Don't Fall
Jude 1:24 To him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy
Who is that can keep us from falling back into a life of sin? The Spirit of the Living God is able to keep us from falling! If we draw close to him and lean on his arms of grace, we will be given the strength to stand through any temptation without succumbing to its power and our weaknesses. Praise be to God, we can live without sin!
K and A, know that a clean life is possible. Is it possible to sin after initial salvation? Certainly. Is it possible to fall from away from God? Sadly, yes. You have the responsibility to live a life of obedience to God, but take heart, Jesus can keep you from falling, so he can present you to his father without fault... This gives him great joy, not to mention what it will do for you!
~Dad
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Sunday, June 23, 2019
Relating To Non-Christians, Jude 1:22-23
Relating To Non-Christians
Jude 1:22-23 Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear - hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
The last part of this verse we will save for the next time...
How are we to respond to the non-believer? In the past we called them sinners. But, who would dare belittle someone today? It is better to come around the sinner, and declare that we all are sinners! When we do that, it becomes harder to help them see their need of a savior. So how should we approach them...
Be Merciful - When we know someone who doubts who Jesus is, do not be harsh with them. Be merciful, giving grace and patience, so their doubt turn into hope.
Snatch Them From the Fire - Sin is real and its penalty is death, eternal death, but God desires to will deliver them and save them from the fiery pit. He expects us to help him,
Show Mercy - sounds quite similar to the first one, but with it comes a warning - we must be careful that we do not get snagged by the sins that so entangles.
K and A, you must be willing to reach out to the lost. How will they ever know if they have not been told. Be gently with them. Remember, you too were once a sinner, and if no one told you, you would still be in a state of denial! First, be thankful that someone willing to see your spiritual need, then reach out for others and lovingly take along to heaven, knowing that if not for Christ, you would be stuck in your sin, separate from God.
~Dad
Jude 1:22-23 Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear - hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
The last part of this verse we will save for the next time...
How are we to respond to the non-believer? In the past we called them sinners. But, who would dare belittle someone today? It is better to come around the sinner, and declare that we all are sinners! When we do that, it becomes harder to help them see their need of a savior. So how should we approach them...
Be Merciful - When we know someone who doubts who Jesus is, do not be harsh with them. Be merciful, giving grace and patience, so their doubt turn into hope.
Snatch Them From the Fire - Sin is real and its penalty is death, eternal death, but God desires to will deliver them and save them from the fiery pit. He expects us to help him,
Show Mercy - sounds quite similar to the first one, but with it comes a warning - we must be careful that we do not get snagged by the sins that so entangles.
K and A, you must be willing to reach out to the lost. How will they ever know if they have not been told. Be gently with them. Remember, you too were once a sinner, and if no one told you, you would still be in a state of denial! First, be thankful that someone willing to see your spiritual need, then reach out for others and lovingly take along to heaven, knowing that if not for Christ, you would be stuck in your sin, separate from God.
~Dad
Sunday, June 16, 2019
Three Things To Do Until Christ Returns, Jude 1:20-21
Three Things to Do Until Christ Returns
Jude 1:20-21 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in the most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
Christ is coming back! When he comes, he will have mercy on all who are his, but his return will not be so pleasant for the ungodly. They are destine for the fiery lake of burning sulfur!
For those of us who belong to God, Jude gives us three things to do until Christ returns:
Jude 1:20-21 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in the most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
Christ is coming back! When he comes, he will have mercy on all who are his, but his return will not be so pleasant for the ungodly. They are destine for the fiery lake of burning sulfur!
For those of us who belong to God, Jude gives us three things to do until Christ returns:
- Build ourselves in the most holy faith
- This would including Bible study and prayer, fellowshipping with other believers - as iron sharpens iron.
- Pray in the Holy Spirit
- To me, this relates to God directing our prayer; what we should pray for and being filled with the Spirit in order to know how to pray; praying in accordance with the duties of the Spirit
- Keeping oneself in the love of God
- We know the Lord loves those who obey his commands. We must do the things we know to do and flee the evil things of this world not letting ourselves become soiled by the world around us.
K and A, If you desire the mercy of God in your life today and in the eternity to come, you will need to continue in your walk with the Lord. It is not enough to once been saved. Salvation is a life-long commitment of following Christ. Flee the passions and desires of the world and do not your natural desires control you, rather be self-controlled, doing what the Word of God says. Then, when the end comes... at the end of your life or in the Day of the Lord, you will stand before him with confidence and his mercy will be upon you!
~Dad
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
She's A Natural, Jude 1:19
She's A Natural
Jude 1:19 These men who divide you follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
When we select people from within the church to lead the church based merely on their capable talents, we hurt spiritual health of the church. There are those who appear to be natural leaders, others who are talented handling money, some are great organizers, but it is wrong to choose elders of the church who do not have a spiritual relationship with Christ. It only serves to divide the church during crucial decision making times. It is then when the wisdom of the world begins to take over the church and leads her awry.
K and A, I do believe that you were born more inclined to excel in certain areas of life than others. These God-given talents can be groomed to become well developed skills. You are a natural at something. What is that, you may ask? That isn't the important focus right now, what the focus needs to be is your spiritual talents. As the Spirit fills your soul and life, you are given spiritual gifts that he will use in the Kingdom of God. They will work along side any natural or developed talents. It is at that time when your Spirit-guided instincts become effective in building the church, helping fellow believers to come together to serve and worship the Lord. This is the leadership that is needed. You are the leadership that is needed. With the Spirit, you are a true natural!
~Dad
Jude 1:19 These men who divide you follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
When we select people from within the church to lead the church based merely on their capable talents, we hurt spiritual health of the church. There are those who appear to be natural leaders, others who are talented handling money, some are great organizers, but it is wrong to choose elders of the church who do not have a spiritual relationship with Christ. It only serves to divide the church during crucial decision making times. It is then when the wisdom of the world begins to take over the church and leads her awry.
K and A, I do believe that you were born more inclined to excel in certain areas of life than others. These God-given talents can be groomed to become well developed skills. You are a natural at something. What is that, you may ask? That isn't the important focus right now, what the focus needs to be is your spiritual talents. As the Spirit fills your soul and life, you are given spiritual gifts that he will use in the Kingdom of God. They will work along side any natural or developed talents. It is at that time when your Spirit-guided instincts become effective in building the church, helping fellow believers to come together to serve and worship the Lord. This is the leadership that is needed. You are the leadership that is needed. With the Spirit, you are a true natural!
~Dad
Monday, June 10, 2019
In The Last Days, Jude 1:17-18
In The Last Days
Jude 1:18 They said to you, In the last times, there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires."
In the last days... Jesus warns about the end times. He says that before the end comes, there will be earthquakes, wars, rumors of wars, famine and pestilence, and fearful events. Paul talks about how there will be terrible times in the last days. Certainly, times will be tough among both Christians and as Jude calls them, the ungodly. Even in the church, it will be bad. The ungodly will infiltrate the church and will scoff at common doctrine. They will cause trouble and try to divide the church!
Now, I have heard it said that what Jesus warned about is not a concern. What he was really saying was that you will hear of wars and rumors of wars, when you hear of earthquakes and famines, etc. They are just common occurrences, nothing to be worried about. The end will come without a sign and on a day least expected. To me that is a half truth. Some of it true and some not. Jesus did promise to come as a thief in the night, but the Bible is clear that troubles will increase as we near the end times.
K and A, you need not fear the end times, if your heart is right with God. You can put your complete confidence in his love and grace. But, you still need to be on the look-out for trouble, especially troublemakers. This is what Jude is warning of. Watch out for people who seek to bring in another gospel than what you were taught. Satan is seeking to take back everyone he can - even you! Know that the last days are evil. Be on your guard against the joys of this world, and seek to grasp the joys of the Lord.
~Dad
Jude 1:18 They said to you, In the last times, there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires."
In the last days... Jesus warns about the end times. He says that before the end comes, there will be earthquakes, wars, rumors of wars, famine and pestilence, and fearful events. Paul talks about how there will be terrible times in the last days. Certainly, times will be tough among both Christians and as Jude calls them, the ungodly. Even in the church, it will be bad. The ungodly will infiltrate the church and will scoff at common doctrine. They will cause trouble and try to divide the church!
Now, I have heard it said that what Jesus warned about is not a concern. What he was really saying was that you will hear of wars and rumors of wars, when you hear of earthquakes and famines, etc. They are just common occurrences, nothing to be worried about. The end will come without a sign and on a day least expected. To me that is a half truth. Some of it true and some not. Jesus did promise to come as a thief in the night, but the Bible is clear that troubles will increase as we near the end times.
K and A, you need not fear the end times, if your heart is right with God. You can put your complete confidence in his love and grace. But, you still need to be on the look-out for trouble, especially troublemakers. This is what Jude is warning of. Watch out for people who seek to bring in another gospel than what you were taught. Satan is seeking to take back everyone he can - even you! Know that the last days are evil. Be on your guard against the joys of this world, and seek to grasp the joys of the Lord.
~Dad
Saturday, June 8, 2019
Ungodly Characteristics, Jude 1:16
Ungodly Characteristics
Jude 1:16 These men are grumblers and fault finders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.
Have you ever grumbled or found fault with how others do things? It seems like most people do. Why I am the one who does it right; Why would anyone do it like that; why do people have to be so stupid; why is the boss telling us what to do; anyone could have thought of a better way to do it; its so hot outside; why did it have to rain today; whose idea was it to invite them; this is boring and on and on... people love to complain about any and every thing.
Then there is pride: I did a great job putting that program together; my way always turns out so good; my girl is the goalie, isn't she's amazing; no one can sing like my daughter, she sings like an angel; Whoa, that was a great hit, who did that, oh, it was my boy, should have known, he's the best player on the team. And flattery: your really pretty, who are they in the picture, you have such a beautiful family; I really like you dress, you look so good in it; is that a new haircut, you are gorgeous; are they your children, they are so well behaved. People act like this when they are trying to puff themselves up above others and when they are trying to get something from others.
These are dangerous places to live. From this verse, we see that they are signs of ungodliness; ways to lift yourself above others; ways to put others down.
K and A, pride can be sneaky. It enters into one's life subtly and takes over. It can be hidden from our conscience and from others but at some point it rears its ugly head for all to see. You know how I despise the words I'm so proud of you; you make me so proud; you must be so proud of your daughter, and on and on... but it is a holy pride. Yeah, but pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. If you read much of Proverbs you'll find it a major theme. And so is flattery and complaining; I'd rather live on a corner of a roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife. That's for sure.
These are characteristics for you to avoid in your life, and they are signs to watch out for in others. Encourage others to rise above these traits and avoid any resemblance in your own life.
~Dad
Jude 1:16 These men are grumblers and fault finders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.
Have you ever grumbled or found fault with how others do things? It seems like most people do. Why I am the one who does it right; Why would anyone do it like that; why do people have to be so stupid; why is the boss telling us what to do; anyone could have thought of a better way to do it; its so hot outside; why did it have to rain today; whose idea was it to invite them; this is boring and on and on... people love to complain about any and every thing.
Then there is pride: I did a great job putting that program together; my way always turns out so good; my girl is the goalie, isn't she's amazing; no one can sing like my daughter, she sings like an angel; Whoa, that was a great hit, who did that, oh, it was my boy, should have known, he's the best player on the team. And flattery: your really pretty, who are they in the picture, you have such a beautiful family; I really like you dress, you look so good in it; is that a new haircut, you are gorgeous; are they your children, they are so well behaved. People act like this when they are trying to puff themselves up above others and when they are trying to get something from others.
These are dangerous places to live. From this verse, we see that they are signs of ungodliness; ways to lift yourself above others; ways to put others down.
K and A, pride can be sneaky. It enters into one's life subtly and takes over. It can be hidden from our conscience and from others but at some point it rears its ugly head for all to see. You know how I despise the words I'm so proud of you; you make me so proud; you must be so proud of your daughter, and on and on... but it is a holy pride. Yeah, but pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. If you read much of Proverbs you'll find it a major theme. And so is flattery and complaining; I'd rather live on a corner of a roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife. That's for sure.
These are characteristics for you to avoid in your life, and they are signs to watch out for in others. Encourage others to rise above these traits and avoid any resemblance in your own life.
~Dad
Friday, June 7, 2019
Let God Convict, Jude 1:14-15
Let God Convict
Jude 1:15 [The Lord is coming] to judge everyone and to convict the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against [the Lord].
I know a person who, when double crossed, becomes angry and looks for ways to get back at them. I guess I know more than one... The people I know, some who claim to be Christians, think that should be the normal response. And, I guess it is for non-believers, but it must not be for the one who has given their heart to Jesus. The Bible is specific in saying that it is for the Lord to take vengeance. He will repay, the Scriptures say.
Daughters, there will be a day when the Lord will not only judge, but he will also convict the guilty. Verse 13 says that there is a place he has reserved for them where they will be forever; blackest darkness, Jude calls it. Yet, when you are taken advantage of, do not striking back, rather forgive. This is the heart of God. He desires all to come to repentance, so let your light so shine by loving them, and pray that they will see that light in you and find Christ as their Savior.
~Dad
Jude 1:15 [The Lord is coming] to judge everyone and to convict the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against [the Lord].
I know a person who, when double crossed, becomes angry and looks for ways to get back at them. I guess I know more than one... The people I know, some who claim to be Christians, think that should be the normal response. And, I guess it is for non-believers, but it must not be for the one who has given their heart to Jesus. The Bible is specific in saying that it is for the Lord to take vengeance. He will repay, the Scriptures say.
Daughters, there will be a day when the Lord will not only judge, but he will also convict the guilty. Verse 13 says that there is a place he has reserved for them where they will be forever; blackest darkness, Jude calls it. Yet, when you are taken advantage of, do not striking back, rather forgive. This is the heart of God. He desires all to come to repentance, so let your light so shine by loving them, and pray that they will see that light in you and find Christ as their Savior.
~Dad
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