Tag Archives: Christ Jesus

“Jesus Stuff” or “Jesus’ Stuff”.

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We serve the Lord Jesus as His people.  But how shall we serve Him?  What shall we do and what kind of people shall we be? 

You have heard many speak of what is called a “Wealth” doctrine (teaching).  In this doctrine we are supposed to experience happiness, joy, an increase of our worldly wealth, health in our bodies, and peace among our family and friends.  Some believe that if Jesus is the Lord of a congregation, we will see great harmony and peace among the people.  And, we understand by this doctrine that if one follows Jesus there will be a sure footed nature to his life.  I can’t see it like that. 

With all that I read and all I experience I have a different view of what it’s like to serve Jesus.  As I embrace His Lordship in my life I find many circumstances where I have to chose to lose.  The happiness those people speak of is not that of laughing and a permafrost smile.  Often it’s a furrowed forehead and a grim bend to my mouth.  I find that giving becomes the purpose of my income.  Had I remained in the world I would gather all I could to spend it on what I want.  But the money now belongs to Jesus.  And my soul continually looks to His face to determine what to do with it.  My body wears out just like the unbeliever’s.  Old age takes over and ravages the youth I once was.  Sickness is still part of my personal experience.  But I embrace these things as part of the gift of life God has ordained in this place of testing.  And, if I look at any serious congregation of “saints” I find constant turmoil regarding the direction and intended use of resources. 

Yet in these things is a great peace, joy and health.  For those who follow Jesus don’t rely on the things and measuring sticks of this world.  Our eyes, mind, and body are set toward the Lord of Life.  We never take our eyes off His leading.  

Let the people of this “wealth” doctrine say what they will.  Let them chase after all the things the world loves.  It’s ok with me.  They would not listen to me if I told them they were wrong.  And If they won’t look into these things on their own, they sure won’t hear my words. 

There are two scriptures that come to mind regarding this post.  One finds it’s anchor in the nature of Jesus’ approach to the things of this world:  

 18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. 19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

 20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (Matthew 8)

And:

 4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

   “God opposes the proud
   but shows favor to the humble.” (James 4)

What you do about this post is up to you.  Perhaps you agree.  Then scream out your agreement from every possible vantage point.  Perhaps you disagree.  Then keep on going in the direction you’re headed.  I didn’t post this to gain friends.  I posted this to uphold the words of He who can not lie.  The way of Jesus’ people must be walked upon a narrow path.  With every step we take we set the next foot exactly with the guidance of Jesus.  And He has marked it out clearly enough in His word.  And even if a man can’t read, there is the Spirit of God, which is given to us, to guide each moment’s decisions. 

Chase after everything worldly if you wish.  But you should be aware that there is a moment of consequence coming.  God is Holy and will call every man to account for every step, word, and intent.  Why would you risk eternal separation from the God of Life?  There is a cost to following Jesus.  If you look at your life and find that the only difference between you and the world around you is that you hang out with a bunch of people who listen to “Jesus stuff” on Sunday, you might do well to consider your future.

By His Grace.

Plenty vs Want

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Prepare!  Prepare America!  You have lived in plenty by the mercy of God the Father.  And you have enjoyed a luxurious bath in the things of this world.  You have washed yourself in the pleasures of life.  But now you will wash yourself in the plenty of want.  The time is quickly coming when want will out weigh pleasure. 

Your plates have been filled to over flowing with the bounty of the work of your hands.  And now your bounty is being taken from you.  The Lord has spoken from ancient days of the coming want.  Desire will turn from pleasure to food and peace.  When you wake your minds will turn to hunger for the things of the past.  When you live your short days, your hearts will long for yesterday.  When you lay to sleep, your desire will be for the peace you once had and squandered in materialism. 

You have forgotten the way of the Lord, as seen in the men of old.  You have abandoned the will of the Father in Heaven to pursue the works of man.  Though you give your ways the mark of a “god”, you have not chased hard after the Father of Life’s will for man.  And now the collector is at your door.

You cannot pay.  You cannot produce a receipt.  You are to be accountable for your desires.  The enemy has been allowed to eat with you at your table.  He plays with your children.  And you gladly entertain him with all your possessions.  And you purchase clothing for him and all his company.  But you are naked and ashamed before the Most High God. 

Dress yourself with humility before the Most High God.  Approach Him with a contrite heart and a desire to be clothed with the blood of Jesus.  There is no other hope given to man.  Turn from the works of your hands.  And seek the face of the One who made you.

By His Grace.

Mark of the Beast.

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You’ve heard about the mark of the beast.  You’ve heard that it’s not a good thing to receive that mark.  And you’ve likely said to yourself and others that you won’t get the mark!  Really. 

If the mark of the beast were publicised as the “Mark of the Beast” you’d be pretty sure not to get that mark.  Especially if you’ve got your house, your car, your job, your food, and your clothing.  But what happens if all that is taken away and martial law rules the world?  You’re left with no house, no car, no job, no food, no clothing.  And your children are in extreme danger of starving or worse.  What then?

The question won’t be whether or not you’re a strong Christian.  The question will be whether or not the Lord enables you to stand against your own fears.  Then will not be the time to try to stand on your own.  But now is the time to seek the Lord Jesus in your life.  In order to stand against such horrible times and odds, you’ll need to have a seriously strong relationship with Jesus.

I’ve posted some of the scriptures related to this topic below.  May God grant you mercy that you might stand on the day of great trial.

By His Grace.

” It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads,  so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.” (Rev. 13: 16,17)

And:

 “9 A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand, 10 they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.” 12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.” (Rev. 14)

The Closing Net

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As we see events closing in on the world, which are forcing them into the valley of decision, we also see people living their lives as though nothing were happening.  I’m amazed to watch this happening as God foretold.  He said that He would send all manner of difficulties upon man that they would have a chance to turn to Him.  But He said that they would never forsake the work of their hands.  God is absolutely true, wise, eternal, Holy, and able to direct the paths of men into His will. 

Where do you stand in relation to God?  If you’ve accepted His salvation in Christ Jesus and are actively listening to be willingly led by God’s will, then good.  But if you’re ignoring the signs of this age, you’re in for a horrible surprise shortly.  Can’t you feel the net close in around you?  haven’t you heard of the horrors abroad?  Don’t you see the rulers gather together to plot their own kingdoms?  Why doesn’t the rising cost of living cause you alarm?  And this is just the beginning. 

You have heard people warn of the end of the world.  And you’ve heard others laugh at such talk.  And yet you do nothing regarding your relationship to the One who made you.  Your only concern is that you survive.  How long will you be able to survive?  And what does survival in the body you now inhabit mean?  That you get to live a few more minutes than the majority of those who will appear at the throne of God with you? 

Look around.  It’s here.  The end is quickly becoming apparent. 

By His Grace.

Allowing Time for Change.

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We all have someone in our life who we would love to see grow in maturity, or experience the freedom found in Christ Jesus, or take responsibility for their own actions, or even forgive an offence.    This desire to see positive growth in that loved one is a good thing.  No doubt, in that desire is found everything “good”.  There are even places in each one of us which might draw that same desire for ourselves.  “Oh, I so wish I could just…………….”. 

Will you permit me to ask a really hard question?   What serious change, or radical change, has ever come upon anyone over night?  Oh, there might be realizations that change our direction.  But the really concrete change (so as to never go back) happens slowly.  First we realize we have a problem.  Then we try on different fixes like a child tries on daddy’s shoes.  And finally we find what we know will solve the problem.  But it’s at the last point where we realize how absolutely huge and difficult change is going to be.

Even coming to Jesus with a problem we find the same three increments: realize, try variations, come to grip with the real fix.  Our lives are slow, yet hopefully sure, steps toward what we know is “good”.  I post this because I see a whole lot of people kind of stuck in a mire of doubt and inability.  I absolutely know that Jesus is the answer to any problem you might have going on.  But there’s an element of natural progress that must be embraced.

When we see someone we want to change toward what is “good”, what are we expecting?  If we expect them to just “Get with the program”, we’re bound to be disappointed.  Look at yourself.  What are you expecting?  Since even we can’t change over night, why do we expect it from others?  And what might the first signs of change look like?  The person we are focusing on, whether someone else or ourselves, is already dysfunctional in some manner.  Do we expect the first signs of wellness to appear void of this dysfunctional behavior?

This is what forgiveness is all about.  Openning the door to the sickness. so that when we see change we are willing to embrace it.   And this is why it is said that Jesus offers the fix to our problem.  His forgiveness and teaching are sure, real, and effective.  Let yourself receive forgiveness from Him.  Let yourself receive forgiveness from yourself.  Offer that same forgiveness to others.  This is the beginning of healing for everyone, even YOU.  Put on patience and love as if you were going to a stately dinner.  Wear patience for yourself.  Love without regard to who needs it.  This is the key to healing from wounds too deep to touch.

By His Grace.