Top Bible Passages – January

Keeping it simple tonight with top three six Bible passages of January from my studies.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”  (Galatians 2:20-21)

“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.”  (Psalms 12:6-7)

The Real Rock

Tonight we will be looking at the teaching of the Catholic Church as well as most of Christendom today that Peter is the rock the Church was founded upon. The following passage from Matthew is utilized for this purpose:

“He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”  (Matthew 16:15-18)

Now let’s look at who the Rock is in the rest of Scripture.

The Rock of Matthew 16:18 must refer to Peter’s confession that Jesus was the Christ, the Rock. For if Peter was the rock, then the rock was Satan for as we see in this verse Jesus himself calls Peter Satan just a few verses later.

“But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”  (Matthew 16:23)

The Rock can’t be Satan and no where else in God’s Word is it anyone other than His own precious Son so it obviously isn’t Peter. The real Rock is Christ, only Christ, always Christ!

Who Is This Light?

I felt led the other day to begin an in-depth study on the books of John, particularly the lovely ways he shows us just who the Light is. I had been working my way through a chronological reading plan for a while but occasionally God tells me to detour, it always ends up being profitable so I have learned to just go with it. This detour has been no exception, I am using my Henry Morris Study (Defenders) Bible my husband bought me a few months ago, it brings some wonderful points out and has lifted my spirits greatly. I think my favorite tidbit though has been just how beautifully John tells us just who Jesus is! Just in the first chapter’s first verses we see into the heart of our sweet Savior, being drawn closer ever closer to our Creator and Redeemer!

I will do a longer post on this tomorrow Lord willing but tonight I want you to read the following passages, or read John chapter 1 completely and ruminate on it, marinate in it, digest it in preparation for tomorrow’s post. Get to know the one who made you, and bought you!

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”  (John 1:1-5)

“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”  (John 1:9-14)

Calamities

Psalms 57:1  Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

This verse is so comforting, a balm for weary souls facing calamities. Which we all face from time to time. Granted some calamities are worse than others but in the moment we are facing them we’re just trying to get through it. Trying to come out the other side in one piece.

If our souls as David’s are trusting in God then all we need to do is seek the shadow of His strong wings. Repeatedly we are told not to fear (366 times to be exact), to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, to let the Lord fight for us, etc. All we have to do is seek Him, trust Him, give it all to Him.

However, if our souls reject and deny God then we are on our own. We have only ourselves to rely on and well that’s not a good place to be. We have to face our calamities relying only upon our own wits and maybe the wits of a few friends or family. All of whom are human just like us, are facing their own issues and are just as weak spiritually as we are. This is a terrifying place to be.

Tonight I ask you to consider this Psalm, consider if you like David cry out to God your Creator for mercy? or do you go it alone lost, alone, helpless, hopeless? I pray you are crying out to God trusting in your soul for His protection because you are His!

It Is Time

That’s just the truth of it. It is time to get real, face truth, get right, and busy! Today was Resurrection Sunday, a day focused on the new beginning we have in Jesus. Wednesday I was focused on his sacrifice, his suffering , his death but today it has been all about his subsequent glorious triumph! All about an empty tomb, hope, life, promise, resurrection. All about my Savior! I look around me and I see hurting hearts that don’t know him yet and I think it is time. I see the bright golden daffodils and know it is time. I see those first golden leaves of spring and remember time is fleeting. Act now as this selection from Morning and Evening by Spurgeon.

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“It is time to seek the Lord.” — Hos 10:12

This month of April is said to derive its name from the Latin verb aperio, which signifies to open, because all the buds and blossoms are now opening, and we have arrived at the gates of the flowery year. Reader, if you are yet unsaved, may your heart, in accord with the universal awakening of nature, be opened to receive the Lord. Every blossoming flower warns you that it is time to seek the Lord; be not out of tune with nature, but let your heart bud and bloom with holy desires. Do you tell me that the warm blood of youth leaps in your veins? then, I entreat you, give your vigour to the Lord. It was my unspeakable happiness to be called in early youth, and I could fain praise the Lord every day for it. Salvation is priceless, let it come when it may, but oh! an early salvation has a double value in it. Young men and maidens, since you may perish ere you reach your prime, “It is time to seek the Lord.” Ye who feel the first signs of decay, quicken your pace: that hollow cough, that hectic flush, are warnings which you must not trifle with; with you it is indeed time to seek the Lord. Did I observe a little grey mingled with your once luxurious tresses? Years are stealing on apace, and death is drawing nearer by hasty marches, let each return of spring arouse you to set your house in order. Dear reader, if you are now advanced in life, let me entreat and implore you to delay no longer. There is a day of grace for you now-be thankful for that, but it is a limited season and grows shorter every time that clock ticks. Here in this silent chamber, on this first night of another month, I speak to you as best I can by paper and ink, and from my inmost soul, as God’s servant, I lay before you this warning, “It is time to seek the Lord.” Slight not that work, it may be your last call from destruction, the final syllable from the lip of grace.

Where’s Virtue?

** Previously scheduled repost.

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For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.  Psalms 11:7

Whatever happened to virtue, morals, decency?

It seems to be a forgotten idea, one no longer in relevant in our world where relativism is the way of society.  Do what thou wilt seems to be the law of the land and right and wrong are subject to each persons own perception.  There is no standard, no absolutes, just a lot of people doing what feels right to them at that moment.  It seems the world is bent on calling evil good and good evil just as the Scriptures said they would.

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

Isaiah 5:20-21

God tells us there are absolutes, there are morals, decency is a thing to strive for, virtue is still relevant, and it most certainly matters.  Consider for instance what James Ryle says in his book Rylisms concerning virtue:

It’s a word we don’t often hear much anymore. It didn’t use to be that way. A glance down the Hallway of History is illuminated with many great quotes regarding virtuous living. Here are but a few choice examples:

• “Even in decline, a virtuous man increases the beauty of his behavior. A burning stick, though turned to the ground, yet has its flame drawn upwards.”(Saskya Pandita, Tibetan Monk, 1120).

• “When a virtuous man is raised, it brings gladness to his friends, grief to his enemies, and glory to his posterity.” So said William Johnson, English Dramatist, 1572.

• “No people can be great who have ceased to be virtuous.” (Samuel Johnson, English poet 1750).

• Benjamin Franklin picked up on this and said, “There never was a truly great man that was not at the same time truly virtuous.” (1780).

• During the crisis of the Civil War, Frederick Douglas said, “The life of a nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.” (1865).

I ask, Whatever happened to Virtue? Somewhere along the way we shifted gears and covertly turned a cold shoulder to such notions. And now we are a Nation more given to Vice than to Virtue. How did this happen?

Somewhere back there several years ago, a group of so-and-so’s decided to do a social experiment, which was founded upon the faulty notion that Life and all things in it is better without God. And they call this Enlightenment.

According to these illuminated and superior souls — Business is better without God. Politics are better without God. Education is better without God. Sex is better without God. Money is better without God. Society is better without God. The Arts are better without God.

But, clearly, such thinking is pure nonsense — and we see the full fruit of these sown seeds now shown openly in the dismal indifference which characterizes a society of non-virtuous people. Selfishness trumps self-sacrifice; personal interests take priority over the needs and concerns of others; petty arguments have replaced great debates — and this little piggy said, “ME, ME, ME,” all the way home.

But God is moving among us even still. He is summoning a people who hunger for that which is virtuous. Maybe you are one of them, and your heart is being drawn to the higher and nobler things of God. If that be so, then ponder Paul’s timeless counsel,

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Philippians 4:8

VIRTUE — A Cluster of Many Noble Things

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  2 Peter 1:3

The old familiar song says, “Love is a many splendored thing” (lyrics by Paul Francis Webster). In the same sentiment, “Virtue is a many ennobled thing.”

VIRTUE, in a word, is the character of Jesus Christ. It is the power of moral excellence which produces character so great, conduct so becoming, and conversation so compelling – that the world is never the same for having seen it, and experienced it, and heard it.

We were called to Jesus by His glory and virtue — not just to behold and adore it; but to share in it. To become ourselves an extension of it in our own sphere of influence. “The works that I do, you shall do,” Jesus said, “and even greater works than these shall you do, for I go to My Father.”

Imagine the impact upon this planet when the one Jesus of Nazareth becomes increasingly multiplied over and over in the millions of His followers all around the world. Why, a wave of virtue would sweep this globe in such measure that the glory of the Lord would cover the earth as waters cover the sea.

VIRTUE in not one thing; it is a cluster of many noble things. It is humility in victory; no gloating or taunting in the defeat of an opponent. It is silence in suffering; no whimpering or whining to others over the unfairness of our trials. It is generosity in wealth; no hoarding of great riches in excess of reason, while others suffer great excess of want.

Virtue is kindness in power; no cruelty and indifference to those who look to you for leadership. It is decisiveness in crisis; no waffling, or shifting, nor shirking of responsibilities. It is courage in battle; no cowering in fear while others take the hit.

Virtue is grace in greatness. May you in all things at all times be known as a virtuous person.

And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.  Mark 4:24

It grieves my heart to see the lack of virtue in the world today.  To see sex everywhere – even in so called children’s programming, the most innocent of our society babies still in the womb are murdered by the millions every single day, people lie, cheat, steal and kill like I change clothes – it’s no big deal if it seems right to them.  Mind altering substances are pushed, promoted and even celebrated by society, false religions are taught in our schools.  But the name of Jesus or mentioning God will get a child thrown out and punished immediately.  The sinnful fallen condition of this world is more apparent now than er and it’s time we do something about it.  It’s time to start taking it back, brothers and sisters.  Start taking a stand for God’s laws, the perfect 10 as I call them.  Let’s stand for decency, turn off the t.v or walk out of the movie when the language or content is not something you’d want your child to see or hear.  Or when the Lord’s name is used inappropriately, God’s is our Father, the Creator, he is holy, just and good- His name deserves to be treated as such.  Let’s cry out for life, and against the violence and murder that fills the news each day.  Let’s stand for purity, innocence, love.  Real love, not the perversions that charade as it today.  Let’s take back the world one moment at a time.  We can do this with our Father leading us.

I won’t say it is easy, it isn’t always.  We’ve had to make tough decisions that others didn’t always seem to get.  We’ve turned off movies for the language, blasphemy, or adult content.  We homeschool our son in part because God called us to get him out the secular school system, really a pagan environment where they teach the religion of evolution, humanism, even Islam now, but God’s name is forbidden and a child even silently praying to their Father or his Son is grounds for expulsion.  Non-believing family members shun us, so called friends ignore us, people are mean when I openly proclaim my faith.  But on the flip side because we don’t live like the world but try to live more like Jesus sometimes people notice.  Sometimes it encourages a fellow believer to step out in faith as well.  A simple God bless you to a stranger on the phone can speak volumes, or to a clerk in a store.  You never know how God might use even the smallest step back to virtue!  I urge you to start taking virtue back, proclaim the Lord’s name everyday, everywhere, let’s start a R3VOLUT1ON!

As always brothers and sisters in Christ may God the Father bless and keep you!

Help Lord

** Previously scheduled repost.

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Help, Lord. — Psa_12:1

The prayer itself is remarkable, for it is short, but seasonable, sententious, and suggestive. David mourned the fewness of faithful men, and therefore lifted up his heart in supplication-when the creature failed, he flew to the Creator. He evidently felt his own weakness, or he would not have cried for help; but at the same time he intended honestly to exert himself for the cause of truth, for the word “help” is inapplicable where we ourselves do nothing. There is much of directness, clearness of perception, and distinctness of utterance in this petition of two words; much more, indeed, than in the long rambling outpourings of certain professors. The Psalmist runs straight-forward to his God, with a well-considered prayer; he knows what he is seeking, and where to seek it. Lord, teach us to pray in the same blessed manner.

The occasions for the use of this prayer are frequent. In providential afflictions how suitable it is for tried believers who find all helpers failing them. Students, in doctrinal difficulties, may often obtain aid by lifting up this cry of “Help, Lord,” to the Holy Spirit, the great Teacher. Spiritual warriors in inward conflicts may send to the throne for reinforcements, and this will be a model for their request. Workers in heavenly labour may thus obtain grace in time of need. Seeking sinners, in doubts and alarms, may offer up the same weighty supplication; in fact, in all these cases, times, and places, this will serve the turn of needy souls. “Help, Lord,” will suit us living and dying, suffering or labouring, rejoicing or sorrowing. In him our help is found, let us not be slack to cry to him.

The answer to the prayer is certain, if it be sincerely offered through Jesus. The Lord’s character assures us that he will not leave his people; his relationship as Father and Husband guarantee us his aid; his gift of Jesus is a pledge of every good thing; and his sure promise stands, “Fear not, I WILL HELP THEE.”

The above devotional was taken from Morning and Evening by Spurgeon.

Comfort In God

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. Psalms 4:8

This was the verse of the day the other day on one of my bible apps, I found it to be greatly comforting.  I spent most of my morning and early afternoon reading the prophets, and let me just say that I am always stunned by the accuracy of the prophecies given.  God is so amazing, so true, so merciful to give us a heads up on what to expect.  And to give us comfort like the verse from Psalm 4 to still our trembling hearts when we read hard, difficult parts of the Word, or face tribulations and trials in this life.  I know I can turn to the Word of God for the answers, for strength, and wisdom.  I know this because I know that God’s word is 100% infallible, 100% true.  When God says something in His Word I know it’s sure.

But I digress that wasn’t the point of this post exactly.  I wanted to share some words of comfort, hope, love with you all.  We are living in strange times, the world seems to have gone somewhat off the deep end of sanity.  Riots, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, killings, threats of war – that’s the world we live in; it’s also the world that God told us would come in the last days.  It’s a bleak picture for the world and those that are of it.  But when we look to God’s Word we find hope, comfort and most of all love.  That’s what I want to share with you words of hope, comfort, and God’s great merciful love.

Let’s start with words of comfort from the Word of God.  We can all use comfort as we face the challenges of this world, God provides that comfort when we rely on Him, seek His wisdom, His will.

Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Psalms 25:6

His tender mercies, I love that, our lives abound with tender mercies when we place our trust in Him.  Trusting in the Father and his Son gives us the strength, courage, and wisdom to face the challenges that come our way.  He will never leave or forsake us, nor will he ever cause us to be mislead.  Instead when the world and it’s trials, temptations, and tribulations threatens us we can trust in Him to quicken us, filling us with the Spirit and carrying us through.  These are truths we find when we spend time in the Word, little treasures of comfort, tender mercies scattered lovingly throughout the pages.

In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. Psalms 71:1

This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. Psalms 119:50

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4

Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. 2 Thessalonians 2:17

 

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Psalms 121:1-2

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. Psalms 31:24

Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; Psalms 33:18

The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.  Lamentations 3:24-26

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.  Romans 5:2-5

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Romans 12:12

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:37-39

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)   Ephesians 2:4-5

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Ephesians 5:2

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 1 John 3:16

We love him, because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  John 3:16-17

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13

There are so many instances of comfort contained in the pages of our Bibles that I am just sharing my favorites.  If you have a good concordance or bible software or app then I encourage you to do a thorough study of comfort, hope and love throughout Scripture.  It will prove most profitable blessing and reassuring you of the love of the Father, Son and Spirit for you.

As always my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ may the Father bless, keep and strengthen you as you continue to:

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12

knowing that you can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth you. Philippians 4:13

Labor For Bread

Tomorrow is labor day here in the USA, it’s a day usually associated with cook outs, appliance sales, and very little mention about what the day is supposed to be about.  I rarely remember hearing or reading anything about it being a day to celebrate work!  Which got me to thinking about labor, work.  Most people I know tend to consider labor or work as being their job, the one that pays the bills.  It’s just what they do and their life begins when it ends each day.  Their lack of passion for the tasks done during those hours, for the spark and drive of those moments is lost on them.  But is this a biblical way to look at our labor, our work, our jobs.  I decided to do a quick study on labor and see what Scripture says about it.  I came up with way too many references, hundreds, so I chose the most relevant and ones that called to me.

Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: Exodus 20:9

Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise. Nehemiah 5:13

Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening. Psalms 104:23

For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Psalms 128:2

The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin. Proverbs 10:16

Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. Proverbs 13:11

In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. Proverbs 14:23

The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. Proverbs 21:25

Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Proverbs 6:6

There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. Ecclesiastes 2:24

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:13

Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion. Ecclesiastes 5:18

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:19

Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. Ecclesiastes 9:9

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Ephesians 4:28

So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
1 Corinthians 3:7-9

Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.  John 6:26-40

Labor not for meat, but for Jesus our Savior!  That’s basically what it is all about.  It doesn’t matter what your labor, work, job is; every moment of every day we are awake is a moment to serve God, to labor for Jesus and that is how we ought to live.  We ought to embrace and rejoice in our work, striving and celebrating the opportunities we have to share the saving knowledge of Christ.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. …Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:31 & 33

As always my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ may the Father bless, keep and strengthen you as you continue to:

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12

knowing that you can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth you. Philippians 4:13

Where’s Virtue?

For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.  Psalms 11:7

Whatever happened to virtue, morals, decency?

It seems to be a forgotten idea, one no longer in relevant in our world where relativism is the way of society.  Do what thou wilt seems to be the law of the land and right and wrong are subject to each persons own perception.  There is no standard, no absolutes, just a lot of people doing what feels right to them at that moment.  It seems the world is bent on calling evil good and good evil just as the Scriptures said they would.

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Isaiah 5:20-21

God tells us there are absolutes, there are morals, decency is a thing to strive for, virtue is still relevant, and it most certainly matters.  Consider for instance what James Ryle says in his book Rylisms concerning virtue:

It’s a word we don’t often hear much anymore. It didn’t use to be that way. A glance down the Hallway of History is illuminated with many great quotes regarding virtuous living. Here are but a few choice examples:
• “Even in decline, a virtuous man increases the beauty of his behavior. A burning stick, though turned to the ground, yet has its flame drawn upwards.”(Saskya Pandita, Tibetan Monk, 1120).
• “When a virtuous man is raised, it brings gladness to his friends, grief to his enemies, and glory to his posterity.” So said William Johnson, English Dramatist, 1572.
• “No people can be great who have ceased to be virtuous.” (Samuel Johnson, English poet 1750).
• Benjamin Franklin picked up on this and said, “There never was a truly great man that was not at the same time truly virtuous.” (1780).
• During the crisis of the Civil War, Frederick Douglas said, “The life of a nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.” (1865).

I ask, Whatever happened to Virtue? Somewhere along the way we shifted gears and covertly turned a cold shoulder to such notions. And now we are a Nation more given to Vice than to Virtue. How did this happen?

Somewhere back there several years ago, a group of so-and-so’s decided to do a social experiment, which was founded upon the faulty notion that Life and all things in it is better without God. And they call this Enlightenment.

According to these illuminated and superior souls — Business is better without God. Politics are better without God. Education is better without God. Sex is better without God. Money is better without God. Society is better without God. The Arts are better without God.

But, clearly, such thinking is pure nonsense — and we see the full fruit of these sown seeds now shown openly in the dismal indifference which characterizes a society of non-virtuous people. Selfishness trumps self-sacrifice; personal interests take priority over the needs and concerns of others; petty arguments have replaced great debates — and this little piggy said, “ME, ME, ME,” all the way home.
But God is moving among us even still. He is summoning a people who hunger for that which is virtuous. Maybe you are one of them, and your heart is being drawn to the higher and nobler things of God. If that be so, then ponder Paul’s timeless counsel,

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Philippians 4:8

VIRTUE — A Cluster of Many Noble Things

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  2 Peter 1:3

The old familiar song says, “Love is a many splendored thing” (lyrics by Paul Francis Webster). In the same sentiment, “Virtue is a many ennobled thing.”
VIRTUE, in a word, is the character of Jesus Christ. It is the power of moral excellence which produces character so great, conduct so becoming, and conversation so compelling – that the world is never the same for having seen it, and experienced it, and heard it.
We were called to Jesus by His glory and virtue — not just to behold and adore it; but to share in it. To become ourselves an extension of it in our own sphere of influence. “The works that I do, you shall do,” Jesus said, “and even greater works than these shall you do, for I go to My Father.”

Imagine the impact upon this planet when the one Jesus of Nazareth becomes increasingly multiplied over and over in the millions of His followers all around the world. Why, a wave of virtue would sweep this globe in such measure that the glory of the Lord would cover the earth as waters cover the sea.

VIRTUE in not one thing; it is a cluster of many noble things. It is humility in victory; no gloating or taunting in the defeat of an opponent. It is silence in suffering; no whimpering or whining to others over the unfairness of our trials. It is generosity in wealth; no hoarding of great riches in excess of reason, while others suffer great excess of want.

Virtue is kindness in power; no cruelty and indifference to those who look to you for leadership. It is decisiveness in crisis; no waffling, or shifting, nor shirking of responsibilities. It is courage in battle; no cowering in fear while others take the hit.
Virtue is grace in greatness. May you in all things at all times be known as a virtuous person.

And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.  Mark 4:24

It grieves my heart to see the lack of virtue in the world today.  To see sex everywhere – even in so called children’s programming, the most innocent of our society babies still in the womb are murdered by the millions every single day, people lie, cheat, steal and kill like I change clothes – it’s no big deal if it seems right to them.  Mind altering substances are pushed, promoted and even celebrated by society, false religions are taught in our schools.  But the name of Jesus or mentioning God will get a child thrown out and punished immediately.  The sinnful fallen condition of this world is more apparent now than er and it’s time we do something about it.  It’s time to start taking it back, brothers and sisters.  Start taking a stand for God’s laws, the perfect 10 as I call them.  Let’s stand for decency, turn off the t.v or walk out of the movie when the language or content is not something you’d want your child to see or hear.  Or when the Lord’s name is used inappropriately, God’s is our Father, the Creator, he is holy, just and good- His name deserves to be treated as such.  Let’s cry out for life, and against the violence and murder that fills the news each day.  Let’s stand for purity, innocence, love.  Real love, not the perversions that charade as it today.  Let’s take back the world one moment at a time.  We can do this with our Father leading us.

I won’t say it is easy, it isn’t always.  We’ve had to make tough decisions that others didn’t always seem to get.  We’ve turned off movies for the language, blasphemy, or adult content.  We homeschool our son in part because God called us to get him out the secular school system, really a pagan environment where they teach the religion of evolution, humanism, even Islam now, but God’s name is forbidden and a child even silently praying to their Father or his Son is grounds for expulsion.  Non-believing family members shun us, so called friends ignore us, people are mean when I openly proclaim my faith.  But on the flip side because we don’t live like the world but try to live more like Jesus sometimes people notice.  Sometimes it encourages a fellow believer to step out in faith as well.  A simple God bless you to a stranger on the phone can speak volumes, or to a clerk in a store.  You never know how God might use even the smallest step back to virtue!  I urge you to start taking virtue back, proclaim the Lord’s name everyday, everywhere, let’s start a R3VOLUT1ON!

As always brothers and sisters in Christ may God the Father bless and keep you!