Woe 5: Held Responsible, Luke 11:47 - 51

Held Responsible

Luke 11:51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all.

Abel was killed by his brother Cain. Out of jealously, he made plans to get rid of his brother despite being warned by God to master the sin that was tempting him. Bitterness and jealously caused him to kill his righteous brother for Abel showed the proper way to please God.

Zechariah was a prophet to the people of Israel around the time of the restoration, the return to their land from the Babylonian captivity. He encouraged the people to return to the Lord by carrying out his decrees. Who do preform all your righteous acts for, for your selves or for God? he asked. He instructed them according to the word of the Lord on the ways to live and please God.

From Abel to Zechariah, from A to Z, from beginning to end the people killed those whom God sent to teach and train them on how to live and please him. Jesus told the Pharisees and experts of the law that they were as responsible as those who actually did the killing. In fact, it wouldn't be long until they met together in their courts to condemn Jesus to die. They would send the ultimate prophet, God's son, to his death.

A and K, will you listen to the prophets and follow their guide on how to live and please God? Will you follow the way of God's perfect prophet, Jesus, and do as he commands. To love Jesus is to obey his commands (1 John 5:2 & 3). When you do not follow his ways, it is you that crucifies him and woe to you if you don't for you will be held responsible! Yet, if you do follow God's word from Abel, who did what was right and acceptable in God's sight (Gen 4:7), if you follow the decrees he gave for him and not for yourselves, like Zechariah warned (Zech 7:5 & 6), and if you love Christ by obeying his commands, as Jesus said, you will be accepted by God and he will make his home with you! (John 14:23) Not only will you please him, but you will honor me as well.

~Dad

Woe 4: Cruel Overlords, Luke 11:46

Cruel Overlords

Luke 11:46 Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens that they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them."

Not A Selfie

Jesus had insulted the Pharisees and the experts of the law by what he said. But, Jesus kept going... Why are you such cruel leaders? he basically told them. The Pharisees and experts in the law were leaders in God's religious system. They were responsible for the interpretation of the Law, which they also enforced. But, they were cruel in their dealings with people. The rules they set to help in following the law were rigid and gave no thought to an individual's progress.

It is easy for the people who are experts in something to think others should know and be able to do the job as well as they can. Many are short sighted and forget how long it took for them to get to where they are. They also cannot fathom when someone lacks the ability to excel in areas where they do; if they can do it, everyone can.

Daughters, it is easy for me to see where others lack. Some of that comes from my desire for perfection; I want to be holy and perfect like God and having had the privilege of growing up in a home that worked to live it out, I have that same desire. I know I am not perfect and do not expect others to be so, but I do expect them to try. I suppose I err in some sense in the same way the experts in the law had troubles, at least in this area.

A and K, I have been hard on each of you.

K, you extremely so. You told me you had a desire for holiness and wanted my help to become more Godly in everyday life. Knowing I had a limited time, I expected much from you. I tried to condense 22 years of training into 4 years. You know how that went... :(   Although I was always willing to lift my finger to help you, I expected you to not only change immediately, I expected you to accept everything I said immediately. It is my hope that you will fan into flame the desire you once embraced to flee the ways of the world (2 Tim 1:16) and live a holy life.

A, I have expected much from you as well, but you have had that push your entire life. I do not regret being firm and tight in my expectations. You have responded well and seem to desire a Godly, world-less life. Continue in your pursuit of holiness. Yet I see this one area where you seem to lack: open your heart to loving people, and like me, learn patience in dealing with them. They might not have the same ability as you. Teach and see others with this thought in mind.

Finally daughters, you are both talented in various area. Each of you lead others now, and I can't wait to see how God uses each of you in the future. But, always remember to not be an ogre who devours the ones you are trying to help. Instead lift your loving finger to help them.

~Dad

Woe 3: No-one Cares, Luke 11:44

No-one Cares

Luke 11:44 Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without knowing it.

When a person dies, it is customary to bury them in a grave and place a headstone at the site for all who passed by to see. We can know the day they were born and the day they died. Sometimes pictures or words are put on the gravestone giving us a glimpse into who they were and what they believed. You know they are missed.

The Pharisees thought a lot of themselves. The prayed loudly in front of the people, so everyone could see how "holy" they were. But, others saw through their false pretense and knew the Pharisees were just a lot of hot air. No-one cared for them and ignored who they were. In the people's minds, they were of no importance and did not miss them being around.

K and A, it is not my desire for you to be so popular that others worship your every move. To have accolades given you for doing great things brings honor and can be very humbling. Mother Theresa was a very influential person, yet she had a quite spirit seeking to lift others and not herself. Daughters, live in such a way that people will not notice you, rather live in a way that they would see your love for God and others. When you are not around, they will honor your quiet greatness, and will miss you being there.

~Dad

Woe 2: Status Lovers Beware, Luke 11:43

Status Lovers Beware

Luke 11:43 Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and greeting in the marketplace.

Do you know someone that always seeks attention? They want to get noticed. They want to be lifted up for all to see and praised for their greatness.

But this is not who Jesus calls us to be. We are to put others first. Yes, honor is to be given to those to whom honor is due (Ro. 13:7), but no where does it say we are to seek our own honor. Quite the opposite. We are to be humble. James says that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (4:6). Pride is the is the downfall of man. Eve sought to be like God and Adam followed her into sin, now we all suffer for it. Pride is an attribute of Satan, and, as Christians, we must not walk in his ways. In fact we need to avoid the appearance of evil in our lives, so that our entire spirit, soul, and body may be kept blameless before the Lord (1 Thes. 5:23).

A and K, leave the limelight to others. Solomon said that when you dine with the king, do not take the prominent seat, for it is better for him to say come up here and sit by me than for him to switch you with someone else which would be so humiliating (Pr 25:7).  It is not what others think of you that is important, it is what God thinks of you. He will give you grace and honor if you recognize whose you are and give him credit for all that you are. If you do this, then, at judgement day, you will hear him say, "well done my good and faithful servant. Enter into the joys of your Lord." (Matt 25:23)

~Dad

Woe 1: Obeying Rules Not Enough, Luke 11:42

Obeying Rules Not Enough

Luke 11:42 Woe to you Pharisees, because you give a tenth of your mint, rue, and other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.

Woe - a calamity. Jesus told the Pharisees that hard times are coming for them. In this section of scripture there a six woes that he warns them about. They will come about because of the way the Pharisees live, the things they do.

The first reason calamity is coming... Not living out their faith in God. They looked good. They did things that religious people do; tithed, didn't work on the Sabbath, went to the synagogue every Sabbath... they looked good but they weren't. They treated people unfairly and didn't love God by loving others.

Jesus said it is right to look good, to do the religious acts fitting for believers, but if you do not love others and treat them fairly, taking advantage of them... then you are in the wrong and hard times are ahead.

K and A, You can't just look good. It is right to tithe and follow the ten commandments, all ten, but you are a shallow Christian at best if you do not love others and treat them with respect. Don't cheat others. Do not put them down. Value others above yourself (Phlp. 2:3). Work for their benefit and God will bring the good you seek for others back to you! Live out your faith.

~Dad

Quick Note, Clean In and Out, Luke 11:38-41

Clean In and Out

Like 11:39Then the Lord said to him, "Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.

God made all of us, both inside and out. Often we try to change the things we do and work to improve and cannot. We seek to clean up the outside but have never have been clean inside. If we have the blood of Christ cleanse our hearts then our outsides can be cleansed. It never works the other way around.

Daughters, if you ever cannot seem to stop yielding to temptation, you need a good wash'n. Jesus can do that. By getting closer to him and through the work of Holy Spirit in your heart, you can become clean inside and out.

~Dad

Genesis 15:2 & 3, How Will This Be

How Will This Be?

Genesis 15:2 But Abram said, "O Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?"

Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph and since they were not married, they had no sexual relations. Mary was told by the angel that she would become pregnant and bear a son and name him Jesus. Mary asked, How will this be... since I am still a virgin? (Lk 1:34). What seemed impossible, became possible with God!

Abram had been told by God that he would have great reward and Abram was saddened because he had no son, no family heir. What worth was a reward if you have no one to share it with. If no son, there is no purpose to gaining wealth and riches. But what Abram was unable to do was possible with God.

A and K, What in your life looks impossible? Maybe you at a little like Abram and knew something would come to pass... but it never has. But, maybe you are like Mary and God has told you something and there is no way on your mind that anything like that could happen to anyone long enough you. I ask you to step back and look up to the God who is bigger than all. Abram calls him Sovereign Lord. That is because even though Abram couldn't imagine how things would happen, he knew God did.

Daughters, speak out like Mary. She brought her questions to God and he spoke truth to her, and she, like Abram, accepted it by faith. Know that, with God, all things are possible (Matt. 19:26). You can do all the things he has asked you to do. He will strengthen you to do them (Phil 4:13). Trust in the Lord and he will guide you through. (Pr 3:5 & 6)

Quick Note: Glorify the Son, John 17:1

Glorify the Son

John 17:1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, glorify your Son, that the Son may glorify you."

Do we want to see the name of the Lord lifted up? Do we want people to know Jesus, the one crucified and then raised from the dead? If so, we must glorify him in our own lives!

A and K, glorify Christ in your life. Make it known to others you serve Jesus. When they watch you, see how you spend your time, and who you spend it with, they should not wonder whose you are. Christ will lift you up as you lift him up, so bend low and honor him.

~Dad

Quick Note: God is There, Isaiah 59:1

God is There

Isaiah 59:1 Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, not his ear to dull to hear.

God is close by. Even when it seems like he isn't even around, he hears and sees our need. Reach up to him, and he will lift you up!

K and A, a past student OD'd last night on heroine. Where was I... I failed to reach out to him. Oh, I didn't know his plight, but I was prompted to contact him and didn't. My arm and ears were not helpful. I want to be there for both of you. When you call I will answer. You can count on me... at least that is my goal, my aim for I care each for you.

But there is one who "sticketh" closer than a brother (Pr 18:24). You can always count on him. God will never let you down... even when he seems like he is not there. Reach up to him and you will find his arm of strength lifting you up.

~Dad

Wise Thought: Don't Tear Down, Proverbs 11:12

Don't Tear Down

Proverbs 11:12 A man who lacks judgement derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.

How do we act when a neighbor is a problem? Sometimes they may encroach on our property. Other times they borrow things and do not return them.... what are we to do? It is easy for us to respond with coldness or anger, after all they violated us. But, is this proper for a Christian? The answer is no! We know what Jesus would do... he would allow that person to use more of his land or loan him more things (Matt 5:39 & 40). This is also what he wants us to do if our neighbor is evil. And, most of our neighbors aren't purposefully evil towards us.

If we are lacking judgement we won't give our neighbors any leeway, and if we are wise, we will not repay a them for what they do against us even if they had done so on purpose. Nor will we speak evil of them to others.

K and A, do more than hold your tongue. Holding your tongues is wise (Pr 10:19), but when you are spiritually mature you won't harbor such thoughts, then your tongue will not be tempted to speak such evil. So lift others, even when they have harmed you in some way.

~Dad

Quiet Words, Ecclesiastes 9:17

Quiet Words

Ecclesiastes 9:17 The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.

The wise teacher, Solomon, wrote about the dangers of speaking too much. Noting that the fools speaks without giving thought to their words, Solomon warned that sin abounds when there is much talk (Pr 10:19). The wise person considers their words before they speak and chooses to keep their mouths shut if need be. The fools rants and rages and there is no resolution (Pr 29:9).

A and K, which part do you play? Are you wise and cautious and speak little, or do you play the part of the fool? If so, clap your hand over your mouth and keep quiet and do what is right (Pr 30:32). Both of my girls are quiet... normally. But, I do know that, in the right setting, you can talk more than most would imagine. Be careful to think before you speak and when you do speak, do not rant and rave. Rather, speak with quiet words of wisdom learned from God and his word.

~Dad

Quick Note: Can't Change my Mind, Daniel 3:18

Can't Change My Mind

Daniel 3:18 Even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.

It is easy to succumb to the pressures around you. Peer pressures are real and have pushed many to sin against God. We are to stand for what is right and when we have done all we can... keep standing. (Eph 6:13)

Daughters, determine in your life that you will stand for God no matter the pressure or temptation. These young men, who were around your age, were willing to di,e not just for what they believed, for that would be foolish,. They were willing to die rather than betray God! Don't let anyone change your mind on whose you are. Know your Bible and never shy back from honoring God in your daily life. When you stand for the Lord, God will protect you. But, if he doesn't choose to... they may take your life, but the world can never take your soul from your God.

~Dad

Wise Thought: Despise Pride, Proverbs 8:13

Despise Pride

Proverbs 8:13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil. I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

Wisdom is speaking in this verse. If we are to be wise, we will follow her counsel.

If we are to live in reverent fear (1 Pet 2:17), we certainly want to learn what it means to fear God. Part of fearing God is to know he will repay each one according to what they have done (Ro 2:6). Another part of fearing God is acting like God, loving the things he loves and hating the things he hates. It is true that hate is a strong word, but sin is so terrible that if we fail to hate it, we will in some way take part in it.

Here is some of what God hates:

• Pride
• Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Prov 16:18)
• Arrogance
• Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves (Philp 2:3).
• Evil Behavior
• The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like (Gal 5:19 - 21)
• Perverse Speech
• Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place (Eph 5:4)

A and K, wisdom says to hate these things because God hates them. But, just don't hate them in the lives of others, hate them in yourself, from being part of your own life. Your speech must be clean and uplifting. You must not have any arrogance that belittles and hurts others. Evil thoughts and actions are not fitting for you as God's child, and being proud of accomplishments, whether yours or someone else's will surely make you fall. Rise up then, daughters, for God is here to lift you up to new heights (Hab 3:19), and he will give you strength to live as he desires.

~Dad

Faith in God, Mark 11:22

Faith in God

Mark 11:22 "Have faith in God," Jesus answered

Peter was amazed. The fig tree that had withered. It had produced no fruit, so Jesus cursed it. It was a beautiful tree with plenty of green leaves but no fruit, a worthless tree. And now, it would be cut down.

How can we have such a confidence that what we pray for will happen? Jesus says we are to have faith in God, believing God without doubting and it will happen... But, there is more. We need to be different than the fig tree. Looking strong and heathy isn't enough. We need to produce spiritual fruit (Gal 5:22) consistent with the life of a Christian.

A and K, You don't want to just look good, you want to be good. Your faith in God is to be accompanied by your good works (James 2:24). When you are living for God, you can have confidence that he will hear your prayers (Ps 34:17) and your prayers to him will be effective.

~Dad

Just Say No, Proverbs 1:10

Just Say No

Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.

Most of us have heard the phrase made popular by Nancy Reagan, "Just say no"! At the time, this attempt to curtail the drug problem in America was scoffed and laughed at. Today, this phrase has been adopted for many causes. And it is a good one for us spiritually. When sinners entice you... just say NO!

Daughters, I would like to expand this verse and suggest to you that Satan uses our peers, sinners and church people alike, to put pressure on us to do things we would never do. It may be a roommate in your dorm, an acquaintance at work, a family member, or a boyfriend or spouse. Many of them seem like good people, how could they be wrong. But, when you know the good you ought to do (James 4:7), do not do the things that are contrary to what you know is right. Smoking, drinking, dancing, and worldly music & movies... all these were kept from you as a child for a reason... why involve yourself with the "adult" areas of life just because you are of age. Oh good, I'm 21, now I can drink... I plan on marrying him anyway, so sex is ok... that's just wrong. A and K, do not give in to the pressure. Instead of than trying to figure out what things of  the world might be okay for you to do, see how holy and close to God you can be. I pray that God will give you wisdom in this area and that he gives you the courage to just say NO!

~Dad

Reverent Fear, 1 Peter 2:17

Reverent Fear

1 Peter 2:17 Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, lives your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.

As discussed in yesterday's post on "No Fear", we can trust God to be there for his children. We need not fear what is to come or what he asks us to do, for he will be our shield and great reward. But, how should those who betray Jesus feel? If we are part of the world are we not in danger of being destroyed? We are, and in that, there is fear.

Since the late 1960's movement, there has been much talk about "love". This mantra remains: "Can't we all just love each other and get along." That has been brought into the church with a belief that certainly a God who loved us wouldn't punish us for something that we can't control. "I wouldn't serve a God who would send you to hell just for committing a sin. That doesn't sound like a loving God." "Everybody sins and I was saved when I was little." "God loves me and has forgiven my sins; past, present, and future."

K and A, Do not be fooled by today's worldly teachings. God judges impartially, sinner and saved alike. Fear his wrath! Know that he expects his children to be holy (vs 15). You must flee evil desires as a Christian (vs 14). It is true that the grace of God increases when you sin but the purpose of his grace is to bring righteousness not as an opportunity for you to continue in your sin. (Ro 5 & 6) But do not be deceived, God will not be mocked. You will reap what you sow. (Gal 6:7) Fear him, then, with a reverent fear knowing he wants you as his daughter.

~Dad

Genesis 15:1b, No Fear

No Fear

Genesis 15:1b After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid Abram, I am your shield, your very great reward

Abram's eye were open, for he saw a vision. But what had opened his eyes was his willingness to believe God and to act upon what he believed (He. 11:8) and it was credited to him as righteousness (Gal. 3:6). This is called faith.

God promised to be a shield in Abram's life. He would protect and take care of Abram if Abram believed on who he was and had faith that he would protect him. With this kind of faith, Abram would have no fear of what was to come. He would trust God and move forward in confidence doing what God asked of him. Through this vision, God was preparing Abram to trust him for soon God would test Abram beyond all measure, the sacrifice of his son. Abram had proved faithful in the past, yet he needed reassurance that God would be with him through this next trial.

Girls, be assured that God prepares his children for what lies ahead (1 Cor 10:13). If you are a believer in Christ, then his message to you today, and everyday, is that you need not fear. He loves his children and is here to protect you. Ask him, he will give what is good for you (Matt 7:9-11). And like Abram in the end you too will receive a great reward... eternal life in heaven with him and his children. A and K, never fear what lies ahead for he cares for you (1 Pet 5:7).

~Dad

Quick Note: Be a Blessing, Romans 12:14

Be a Blessing

Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

It is easy to be bothered by those who persecute. Would it actually be persecution if it didn't hurt in some way? There are natural responses to pain. Attacking the source of the pain is one. After all, we want it to stop. That is natural.

Many times God demands that we live in a way that is unnatural. If someone demands that we do something for them, we are to go above and beyond and do more then they have demanded (Matt 5:41). If someone slaps you in the face, allow them to do it again, don't retaliate (Matt 5:39). These are the things we are to do for an evil person. Just think how lenient Christ wants us to be with a fellow Christian.

K and A, what do you do when someone annoys you. Do you mumble something under your breath, berate them with some choice words, or do you kick or beat on them? What God wants you to do is to bless them. That doesn't just mean to say something nice to them, it means to act in ways that help them succeed, to do good things for them, lift them up. Sure, this in not natural, but then again, as Christians, neither are you!

~Dad

Wise Thought: Oppressive Boss, Proverbs 28:3

Oppressive Boss

Proverbs 28:3 A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.

As I write this, it is raining. The forecast is for torrential downpours later in the day. We are concerned that our garden doesn't wash out...

K and A, when the day comes that you are the boss, remember this verse. Peter says that pastors are not to lord their power over the flock (1 Peter 5:3). Jesus says that's what the gentile rulers, do but you are to be servant leaders (Matt. 20:25). Daughters, you may think being a "boss" is far stretched, but already you lead children in God's word. You will need to be firm, but do so without being oppressive.

~Dad

Perfecting Holiness Part 4: Holiness Revealed, 2 Corinthians 6:14 - 7:1

Perfecting Holiness: Holiness Revealed

2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

I again refer to the church of today. It basically defines holiness by who Christ is, or said differently Christ is our holiness for we cannot be holy. Therein lies the half truth. It is true that in our own selves, we cannot be holy, but when changed by the Living Savior and filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit we can be holy and live without sin!

I read a book about holiness during a week stay at Seyfert Campground in the summer of 2015. I went there for spiritual renewal; a time of study, fasting and prayer. I read a book I found in the closet of my room on holiness. I was hoping to find out about holiness of the past, after all I was at a holiness camp... but I quickly realized that the book was about today's view of holiness. Don't get me wrong it was good to read and challenging (no, I didn't finish it. I would have had to stay a couple months), but it left out what I believe was the success of the church back in the early to mid 1900's. Instead the author pushed the idea that the past had it wrong: Holiness isn't about what you do or don't do. It is about what you think and desire. It used to be a about actions but now it is a mindset. Just this past week in SS class we talked about how friendship with the world was not talking about the people, rather it was talking about the mindset or philosophies of the world that we are not to be friend with. Each of these examples have truths in them, but it is not the whole teaching of scripture.

Look again at these verses again. Do not be yoked with unbelievers... wickedness and righteousness are like light and darkness, they can't co-exist. The temple of God and idols come from opposite view points. We must come out from them and be separate (vs 17). When will God receive us as his own children? When we touch no unclean thing. We must purify ourselves from all that contaminates. Not just in our spirit but in the physical body as well (vs 1). You see, it is both what we think and what we do. Your spirit has not been cleansed if the body is still contaminated. This can be said in another way as well... If you contaminate the body with sin your spirit will be soiled as well. We are complete beings mind, body, soul, and spirit. Each is directly connected to the other and each suffer when the other touched by sin.

A and K, You are not an animal. You are more that a body. Your mind does not think on its own. Your spirit and your soul co-exist within you. I do not understand it all, but I do know that if you mix with the world, finding pleasure and fulfillment in what it sees as important in life, you will fall spiritually. 1 Cor. 6:12 to the end of that chapter talks about joining with a prostitute and how in doing so one dishonors God, because the act joins evil with God. Should they be united??? Never! Sexual sins are more egregious, but joining anything of the world to your life is wrong.

Daughters, be it music or dancing, drinking or smoking, gambling, movies, or tv, be it anything else of the world... if you do these, your whole being will be affected. Do not unite yourself with the world, rather put off everything the contaminates your body and spirit (vs 1), and so purify yourself that God may be revered in your life as you perfect holiness. You know this Biblical theme is the closest to my heart. And so are each of you. I love and care about you. That is why it always comes back around to this when I read or write about God's Word. May you be dedicated wholly to the Lord, so that your entire being may be truly holy before the Lord.

~Dad

PS... what, still not done?... About the list I wrote... those are things that most churches used to believe were wrong. Many of them were evils in their day, many still are. Certainly how you do some of them determines if it is evil or not, but know this: if the world finds pleasure in them, we shouldn't be there with them, otherwise we become one with them... Never! not even when other "christians" are.

Perfecting Holiness Part 3: Be Holy, 2 Corinthians 6:14 - 7:1

Perfecting Holiness: Be Holy

2 Corinthians 7:1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

Does it matter to God how we live, or is it like we hear many times today God understands that we are human? There has been a twisting of scripture in today's church which minimalizes sin. It goes something like this...

God knows we are of dust and sympathizes with our weaknesses (Psalm 103:14, Hebrews 4:15). He knows the flesh is strong and we cannot stop doing what we do not want to do (Ro 7:15). We are all sinners, I sin in thought, word and deed, every minute (Ro 3:23). Anyone who thinks they have ceased from sinning is lying to themselves, which obviously is a sin (1 John 1:8). So, there you go, I am stuck in my sin till Jesus returns and makes all of us perfect (1 Cor. 13:10, Phil 3:12). I just glad that when God looks at me he see Jesus and not my sin (Is 61:10). I just need to try.

Don't be fooled by today's worldly church. They are happy to stay in their sin, constantly making excuses for it. In both the Old and New Testaments, it says... Be holy, for I am holy! (Lev 11:44, 1 Pet 1:16) We are to become new creatures (2 Cor 5:17). We are not to go on sinning, stop it! (2 Cor 15:34, 1 Jn 2:1). As this verse says, do it out or reverence for God. In almost every version this passage is written to say: out of fear of God. We should fear for our lives if we are indifferent to sinning. That is not who we are to be. That would make us a defiled temple, illegitimate children, believers who believe in thought only.

A and K, perfect your holiness. God doesn't want yo to live in sin. If there is something in your life hampering your relationship with God, purify yourself from everything that contaminates. Be holy  for you serve a holy God!

~Dad

Perfecting Holiness Part 2: God's Temple, 2 Corinthians 6:14 - 7:1

Perfecting Holiness: God's Temple

2 Corinthians 6:16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. And God has said, "I will live with them and walk among them and they will be my people."

Who will receive the promises of the Lord? Those that believe on his name, who take him as both Savior and Lord. They knew that they were lost in sin and desired a way out. Nothing they could do was able to free them from the penalty of sin, but they became confident that what was told them from the Scriptures was true. Jesus paid the debt of sin and they believe it. But, there is more to believing than knowing Jesus paid it all. It is the rest of that line of music... All to Him I owe. Believing in Jesus encompasses all he said and did. We must believe in his commands allowing him to rule our lives, after all what is a lord if he has no control over his people?

If we are to be friends of God, then we must stop being children of the world and become children of God in all we believe, say, and do! We must move from doing things our way to doing it his way. As James says in chapters 3 and 4 of his book, do things in heavenly wisdom, giving up on our own ambitions. Then, he will come and abide with us. We will become his temple.

Daughters, be the friend of God, a true believer in Christ. As a child of God, you hold a special place in God's heart. He wants to encompass all your heart. He desires for you to be void of the world and it hopes and fears. You can be different. After all, you are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19).

~Dad

Perfecting Holiness Part 1: God's Promises, 2 Corinthians 6:14 - 7:1

Perfecting Holiness: God's Promises

2 Corinthians 7:1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out if reverence for God.

What are the promises Paul is talking about? Who are they for, why should we be holy and what is holiness anyway? It is important to ask questions if we are to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). Although many verses of the Word of God can stand alone, we could deviate from the truth if we do not understand the context of the passage or other scriptures that work with the one we are reading. So, today, we will talk about the promises...

At the end of chapter 6, Paul is speaking about our relationship with unbelievers. He is very straight forward and warns of being yoked together, stating that we have nothing in common with them. He then says what we, as believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, have that is different. Believers are the temple of the living God. God lives with us and walks among us. He is our God and we are his people. He promises to receive us and make us his children, his sons and daughters and be will be our father. These promises are also listed in other areas of the Scripture such as John 1:12.

K and A, you each have believed on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and have been saved! You have been given the right to become children of God. He promises to walk with you through life and be your God. There are clarification to these truths, thing that you must do for the promises to come to fruition. Popular churches, today, do not state this.They want to fill your lives with happiness and ease and their pews (chairs) and coffers. Over the next couple of days, we will pursue God and see what he desires of you and of all believers. For God's promises are too good to miss!

~Dad