Toil:
To be engaged in physical or mental activity in order to achieve a purpose or result, especially in one’s job; do work.
Toil
Category: An Explanation
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Works
Works:
Be engaged in physical or mental activity in order to achieve a purpose or result, especially in one’s job; do work.
Ephesus
Ephesus
The capital of proconsular Asia, which was the western part of Asia Minor. It was colonized principally from Athens. In the time of the Romans it bore the title of “the first and greatest metropolis of Asia.” It was distinguished for the Temple of Diana, who there had her chief shrine; and for its theatre, which was the largest in the world, capable of containing 50,000 spectators. It was, like all ancient theatres, open to the sky.
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” Revelation 2:1-7 ESV
The Place to be
Ephesus was 3 miles from the western coast of Asia Minor, and opposite the island of Samos. With an artificial harbor accessible to the largest ships, and rivaling the harbor at Miletus, standing at the entrance of the valley which reaches far into the interior of Asia Minor, and connected by highways with the chief cities of the province, Ephesus was the most easily accessible city in Asia, both by land and sea. Its location, therefore, favored its religious, political and commercial development, and presented a most advantageous field for the missionary labors of Paul. The city stood upon the sloping sides and at the base of two hills, Prion and Coressus, commanding a beautiful view; its climate was exceptionally fine, and the soil of the valley was unusually fertile.
Permissible
Not only was the temple of Diana a place of worship, and a treasure-house, but it was also a museum in which the best statuary and most beautiful paintings were preserved. Among the paintings was one by the famous Apelles, a native of Ephesus, representing Alexander the Great hurling a thunderbolt. It was also a sanctuary for the criminal, a kind of city of refuge, for none might be arrested for any crime whatever when within a bowshot of its walls. There sprang up, therefore, about the temple a village in which the thieves and murderers and other criminals made their homes. Not only did the temple bring vast numbers of pilgrims to the city, as does the Kaaba at Mecca at the present time, but it employed hosts of people apart from the priests and priestesses; among them were the large number of artisans who manufactured images of the goddess Diana, or shrines to sell to the visiting strangers.
There and Gone
In time the pilgrims, with decreasing faith in Diana, came in fewer numbers; the sales of the shrines of the goddess fell off; Diana of the Ephesians was no longer great; a Christian church was founded there and flourished, and one of its first leaders was the apostle John. Finally in 262 ad, when the temple of Diana was again burned, its influence had so far departed that it was never again rebuilt. Diana was dead. Ephesus became a Christian city, and in 341 ad a council of the Christian church was held there. The city itself soon lost its importance and decreased in population. The sculptured stones of its great buildings, which were no longer in use and were falling to ruins, were carried away to Italy, and especially to Constantinople for the great church of Saint Sophia. In 1308 the Turks took possession of the little that remained of the city, and deported or murdered its inhabitants.
Getting to Know Him
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Citations:
Esword
“Sword: Free Bible Study for the PC.” Eastons Bible Dictionary, International Bible Encyclopedia, e-sword.net/.
Bible Gateway
“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages., http://www.biblegateway.com/.
ESV
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Repent
Repent
Definition: to feel such sorrow for sin or fault as to be disposed to change one’s life for the better; be penitent.
Synonyms: apologize, atone, deplore, lament, reform, regret, relent, sorrow, be ashamed, be sorry, feel remorse
What does the bible say:
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Temptation
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: He shall give His angels charge over you and In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, you shall not tempt the Lord your God.” Again the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, “you shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. Mark 4:1-11
Now as we look further the devil shows how deceitful and tricky he can be. The devil now uses the words of Jesus Himself “for it is written”, this is a perfect example of how the devil uses any means necessary to deceive anyone he is trying to overcome. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14 The devil will even try and use the bible to confirm his detours, make sure you are familiar with the words that God gave us. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 We are told in the bible the closer we get to Christ’s return it is going to get even easier for the devil to deceive people: For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 With this said you can see how the devil will be able to trick people, he will tell them what they want to hear, they will look to their own knowledge not trusting what God has told us all in the bible. Trust Him, have the faith of the mustard seed allowing God to be your guide.
Temptation
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: He shall give His angels charge over you and In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, you shall not tempt the Lord your God.” Again the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, “you shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. Mark 4:1-11
What do you think Jesus meant when He said: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God? There are times when we worry that God will not have your back; the difficult yet easy thing to do is trust Him He’s there for you. Later in the book of John we are reminded that: Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. John 6:31-59 God took care of the Israelites while they were on the 40 year journey to the Promised Land, yes remember 40 years. He further reminds us: Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26 These history lessons in the bible are there to show us just how much He is willing to do for each one of us. It does not matter if He is taking care of the birds that fly or helping a whole civilization survive. God tells us in Ezekiel 34:11-31 “ Behold, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel. I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God. REMEMBER you are one of His sheep, He is your shepherd and will take care of you.
His Sheep
Dear Heavenly Father, I feel like I can’t breath, like I am being suffocated. Everything around me is going wrong Lord every direction I move causes me more and more anguish. Lord help me to take a breath, guide my path and help me escape all of the persecution that I feel. Lord send the Holy Spirit to be my guide, filling me completely and covering me with the blood of Jesus Christ. In Jesus Name Amen
When everything seems to overwhelm you, you feel like you are being attacked. The whole world seems to be against you, worst yet it feels like God is punishing you remember what He told you: “ Behold, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel. I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God. REMEMBER you are one of His sheep, He is your shepherd and will take care of you. Ezekiel 34:11-31
Temptation
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: He shall give His angels charge over you and In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, you shall not tempt the Lord your God.” Again the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, “you shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. Mark 4:1-11
And Jesus answered it is written; have you ever contemplated what this would refer to. We have been told that all scripture comes from God: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16 So when Jesus says it is written He is referring to the Old Testament (Torah) at the time there were no letters from Paul, the gospels had not been written, Jesus had not completed his ministry. So when he is saying it is written you need to look no further than the bible itself. “Always remember For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope”. Romans 15:4
Temptation
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: He shall give His angels charge over you and In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, you shall not tempt the Lord your God.” Again the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, “you shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. Mark 4:1-11
While Jesus was in the wilderness He was fasting, let’s consider what exactly fasting is. A fast is quite simply not eating food for a personal set amount of time. The Christian view of a fast takes it a little further, it is a time to abstain from anything distracting you from keeping your eye’s on God’s will and humbling yourself before God. It is a time to prayer and repentance looking into ourselves and asking for God’s direction. Daniel was a man focused on what God wanted him to do, he would fast to understand what God wanted. This is what Daniel would do: At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over. Daniel 10:2-3 Isaiah puts it this way after some had fasted making fasting into a show and trying to garner personal gain: Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the Lord? “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Isaiah 58:5-7 He was scolding the people he was addressing but it is a great definition for consideration when you are wondering what a fast is.
Temptation
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: He shall give His angels charge over you and In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, you shall not tempt the Lord your God.” Again the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, “you shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. Mark 4:1-11
So Jesus knew exactly what He was walking into, He did not say there’s, “no way I am going for a stroll in the wilderness”. In fact not only did He walk into the wilderness but He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. You know your limitations could you face this kind of temptation with nothing to eat? He was tired, grumpy, weak and ready to grab a burger this is when the devil approached Him. Most of us would have said no thank you, it is one thing to face an adversary when you have it all together but at the point when you are at your weakest; really! Jesus knew that when He walked into this attack that He would have help: I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Temptation
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: He shall give His angels charge over you and In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, you shall not tempt the Lord your God.” Again the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, “you shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. Mark 4:1-11
“Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness”; have you ever really thought about who the Spirit was? Lets see if we can analytically break this statement down; always remember that when you have a question about the bible always use the bible as your reference it will answer all of the questions you have. So what does the bible say the spirit is: And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 11:2 Think about that; Isaiah explains it well the spirit is a counselor, a source of strength, knowledge, and a foundation of respect. It’s our Lord’s Spirit; even Jesus was led by the spirit, this is the very same Spirit that we are given as our guide. We should use His example as an explanation of what we should be doing. He listened to the spirit allowing the spirit to be His guide. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13
Knowledge
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to understand all that You have for me to know, all that You want me to do. Fill my heart with Your unending wisdom. In Jesus Name Amen
For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul Proverbs 2:10
Temptation 1
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: He shall give His angels charge over you and In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, you shall not tempt the Lord your God.” Again the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, “you shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. Mark 4:1-11
When we read this there is so much knowledge we can gain if we look a little deeper in the notion of temptation. The synonyms of temptation are: Lure, enticement, attraction, offer, invitation, pull, bait, turn-on, desire, urge, impulse, compulsion, longing, wish, appeal. When we look at these words used to describe what temptation is it really is no wonder why the devil is able to deceive us as easy as he does. When Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness have you ever thought about….. MORE
Jesus is Coming the Prophesies
Did you know that the Old Testament in the bible contains enough prophesies about Jesus Christ that statistically it cannot be rationally explained without an overabundance of speculation? Over and over again in the Old Testament the prophets where instructed by God that the Messiah would come to be the King and be a sacrifice for our sins. We have been given this awesome opportunity to become part of His family, to be able to share the love and the protection that has been granted to us. He gave us free will to choose if we want to be with Him in heaven all you have to do is accept it. We will link together a number of these prophesies in the bible as we go. Always remember to read your bible so that you know that what is said here and anywhere else is from God and not from human input. Never believe what others say without testing their words we have been given a guide, the bible, that came from God Himself.
Jesus is Coming the Prophesies
Did you know that the Old Testament in the bible contains enough prophesies about Jesus Christ that statistically it cannot be rationally explained without an overabundance of speculation? Over and over again in the Old Testament the prophets where instructed by God that the Messiah would come to be the King and be a sacrifice for our sins. We have been given this awesome opportunity to become part of His family, to be able to share the love and the protection that has been granted to us. He gave us free will to choose if we want to be with Him in heaven all you have to do is accept it. We will link together a number of these prophesies in the bible as we go. Always remember to read your bible so that you know that what is said here and anywhere else is from God and not from human input. Never believe what others say without testing their words we have been given a guide, the bible, that came from God Himself.
Jesus is Coming the Prophesies
Did you know that the Old Testament in the bible contains enough prophesies about Jesus Christ that statistically it cannot be rationally explained without an overabundance of speculation? Over and over again in the Old Testament the prophets where instructed by God that the Messiah would come to be the King and be a sacrifice for our sins. We have been given this awesome opportunity to become part of His family, to be able to share the love and the protection that has been granted to us. He gave us free will to choose if we want to be with Him in heaven all you have to do is accept it. We will link together a number of these prophesies in the bible as we go. Always remember to read your bible so that you know that what is said here and anywhere else is from God and not from human input. Never believe what others say without testing their words we have been given a guide, the bible, that came from God Himself.
Jesus is Coming the Prophesies
Did you know that the Old Testament in the bible contains enough prophesies about Jesus Christ that statistically it cannot be rationally explained without an overabundance of speculation? Over and over again in the Old Testament the prophets where instructed by God that the Messiah would come to be the King and be a sacrifice for our sins. We have been given this awesome opportunity to become part of His family, to be able to share the love and the protection that has been granted to us. He gave us free will to choose if we want to be with Him in heaven all you have to do is accept it. We will link together a number of these prophesies in the bible as we go. Always remember to read your bible so that you know that what is said here and anywhere else is from God and not from human input. Never believe what others say without testing their words we have been given a guide, the bible, that came from God Himself.
Jesus is Coming the Prophesies
Did you know that the Old Testament in the bible contains enough prophesies about Jesus Christ that statistically it cannot be rationally explained without an overabundance of speculation? Over and over again in the Old Testament the prophets where instructed by God that the Messiah would come to be the King and be a sacrifice for our sins. We have been given this awesome opportunity to become part of His family, to be able to share the love and the protection that has been granted to us. He gave us free will to choose if we want to be with Him in heaven all you have to do is accept it. We will link together a number of these prophesies in the bible as we go. Always remember to read your bible so that you know that what is said here and anywhere else is from God and not from human input. Never believe what others say without testing their words we have been given a guide, the bible, that came from God Himself.
Jesus is Coming the Prophesies
Did you know that the Old Testament in the bible contains enough prophesies about Jesus Christ that statistically it cannot be rationally explained without an overabundance of speculation? Over and over again in the Old Testament the prophets where instructed by God that the Messiah would come to be the King and be a sacrifice for our sins. We have been given this awesome opportunity to become part of His family, to be able to share the love and the protection that has been granted to us. He gave us free will to choose if we want to be with Him in heaven all you have to do is accept it. We will link together a number of these prophesies in the bible as we go. Always remember to read your bible so that you know that what is said here and anywhere else is from God and not from human input. Never believe what others say without testing their words we have been given a guide, the bible, that came from God Himself.
Jesus is Coming the Prophesies
Did you know that the Old Testament in the bible contains enough prophesies about Jesus Christ that statistically it cannot be rationally explained without an overabundance of speculation? Over and over again in the Old Testament the prophets where instructed by God that the Messiah would come to be the King and be a sacrifice for our sins. We have been given this awesome opportunity to become part of His family, to be able to share the love and the protection that has been granted to us. He gave us free will to choose if we want to be with Him in heaven all you have to do is accept it. We will link together a number of these prophesies in the bible as we go. Always remember to read your bible so that you know that what is said here and anywhere else is from God and not from human input. Never believe what others say without testing their words we have been given a guide, the bible, that came from God Himself.
Jesus is Coming the Prophesies
Did you know that the Old Testament in the bible contains enough prophesies about Jesus Christ that statistically it cannot be rationally explained without an overabundance of speculation? Over and over again in the Old Testament the prophets where instructed by God that the Messiah would come to be the King and be a sacrifice for our sins. We have been given this awesome opportunity to become part of His family, to be able to share the love and the protection that has been granted to us. He gave us free will to choose if we want to be with Him in heaven all you have to do is accept it. We will link together a number of these prophesies in the bible as we go. Always remember to read your bible so that you know that what is said here and anywhere else is from God and not from human input. Never believe what others say without testing their words we have been given a guide, the bible, that came from God Himself.
Don’t be Fooled!
Dear Heavenly Father, guide me in everything Lord so that I am not fooled by smooth talking deceitful people that are either deceived themselves or looking for self-gratification. Just give me the wisdom that I need to discern what is true and right. In Jesus Name Amen
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Matthew 7:15
Do you Hear Him?
Sometimes when we hear Him it is hard to take that step that He wants us to take. What will they think? Will this insult them in a way they will never speak to me again? Does He really want me to stop that? I am the first to admit that I over think everything. I have found that when I do what God asks me to do it always works out for the best; I do not always get to see the results right away. That first step is the hardest to take, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8
Dear Heavenly Father; as You speak to me Lord just help give me the wisdom to understand what You want me to do. Open my ears so that I can make Your thoughts my thoughts, Your ways my ways. Give me the strength to walk the walk on the path that lies in front of me. When walking this path give me wings like eagles and hold me in Your righteous right hand. In Jesus Name Amen
Under New Management
Did you realize that when you ask Jesus into your heart and follow His teachings in the bible you are under new management? The ways of this world are controlled by ego, money, and selfishness. We are told so many times that we have a new boss:
- We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. John 5:19
- Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, Ephesians 2:19
- As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. Ephesians 2:1-2
- The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. Colossians 1:15-23
Renovation
Dear Heavenly Father, You have known me and all that I have done, and all that I am. You know the good, the bad, yet You still have given me Your Grace, sharing Your unconditional love with me. Thank you for the treasures that you have granted me in my life. The decline that I have allowed to transpire in my life needed and needs the Restoration that You give to me on a daily basis. The renovation that You completed in my life has been an awesome makeover beyond words. Thank you Lord; In Jesus Name Amen
Focused on a Date! Part 4
Dear Heavenly Father, I have been looking forward to Your return my whole life and cannot wait until I get to meet you face to face. When everything around me seems to be falling apart all I can think of is how awesome it is going be when I sit in Your splendor. Lord help me to accept these issues on this earth that are making it so hard to deal with. In Jesus Name Amen
Third, there is disappointment that repeatedly gets placed in the minds of people when they keep on getting told a new date that never happens. The definition of disappointment is: sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one’s hopes or expectations. When people feel this discouragement over and over again it causes doubt that some cannot deal with, inevitably causing them to emotionally fall away from God. When this happens we are told we are opening a gateway: Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8-8 We have been told that no one knows the time or the day except the father we are allowing this inner turmoil to eat the church from the inside out, it is like a deadly bacteria. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones .Proverbs 3:7-8 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10
Finally…..
Focused on Date! Part 3
Dear Heavenly Father, this nervousness and feeling of doubt is sometimes hard to deal with Lord. Please comfort me and put a hedge of protection around me. Just give the comfort that only You can give. In Jesus Name Amen
Second, the anxiety that it causes, that kind of seems like a weird statement when we are talking about the end of the world don’t you think? There will be a certain amount of anxiety when you focus on what is going to happen on the date that Jesus Christ returns. The questions can be split into separate issues. Do you have anxiety because it is going be the end of everything as you know it. Or do you have anxiety because of a healthy respect for the Lord.If your worry comes from the idea that everything will end and there will be nothing left we have been told: Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the
world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.1 John 2:15-17 Considering a healthy fear, this is when you want to make sure you have done everything you could possibly do so that God will be completely happy with you. The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. Proverbs 8:13 If you are prepared by doing what we have been told (loving, sharing, having humility, knowing His word, being kind). If you have lived a life that is inline with what we are told to do in the bible: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34
Focused on a Date! Part 2
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to accept and understand that everything is done in Your time. I know for me it seems like it takes forever but I know You have control over what is coming. Please forgive me if I have acted like a spoiled child. Help me to focus on Your will and plan while I deal with my thoughts and devices. In Jesus Name Amen
To begin with, the discontent that people feel when they think that something is being either hidden or kept away from them is a perfect distraction; Your
adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to
devour. 1 Peter 5:8 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that
the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.1 Thessalonians 5:1 When allowing this distraction into your mind it will take your focus away from what we have been told to do by God: honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 I know what you are think well I know the bible I can do that! Stop and really meditate on that thought, ask yourself if someone came up to me and asked anything about Jesus Christ you can say with all confidence that you know everything about Him. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make
your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8
Hope & Change Explained
Hope and Change Explained
Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
We look around us day in and day out, children being murdered, molested, being used as toys for people with illicit intent. There are people so far out of their minds trying to self-medicate themselves so they do not feel the pain they have endured. People around the world are being persecuted for the way they are and the way that they believe. We have political entities that are telling us that the way we believe and think are wrong, or that we said something that was inappropriate. If we smile at someone it could be taken the wrong way, a sexual advance, maybe you’re just racist, not implying that you are just sharing the love that was given us. The surroundings that we have to put up with on a daily basis seem to be overwhelming. One thing I always remember 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. In this bible verse we can break it down into a few different parts the love of money, being content, and that He is there for you.
To begin with, money, we ask what did Jesus say? Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Jesus told us that loving money is like having another master that we devote our lives to. It does not say that are not supposed to work, it says quite the opposite. In Romans 13:7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. We are told that we are to pay our taxes, pay those we owe and respect and honor those that are due respect and honor. If we have to pay taxes and our debts that obviously means that having a job and making money is not evil. It is when we revere money over everything else is when it becomes the problem. For example; your spouse and children are expecting you home for an amazing night with the family however you stay to make some extra money so you cancel and work a few extra hours. You have now put money before your family, that is not saying that making a few extra dollars is evil, but if you do not have to work be content with what God has given you. It is when we put the search for that extra dollar over everything else in our life including family, ourselves and worst God. This is when we become entangled with a love for money over the love of everything else. In the bible it says to love your neighbor: Luke 10:27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” it does not say love your money. So when we love money so much we are breaking one of His commandments, Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.” And do not forget what Jesus said above in Luke 10:27 love Him with everything inside and out. We must remember that even 2000 years ago there were those that tried to teach that following Jesus was not for financial gain in 1 Timothy 6: 4-5 They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. In our society today we have a few that still try to teach this financial doctrine/theology we are reminded in 1 Timothy 6: 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. We need to remember to be happy with what we have, just be content.
Furthermore, being content with what we have is a virtue we should all work to attain. When we examine contentment we see there is hope: 2 Corinthians 12:10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. So what is being content? The Merriam dictionary defines being content as: freedom from worry or restlessness : peaceful satisfaction. Paul formally known as Saul left his life of Jewish servitude and comfort: Acts 22:3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today”. The bible says Gamaliel was a teacher Acts 5:34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people. At that time in history not just anybody would receive teaching except for a select few. Paul left this life and told people to be happy with what you have: Philippians 4:11-13 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. When we want what others have and are not satisfied it is call coveting. Exodus 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” We are reminded by Paul that we should watch so that we do not get snared into the deception that money makes everything better and all your worries disappear. Truth is; even the rich worry and want more, the want of money can turn into a state of mind that devours your entire being. 2 Timothy 6:6-10 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Just be content with what you have and look to him for hope know that He is there for you: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
Third, when we do not forsake Him He will not forsake us. The definition of forsake is: to renounce or turn away from entirely. God through Jesus Christ has given us the ultimate sacrifice, salvation through the blood of His Son. Matthew 1:21 “and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” We are shown that through this sacrifice that He has not and will not turn away from us. With this bible verse Hebrews 13:5 I will not leave you or forsake you; we are told throughout the entire bible and have been reassured that He is there and will take care of us. 2000 years ago the Israelite’s where sacrificing animals to cover the sins that they had committed even those people that were “good people;” there has only been one human on this earth who was perfect and free of sin, his name Jesus. Jesus was sent as a sacrifice to cover those sins that through the law could never be covered no matter how many sacrifices that were given. Hebrews 9: 11-14 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! From the beginning to the end of the bible we have been guaranteed that God is there to take care of us. From Genesis 28:15 15 I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” And as we near the end of the bible in the final chapter we are reminded once again that He has and always will have or back Revelation 1:17-18 “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
In conclusion; we have a hope that it will get better because we know the gift that was given us through Jesus Christ. John 3:16-18 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned. We have been given this gift to comfort us letting us know that God has told us from the beginning that He is there for us, has not forgotten us and will be here for all eternity wanting His people to be with Him in heaven. Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
What is the Bible?
Did you know that through the Holy Spirit God guided the people that he chose to write the bible! These words that we have been given are one of the best owners manuals you can own. When we have a question, a problem, need encouragement or anything else God wrote it down so we have His help in everything! All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.2 Timothy 3: 16-17
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