The Scripture and Prayer

Prayer is a sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Spirit for such things as God has promised.

[John Bunyan]

James 5:14 ...  Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

Matthew 21:22 ...  And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

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

Ephesians 6:18 ... Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Philippians 4:6 ... Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Colossians 4:2 ... Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

1 Peter 4:7 ... But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Proverbs 15:29 ... he Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

Psalm 6:9 ... The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.

Psalm 102:17 ... He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. ❤

Darkness Trembles

 He makes the darkness tremble.

                                                                          

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John 1:5 ... And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

James 2:19 ... Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. ❤

Like a Fire

When our Father uses the word “argue," clearly, He’s not implying we’re to verbally fight with Him to have our own way. For its every evil thing, NOT YHWH, that dwells with strife and self-ambition. (James 3:16) Instead, we’re to “plead and argue” our case with Him just as attorneys do in earthly courtrooms. And since we know attorneys need to research the world’s laws before arguing their cases, how much more should we research YHWH’s Laws before arguing a case before Him? For example, can we successfully argue in Heaven’s Court that the curse of poverty, disease, or confusion is bound (declared unlawful) in our lives, then loose (declare lawful) YHWH’s Laws of prosperity, health, and wisdom? Yes! Those Laws to name a few are found in: Matthew 18:18; Galatians 3:13-14; Deuteronomy 28; 1 Peter 2:24; Jeremiah 30:17; James 1:5; and Colossians 2:2-3.

But remember, we must always remain careful in our representation of the Kingdom of Heaven; we should never use our Yah-given power to “bind” and “loose” in vain by commanding laws that He DID NOT give, nor for our own selfish reasons. Otherwise, then we become the one who is actually illegal and, thereby, become exposed to all the wiles of the devil without the protection of YHWH’s Word to stand on. If the Judge of the Universe is to rule in our favor and grant our petitions, He must first determine that we are in compliance with His Law. Therefore, because YHWH watches over HIS Word, not ours, to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12), let us first research His Word for all the Laws, He’s given that specifically apply to whatever case we’re bringing before Him, then line up our prayers to agree with them, line upon line and precept upon precept. (Isaiah 28:10)

We cannot imitate what we do not know, and what we do not know has the power to destroy us. (John 7:49; Hosea 4:6) However, by studying and imitating the example Yeshua, The Word of YHWH (John 1:14; Revelation 19:13) came to give us, we’re able bring our case before His Throne of Grace EXPECTING to be proved right! And even if a case should prove to be too hard for us, never fear. For our merciful, loving Father is Elohim, Creator and Judge of the Universe, and has promised to argue that one for us.

[Tracie Justice]

Deuteronomy 1:17  ... Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.

Isaiah 43:26 ...  Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified. ❤

Until ...

 Pray. 

Not until God hears you, pray until you hear God!!

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1 Thessalonians 5:17 ... Pray without ceasing.

James 1:5 ... If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Jeremiah 33:3 ... Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. ❤

The Shortness and Uncertainty of Life

Life is fleeting. Imagine an hourglass with sand steadily falling from the top chamber to the bottom. You cannot see how much sand remains above. You only know that the grains are slipping away, second by second. Yet, distracted by temporary pursuits and oblivious to eternal realities--we often live as if the sands will never run out. This is a vivid picture of our lives. One day the last grain will fall, and our time will be over! Will you be ready?

The Bible teaches us to consider the brevity of life and the weight of eternity. Wisdom begins with understanding that our earthly existence is but a vapor compared to the endless expanse of eternity. In a little while it shall be said of us, "He is gone!" Let us live as men who must soon give our final account to God.

The question we must face is this: Where will we spend eternity? The Scriptures make it clear that there are only two destinations Heaven or Hell. Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

It is the height of folly to live unconcerned about such a critical question. Eternity is not something to ignore or postpone considering. To neglect our final destiny is to gamble with our eternal soul. Hebrews 9:27 reminds us, "It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment."

The sands of time are running out for each of us, and none of us knows when our last moment will come! We are not guaranteed another breath, let alone another day or year to figure it out. Eternity awaits.

Let us live wisely, with eyes fixed on eternity, making every grain of sand count for the glory of God.

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

Psalm 90:12 ...  So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Isaiah 40:7 ... The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.

James 4:14 ...  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. ❤

You Will Be Damned if You Live in Sin!

We preach salvation by grace alone, but we do not preach the salvation of those who still continue to live in sin. The children of God are a holy people, washed, purged, sanctified, and made zealous for good works. He who talks about faith but has no works to prove that his faith is a living faith is simply lying. It is faith that saves us, not works but the faith that saves us, always produces a holy life. 

God-given faith always renews the heart, changes the character, and influences the desires and motives. One who merely professes to be a Christian but lives continually in unrepentant sin shows by his life that he is not a genuine believer. The New Testament consistently affirms that saving faith always produces holiness. (James 2:17; 1 John 2:3-6) Persistent, willful, unrepentant sin demonstrates that one's profession is false. 

No doubt about it, sirs. You may be baptized and re-baptized, you may attend to sacraments, and you may believe an orthodox creed; but you will be damned if you live in sin! You may become a deacon, or an elder, or a minister but there is no salvation for any man who still harbors his sins. "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23) death to professors as well as to non-professors.  If you hug your sins in secret and will not part with them then God will reveal those sins in public and condemn you according to the strict justice of His Word. 

[Charles H. Spurgeon] 

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1 John 2:16-17 ... 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.  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

1 John 3:8-9 ... He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.  Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

Titus 1:16 ... They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. ❤

Spiritual Singing

Does not one have to be in the right mood for singing, either to engage in it personally or to enjoy that of others? Such is the idea which prevails generally among professing Christians. From one standpoint, it is of course true but from another, it is not so. But surely no one sings when he is thoroughly miserable, unless he forces himself to do so. 

Ah, is not that exactly what the worldling would say? It is! and, sad to say, the great majority of church members hold the same view, which only evidences the carnality of their conceptions. Are the children of God in no better case than the children of the devil? Are they too "creatures of circumstances," swayed by the situation in which they find themselves, a prey to their feelings? But must not one be in a cheerful frame in order to really sing? 

Yes, to sing naturally. But does not the saint require to be on the mount, before he can break forth into spiritual song? Such questions indicate how unscriptural the thoughts of most people on this subject are: they reduce singing to a mere physical exercise, an outburst of their natural emotions. Christians are bidden to delight themselves in the LORD (Psalm 37:4); and if they really do so, songs of praise are bound to spring up in their hearts. That it is not God's will that His children should be miserable, is clear from the fact that the service of song is an ordinance of worship; both under the old covenant and the new. (1Chronicles 6:31, Ephesians 5:19) 

Singing is an act by which the soul renders homage, and the heart adores the glorious One 

[A. W. Pink]

                                                    Jasper Silas Neal ©2017

Psalm 96:1 ... O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.

Psalm 28:7 ... The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

James 5:13 ...  Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. ❤

Everything On This Side of Hell is Mercy

Labor every day to be humbler, and lowlier, and littler, in your own eyes. "Who am I," says the humble soul, "that God should cross me in this mercy, and take away that mercy, and pass a sentence of death upon every mercy? I am not worthy of the least mercy, I deserve not a crumb of mercy, I have forfeited every mercy!" It is only pride that puts men upon contending with God. 

A humble soul will lie quiet at the foot of God; it will be contented with bare necessities. A dinner of green herbs well suits the humble man's palate, whereas a fattened ox is but a coarse dish to a proud man's stomach. A humble heart thinks none are less than himself, nor any worse than himself. 

A humble heart looks upon small mercies, as great mercies; and great afflictions, as small afflictions; and small afflictions, as no afflictions. He therefore sits mute and quiet under all. Do but keep humble, and you will keep silent before the Lord. Pride kicks, and flings, and frets; but a humble man has his hand upon his mouth. 

Everything on this side of Hell is mercy, much mercy, rich mercy, to a humble soul! Therefore, he remains mute under God's smarting rod. 

[Thomas Brooks] 

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Psalm 39:9 ... I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.

Proverbs 13:10 ... Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

James 4:10 ... Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. ❤

Judas The Preacher

To obey the truth, and not to know it is impossible. To know the truth and not obey it is unprofitable. Saving knowledge is not as the light of the moon to sleep by; but as the light of the sun to work by. It is not a loiterer in the marketplace but a laborer in the vineyard.  A man may be a great scholar and yet be a great sinner. Judas the traitor was Judas the preacher! 

The snake which has a pearl in its head has poison in its body! The tree of knowledge has often been planted and flourished where the tree of life never grew! All abilities and gifts without grace and holiness are but like Uriah's letters, which were the death warrants of those who carried them! 

Mere head knowledge will be as unhelpful to the soul, in the judgment day as a painted fire is unhelpful to the frozen body, in a cold day. Theoretical knowledge may make the head giddy, but it will never make the heart holy. How many professors are there, who have light enough to know what should be done but have not love enough to do what they know! 

Give me the Christian who perfectly sees the way he should go and readily goes the way he sees! That is barren ground which brings forth no fruit. "To him who knows to do good and does it not to him it is sin." (James 4:17) The sins of ignorance are most numerous, but the sins of knowledge are most dangerous! That sinner's darkness will be the greatest in hell whose light was the clearest on earth! 

There are many who set a crown of glory upon the head of Christ by a good profession and yet put a crown of thorns upon his head by an evil conversation. By the words of our mouth, we may affect to adore religion; but it is by the works of our lives that we adorn religion. As trees without fruits are unprofitable so knowledge without good works is abominable! Leah and Rachel are fit emblems of knowledge and obedience. Knowledge, like Rachel is beautiful. But obedience, like Leah is fruitful. 

[William Secker]

John 13:17 ... If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

James 1:22 ... But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Matthew 7:21 ... Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. ❤

"The Crown of Life"

It’s easy to want to graduate without taking the required classes. But without taking the classes there’s no way to be ready for the tests, and without a test there’s no graduation. As in academia, so in our faith: it would be foolish to think that we can graduate to maturity and completeness in the Christian life before taking the courses and going through the tests. When James writes about the believer who “has stood the test,” he uses the word dokimos, which refers to someone who is tested, tried, and approved. This kind of person has the seal of God’s approval on their life, and that becomes clearer and clearer through their perseverance. 

The “crown of life,” or, more accurately, the crown that consists of life, is “a picture of eternal life, which God promises to His people. It suggests the idea of God welcoming us at the finish line and crowning us with honor, blessing, and life that is everlasting. So, the duration of the test is the duration of our lives. Our test lasts until Christ returns or calls us home and so here is a call to remain steadfast to the end. It is this perspective and this promise that transform how we meet the most difficult times of our lives. 

We’re often tempted to regard individual trials as intruders rather than welcoming them “as friends.” But when we understand that the whole of life is a series of tests, that can reassure us, giving us an opportunity to think seriously and realistically about what we go through. We can know with confidence that ahead of us lies the crown of eternal life with Jesus, and that our trials are opportunities to learn perseverance and grow in Christlikeness, proclaiming to the world that the one whom we are walking toward is sufficient not just for life but also for joy. 

The Christian life has no simulation phase to prepare us for the real thing; it is a real-time experience all the time, every day. We’re not afforded the opportunity to find out exactly how we will parent our children, deal with the sudden loss of a loved one, or react to whatever else might come our way until these things actually come our way. These are the real-life courses we must take to graduate on to spiritual maturity. What trials are you walking through today? These are the classes, unchosen by you though they may be, which the Lord knows will enable you to persevere and will prepare you for your crown. As, by His grace, you remain steadfast in the storms today, remember that you are “blessed,” not with the false blessing of an easy life now but with the eternal blessing of the “crown of life” to come. 

[Alistair Begg]

 

James 1:12 ... Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Revelation 2:10 ... Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.❤

God Causes the Temptations of the Godly

Among the many trials the Lord appoints for His people, few are as relentless and distressing as temptation. The Christian is not merely opposed by the world and the flesh; but by a personal, malicious enemy. Satan is rightly called "the tempter." (Mark 4:15) He is restless, strategic, and cruel, ever watching, ever waiting, ever laying snares for the saints. Yet even here, Scripture speaks with settled certainty: temptation itself, is sovereignly overruled by God for the good of those who love Him. 

The devil's methods are both violent and subtle. As a dragon, he assaults the soul with fiery darts, blasphemous thoughts, doubts of God's goodness, and suggestions that strike at the very foundations of faith.  (Ephesians 6:16) Like the old serpent, he is cunning beyond measure. He studies temperament, times his attacks, disguises sin in religious language and sometimes delivers poison in a golden cup! (2 Corinthians 11:14) Yet for all his craft, Satan remains a creature under restraint. He can propose objects, stir the imagination, and excite remaining corruption but he cannot force the will, nor can he move one inch beyond the limits God has set. (Job 1:12)

Here the comfort of Romans 8:28 shines with peculiar brightness. Temptation does not escape God's providence. The same Lord who permits the assault, also governs its outcome. Like a tree shaken by fierce winds, the believer becomes more deeply rooted. What Satan intends for ruin, God intends for refinement. 

First, temptation drives the soul to prayer. When the enemy presses hard, the saint flees faster to the throne of grace. "For this I implored the Lord three times," Paul says of Satan's buffeting. (2 Corinthians 12:8) Temptation exposes our weakness, strips away self-confidence, and teaches us to cry, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." (Matthew 6:13) That which sends us to prayer cannot ultimately harm us. 

Second, temptation strengthens resistance to sin. The more fiercely the devil urges, the more clearly the believer learns to hate the evil set before him. Joseph's refusal was sharpened, not softened, by the persistence of temptation. (Genesis 39:9) God turns Satan's spur into a bridle, making the soul recoil from the very sins it is urged to commit. 

Third, temptation humbles pride. Paul's "thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan" was given was given so that he would not exalt himself. (2 Corinthians 12:7) Far better to be humbled by temptation, than proud of success. God will sooner allow a saint to feel their frailty than to trust their own strength. 

Fourth, temptation tests and proves grace. The devil tempts to destroy, but God permits temptation to reveal sincerity. Faith is shown not in the absence of battle, but in steadfast resistance. Courage shines brightest when the conflict is fiercest. (James 1:12)  

Fifth, temptation equips believers to comfort others. Those who have wrestled with the enemy are best suited to warn, guide, and encourage fellow pilgrims. "We are not ignorant of his schemes." (2 Corinthians 2:11) The scars of battle become instruments of mercy. 

Sixth, temptation draws forth the tender compassion of Jesus. "He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered; He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted." (Hebrews 2:18) When the soul is bruised, Christ intercedes; when the battle rages, grace is supplied. 

Seventh, temptation loosens our attachment to this world and makes us long for Heaven. Here on earth the fight never ends; there the enemy is forever silenced. The weary soldier looks for the crown. (2 Timothy 4:7-8) Even when a believer is temporarily overcome, it works for his spiritual good. Peter's fall shattered his pride and produced deeper humility, greater watchfulness, and truer dependence on Jesus. (Luke 22:62; John 21:15-17)

Thus, the old serpent is continually outwitted by divine wisdom. Temptation becomes a crosswind that carries the saints toward glory. The enemy rages, but Jesus reigns. And the God who permits the battle, ensures the victory. 

[Thomas Watson] 

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1 Corinthians 15:57 ... But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:28 ...  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. ❤

Putting Christ Back ...

 Rather than putting Christ back in Christmas, 

I'd settle for putting Christ back in Christians!

[from the Internet]

Matthew 23:13 ...  But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

James 1:26 ...  If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

Joel 2:13 ...  And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

John 13:35 ...  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. ❤

Plank Eye!

Few sins are as subtle yet as destructive, as judging the motives of others. Unlike actions, which can be seen and weighed, motives belong to the secret chambers of the heart territory reserved for God alone. When we presume to know why someone acts in a certain way, we trespass into God's jurisdiction. We are usurping the throne of God, who alone can infallibly search hearts and minds and motives. "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?" (James 4:12) 

Paul reminds us that the Lord will one day reveal the secret motives of every heart. "Judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts." (1 Corinthians 4:5) Until then, our call is to love to assume the best, to cover in love, to entrust hidden things to God. The humble heart says, "I am not God, so I dare not judge the secret motives of others." Scripture masterfully summarizes the antidote: "Love… bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:7) 

Love gives the benefit of the doubt; it presumes sincerity until clearly proven otherwise. A heart ruled by Christ, errs on the side of grace. Lord, forgive me for the arrogance of assuming that I know the hidden motives of others. Teach me to walk in humility and love. Guard my mind from judging the motives of others, my tongue from slander, and my heart from pride. May I be found faithful in judging my own sin, while leaving the secrets of others to Your perfect wisdom. 

[Charles H. Spurgeon]

Matthew 7:3 ... And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

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Four Principles ...

There are four principles we need to maintain: 

First, read the Word of God. Second, consume the Word of God until it consumes you. Third believe the Word of God. Fourth, act on the Word. 

[Smith Wigglesworth]

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2 Timothy 2:15 ... Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Psalm 119:103 ...  How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Ephesians 1:13 ...  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

James 1:22 ... But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. ❤

A Privilege

Prayer is a privilege given to you from God to make a difference in someone else's life. 

 [Dr. Charles F. Stanley]

James 5:16 ... Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Ephesians 6:18 ... Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Revelation 8:3-4 ... And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. ❤

A Woman To Be Remembered!

Few words ever spoken by the Lord Jesus are more solemn or searching than this brief, three-word warning: "Remember Lot's wife!" How striking it is that, out of all the women of Scripture, our Lord singled out one for us to remember, not Sarah for her faith, not Ruth for her devotion, not Hannah for her prayer, not Mary for her love but Lot's wife, for her destruction! 

The Spirit of God has placed this warning before us as a perpetual beacon, lest we too be deceived by the bewitching world and perish. Yet all of this availed her nothing. She perished miserably because her heart was never truly separated from the world. Outwardly she fled Sodom, but inwardly she lingered. Her body was on the path to safety, but her affections were chained to the city of destruction. With one glance backward, she revealed the state of her soul. That look cost her eternal glory, and she was turned into a pillar of salt a monument of God's righteous judgment against hypocrisy and divided hearts. 

The tragedy of Lot's wife stands as a warning to all who imagine that religious advantages, spiritual associations, or outward privileges can save. Many think that because they were raised in a Christian home and attend church, that they are safe. Lot's wife shows us that one may be surrounded by light and truth and yet perish in eternal darkness. She had seen angels, heard warnings, and been led by the hand of mercy yet she never savingly believed. The heart is what God is concerned with, and her heart was still in Sodom. Her backward look was not a small matter. It was the outward expression of inward rebellion. God had said, "Do not look back." (Genesis 19:17) 

In disobeying, she revealed where her treasure lay. She longed for the life she left behind, the comforts, the pleasures, the society of Sodom and in doing so she despised the salvation of her soul. Jesus declares, "No man having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62) The danger of worldliness and divided affection is real. How many professors of religion today claim to follow Jesus, yet their hearts cling to the world! They say they are bound for Heaven, but they look longingly at Sodom. They want to go to Heaven when they die, but they also want the soul-ruining world. The end of such double mindedness is eternal destruction. 

Scripture is full of warnings against this very danger. John writes, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15) James tells us that "friendship with the world is hatred toward God." (James 4:4) The Savior Himself declared, "Remember Lot's wife!" She was almost saved yet lost forever! There are many in churches today who will come just that far they will hear sermons and sing hymns, and yet their hearts remain with the world. Their empty profession will not hold up in the Day of Judgment. Beloved reader, let us examine our hearts. 

Are we secretly longing for the very things that God calls us to forsake? Are we following Christ with a whole heart, or are we still glancing backward toward Sodom? When Jesus calls us to take up our cross, we must not look back to our Sodom. Salvation demands the forsaking of sin, and the forsaking of the world. It demands a heart fixed on Christ. "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." (1 John 2:17) The warning of Lot's wife is not written to terrify the believer, but to search the heart of the hypocrite and to awaken the careless professor. 

If you are resting in your church attendance, your upbringing, your knowledge then, remember Lot's wife. If you are unwilling to forsake the world and to follow Christ, then remember Lot's wife. If you are almost persuaded, almost a Christian, almost saved, remember Lot's wife. If you are but almost saved, then you will be altogether damned! "Remember Lot's wife!" 

Let us take warning. Let us not dally with sin, linger in compromise, or toy with the world. Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus. (Hebrews 12:1-2) For the soul that looks to Him in faith shall never be cast away, but the soul that loves the world will be lost forever.

[J.C. Ryle] 

Luke 17:32 ... Remember Lot's wife!

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What Does The Bible Say About Gaza And Israel?

As we explore what the Bible says about Gaza and Israel, we realize that peace and reconciliation are foundational themes. In our faith, we are called to seek peace with others. The scriptures remind us that true peace comes from a heart aligned with God. We are encouraged to be peacemakers and promote understanding. Through prayer, love, and compassion, we can help heal divisions and build bridges where there seem to be walls. Let’s hold on to the hope that God’s plans for peace can prevail. 

Matthew 5:9 ...  Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

This verse beautifully captures the heart of God’s desire for us to be peacemakers. In a world filled with conflict, we are reminded that those who seek peace are truly blessed and recognized as God’s children. This calls us to reflect on our actions and strive to foster peace in our communities. 

Romans 12:18 ... If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

This scripture encourages us to take an active role in promoting peace. It acknowledges that while peace may not always be possible, we must do our part to maintain harmony with those around us. This powerful reminder can guide our interactions in challenging situations, especially regarding Gaza and Israel. 

Ephesians 4:3 ... Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

In this verse, unity is rooted in peace. God calls us to actively work toward maintaining unity with our fellow believers and those around us. We should strive for a spirit of cooperation and understanding, especially when faced with strife, such as the conflicts seen in Gaza and Israel. 

Isaiah 26:12 ...  Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.

This verse serves as a reminder that true peace originates from God alone. In times of conflict, we can find solace knowing that God is at work, bringing peace to our hearts and the world around us. This assures us to trust in His plans for Gaza and Israel. 

James 3:18 ... And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Here, we see the rewarding nature of pursuing peace. When we choose to promote peace, we cultivate righteousness in our lives. This encourages us to make conscious choices that reflect God’s love for others, especially in the context of conflict.

[Christianity Path]

What Does The Bible Say About Gaza And Israel (31 Verses Explained) - Christianity Path

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Sin No More!!

Sin dwells in hell, and holiness in heaven. Remember that every temptation is from the devil, to make you like himself. Remember when you sin, that you are learning and imitating of the devil and are so far like him. And the end of all, is that you may feel his pains. If hellfire be not good, then sin is not good. 

[Richard Baxter]

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James 4:7 ... Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

John 8:11-12 ... She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

1 Peter 1:16 ... Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. ❤

Right Place, Right Time!!

If you seek nothing but the will of God, He will always put you in the right place at the right time.

[Smith Wigglesworth]

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Matthew 6:33 ... But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Proverbs 3:5-6 ... Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Isaiah 30:21 ... And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

James 1:5 ...  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. ❤

A Christians End ...

Wise agents always propound their end before they commence their work: and then direct their actions to that end which they propounded. If a mariner sails it is that he may arrive at a certain harbor: therefore, he sails by compass, that he may compass that for which he sails. A Christian should always have one eye upon his end and the other eye upon his way. 

That man lives a brutish life who knows not what he lives for. And that man acts a fool's part who aims at heaven, and lives at random. The end for which a wise Christian life is that he may live without end; and therefore, his way of living is, that he may live to spend his life continually in the ways of life. He is always walking in those paths in which he can see heaven before him. 

O my soul, what do you aim at? Is it a full enjoyment of your God? Why then, while you are present in the body be always drawing near unto the Lord. Just so, when you shall be absent from the body you shall be always present with the Lord. 

[Thomas Sherman]

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James 4:8 ... Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Hebrews 12:2 ...  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

1 Corinthians 9:24 ... Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.  ❤