Sunday, October 20, 2024

SIMPLE survival STRATEGY

 Job 38:36

King James Version

36 Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? 

or who hath given understanding to the heart?


It may be a harsh reality, but it is what it is.

Expect NO love from the world.

Especially if you're born again.

Or trying to get to that point.

Wherein you only want to know GOD's TRUTH.

You only want to worship the LORD JESUS.

And to do what is right, fair, and just in this world.

All that go against its "grain", and nature.


You will stand out -- as the fewest.

Pretty much like Israel.

Prepare for the worst.

You will not be loved.

You will be ostracized.

Expect a horde of "devils" to pounce upon you.

Such devils will be in men, without their even knowing it.

Tempting you.

Trying to destroy you.

Weakening your defenses.

Attacking you, night and day.


That's why in another blog, we urge you to "FORTIFY your FORTRESS".

And by that, we meant, protecting not only your physical house, your communities, or your nation's borders, but mainly your "spiritual" house.

Your body is the "TEMPLE of the HOLY SPIRIT".

Guard your heart, soul, body, and spirit.

You will be attacked on ALL fronts.

Like Israel, you will be hated because GOD loves you.

Many Goliaths will attack GOD's David.


Realize, too, there is no real righteousness, fairness, and justice in the world.

There is no holiness; only wickedness.

UNLESS people are of GOD, and living by His laws.

Be not of the world.

Scripture warned us:

1 John 2:15-16

King James Version

15 Love not the world, 

neither the things that are in the world. 

If any man love the world, 

the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world, 

the lust of the flesh, 

and the lust of the eyes, 

and the pride of life, 

is not of the Father, 

but is of the world.


Take heed the LORD's assurances:

Matthew 10:22-24

King James Version

22 And ye shall be hated of all men 

for my name's sake: 

but he that endureth to the end 

shall be saved.


Matthew 10:28

King James Version

28 And fear not them which kill the body, 

but are not able to kill the soul: 

but rather fear him which is able to destroy 

both soul and body in hell.


John 16:33

King James Version

33 These things I have spoken unto you, 

that in me ye might have peace. 

In the world ye shall have tribulation: 

but be of good cheer; 

I have overcome the world.


Apostle John also gives believers an assurance:

1 John 2:17

King James Version

17 And the world passeth away, 

and the lust thereof: 

but he that doeth the will of God 

abideth for ever.


Being awake, and aware, of the fact the world will NOT love a believer is your best reality check.

Your best wake-up call.

Your best survival strategy.

You know what you're up against.

As JESUS knew:

John 15:18-19

King James Version

18 If the world hate you, 

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world, 

the world would love his own: 

but because ye are not of the world, 

but I have chosen you out of the world, 

therefore the world hateth you.


Therefore, arm yourself with the FULL ARMOR of GOD.

Be the spiritual warrior you need to be.

Be a SOLDIER of CHRIST

For you will surely get into a lot of battles.

And ambushes.

And skirmishes.

But you will thrive.

And survive.

Romans 10:13

King James Version

13 For whosoever shall call upon 

the name of the Lord shall be saved.


There is no need to fear.

You are "fully-armed" for the task at hand.

A born again has the HOLY SPIRIT in him.

2 Timothy 1:7

King James Version

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; 

but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.


Our confidence is in the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Always, and forever.

Praise be, the LORD JESUS CHRIST!


Related material:

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GOD's GLORY blogs

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Friday, July 26, 2024

The RIGHT mind

 Titus 2:12

King James Version

12 Teaching us that, 

denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, 

we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, 

in this present world;


What does having a "right mind" mean?

As basis for this post, we focus on the verse above.

We are taught to deny "ungodliness and worldly lusts".

As well as to live "soberly, righteously, and godly".

Necessary, and worthy traits, for all.

But how do we become all that?

What must we do?

Why must we be godly?

What happens if we aren't?

What does the Bible say?

Why should we believe the Bible?

The instructions are clear.


For older men:

Titus 2:2

King James Version

2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, 

sound in faith, in charity, in patience.


For older women:

Titus 2:3

King James Version

3 The aged women likewise, 

that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, 

not false accusers, 

not given to much wine, 

teachers of good things;


For young women:

Titus 2:4-5

King James Version

4 That they may teach the young women 

to be sober, 

to love their husbands, 

to love their children,

5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, 

good, obedient to their own husbands, 

that the word of God be not blasphemed.


For young men:

Titus 2:6-8

King James Version

6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: 

in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, 

gravity, sincerity,

8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; 

that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, 

having no evil thing to say of you.


For servants:

Titus 2:9-10

King James Version

9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, 

and to please them well in all things; 

not answering again;

10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; 

that they may adorn 

the doctrine of God our Saviour 

in all things.


You will want to know why.

Why must we follow those teachings?

For what purpose?

To what end?

JESUS tells us why:

Mark 1:15

King James Version

15 And saying, 

The time is fulfilled, 

and the kingdom of God is at hand: 

repent ye, 

and believe the gospel.


Apostle Paul tells us why:

Titus 2:13-14

King James Version

13 Looking for that blessed hope, 

and the glorious appearing of the great God 

and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14 Who gave himself for us,

that he might redeem us from all iniquity, 

and purify unto himself a peculiar people, 

zealous of good works.


JESUS is the "grace of God that bringeth salvation".

He came to "redeem us from all iniquity".

He came to "purify" us from our sins.

It's all preparation now, for the Rapture.

Would you be ready?

Are you born again?

Are you walking with SPIRIT?

Have you accepted JESUS as your Savior?

As born again, we all need to walk the path of holiness.

Leviticus 19:1-2

King James Version

19 And the Lord spake unto Moses, 

saying,

2 Speak unto all the congregation 

of the children of Israel, 

and say unto them, 

Ye shall be holy: 

for I the Lord your God 

am holy.


Matthew 5:48

King James Version

48 Be ye therefore perfect, 

even as your Father which is in heaven 

is perfect.


1 Peter 1:15-16

King James Version

15 But as he which hath called you is holy, 

so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written, 

Be ye holy; for I am holy.


And what happens if unbelievers continue to resist God?

Insisting they continue with their wicked ways.

Well, Scripture says the wicked shall perish.

They have no idea GOD's WRATH.

The gates of the New Jerusalem cannot be opened for them:

Revelation 21:27

King James Version

27 And there shall in no wise enter into it 

any thing that defileth, 

neither whatsoever worketh abomination, 

or maketh a lie: 

but they which are written 

in the Lamb's book of life.


Revelation 22:14-15

King James Version

14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, 

that they may have right to the tree of life, 

and may enter in through the gates into the city.

15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, 

and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, 

and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.


We cannot say we do not know GOD's laws.

Scripture reminds us all the time.

Constantly, faithfully, lovingly.

JESUS was sent.

Apostles, and ministers, have been sent.

To teach us the WORD of GOD.

That we may all be saved.

Both Jew, and Gentile.

All we have to do is accept JESUS.

He, Who died, rose, and loves us all.

John 10:10

King James Version

10 The thief cometh not, 

but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: 

I am come that they might have life, 

and that they might have it more abundantly.


Lastly, why should we believe the Bible?

Is it the ULTIMATE authority on GOD's laws?

JESUS is.

He is the WORD of GOD.

The WORD of GOD is the Bible.

It is always FULL circle.

It always goes back to JESUS.

There is no more excuse not to be saved.

The LAST emissary has been sent.

All we have to do is accept His invitation.

More clarifying articles here.


Related material:

FEAR the LORD verses

FREE of distraction

The RAPTURE

It's all PREPARATION now

Sin AWARENESS

GODLY men and women

a note for young people

The IMPORTANT articles

On LOVING GOD

SOUL-saving WORD

BORN AGAIN classics

GOD's GLORY blogs


Tuesday, May 28, 2024

FREE of distraction

 

1 John 2:16

King James Version

16 For all that is in the world, 

the lust of the flesh, 

and the lust of the eyes, 

and the pride of life, 

is not of the Father, 

but is of the world.


How GLORIOUS the WORD of GOD is!

So much so, I don't need to look at a pretty face, for report.

I don't need to listen to mega-preachers to hear Scripture.

I don't need to hear lengthy band music, before a sermon.

Media is full of it.

It's all vanity.


Over-made-up female presenters.

Over-confident male presenters.

Preachers forgetting the power of GOD's WORD.

Which needs no fluff.

The WORD of GOD is beautiful in itself.

No need for distracting images, music, or special effects.

Or presenters and preachers who love the sound of their voice.

Basking in their looks, fame, power, influence, and following.

Sorry, but I have no need for such.

The more I encounter such, the more I stay away.

If you are to share the gospel of CHRIST, you must be these:

Proverbs 31:30

King James Version

30 Favour is deceitful, 

and beauty is vain: 

but a woman that feareth the Lord, 

she shall be praised.


John 3:30-31

King James Version

30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

31 He that cometh from above is above all: 

he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: 

he that cometh from heaven is above all.


1 Peter 5:2-3

King James Version

2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, 

taking the oversight thereof, 

not by constraint, but willingly; 

not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, 

but being examples to the flock.


More often than not, I close my eyes as I listen to a sermon.

Just relishing the beauty of GOD's WORD.

Through a simple, and conscientious preacher.

Who cares not for trends, delivery, or new ways of catching attention.

That's why sometimes, podcasts are better.

You just hear the voice of the preacher.

You don't necessarily connect a face to the voice.

GOD's WORD stands in its glory, beauty, and simplicity.

Did JESUS, the Son of GOD, show up as a rich man?

Did GOD's prophets care how they looked?

Did JESUS' apostles primp?


Remember when only radios existed?

Ever seen documentaries on that?

Wherein a whole family would group around a radio.

And would listen to news, music, comedies, or drama.

Well, I grew up with radio, and television.

Now, it's all social media.

Changing the face of communications.

And connections.


Everyone trying to outdo the other.

Where nothing seems real anymore.

Where GOD's WORD is being drowned by Satan.

Or so he tries.

Using all kinds of distractions to deceive, and destroy us.

Mostly using the female form and voice, as come-ons.

Without a pretty female, would you watch the news?

Without a flashy pastor, would you listen to his sermon?

Without a band to open a sermon, would you pay attention?


What happened to just reading the Bible, and letting GOD's WORD speak to you?

What happened to praying to JESUS, and waiting for an answer?

What happened to listening to the HOLY SPIRIT, for instructions?

What happened to sharing the Bible, just as it is?

Does the Bible really need all that fluff?

Doesn't GOD's WORD stand on its own HOLY merits?

Do "messengers" really need that much attention?

Why is the focus on us, and not the WORD?


We wrote about the devil's "devices".

All that which is designed to distract you.

From the thing that really matters most -- JESUS.

John 14:6

King James Version

6 Jesus saith unto him, 

I am the way, the truth, and the life: 

no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.


2 Corinthians 4:4

King James Version

4 In whom the god of this world 

hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, 

lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, 

who is the image of God, 

should shine unto them.


2 Corinthians 11:3-4

King James Version

3 But I fear, lest by any means, 

as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, 

so your minds should be corrupted 

from the simplicity that is in Christ.

4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, 

whom we have not preached, 

or if ye receive another spirit, 

which ye have not received, 

or another gospel, 

which ye have not accepted, 

ye might well bear with him.


I do not yearn for the world's ways.

I only yearn for GOD's WORD, ways, will, and wisdom.

JESUS suffices.

2 Corinthians 3:5

King James Version

5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves 

to think any thing as of ourselves; 

but our sufficiency is of God;


Now you see why I study quietly, and privately.

And avoid flashy preachers, and presenters.

I only want to hear the WORD of GOD.

In all its peace, power, purity, perfection, and precision.

Delighting my childlike heart no end.

Psalm 63:6-7

King James Version

6 When I remember thee upon my bed, 

and meditate on thee in the night watches.

7 Because thou hast been my help, 

therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.


Psalm 119:97

King James Version

97 O how love I thy law! 

it is my meditation all the day.


2 Timothy 2:15

King James Version

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, 

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, 

rightly dividing the word of truth.


It's actually simple.

JESUS stands for FOCUS on GOD.

Satan, for distraction, division, and destruction.


As born again, I have an uncluttered mind.

Its only content is JESUS.


Related material:

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The VIRTUOUS woman

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The TRUE BORN AGAIN

BORN AGAIN articles


Image: Clipart Library


Monday, April 8, 2024

The INSANE mind

 

JESUS declared:

Mark 3:27

King James Version

27 No man can enter into a strong man's house, 

and spoil his goods, 

except he will first bind the strong man; 

and then he will spoil his house.


Are there really "insane" minds?

How would you define "insane"?

What does the Bible say?

Whose to say anyone's "insane"?

Who has the last say in it?


Consider your mind as a "house".

It can get broken into.

Who does that?

What do they take?

How can we prevent it?


Unless we have the "MIND of CHRIST", our minds are subject to this "invader":

1 Peter 5:8

King James Version

8 Be sober, be vigilant; 

because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, 

walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:


Because we're in a SUPERNATURAL battle, we can't really "see" this invader.

Ephesians 6:12

King James Version

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, 

but against principalities, 

against powers, 

against the rulers of the darkness of this world, 

against spiritual wickedness in high places.


And because he's got a limited time to wreak havoc, he works quadruple time in corrupting, and destroying us.

Revelation 12:12

King James Version

12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, 

and ye that dwell in them. 

Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! 

for the devil is come down unto you, 

having great wrath, 

because he knoweth that he hath 

but a short time.


The world of unbelievers is attuned to this invader.

He is its god.

2 Corinthians 4:4

King James Version

4 In whom the god of this world 

hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, 

lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, 

who is the image of God, should shine unto them.


You must guard your mind from this invader.

This interloper, copycat, deceiver, pretender, and tempter, wishes to bring everyone to hell.

But JESUS makes sure it won't happen.

He already defeated the devil, at the CROSS.

Even devils acknowledge His SONSHIP.

Mark 3:11-12

King James Version

11 And unclean spirits, 

when they saw him, 

fell down before him, and cried, 

saying, 

Thou art the Son of God.

12 And he straitly charged them 

that they should not make him known.


Before we brand others "insane", first let us look at ourselves.

JESUS commands us:

Matthew 7:1-5

King James Version

7 Judge not, that ye be not judged.

2 For with what judgment ye judge, 

ye shall be judged: 

and with what measure ye mete, 

it shall be measured to you again.

3 And why beholdest thou the mote 

that is in thy brother's eye, 

but considerest not the beam 

that is in thine own eye?

4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, 

Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; 

and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

5 Thou hypocrite, 

first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; 

and then shalt thou see clearly 

to cast out the mote 

out of thy brother's eye.


Before we even think of putting others in an "asylum", let us get to know CHRIST first.

Only through JESUS can we know holiness, and righteousness.

Unless we're born again, SPIRIT can't teach us about JESUS.

Only a BORN AGAIN mind can be a SANE mind.

2 Corinthians 5:17

King James Version

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, 

he is a new creature: 

old things are passed away; 

behold, 

all things are become new.


This article was born from my grief at what was done to Elsie, Henrietta Lack's second child.

Of course, I don't know all the circumstances, but I still can't help grieving over it.

Elsie's condition was described this way:

"Elsie had epilepsy and cerebral palsy[12] and was described by the family as "different" or "deaf and dumb"

-- Wikipedia


JESUS healed someone "deaf and dumb", too:

Mark 9:17-20

King James Version

17 And one of the multitude answered and said, 

Master, I have brought unto thee my son, 

which hath a dumb spirit;

18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: 

and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, 

and pineth away: 

and I spake to thy disciples 

that they should cast him out; 

and they could not.

19 He answereth him, and saith, 

O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? 

how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.

20 And they brought him unto him: 

and when he saw him, 

straightway the spirit tare him; 

and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.


Mark 9:21-24

King James Version

21 And he asked his father, 

How long is it ago since this came unto him? 

And he said, Of a child.

22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, 

and into the waters, to destroy him: 

but if thou canst do any thing, 

have compassion on us, and help us.

23 Jesus said unto him, 

If thou canst believe, 

all things are possible to him that believeth.

24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, 

and said with tears, 

Lord, I believe; 

help thou mine unbelief.


Mark 9:25-27

King James Version

25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, 

he rebuked the foul spirit, 

saying unto him, 

Thou dumb and deaf spirit, 

I charge thee, come out of him, 

and enter no more into him.

26 And the spirit cried, 

and rent him sore, 

and came out of him: 

and he was as one dead; 

insomuch that many said, He is dead.

27 But Jesus took him by the hand, 

and lifted him up; 

and he arose.


Matthew 17:18

King James Version

18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; 

and he departed out of him: 

and the child was cured from that very hour.


Here's where Elsie was institutionalized:

"Hospital for the Negro Insane, later renamed Crownsville Hospital Center, where she died in 1955 at 15 years of age"

-- Wikipedia


Elsie also went through this:

"Historian Paul Lurz says that it is possible that Elsie was subjected to the pneumoencephalography procedure, where a hole was drilled into a patient's head to drain fluid from the brain, which was then replaced with oxygen or helium to make it easier to see the patient's brain in X-rays."

-- Wikipedia


My dearest Elsie.

Just because people think she's "deaf and dumb", doesn't mean she's not whole.

Just because she suffers from epilepsy, and cerebral palsy, doesn't mean she has to end up in an institution.

I saw her pictures, and my heart broke.

No one must go through that.

Suffering invasive procedures, and loss of dignity.

Treated as a "shell", when there's a soul in there.


Who's to judge whether people are insane, or not?

How accurate are we about their "medical", or "mental" condition?

Again, who has the last say?

Would it be the medical profession, and industry, who have given their allegiance to many other gods?

Or to GOD, who LOVES us all:

John 3:16-17

King James Version

16 For God so loved the world, 

that he gave his only begotten Son, 

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, 

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world 

to condemn the world; 

but that the world through him 

might be saved.


2 Peter 3:9

King James Version

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, 

as some men count slackness; 

but is longsuffering to us-ward, 

not willing that any should perish, 

but that all should come to repentance.


Let us be kind to each other.

But we can only be that way, if GOD makes us born again.

John 3:5-7

King James Version

5 Jesus answered, 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; 

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, 

Ye must be born again.


Then, we begin to understand.

Mark 12:29-31

King James Version

29 And Jesus answered him, 

The first of all the commandments is, 

Hear, O Israel; 

The Lord our God is one Lord:

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God 

with all thy heart, 

and with all thy soul, 

and with all thy mind, 

and with all thy strength: 

this is the first commandment.

31 And the second is like, namely this, 

Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 

There is none other commandment 

greater than these.


Matthew 22:40

King James Version

40 On these two commandments 

hang all the law 

and the prophets.


Related material:

The MAGNIFICENT Healer

How JESUS heals

On Knowing the Enemy of Christ

The BROKEN mind

TORMENTED by devils

The SUPERNATURAL battle

The CURED mind

WORKS of darkness

The SPIRIT of GOD

Sin AWARENESS

The GOSPEL on HEALING

Many Ways To Be Kind


Images: Clipart Library


SIMPLE survival STRATEGY

 Job 38:36 King James Version 36 Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts?  or who hath given understanding to the heart ? It may be a harsh ...