal testimony will touch some souls and draw them closer to the Lord.
Many times in our testimonies , our own experiences are the best to reach people and move them, with that thought I decided to post this message.
About 2 and a half years ago I started to read the Bible (front to back). I had never done this before. And when I got to Exodus and the 10 Commandments I paused. For the Lord made me aware of the 4th Commandment and it stuck in my mind all of a sudden. As I dwelled on it, I became alittle excited. Was this a special day made for me? I wondered. Then The Lord awoke me!! It dawned on me that I should obey this Commandment on faith. His word is what I would go by. I knew NOTHING about this "Sabbath". So I "tried" it the following Saturday.
I won't go into all the details but the best thing about trying that first time was the Lord spoke directly to me.He gave me a sign at the conclusion of that first Sabbath. The lights in my dining room went on and off 3 times by themselves at the conclusion of the first Sabbath. I was shocked because He was telling me He saw it and let me know He approved what I did. My life did a 180% change after that. I now knew the Lord of Israel! He was my Lord confirmed.It led me to learn His great Commandments 1 to 10 and 10 to 1.
let me tell you how my life has changed and how things have become "new". The first thing I noticed was that His holyday was just that---HOLY! He gave me 3 or 4 more signs after that, all showing me "how" to keep His day holy. The radio went dead (rock music) , the Tv got froze ( sports) Christian radio appeared on my radio without me turning the knob. The Lord was awaking me for things to come.
These are some things I have noticed that changed in my life.(not in any particular order)
1) When I see and hear Sunday preachers speak I actually see and hear their carnal-ness come out of them (vanity) Before, I never noticed this.
2) When I read the Bible, His truths are seen very clearly. My discernment is clear from the Holy Spirit.
3)Flowers are brighter (they really come alive)
4)Formations in the clouds speak to me, and God gives me signs through them.
5)My anger has greatly lessened. I feel strangely calm in many situations, unlike before.
6)I no longer want hard rock music and have thrown out the CD's and albums of the hard rock music.
7)I can now cry, whereas before I was very stubborn and seldom cried.
Being a true Christian means change! Old things are gone, new things appear. Our Lord changes our heart and we look at things differently (heb 8:10) "...I will put my Laws in their minds and hearts, and I will be their God, and they will be my people". Once we come alive in Christ and are "new" we become aware of His communication to us. Dreams and signs are now REAL and we look forward to the next time He will speak to us.
But the MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember is that He CANNOT draw close to us as we continue to willfully sin. And "sin" is perfectly described in His word as "transgressing His Law" (1 john 3:4) If we want to behold that things are "new" we must be willing to follow our Lord AND HIS WORD (LAW). Oh, how so many are claiming our Lord, as their Lord, but refusing to obey his word!
Let us not fall into the last day "delusion" of exactly what Ellen White described in " Entering the Sanctuary experience"book. She said " ..Faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true faith is secured against presumption." She goes on to say that our obedience is evidence of our faith. And if we disobey, all things WILL NOT become new. Our ability to understand His truths in scripture will be severely compromised.Satan will have free rein to blur the truth and deceive many. Let us be doers and not just hearers. Amen!
Oh how true that is! My brothers and sisters I so much wanted to share this message with you. Infact it is one of the rare messages that I actually was chomping at the bit to get out. I thought about writing it on Weds. night but held back due to the structure of Sabbath posts.
I was once a real "great" sinner. I was so cold hearted and selfish, it truly is amazing the Lord waited on me patiently. Why is that you ask? Well for one thing I was given much by the Lord.I wasted so much time not working for the Lord, with the gifts I had. I remember when I was 5 or 6 I actually talked to my guardian angel. I was in kindergarden and I remember hearing him speak to me and I spoke back. Unfortunately I don't remember what it was about but I do know it happened. Perhaps my personal testimony will touch some souls and draw them closer to the Lord.
Many times in our testimonies , our own experiences are the best to reach people and move them, with that thought I decided to post this message.
About 2 and a half years ago I started to read the Bible (front to back). I had never done this before. And when I got to Exodus and the 10 Commandments I paused. For the Lord made me aware of the 4th Commandment and it stuck in my mind all of a sudden. As I dwelled on it, I became alittle excited. Was this a special day made for me? I wondered. Then The Lord awoke me!! It dawned on me that I should obey this Commandment on faith. His word is what I would go by. I knew NOTHING about this "Sabbath". So I "tried" it the following Saturday.
I won't go into all the details but the best thing about trying that first time was the Lord spoke directly to me.He gave me a sign at the conclusion of that first Sabbath. The lights in my dining room went on and off 3 times by themselves at the conclusion of the first Sabbath. I was shocked because He was telling me He saw it and let me know He approved what I did. My life did a 180% change after that. I now knew the Lord of Israel! He was my Lord confirmed.It led me to learn His great Commandments 1 to 10 and 10 to 1.
let me tell you how my life has changed and how things have become "new". The first thing I noticed was that His holyday was just that---HOLY! He gave me 3 or 4 more signs after that, all showing me "how" to keep His day holy. The radio went dead (rock music) , the Tv got froze ( sports) Christian radio appeared on my radio without me turning the knob. The Lord was awaking me for things to come.
These are some things I have noticed that changed in my life.(not in any particular order)
1) When I see and hear Sunday preachers speak I actually see and hear their carnal-ness come out of them (vanity) Before, I never noticed this.
2) When I read the Bible, His truths are seen very clearly. My discernment is clear from the Holy Spirit.
3)Flowers are brighter (they really come alive)
4)Formations in the clouds speak to me, and God gives me signs through them.
5)My anger has greatly lessened. I feel strangely calm in many situations, unlike before.
6)I no longer want hard rock music and have thrown out the CD's and albums of the hard rock music.
7)I can now cry, whereas before I was very stubborn and seldom cried.
Being a true Christian means change! Old things are gone, new things appear. Our Lord changes our heart and we look at things differently (heb 8:10) "...I will put my Laws in their minds and hearts, and I will be their God, and they will be my people". Once we come alive in Christ and are "new" we become aware of His communication to us. Dreams and signs are now REAL and we look forward to the next time He will speak to us.
But the MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember is that He CANNOT draw close to us as we continue to willfully sin. And "sin" is perfectly described in His word as "transgressing His Law" (1 john 3:4) If we want to behold that things are "new" we must be willing to follow our Lord AND HIS WORD (LAW). Oh, how so many are claiming our Lord, as their Lord, but refusing to obey his word!
Let us not fall into the last day "delusion" of exactly what Ellen White described in " Entering the Sanctuary experience"book. She said " ..Faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true faith is secured against presumption." She goes on to say that our obedience is evidence of our faith. And if we disobey, all things WILL NOT become new. Our ability to understand His truths in scripture will be severely compromised.Satan will have free rein to blur the truth and deceive many. Let us be doers and not just hearers. Amen!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Let us have faith and NOT deny Him
By: Rob Peralta
Two important things are we measured by, I believe, in our walk with the Lord. Our faith and our ability to stand up for Him and His Laws. Blessed is the man (or woman) who can do both well. We can look at our founding fathers to see their examples of doing both well for inspiration.
Abraham's story was an original inspired example to show God his great faith. His faith was so great in God , he was willing to sacrifice his own son because GOD SAID SO. God "tried" Abraham and he proved God right, his heart was sold out to the Lord. God never tempts us but He does try us. Happy are we who pass His tests! Abraham became a great example of the 1st Commandment " Thou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul".
Then we have Joesph who was tempted by the Potipahr's wife. He was pursued continually by her until finally he bluntly told her he could not do such a wicked thing before God. Joesph stood up for God by not breaking His 7th Commandment "Thou shall not commit adultery". Even to the point of a demotion to prison.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego showed God their faithfulness by not bowing down to idols and false Gods. They stood up for God and His 2nd Commandment "Thou shall not worship idols or images". And the same with Daniel.
Moses stood up for God's 4th Commandment. Pharoah was angered because Moses was telling his people to remember God's Sabbath. So the Pharoah said to him "..You make the people Sabbath from their burdens (work)" (Exod. 5:5)
In the above examples, these men TOOK A STAND for God and His Laws. They proved to God their heart was right and sold out to the Lord. They just didn't "say" things about the Lord, they DID things to back up their faith. So too should we be doers of our faith. In (proverbs 7:12) we read " My son, keep my words and store up my Commandments within you, keep my Commandments and you will live, GUARD my teachings as the APPLE OF YOU EYE". Our Lord is basically telling us to look upon His Laws as VERY SPECIAL to us, our way of life! Are they not in the middle of His holy temple in heaven right now?
Now with all the above said, how can WE stand up for Him and show our faith in our daily walk?Let me give you some examples. How do you respond when someone profanes God's name in your hearing? Do you ignore it? Or do you politely correct them by saying "you know you reallly shouldn't say that" or " it's better to say Jeepers creepers or gosh darn". The whole point is that you should be "offended". They have insulted YOUR GOD. (Ezekiel 3:19) "If thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity, but thou has delivered they soul". We keep ourselves from "their" sins when we warn them. Silence in the above example means YOU have just taken the Lord's name in vain as well.
I occasionally like to go to the movies and recently I went to see "the Fockers". I sat down and watched what I thought would be a good clean film. About a quarter into it Robert Dinero says " Oh J---C----". I immediately got up and walked out. I felt the Lord's close hand upon me as I went out. (1 Sam 2:30)"...those that honor Me, I will honor"
Our Lord said something that we should remember in standing up for Him and His Laws "But whoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven" ( Matt 10:33). Do not think sins done in your sight or hearing are "no big deal". You are in real danger of "denying" Him if you do not reprove them.
So keep in mind that our walk has many opportunities (placed by God) to "prove" our faith and love for Him, let us not deny Him, rather embrace Him and SHOW PEOPLE we stand up for Him! Amen.
Two important things are we measured by, I believe, in our walk with the Lord. Our faith and our ability to stand up for Him and His Laws. Blessed is the man (or woman) who can do both well. We can look at our founding fathers to see their examples of doing both well for inspiration.
Abraham's story was an original inspired example to show God his great faith. His faith was so great in God , he was willing to sacrifice his own son because GOD SAID SO. God "tried" Abraham and he proved God right, his heart was sold out to the Lord. God never tempts us but He does try us. Happy are we who pass His tests! Abraham became a great example of the 1st Commandment " Thou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul".
Then we have Joesph who was tempted by the Potipahr's wife. He was pursued continually by her until finally he bluntly told her he could not do such a wicked thing before God. Joesph stood up for God by not breaking His 7th Commandment "Thou shall not commit adultery". Even to the point of a demotion to prison.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego showed God their faithfulness by not bowing down to idols and false Gods. They stood up for God and His 2nd Commandment "Thou shall not worship idols or images". And the same with Daniel.
Moses stood up for God's 4th Commandment. Pharoah was angered because Moses was telling his people to remember God's Sabbath. So the Pharoah said to him "..You make the people Sabbath from their burdens (work)" (Exod. 5:5)
In the above examples, these men TOOK A STAND for God and His Laws. They proved to God their heart was right and sold out to the Lord. They just didn't "say" things about the Lord, they DID things to back up their faith. So too should we be doers of our faith. In (proverbs 7:12) we read " My son, keep my words and store up my Commandments within you, keep my Commandments and you will live, GUARD my teachings as the APPLE OF YOU EYE". Our Lord is basically telling us to look upon His Laws as VERY SPECIAL to us, our way of life! Are they not in the middle of His holy temple in heaven right now?
Now with all the above said, how can WE stand up for Him and show our faith in our daily walk?Let me give you some examples. How do you respond when someone profanes God's name in your hearing? Do you ignore it? Or do you politely correct them by saying "you know you reallly shouldn't say that" or " it's better to say Jeepers creepers or gosh darn". The whole point is that you should be "offended". They have insulted YOUR GOD. (Ezekiel 3:19) "If thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity, but thou has delivered they soul". We keep ourselves from "their" sins when we warn them. Silence in the above example means YOU have just taken the Lord's name in vain as well.
I occasionally like to go to the movies and recently I went to see "the Fockers". I sat down and watched what I thought would be a good clean film. About a quarter into it Robert Dinero says " Oh J---C----". I immediately got up and walked out. I felt the Lord's close hand upon me as I went out. (1 Sam 2:30)"...those that honor Me, I will honor"
Our Lord said something that we should remember in standing up for Him and His Laws "But whoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven" ( Matt 10:33). Do not think sins done in your sight or hearing are "no big deal". You are in real danger of "denying" Him if you do not reprove them.
So keep in mind that our walk has many opportunities (placed by God) to "prove" our faith and love for Him, let us not deny Him, rather embrace Him and SHOW PEOPLE we stand up for Him! Amen.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Let us make God in our own Image
By: Rob Peralta
Unbelievably as it sounds, many Christians today are doing just that. They are creating a God who is NOT the God of Israel. The One who is described in the Holy Bible is a stranger to them. The most basic question we as Christians can ask is " Who is God?" The only logical answer is-- HE IS DESCRIBED AND REVEALED IN THE HOLY BIBLE. Let us look there.
Many will say God is love, which is true. But God also is a God of justice, righteousness, and Holy Laws. The unfortunate deception today is that God is only love and really doesn't care about His Holy Laws anymore. Many fail to realize God's Laws are for OUR GOOD! Many say " Oh, just love God your way and He'll understand" sort of a free love situation with no accountablity before God. How wrong they are.
One of the greatest things in all the world to know is HOW CAN WE LOVE OUR LORD? Well, I would say let's look to the Bible for instructions, surely God in His infinite wisdom would tell us, right? RIGHT! We find exactly "How" we can love our Lord, for HE SAYS HOW TO LOVE HIM HIMSELF! We have found words more precious than pure gold! Read this and believe it. (John 14:15) " If you love me keep my Commandments". It is said simply and plainly so that we can know what our Lord considers as "loving Him".(1 John 5:3) " For this is the LOVE OF GOD, that we keep His Commandments, and His Commandments are not burdensome". Now tell me ,you who think His Commandments don't matter, Can I continue to willfully break them and still be showing my "love" for God? I don't think so.
But the false teachers and pastors of many churches today do not listen to those words of our Lord. They say "I lovethe Lord"then BREAK His Commandment by trampling His Sabbath! And what's worse they TEACH others to do so! I was listening to a "Christian" radio station the other day and my heart almost stopped.
A pastor by the name of Mike Kessler was running his daily bible question show on CSN radio. A older man called and with a very sincere voice asked why most Christians don't keep the Commandments, especially the Sabbath. The old man mentioned Matt 5: 17-19 as evidence. Kessler in no uncertain terms flatly rejected the obeying of the Sabbath and NEVER addressed the man's Biblical evidence! This is typical of these false teachers, they inject "their" imageof God unto sincere hearted people who want the truth.
But sadly most on that station just suck up all the false teachings that can be given them , actually fulfilling prophecy (2 Tim 4:3-4) " For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine... they will turn ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables"
I believe it all comes down to this. The people who create God
in their image cannot know God UNTIL they submit their lives to Him! Meaning they obey His word and "love" Him as Jesus said how to love Him. For to know Him, we must also look to scripture. (1 John 2:3-4) "This is HOW we know we know Him, if we KEEP His Commandments, he that says "I know Him" and does not keep His Commandments , is a liar, and the truth is not in him"
So there you have it plain and simple--- How to love
Him and How to know Him, what more can a Christian want in His walk with Christ? Amen.
Unbelievably as it sounds, many Christians today are doing just that. They are creating a God who is NOT the God of Israel. The One who is described in the Holy Bible is a stranger to them. The most basic question we as Christians can ask is " Who is God?" The only logical answer is-- HE IS DESCRIBED AND REVEALED IN THE HOLY BIBLE. Let us look there.
Many will say God is love, which is true. But God also is a God of justice, righteousness, and Holy Laws. The unfortunate deception today is that God is only love and really doesn't care about His Holy Laws anymore. Many fail to realize God's Laws are for OUR GOOD! Many say " Oh, just love God your way and He'll understand" sort of a free love situation with no accountablity before God. How wrong they are.
One of the greatest things in all the world to know is HOW CAN WE LOVE OUR LORD? Well, I would say let's look to the Bible for instructions, surely God in His infinite wisdom would tell us, right? RIGHT! We find exactly "How" we can love our Lord, for HE SAYS HOW TO LOVE HIM HIMSELF! We have found words more precious than pure gold! Read this and believe it. (John 14:15) " If you love me keep my Commandments". It is said simply and plainly so that we can know what our Lord considers as "loving Him".(1 John 5:3) " For this is the LOVE OF GOD, that we keep His Commandments, and His Commandments are not burdensome". Now tell me ,you who think His Commandments don't matter, Can I continue to willfully break them and still be showing my "love" for God? I don't think so.
But the false teachers and pastors of many churches today do not listen to those words of our Lord. They say "I lovethe Lord"then BREAK His Commandment by trampling His Sabbath! And what's worse they TEACH others to do so! I was listening to a "Christian" radio station the other day and my heart almost stopped.
A pastor by the name of Mike Kessler was running his daily bible question show on CSN radio. A older man called and with a very sincere voice asked why most Christians don't keep the Commandments, especially the Sabbath. The old man mentioned Matt 5: 17-19 as evidence. Kessler in no uncertain terms flatly rejected the obeying of the Sabbath and NEVER addressed the man's Biblical evidence! This is typical of these false teachers, they inject "their" imageof God unto sincere hearted people who want the truth.
But sadly most on that station just suck up all the false teachings that can be given them , actually fulfilling prophecy (2 Tim 4:3-4) " For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine... they will turn ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables"
I believe it all comes down to this. The people who create God
in their image cannot know God UNTIL they submit their lives to Him! Meaning they obey His word and "love" Him as Jesus said how to love Him. For to know Him, we must also look to scripture. (1 John 2:3-4) "This is HOW we know we know Him, if we KEEP His Commandments, he that says "I know Him" and does not keep His Commandments , is a liar, and the truth is not in him"
So there you have it plain and simple--- How to love
Him and How to know Him, what more can a Christian want in His walk with Christ? Amen.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Just how important is our word?
By: Rob Peralta
In the days of old there was a popular saying "He's (she's) a person of their word". But sadly, today we don't hear that much anymore. It seems keeping our word isn't as important as it once was. Let's look at just how important it is.
It is very important to understand that speaking "words" enable us to be in an image of God. For words set us apart from all other living creatures on this earth. We have the same ability as God, and that is to speak words. When we speak truth we speak with power. When we speak lies and falsehoods we weaken ourselves. The ultimate evidence of this power was our Lord "speaking" the universe into existance.
Our character is reflected by the words we speak and the vows that we make. Personal integrity of a "Christian" is valued by God, especially when we honor our commitments.
I was lead to make this post because of noticing within my own church, people making promises then forgetting all about them. This is not right. If we call ourselves Christian, our word should be our bond! Can we imagine Jesus (our life example) saying " yes, I will do that for you" and not doing it?? Ofcourse not.(Proverbs 12:22) says "lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but they that deal truly are His delight".
Recently I was told to seek a man in our church for a bible study. We agreed to do an online study. We passed each other's email's. A few days later I proceeded to email him with the begining words of the study. NOTHING was heard from him for over two weeks. Another high level person in our church has made several promises to me, and fulfilled very few. I bring these examples because this is not right to the Lord(or any one told falsehoods). How can we be taken seriously as true Christians, when our fellow brother or sister can't even trust what we say? If you tell someone you are going to do something, do it!
The Lord hears our every word, and delights when we speak truth and back up our word, we become in a sense "God-like". Our word is our bond just like God's word is His bond. If I say " I'll do it", I really try to do it. I can actually feel my self getting weaker when I am talking to someone who I know doesn't keep their word, they seem to zap some energy from me. So please be aware, your bondless friends can deplete you, if you are an honest person with "true words".
A great example of trusting in words spoken was Jesus and the Roman Centurion. Jesus said He would go to the man's home but the man TOOK HIM AT HIS WORD, believing that His word alone could produce results. How would our Christian experience be if we would all believe and take to the bank what we tell each other we will do?
To summarize, when you tell someone you are going to do something, do it. Make God, yourself and your fellow brethren proud. You'll find your walk getting closer to God because you speak truth. Yours in Christ, Rob.
In the days of old there was a popular saying "He's (she's) a person of their word". But sadly, today we don't hear that much anymore. It seems keeping our word isn't as important as it once was. Let's look at just how important it is.
It is very important to understand that speaking "words" enable us to be in an image of God. For words set us apart from all other living creatures on this earth. We have the same ability as God, and that is to speak words. When we speak truth we speak with power. When we speak lies and falsehoods we weaken ourselves. The ultimate evidence of this power was our Lord "speaking" the universe into existance.
Our character is reflected by the words we speak and the vows that we make. Personal integrity of a "Christian" is valued by God, especially when we honor our commitments.
I was lead to make this post because of noticing within my own church, people making promises then forgetting all about them. This is not right. If we call ourselves Christian, our word should be our bond! Can we imagine Jesus (our life example) saying " yes, I will do that for you" and not doing it?? Ofcourse not.(Proverbs 12:22) says "lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but they that deal truly are His delight".
Recently I was told to seek a man in our church for a bible study. We agreed to do an online study. We passed each other's email's. A few days later I proceeded to email him with the begining words of the study. NOTHING was heard from him for over two weeks. Another high level person in our church has made several promises to me, and fulfilled very few. I bring these examples because this is not right to the Lord(or any one told falsehoods). How can we be taken seriously as true Christians, when our fellow brother or sister can't even trust what we say? If you tell someone you are going to do something, do it!
The Lord hears our every word, and delights when we speak truth and back up our word, we become in a sense "God-like". Our word is our bond just like God's word is His bond. If I say " I'll do it", I really try to do it. I can actually feel my self getting weaker when I am talking to someone who I know doesn't keep their word, they seem to zap some energy from me. So please be aware, your bondless friends can deplete you, if you are an honest person with "true words".
A great example of trusting in words spoken was Jesus and the Roman Centurion. Jesus said He would go to the man's home but the man TOOK HIM AT HIS WORD, believing that His word alone could produce results. How would our Christian experience be if we would all believe and take to the bank what we tell each other we will do?
To summarize, when you tell someone you are going to do something, do it. Make God, yourself and your fellow brethren proud. You'll find your walk getting closer to God because you speak truth. Yours in Christ, Rob.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Let us not have idols
By: Rob Peralta
Perhaps the most broken of all the Commandments today is the worshipping of idols and images. The devil has made sure that many "things" take up our time and away from God. Sadly, what a GREAT SUCCESS this has been for him! My heart truly goes out to the Lord, as I know He sees the tremendous idol worshipping going on today. And His heart bleeds anew.
In our Christian life God measures our "time". What do we do with it? How many hours do we spend on this or that each week? We have SO MANY distractions today. Where do I start? Let's see, there is TV, DVDs, IPODS, COMPUTERS, PHONES, MUSIC, THEATRE, VIDEO GAMES,VEHICLES, SPORTS, ETC. You get the point. And each and every one of these can, and in many cases, DOES become an "idol" to us!
In my own personal life before I became a true Christian I also had some idols. I worshipped money, tobacco,music and chess. For these things encompassed "most" of my weekly waking hours. You see, God COUNTS our hours each week and if we spend most of our time on a specific idol or image (TV for example) we are indeed "worshipping" an idol. We BREAK His Commandment! If we continue to do this we place our salvation in serious jeopardy. That is why I was sent a direct sign from God ( Please visit our sister site http://www.godsloveandlaw.wordpress.com/ , the post called " The Lord turns on the light" under "prayers answered") I had been spending much of my evening hours watching TV or on the computer.
The Christian life MUST have it's primary focus on God! Our Lord should be our desire and concern. TIME must be spent reading His word, spreading His word and truth, fellowshipping, prayer, and learning from "in the spirit" teachers and preachers of God's truth. Our Lord spoke these words "I am the way, the truth and the life"(John 14:6) Our "new" life is a life in Jesus, the old is done away with! Meaning we must discard our old idols and have NO IDOLS except our Lord. If you say a prayer like this "Dear Lord,
help me to remember that YOU are first in my life and if I am doing something that comes in front of you, please let me know" He will be faithful and guide you, rest assured! You will start to feel "guilty" from the Holy Spirit when doing that something wrong. Also remember, the word says "His Commandments are NOT burdensome " (1 john 5:3) Our Lord knows you have a life to live and won't overly burden you.
Of course our weekly work is a necessity and those hours are not counted against us. And we can even "glorify" God by doing hard , honest, cheerful work! So please look at your life and the "time" spent each week. Is something "in front" of our Lord? If so, get rid of it or at least cut it back so that the time with our Lord exceeds the time for our worldly distractions.
Peace and understanding to you, my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Perhaps the most broken of all the Commandments today is the worshipping of idols and images. The devil has made sure that many "things" take up our time and away from God. Sadly, what a GREAT SUCCESS this has been for him! My heart truly goes out to the Lord, as I know He sees the tremendous idol worshipping going on today. And His heart bleeds anew.
In our Christian life God measures our "time". What do we do with it? How many hours do we spend on this or that each week? We have SO MANY distractions today. Where do I start? Let's see, there is TV, DVDs, IPODS, COMPUTERS, PHONES, MUSIC, THEATRE, VIDEO GAMES,VEHICLES, SPORTS, ETC. You get the point. And each and every one of these can, and in many cases, DOES become an "idol" to us!
In my own personal life before I became a true Christian I also had some idols. I worshipped money, tobacco,music and chess. For these things encompassed "most" of my weekly waking hours. You see, God COUNTS our hours each week and if we spend most of our time on a specific idol or image (TV for example) we are indeed "worshipping" an idol. We BREAK His Commandment! If we continue to do this we place our salvation in serious jeopardy. That is why I was sent a direct sign from God ( Please visit our sister site http://www.godsloveandlaw.wordpress.com/ , the post called " The Lord turns on the light" under "prayers answered") I had been spending much of my evening hours watching TV or on the computer.
The Christian life MUST have it's primary focus on God! Our Lord should be our desire and concern. TIME must be spent reading His word, spreading His word and truth, fellowshipping, prayer, and learning from "in the spirit" teachers and preachers of God's truth. Our Lord spoke these words "I am the way, the truth and the life"(John 14:6) Our "new" life is a life in Jesus, the old is done away with! Meaning we must discard our old idols and have NO IDOLS except our Lord. If you say a prayer like this "Dear Lord,
help me to remember that YOU are first in my life and if I am doing something that comes in front of you, please let me know" He will be faithful and guide you, rest assured! You will start to feel "guilty" from the Holy Spirit when doing that something wrong. Also remember, the word says "His Commandments are NOT burdensome " (1 john 5:3) Our Lord knows you have a life to live and won't overly burden you.
Of course our weekly work is a necessity and those hours are not counted against us. And we can even "glorify" God by doing hard , honest, cheerful work! So please look at your life and the "time" spent each week. Is something "in front" of our Lord? If so, get rid of it or at least cut it back so that the time with our Lord exceeds the time for our worldly distractions.
Peace and understanding to you, my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Resist the Devil!
By: Rob Peralta
We as Christians, must try each day to walk uprightly and to do God's will. But many times we will face Satan and his angels' attacks and it will seem unrelenting. After all, scripture tells us this is indeed "Satan's" world and as such we are in enemy territory. But scripture also says "...greater is He who is in you than he that is in the world" (1 john 4:4) We have the "power" if we will only "use" it.
As "Commandment Keepers", we get the brunt of Satan and the devil's attacks. For it is very clear Satan is at war with the people of God who choose to obey His Holy Laws. In (Rev.12:17) we read "The dragon (Satan) was enraged with the woman(Church), and went off to make war with the rest of her offspring (true believers AND obeyers), who keep the Commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus". Satan and his angels know scripture a lot better than any human, and therefore I believe they kind of "take it easy" on the Christians who continually "break" God's Commandments. They have them right where they want them! But the "Commandment keeper", they zero in on.
With all the above laying the groundwork, let's look to our Master and how "HE" dealt with Satan and His attacks. After being led into the wilderness Jesus was strongly tempted. In (Matt 4:3) it says "And when the devil came to Him, he said "If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made of bread". And Jesus' response was to USE SCRIPTURE! He said "It is WRITTEN 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God' " Here, we can learn that Jesus directly quoted scripture when He was tempted. He also quoted "relevant" scripture. Notice the word of God He used had to do with what the temptation was! He didn't respond with some unrelated scripture such as "You shall love the Lord you God with all your heart, mind and soul". We can take this great example to our "own" temptations.
For instance, you may be tempted to smoke cigarettes. The devils really use this one due to the POWERFUL effect on people. But we can quote scripture such as (Psalm 23:1) " The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not WANT" each and every time we have temptation. The Lord's word is POWER and if we BELIEVE as we quote them against our adversary IT WILL WORK!! Our desire should leave and we no longer "want"a cigarette. The KEY is to BELIEVE it will work against the devil when we say it. If we say it with doubt, the Lord's word is very weak against the attacks and we may fail. Jesus said "....ONLY BELIEVE"(Mark 5:36)
Another BIG temptation today is the "lust" of the flesh. With the onslaught of nudity on TV, movies, Internet, etc. Satan has created a vibrant adulterous and fornicating empire! But when we look AGAIN to scripture when we are tempted we can prevail. We can use (Eph 5:5) "For this we (I) know for sure, that no fornicator ....has any inheritance in the kingdom of God" Be gone from me devil! And again we can experience the same victory that our Lord had and have the devil flee!
Whatever we do against temptation we should NOT rely on our own power. We shouldn't say "Oh, I am strong, I can resist this". We are NO match for the devil. Scripture describes him as a "roaring lion" and we all know how powerful a lion is. We need help and the Lord has shown us the way out of these attacks, let us follow His example. So if you are facing a "specific" temptation, then find some specific scripture to help arm you, you'll find it is VERY powerful against the devils, and they MUST flee, when you say it and BELIEVE it will prevail. Amen.
We as Christians, must try each day to walk uprightly and to do God's will. But many times we will face Satan and his angels' attacks and it will seem unrelenting. After all, scripture tells us this is indeed "Satan's" world and as such we are in enemy territory. But scripture also says "...greater is He who is in you than he that is in the world" (1 john 4:4) We have the "power" if we will only "use" it.
As "Commandment Keepers", we get the brunt of Satan and the devil's attacks. For it is very clear Satan is at war with the people of God who choose to obey His Holy Laws. In (Rev.12:17) we read "The dragon (Satan) was enraged with the woman(Church), and went off to make war with the rest of her offspring (true believers AND obeyers), who keep the Commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus". Satan and his angels know scripture a lot better than any human, and therefore I believe they kind of "take it easy" on the Christians who continually "break" God's Commandments. They have them right where they want them! But the "Commandment keeper", they zero in on.
With all the above laying the groundwork, let's look to our Master and how "HE" dealt with Satan and His attacks. After being led into the wilderness Jesus was strongly tempted. In (Matt 4:3) it says "And when the devil came to Him, he said "If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made of bread". And Jesus' response was to USE SCRIPTURE! He said "It is WRITTEN 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God' " Here, we can learn that Jesus directly quoted scripture when He was tempted. He also quoted "relevant" scripture. Notice the word of God He used had to do with what the temptation was! He didn't respond with some unrelated scripture such as "You shall love the Lord you God with all your heart, mind and soul". We can take this great example to our "own" temptations.
For instance, you may be tempted to smoke cigarettes. The devils really use this one due to the POWERFUL effect on people. But we can quote scripture such as (Psalm 23:1) " The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not WANT" each and every time we have temptation. The Lord's word is POWER and if we BELIEVE as we quote them against our adversary IT WILL WORK!! Our desire should leave and we no longer "want"a cigarette. The KEY is to BELIEVE it will work against the devil when we say it. If we say it with doubt, the Lord's word is very weak against the attacks and we may fail. Jesus said "....ONLY BELIEVE"(Mark 5:36)
Another BIG temptation today is the "lust" of the flesh. With the onslaught of nudity on TV, movies, Internet, etc. Satan has created a vibrant adulterous and fornicating empire! But when we look AGAIN to scripture when we are tempted we can prevail. We can use (Eph 5:5) "For this we (I) know for sure, that no fornicator ....has any inheritance in the kingdom of God" Be gone from me devil! And again we can experience the same victory that our Lord had and have the devil flee!
Whatever we do against temptation we should NOT rely on our own power. We shouldn't say "Oh, I am strong, I can resist this". We are NO match for the devil. Scripture describes him as a "roaring lion" and we all know how powerful a lion is. We need help and the Lord has shown us the way out of these attacks, let us follow His example. So if you are facing a "specific" temptation, then find some specific scripture to help arm you, you'll find it is VERY powerful against the devils, and they MUST flee, when you say it and BELIEVE it will prevail. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)