Love ~ Hate

LOVE is so powerful that it can outlast even death itself. 

HATE is so destructive that it cannot sustain even this fleeting life.

[Author Unknown]

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1 John 3:14 ...  We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

1 John 3:15 ... Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. ❤

The Spirit is Leading

Here is a mark of divine sonship: All who follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit are children of God. "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." (Romans 8:16)

The Spirit leads His followers to the looking glass of Divine truth. There they discover their spiritual deformity and impurity. There they see what they are, and what they need. "When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth." (John 16:13)

The Spirit leads them to the throne of grace, and there He helps their infirmities, and makes intercession for them according to the will of God. "We do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. The Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." (Romans 8:26–27)

The Spirit leads them to the cross! When they see Jesus dying for their sins, atoning for their transgressions, then they lose their burden of guilt. "When the Advocate comes, He will testify about Me." (John 15:26)

The Spirit leads them in the path of loving obedience, and they experience the blessedness of keeping Christ's commands. "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances." (Ezekiel 36:27)

The Spirit leads them in the track of the Good Shepherd and enables them to hear His voice and to follow Him. "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me." (John 10:27)

Alas, many are following the leadings of a very different spirit, the diabolical spirit who works in the children of disobedience! He leads by paths of unbelief and sin to endless misery and ruin! 

Beloved reader beware of following his leadings and prayerfully yield yourself to the guidance of the Spirit of truth and love.

[Author Unknown]

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Psalm 25:4-5 ... Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

Romans 8:14 ...  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. ❤

Fleeting and Uncertain!

You alone, O Lord, can teach to profit, help me to number my days aright! Surely my days are few and fleeting and uncertain! Days past is gone beyond recall; and my future days I cannot number. Let me then this day, and day by day, confide in You; and look to You for the very help and grace I need.

Surely it is the highest wisdom to renounce self, to cleave to Jesus, and to keep the great end of my being in view: "to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever." This is an object worth living for, and which may well engage all the powers of my mind.

Nor let me suppose that it is needful to turn aside from the occupations of my daily life, in order to honor the God of my salvation; for He teaches me that whether I eat or drink, or whatever I do, that I may do all to His glory. To this then may I apply my heart, with all diligence and constancy; constrained by the love of Him who gave Himself for me!

[Author Unknown]

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Psalm 145:2 ... Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

Psalm 39:4-5 ...  Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.

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

Names Written in Heaven!!

This blessed title the Savior gives to his disciples, is above all present gifts in value. They returned with joy from a successful exercise of their ministry. He lifted their minds to a higher privilege than that. He himself rejoiced over their possession of this privilege. It was the father's gift. It was a special gift to his elect. The Lord knew those who were his. Their record was on high. 

But it belongs equally to the whole church of the firstborn. They are all written in heaven an imperishable record the Lamb's book of life. (Revelation 21:27) They are called by his Spirit on earth, according to this record. They are acknowledged, when their earthly pilgrimage is passed, as the children of God, thus chosen and registered. He will own them as his, when he makes up his jewels. (Malachi 3:17)

It is an inestimable privilege a glorious prospect! Am I one of this recorded company? If I believe in Jesus, and love him, and follow him, I am. And how great are the blessings of it!

[Unknown Author]

Luke 10:20 ... Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Hebrews 12:23 ... To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

Psalm 87:6 ... The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah. ❤

Letter to a Young Wife

My Dear Lizzie, 

I have just received the pleasing news of your marriage with one so worthy of your trust and affection. Of course, you are very happy; for there is no more perfect happiness for a young and loving woman, than to center her heart's best feelings upon one being to feel her destiny bound up in his to become, as it were, a very part of his life. Perhaps, at such a time, my dear girl, it may seem unkind to throw the least shadow over the bright sky of your happiness; but I cannot refrain from giving you some little advice now, at the outset of your new life. You are looking forward are you not? with perfect confidence to the future. You think that the sea upon which you are launched, will ever remain calm and untroubled as now; that you will go on forever thus, joyous and happy thus, free from care and sorrow. 

But, oh, remember, there is no sunshine that is not clouded over sometimes; no stream so smooth as to be always undisturbed. Then, make up your mind to have cares, perplexities, and trials such as have never troubled you before; and be prepared to meet them. As yet, you are to your husband the same perfect being that you were before marriage, free from all that is wrong your follies even regarded as delightful. You are now placed upon a pedestal a very goddess; but, believe me, you must soon descend to take your place among mortals, and well for you if you can do it gracefully. 

Believe me, dearest, I have no wish to sadden your spirit only to prepare it for the trials which must come to perplex it. You must learn to have your faults commented upon, one by one and yet be meek and patient under reproach. You must learn to have your sayings which you have heard praised as witticisms regarded as mere nonsense. You must learn to yield even when you seem to be in the right; to give up your will even when your husband seems obstinate and unreasonable; to be chided when you expected praise; and have your utmost endeavors to do rightly regarded as mere duties. 

But, be not cast down by this dark side of the picture. You will be happier, spite of all these trials, than you have ever been if you only resolve to be firm in the path of duty: to strive to do well always; to return a kind answer for a harsh word; and, above all, to control your temper. There may be times when this may seem impossible; but always remember that one angry word provokes another, and that thus the beautiful gem of wedded affection is tarnished, until what seemed to be the purest gold is found only gilded brass. Amiability is the most necessary of all virtues in a wife, and perhaps the most difficult of all others to retain. Pray fervently for a meek forbearing spirit; cherish your kindly impulses and leave the rest to your Father in Heaven. 

I shall, if you like, write you again upon this subject. You know I have been wedded long enough to have had some little experience, and if it can benefit you, you are welcome to it. 

Adieu for a while,

Ever your friend.

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Blessedness of Contemplating Jesus

There is no sweeter occupation for the soul than to set its gaze steadily upon the Lord Jesus Christ. He who was once despised and rejected by men, is now exalted in the heavens. The heart that contemplates His beauty, drinks deeply of Heaven's own joy. The world seeks gratification in a thousand fleeting things, but the believer finds his satisfaction in contemplating Jesus. This contemplation is not mere wandering thoughts it is a sanctifying gaze that changes the heart. "I meditate on You through the watches of the night." (Psalm 63:6) 

In the silence of the night, when all earthly distractions fade, the soul communes with its Savior and finds in Him a peace which surpasses all understanding. The Scriptures declare that the man is blessed whose "delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night!" (Psalm 1:2) 

Even more so, what joy is found when the soul meditates upon the living Word Himself, Jesus Christ! To fix our eyes upon Him, is to behold the fountain of mercy, and the King of glory. This world with all its vanities beckons us to fix our minds below. But the Spirit calls us higher: "Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things!" (Colossians 3:1-2) 

True blessedness is not found by looking within or around but by looking upward to the Savior who reigns. 

[Author Unknown] 

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.

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The Thief on The Cross

How does the thief on the cross fit into your theology? 

No turning from his sins, No baptism, no communion, no confirmation, no speaking in tongues, no mission trip, no volunteerism, and no church clothes. He couldn’t even bend his knees to pray. He didn’t say the sinner's prayer and among other things, he was a thief.  Jesus didn’t take away his pain, heal his body, or smite the scoffers. 

Yet it was a thief who walked into heaven the same hour as Jesus simply by believing in Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross. He had nothing more to offer other than his belief that Jesus was who he said he was. No spin from brilliant theologians. No ego or arrogance. No Shiny lights, skinny jeans, or crafty words. No haze machine, donuts, or coffee in the entrance. Just a naked dying man on a cross unable to even fold his hands to pray.” 

For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son so that whosoever believed in him would not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) 

I read this today and was reminded of the simplicity of the Gospel. 

[Author Unknown]

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Acts 16:31 ... And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Romans 10:13 ... For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Mark 1:15 ...  And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. ❤

Arise and Shine!!

There are those whose lamps of Christian profession will not go out when the Lord appears. They are His own chosen, redeemed, and called people. Their light, by reason of manifold infirmities, may often have burned but dimly through life; but there is vital religion in the soul the golden precious oil of grace, flowing from Jesus into their hearts; and this can never be extinguished. Many were the hostile influences against which their weak grace had to contend, many were the trials of their feeble faith, but the light never quite went out. The waves of sorrow threatened to extinguish it; the floods of inbred evil threatened to extinguish it; the cold blasts of adversity threatened to extinguish it; and the stumbling of the walk, the inconstancy of the heart, the declension of the soul, often for a while, weakened and obscured it; but there it is, living, burning, and brightening, as inextinguishable and as deathless as the source from where it came. 

The grace of God in the heart is as imperishable, and the life of God in the soul is as immortal, as God Himself. That light of knowledge enkindled in the mind, and of love glowing in the heart, and of holiness shining in the life, will burn in the upper temple in increasing effulgence of glory through eternity. The divine light of Christian profession, which holy grief for sin has enkindled, which love to God has enkindled, which the in-being of the Holy Spirit has enkindled, will outshine and outlive the sun in the firmament of heaven. That sun shall be extinguished, those stars shall fall, and that moon shall be turned into blood, but the feeblest spark of grace in the soul shall live forever. 

The Lord watches His own work with sleepless vigilance. When the vessel is exhausted, He stands by and replenishes it; when the light burns dimly, He is near to revive it; when the cold winds blow rudely, and the rough waves swell high, He is riding upon those winds, and walking upon those waves, to protect this the spark of His own kindling. The light that is in you is light flowing from Jesus, the "Fountain of light." And can an infinite fountain be exhausted? 

When the sun is extinguished, then all the lesser lights, deriving their faint effulgence from Him, will be extinguished too but not until then. Who is it that has often fanned the smoking flax? Even He who will never quench the faintest spark of living light in the soul. "You will light my candle." And if the Lord light it, what power can put it out? Is not His love the sunshine of your soul? Is He not Himself your morning star? Is it not in His light that you see light, even the "light of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ"? 

Oh, then, arise and shine!

[Author Unknown]

Isaiah 60:1 ... Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

Luke 12:35 ...  Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;

Matthew 5:16 ... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. ❤

Fellow Workers

The Lord's harvest is the salvation of men. The wheat he gathers into his barn are the redeemed souls of his people. They are the good seed which he sows in the field of this world, and which he is to reap in the everlasting glories of the world to come. To cultivate this harvest, he employs the labors and ministry of men. To reap it to separate the tares from the wheat, he commissions an angelic agency.  They carry each saint to his home of glory. They will gather all at last to the kingdom provided for them from the foundation of the world. 

Among men, the Lord selects and employs a special ministry of individuals, who are set apart as laborers in his harvest. It is their whole business, the appointed occupation of their life. But surely the labor and ministry are not confined to them. All the servants of Christ are to be workers together with him, in preparing his field for harvest. It is every Christian's duty. It is my duty. I am to be a laborer in the Lord's harvest.

[Author Unknown]

 

Matthew 9:38 ...  Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

1 Corinthians 3:9 ...  For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. ❤

"The Bible"

The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. 

Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its stories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. 

It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. 

Here, Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of Hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. 

Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, health to the soul, and a river of pleasure! It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents! 

[Author Unknown]

Psalm 119:89 ... For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ...  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 ... For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. ❤

Few and Fleeting and Uncertain!

You alone, O Lord, can teach to profit - help me to number my days aright! Surely my days are few and fleeting and uncertain! Days past is gone beyond recall and my future days I cannot number. Let me then this day, and day by day, confide in You and look to You for the very help and grace I need. 

Surely it is the highest wisdom to renounce self, to cleave to Christ, and to keep the great end of my being in view "to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever." This is an object worth living for, and which may well engage all the powers of my mind. Nor let me suppose that it is needful to turn aside from the occupations of my daily life to honor the God of my salvation; for He teaches me that whether I eat or drink, or whatever I do - I may do all to His glory. To this then may I apply my heart, with all diligence and constancy - constrained by the love of Him who gave Himself for me! 

[Unknown Author] 

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Psalm 39:4-5 ... Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.

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

Psalm 145:2 ...  Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.  ❤

Good Ship of Self-righteousness

By nature, people cling to their morality and religiousness for acceptance with God. Multitudes are sailing in the Good Ship of Self-righteousness, and they are expecting that they shall get to Heaven in her. But this ship never did carry a soul safely into the Fair Haven yet and she never will. 

Self-righteousness is as surely a road to Hell, as scandalous sin itself. We may as certainly destroy ourselves by opposing the righteousness of Christ as by transgressing the law of God. Self-righteousness is as much an insult to God, as blasphemy. God will never accept it, neither shall any soul enter Heaven by it. 

There are many of these self-righteous Pharisees, who delight in themselves in thinking that they are good people, that they are not great sinners, that they are fine religious people, that they partake of the sacraments, that they say their prayers, and that they read their Bibles. Poor deluded souls! 

It is your badness, not your goodness that draws Christ to you as a Savior. You are good, religious, self-righteous ones your righteousness will be your eternal ruin! But if the gospel comes to you in power, then you will realize that you are spiritually wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked and that all of your righteous acts are nothing but filthy menstruous rags before the thrice holy God! Your first genuine prayer will be, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" 

[Author Unknown] 

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1 Timothy 1:15 ... This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Luke 5:31-32 ... And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

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

Trust His Heart!!

Isaiah 45:7 declares, "I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things!" 

As we read these words, we are reminded that God is the one who is ultimately in control. He is the one who forms the light and creates the darkness, bringing prosperity and creating disaster! This means that no matter what we are going through, whether it's a season of abundance or a season of struggle, God is the one who is guiding and directing every event, every circumstance, and every outcome. 

The Lord God Almighty reigns supreme over all of creation, exercising complete sovereignty and providential control over every aspect of His universe. Nothing happens by chance, or accident, or fate, or outside of His divine plan. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and everything both the pleasant and the painful falls under His sovereign will. 

The same God who blesses His people with prosperity and abundance, is the same God who, for His own wise purposes, may also bring disaster, suffering, and difficult circumstances into our lives. We must recognize that God's sovereignty is not limited to just individual lives. God is sovereign over all of His creation, over all of history, and over all of His world! 

It means that God is the one who is guiding the course of human events, and that He is the one who is ultimately in control of the destiny of every nation and every government. What does this mean for us as believers? It means that we must trust in God's sovereignty, even when things don't make sense. It means that we must trust that God is working everything out for our good and His glory, even when we can't see how. As we encounter the vicissitudes of life, we must surrender our own desires and plans to God, and trust that He will guide us along His all-wise and gracious path. No matter what we face in this life, we can take comfort in knowing that our lives are firmly held in the mighty, loving hands of our Savior-God, who loves His chosen and redeemed people with an everlasting love! It has been wisely said, "When we can't trace His hand, we must trust His heart!" 

[Anonymous] 

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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 26:3 ... Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.❤

Even Amidst The Storms of Life!

The comforting truths of this verse should kindle our hopes, strengthen our faith, and stoke the flames of our love for the sovereign, good, and all-wise God whom we serve. In a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain, it can be a great comfort to know that all of the events and circumstances of our lives are ultimately ordained by our loving and all-knowing God. 

As believers, we can take solace in the truth that what God ordains is always best for us! Though we may not always understand the reasons behind the trials and tribulations which our Heavenly Father sends to us, we can trust that He has a perfect plan and purpose for sending them. His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are beyond our limited understanding. When we humbly receive whatever, His sovereign will send to us, we can have confidence that God uses even our most difficult or painful afflictions to refine us as His precious gold, to wean us from the world, to draw us closer to Himself, to make us more like our precious Lord Jesus. 

Perhaps in the moment, His plan may not seem ideal or desirable from our finite human perspective. But if we walk by faith and not by sight, we will come to see that what God has ordained is indeed what is truly best not just for our temporary comfort, but for our eternal good! Though the path may be arduous, we can rest assured that our loving Heavenly Father is guiding our steps, and that his perfect will for our lives is unfolding exactly as it should. When we fully embrace this truth, it will fill our hearts with peace, hope and gratitude, even amidst the storms of life! 

[Anonymous] 

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.

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In The Midst of Life's Darkest Moments!

In these comforting words, we are reminded of the unwavering love and protection that our Heavenly Father extends to all of His redeemed people. When we feel overwhelmed by the crashing waves of life's difficulties, these verses speak a resounding message of hope and reassurance. God declares that He has ransomed us, claiming us as His own, and promising to be ever-present as we navigate the turbulent waters and raging fires that may threaten to consume us. 

No matter how deep the valley, or how scorching the flames of trial, we need not fear, for our Almighty God walks alongside us. He is the Holy One, our Savior, who will not allow the rushing torrents to sweep us away, or the blazing furnace to burn us up. Just as a loving parent shields their child, so does our Heavenly Father wrap us in His protective embrace, shielding us from harm and carrying us through every storm. 

These words are a steadfast anchor for our souls, reminding us that we belong to the King of kings, who has called us by name and will never abandon us, no matter what challenges we face. In the midst of life's darkest moments, we can cling to the unshakable truth that our God is with us, and that nothing can separate us from His unfailing love! 

[Anonymous] 

Isaiah 43:1-3 ... But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

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Drinking Deeply from The Well of God's Holy Word...

Blessed indeed, is the man who chooses to distance himself from the corrupting influences of this sin-cursed world. He does not heed the sinful advice and philosophies of those who reject God. Nor does he associate with, or emulate the lifestyles, of those who wallow in their wicked desires. He refuses to align himself with those who mock and scorn the holy ways of God, as found in His Word. He finds his greatest joy and satisfaction in meditating upon the sacred Scriptures, drinking deeply from the well of God's holy word. Day and night. 

He does not treat the divine teachings as a mere intellectual exercise but allows the truths of Scripture: to guide his thinking, to penetrate his heart, and transform his life. He understands that true blessedness is not found in the fleeting pleasures of this vain world but in a vibrant, intimate relationship with Almighty God! 

By immersing himself in God's Word and striving to guide his steps by Scripture, he experiences the profound blessing of walking in the light of the Lord's presence, shielded from the darkness that ensnares those who reject Him. He alone is truly wise and truly blessed, for he has chosen the narrow path that leads to eternal life! 

[Anonymous] 

Psalm 1:1-2 ... Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Psalm 16:11 ... Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. ❤

🛑 A Christian Who Warns ...

A Christian who warns is so misunderstood.

A Christian who tells hard truths is often isolated and doesn’t have folks giving them accolades or telling them they are amazing people. They are oftentimes met with silence from the world and even fellow Christians. Although they are strong in their faith and don’t require those things because they are doing their best to walk in obedience and faithfulness to God, it is a hard journey. 

What people don’t see is that many of those “hard truths” are things that God has dealt with them in their own lives about that they have also faced painful truths that they have had to surrender to. That they are preaching to themselves many times. What people don’t see is the burden of souls that weighs heavily on their hearts and minds, and the tears that are wept for those they see in the cross hairs of the devil’s traps. They don’t see how that Christian mourns the state of the Church, which they dearly love. 

How every day the thought of souls going to an eternal hell fills them with pain and dread. Sleepless nights, waking many times with the urge to pray sometimes over someone specific, sometimes over all of it in general. What most people see as hateful, judging words of intolerance is actually a soldier of the cross who is seeing the thick dark blanket of evil being drawn over their beloved family, their beloved church, their beloved country, and the whole world without so much as an objection from most. 

It’s like seeing those you love on a railroad track with a train racing down the track, blaring its horn towards them, and you are the only one who seems to see it. You are desperately waving your arms, screaming, even trying to physically push them off the track with tears rolling down your face, and all they do is ignore you, scoff at you. When you say you want to love people like Christ loves them, this is what that love looks like. 

For the Christian who warns and who tells hard truths, keep yelling, keep weeping over them, keep waving your arms. Continue to let the Holy Spirit lead and guide you. Don’t give up no matter how hard it gets! If just one steps out of the way of that oncoming train, it will all be worth it.

[Author Unknown]

Ezekial 33:2-3 ... Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people;

Isaiah 21:6 ... For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 ...  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

Colossians 1:28 ... Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 🛑

Battle Between Pride and Humility

In the quiet chambers of every Christian's heart, a battle rages, a struggle as old as humanity itself. It is the battle between pride, and humility, between the exaltation of self, and the surrender to God. 

Let us peruse the Scriptures as we contemplate the dangers of pride and the virtues of humility. Pride, that ancient sin, creeps into our hearts like a serpent whispering lies of self-sufficiency and self-importance. It blinds us to our own faults and leads us down the path of destruction. Pride is an ugly, mother-sin which gives birth to a whole family of horrid sins. 

Pride is the most deceitful sin! When pride reigns in the heart it exalts the creature above the Creator, seeking its own glory rather than God's. But oh, the beauty of genuine humility! Humility is the loveliest grace, and it is the mark of a soul surrendered to God. Humility is a sense of our own sinfulness and weakness, combined with a quiet confidence in God's sovereignty and sufficiency. Humility is thought to be the chief virtue, for it is the gateway to wisdom and grace. 

With humility comes the fear of the Lord, the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One. Consider the example of Christ, the humble King who stooped down to wash His disciples' feet. 

In His humility, He demonstrated the true nature of greatness not in power or prestige, but in service and self-sacrifice. We should strive to imitate Jesus in all things, including His humbleness. He commands us: "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart." (Matthew 11:29) 

Let us then, heed the wisdom and the counsel of Scripture. Let us crucify the prideful desires of the flesh and clothe ourselves with humility that we may walk in wisdom and grace. 

 [Anonymous] 

Proverbs 11:2 ... When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

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The Distinction Between the Righteous and the Wicked!

Malachi speaks not only to his contemporaries but to all generations, proclaiming the day when the Lord will make a clear distinction between the righteous and the wicked. This distinction is not according to mere human judgment, but of divine discernment. It is a separation wrought by the very hand of God, who sees into the depths of the human heart, and weighs our actions, our words, our thoughts, and our desires with perfect justice. 

The righteous, those who serve the Lord with steadfast devotion, shall stand as witnesses to His glory. Their lives are marked by sincere faith in Jesus, obedience to His commandments, humility before His majesty, and love for their fellow man. Though they may endure trials and tribulations in this earthly pilgrimage, their reward is sure. For the Lord, in His infinite mercy, will preserve them and exalt them in due time. 

But woe to the wicked those who reject the ways of the Lord and walk in the paths of disobedience! Their hearts are filled with pride, and their deeds with iniquity. They scoff at the precepts of God and mock the warnings of His prophets. Yet their laughter shall turn to lamentation, for the day of reckoning draws near. In that day, they shall be cast down into the abyss of darkness, where there is weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." (Matthew 25:46) 

Beloved, let us ponder these words of Malachi and take heed to our ways. Let us strive to walk in righteousness, knowing that our God is a God of justice, who will reward every man according to his deeds. May we be found faithful on that great and terrible day, when the righteous and the wicked shall be separated; and may we hear the blessed words, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord!" (Matthew 25:21)

[Anonymous] 

Malachi 3:18 ... Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

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Living For Christ!!

As we journey through this fleeting life, let us never forget the purpose for which we were created. The chief end of man is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever! But how do we fulfill this noble purpose? The answer is simple by living for Christ! To live for Christ is to surrender all that we are and have, to His lordship. It is to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. It is to seek His glory in all we do, and to find our joy in Him alone. 

As the apostle Paul so boldly declared, "For me, to live is Christ" not my own desires, not my own ambitions, but Christ! Let us not be deceived by the seductive pleasures of this poor world. Let us not be swayed by the whispers of the enemy, who would have us believe that our lives are our own to live as we please. 

No, dear friends, our lives are not our own. We have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus, and we belong to Him! So let us live for Him, and Him alone. Let us seek His glory in every aspect of our lives and let us find our joy in His presence. Only as we live for Christ, can we find genuine felicity in this life, glorify God in all that we do, and enjoy Him forever in glory! Only those who sincerely live for Christ, will find that to die is gain! 

[Anonymous]

Romans 14:8 ... For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

Philippians 1:21 ... For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  ❤