Behavior

Blog for Podcast #64 (How we should live)

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Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. You can use most podcast platforms if you wish to listen. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Discussion

I have learned an important lesson over the years. A key element of many hardships in my live had one major factor playing into them. A true and nearly complete misunderstanding of what is within the Bible. In the following verses I am going to take us through some verses that boil down to divided loyalties, and how we should seek to be one with God through Jesus Christ.

To begin this, we must remember something extremely important. These verses were from letters sent to those people that had become saved. That had asked Jesus Christ to be their Savior and those that had taught them made sure that they had received the Holy Spirit.  There can be no question that those hearing these letters were people that wanted to go into heaven and even believed that they were.

James 4:1-3 – What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? 2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.

1 John 2:15-17 – Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

How many that call themselves “Christian” seek after status. Expensive clothing, expensive cars, and housing. Taking pride in their achievements and reveling in it. Seeking after and being prideful of themselves and caring only about their status. When they have none of it, they seek after it and hate those that do instead of them. Yet still they call themselves “Christian.”

James and John were telling those that received these letters to end their sin. Now as I said those that received these letters called themselves followers of Jesus Christ. This is extremely important to come to this truth. This is why we have these letters within the Bible. To teach us how to act as what we call ourselves: Christian. These are our works, our fruit we must bear in the service in God. To know when we are living in a sin which will lead us away from God.

When you look to the Old Testament the lessons presented within them are the same. How God wishes those who chose to follow Him are to act and behave. Then the result if we do not. This has not changed in either Testament.

Why?

Because of human freewill. Which shows that we all have an active roll in our salvation before and after asking Jesus Christ to be our Savior.

James 1:12-17 – God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

These verses paint a clear image of how we are to live our lives and who it is that causes us to falter in our faith and belief in God through Christ. We humans tempt ourselves. Which causes us to leave the narrow path which leads to eternal life. Instead, when entering into sin we allow sin to grow within us. This will “give birth to death.” The opposite of enteral life is death, which clearly states that salvation can and will be lost if we do not keep to the narrow path unto the Lord.

Part of keeping on the narrow path in the service of God is listening to those that reprove, rebuke and exhort. (2 Timothy 4:2) For they are working within the guideline of the Bible.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

When someone uses the Bible, and we study the scriptures given to us as our reprove. And we find they are accurate and biblically sound in their argument towards our actions. Then we must accept that this is not coming from the human, but from God using the person as His messenger.

This is extremely important and something very few wish to hear or accept. Why? Because they at times cannot accept that they are living in sin. However, if the Bible clearly states that something is a certain way then that means we must accept and strive to make ourselves right with Jesus Christ, or as was shown above. Head ourselves down the wrong path which does not lead to salvation, but instead damnation.

We must never think of ourselves as better or greater than any other person, be they sinner or saint. (Matthew 23:12; Romans 12:3; James 4:6)

1 Peter 5:1-6 – And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: 2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. 5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.

Philippians 2:1-11 – Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

In these scriptures we see just how highly important it is to seek after humility. A true and honest humility in which we do not see ourselves as greater than any. For by being humble we exalt He whom we have dedicated ourselves too. Christ the human form of God was the ultimate example of humility.

The moment someone thinks themselves better than another they show a lack of belief in God. They place themselves not only as greater than another human, but greater than God Himself. Allow that to sink in for a moment.

One of the most important things we see in the Bible is to test ourselves against the Word of God to see if we are living a righteous life. This is one of the greatest works a person can perform in their lives upon this earth if they profess to be Christian.

Galatians 6:1-9 – Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. 4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct. 6 Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them. 7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

In these verses we see a basic summary of today’s Bible study.

In verse one we see the need to reprove, rebuke and exhort. There are those out there that have slipped away from the true path and accuse you of “judging them.” Since we are told to help them how can this be judging? If we use the Word of God as we are instructed it is the Scriptures placing the burden upon them not those giving them the help they need. So, if they accuse you of judging it is actually they that are judging you. If they reject your help that is their burden, you have stived to do your best. Pray for them and allow God to handle the rest. You have fulfilled your duty to God.

Next, we are not to think we are better or greater than anyone. For as the verses show we are fooling ourselves, we should instead acknowledge that only Christ and His Father are greater.

Look to our own lives and see if we are truly seeking after the will of God. If we know from the Bible that we are living within the Word of God, then we know we will receive our treasures not here on earth but in heaven where it belongs.

Understand that if we insist upon living in sin, we may not make it into heaven for as the verses says: “Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature.”

But what is it their own sinful nature pursues?

1 John 2:15-17 – Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #50 (Selfishness)

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Intro

This is Dreamwalker1960. As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. You can use Listen Notes, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music or Audible, Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts. As well as Pandora, Spotify, Podbean and PlayerFM. All you need do is do a search for Dreamwalker1960.

Today’s podcast is a continuation of the “Money is the true master” podcast that was done a while back. So let us begin.

Discussion

Selfishness could be considered the ultimate sin. Why would someone say selfishness is the ultimate sin? When you think on it, you will realize that it really is. From selfishness, there is theft. From selfishness, there is strife between people and nations. From selfishness, there is even murder and war.
Jesus I believe knew that selfishness was this bad as well. Why I say that is how he framed the statement “Do unto to others, as you would have others do unto you.” You see he framed the wording to come from a selfish person’s perspective. Why? Become he was talking mostly to the sinners. How YOU wish to be treated is how YOU should treat others and if YOU do so, YOU will receive it.
Just take for example an everyday event like going through the drive through window at a fast-food restaurant. I will give you two examples and you decide which is selfish and which is not.

Person A gets into line then places their car in park to save gas. Cars in from of them move up as other cars behind them pull in to get food. Person A parked lets three car lengths open before them and then decides to look up from their cellphone to see that the line has moved. They then slowly move up. They then place their order, taking several minutes to do so. Because they cannot seem to make up their mind what they wish to order. Then they finish and the line in front of them moves up to three car lengths again. They then again look up from their cellphone and slowly move up, stopping a full car length behind the person in front of them. When they finally arrive at the window, they get their food and then set there several minutes examining their food they ordered. They attempt to give back the food, but it is given right back since it is what they ordered. They then pull away from the window slowly. (This is an actual occurrence I witnessed)

Person B pulls in the line in the drive thru. The car in front of them moves up and so move up with them. The person in front of them gets to the point to order their food. Person B looks at the menu from where he/she sets and decides what they wish to order. The person in front moves forward and they move up and quickly order their food then proceeds to move up behind the person in front of them allowing the person now behind them to order their food. Person B keeps the line moving. When they get to the window, they have their method of payment ready and receive their food then pull away.

The selfish person’s actions can cause others about them to become angry. They do not care, for all that is important to them is themselves. When people only care for themselves then they are not thinking of God first and so are not truly Christian if they profess to be one. Actions speak louder than words.

Selfishness is the biggest plague upon society, as well as Christendom, today. From it stems all the sins that we are to abstain from. It is the clearest validation that we are living within the end times foretold within the Bible. Yet none wish to acknowledge its existence. Even I struggle with this one, and it is something I must constantly remind myself about. For I find myself stumbling back into this behavior. For it is the way we were raised. Without the full structure from the scriptures as it was originally supposed to be taught to all children. From generation to generation. Nevertheless for several centuries all they have been taught is to seek a legacy. To seek wealth. To please only the self.

As it applied to those in Laodicea when the letter was written to them in the book of Revelation. So, it applies to the world today, especially in the largest income countries.

Revelation 3:17 – You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.

One of the biggest pieces of selfishness is the action of wishing to control how our lives proceed. Planning how we are to live our lives. How elegant we are seeking to live. This is selfishness. The Bible makes it clear that we are to relay upon the Lord for everything. From where and how we live to what we eat and how we are clothed.

Matthew 6:25 – “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?

Matthew 6:31-33 – “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

If we get to the point of having wealth and property this is what the Bible says:

1 John 3:17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?

Think on the last part of that verse. Then look about you and ponder.

These words being said let us now look into what brings us to how we all should think. To start that journey, for it is a journey, we need to look at the young rich man that came to speak with Jesus Christ.

Matthew 19:16-30 Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.” 18 “Which ones?” the man asked. And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. 19 Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 20 “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?” 21 Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. 24 I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” 25 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. 26 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” 27 Then Peter said to him, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?” 28 Jesus replied, “I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.

What we first notice is “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Again, we see the wording where the selfish person must note what they desire should be given unto others before the self.

Next is the word “perfect.” It actually translates to “complete.” So, it actually says, “If you want to be complete, go and sell your possessions…” “Complete” means to be made whole. You can only become whole if you stop seeking after the self and seek after your ultimate reward that is not promised in this temporal plain of existence. But in the eternal that is to follow our testing here in this reality. At a one point in the Catholic Church men created a thing called “purgatory.” A place that once you leave this life you were to work off your sins in penance. The thing is a person could say we are living in purgatory right now. We are to decide for ourselves how we should dedicate our lives. Do we wish to live for what is seen as right or what is seen as wrong?

A quote that is used many times also looks into this selfishness. The quote is by Dostoyevsky from “The Brothers Karamazov” – “if there is no God, then everything is permitted.”

When people are selfish all they think upon is themselves. Not God nor the morality that was introduced within the Bible. This is what Jesus Himself said about how people think:

Matthew 15:18-19 – But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. 19 For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.

Without God in our lives there is no way that society can exist. All due to selfishness. This has been proven by the mere fact that of all the religions that have existed throughout the existence of humanity. Only two have lasted thousands of years. Not only that, the morals from the youngest of these two religions have formed the laws of all the nations that followed this belief. A key point of these two religions. They have the same God who gave the same morals to both religions. Within these morals are teachings aimed at not focusing on the self but on our fellow human beings.

Both the old testament or as from the first religion the Tanakh, and  the new testament, what is called the greatest of commandments, which was the name given them by Jesus Christ Himself shows they are greater than the ten commandments.

Matthew 22:36-40 – “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” 37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

“Equally important.” Let that sink in a moment.

Thinking of other as we would think of ourselves is of equal importance as loving God with all our hearts, minds, and souls. Let me restate that. Not being selfish is seen as equal to loving God. Yet millions seek after riches and luxury. Thinking only of themselves and their own wellbeing. Again, I will leave you the listener and reader to ponder upon this a moment.

Jesus taught us not to worry about where we are to be fed or clothed. Yet we know we cannot go without work at all in today’s society. So, this does not mean we are not to work. However, it does imply that we are not to seek after wealth, huge houses, and other luxuries. What it does indicate is that we are not to live in excess. Sure save some for retirement, however not a retirement in leisure and comfort, but enough to get our food and clothes. Anything beyond belongs to God and is for His use. (2 Corinthian 9:6-15)

I did not come to this realization until too late. I am in debt, which we are taught not to do in the Bible. However I did not learn this until later in live. So, it is my problem to solve this. My goal here is to help those listening or reading try and get their life on the right track within the teachings of the Gospel. Which means to live a simple life and once a person has enough to have a roof over their head, eat and clothe themselves. Amongst the non-expensive items that are needed within this world. Not wanted but needed. Then what is left is not for our use, but Gods use. As was made clear in 1 John three. So, I will close this week’s message with the amplified classic version of this verse.

1 John 3:17 – But if anyone has this world’s goods (resources for sustaining life) and sees his brother and fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him?

God Bless

Blog for Podcast #31 (How should a Christian respond to how the government acts)

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How should a Christian respond to how the government acts

Intro

Welcome again to another study of the Bible and I am Dreamwalker1960 As a reminder you can read the transcripts of all my podcasts at dreamwalker1960.com. Also you do not need to download podbean if you wish to listen. You can use Listen Notes, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music or Audible, Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts.

This lesson has three parts to it.

The first is how we as Christians are to know why certain rulers come into being, and what we as Christians are to do when it comes to those in power. The Second part is what the Bible says about how we as Christians will be treated when Christ is soon to return. And lastly what has been said in recent weeks by those in places of power.

Discussion

Daniel 4:17 – For this has been decreed by the messengers; it is commanded by the holy ones, so that everyone may know that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world. He gives them to anyone he chooses— even to the lowliest of people.”

God give power to those He chooses. “Even to the lowliest of people.” Prime examples of the lowliest were Hitler and Stalin. Each of these men cause millions to die in concentration and re-education camps. For His goal is ultimately to bring all of humanity to recognize that He is in charge of all events.

This is made clear in Psalms 22:28:

“For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations.”

So God places people in power and controls them. Even those that deny Him.

But why?

Let’s look at the most popular of the recent lowly leaders in history. That being Adolf Hitler. His actions not only resulted in the Second World War. It also resulted in 13 million people being killed in concentration camps. Within this 13 million were 6 million Jews. Those that are the promised children of God. This mass slaughter of the Jewish people made them to distrust all the people in all the nations they were living in throughout the world. They decided then and there to reform their nation. The only nation in the history of the world to cease to exist and then be reformed in 1948, which fulfills Ezekiel 36:24.

“For I will gather you up from all the nations and bring you home again to your land.”

In a large part, it was the actions of Hitler that broke the proverbial camel’s back and caused them to return to their promised lands and reform the nation of Israel once again.

This makes it clear that God places those in power He wishes to be in power, and none that calls themselves a Christian should question these events or who is placed into power. So those that opposed Donald Trump were in fact denying the will of God. As is made clear in the verses, which began this lesson, which I have placed as examples. This goes for Biden and Harris as well, if that is what happens. It is not for humans to judge them but for God to do so. How they wish to live their eternity is their problems not ours.

So were these that opposed these people justified to do so? Is now the question we need to address, and so moves us into the second part of this study.

Tutus 3:1 – Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.

Romans 13:1 – Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.

So Christians are to obey those that are placed into power. And follow all the laws of the land. Like for example following the speed limit. To not rising up in rebellion against a corrupt power that wishes to subjugate and dominate, by imposing laws which takes away our freedoms. We work within the laws if they do not maintain the goodness that comes from the Bible.

Now admittedly this was not done in the late 1700 in the American colonies, but those in government were not maintaining goodness either. However, at that time not all the pieces were falling into place to fulfill certain prophecies. That is not the case at this time, which leads us into the third part of this study. Now as was covered in the series, which we finished last week about the Olivet Discourse, this is what Jesus Christ stated to look out for when His time of return would be near.

Wars and rumor of wars, false prophets, Races will fight other races and as a result nations will go to war with nations. Famine will take place, which is being caused by the COVID issue, and earthquakes will become more numerous. But this is only the first part. (Matthew 24:4-8)

The next part is something that needs to be noted, in particular verse 9

“Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.”

Within the last few weeks things have been said. Actions have been taken. Now there is evidence that ground work has been laid out in the past to address issues like this. But I have nothing solid to offer here to support that so I will not continue in this line of commentary. However, what has been established I will.

Since the election a theme has started to be seen. The making of a list to separate those that did not fall in line with the dictates of those that see themselves as your betters. If you are a follower of Christ this should not come as a surprise to you. I have been making this clear if you have been listening to my podcasts or reading my blog posts. However, you shouldn’t need to hear or read it from me. As I stated before, you would already be aware of this if you truly are a believer of Jesus Christ as our Savior.

The second division has occurred between the sheep and the goats.

The next division is being made by those that wish to dominate and control. This practice has been done before. It was done during the French Revolution, which I see as the very first Socialist revolution. Which resulted in Napoleon coming to power as the dictator of France and the wars that followed, in which he sought to have world domination.

These lists were made in the 1910s as the communist came to power in what would become the U.S.S.R. due to their revolution. Where again the ultimate goal was global domination.

These lists were also made in the 1930s by National Socialist Workers Party as they came to dominance in Germany. Where once again the goal was to have the world under the thumb of the Third Riche. This list also ended up with the other 7 million of the 13 million mentioned before. This other seven included those that the people in power did not see as worthy. They included Gypsies, actors, scholars, scientist, musicians and Christians.

Again these lists were made in the 1950s and 60s as the followers of Mao purged those that disagreed with them from China. Where their goal is still that of global domination, for the followers of Mao still have the reigns of that nation. At this time they have lists which are used to removed Muslims and Christians and those seeking freedom to live as they chose.

Do not think the threat of a list is just idle talk that will amount to nothing. What is different between those times and today is that this is not just happening in one nation. It is something that is spreading out globally. The last place to truly experience this, is what use to be the last stronghold of God. The United States. Now the list has arrived, so it is time for this to be fulfilled:

Matthew 24:9 – “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.”

You will see the great apostasy come to fulfillment. Many that call themselves followers of God will turn upon their fellows and betray them. They will still go to the buildings called “churches,” and they will continue to live the religious lifestyle. Believing they are one with God. However, they have in reality turned their backs upon Him. Wishing to live in their comfort and luxuries they have gathered to themselves here on earth instead of the treasures they should have sought after in Heaven.

Deuteronomy 8:11-20 – “But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. 12 For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, 13 and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! 14 Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. 15 Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock! 16 He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good. 17 He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ 18 Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.

19“But I assure you of this: If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods, worshiping and bowing down to them, you will certainly be destroyed. 20 Just as the Lord has destroyed other nations in your path, you also will be destroyed if you refuse to obey the Lord your God.”

God also made a covenant with Christianity when He made the United States, remember that.

God will destroy nations that turn their backs upon Him. He did it to Israel, but as mentioned before He also promised to reform their nation and it is here today. So, God’s word is true and faithful. So we need to listen and learn, and be ready for the lists that are coming, or already are here.

Remember when it comes not to fight it, but embrace it.

Romans 12:14 – Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.

For we are blessed as is shown in Matthew 5:11

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.”

Embrace the pain. Embrace the torture. Embrace the beatings, and embrace the death.

For we will be blessed and called martyrs for our Savior Jesus Christ.

John 14:1-4 – “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”

God Bless

God First part two

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Jesus said to think of and love God first. What this means is in everything thing you do you must say to yourself is this the way God would want it. If you do not know the answer it can be found within the Bible. If you say to yourself “Is this a sin?” then go to the book of Leviticus as well as Deuteronomy and you will find all the sins listed. A majority of our church and family interactions will be found within the New Testament. In fact this is one thing I have noticed all the letters and books in the New Testament were aimed at those that called themselves “Christian.” Now think upon that for a moment.
It states of sin and misbehavior in many of these. The writers of the letters give direction on how to fix these issues. How to become better Christians and advice on how not to sin. They also show how to form a church and how leaders are supposed to act. In this particular fact it tells leaders to be servants to those they lead, which again takes us back to placing God first, all others second and ourselves last an ongoing and continuous theme throughout the New Testament.

I find it funny yet sad.

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The other day when I made my post about science and God I was attacked upon my views from someone within the Body. (How scientist discount God, but how science proves He is.)
Now I know we all have our differences. I know many do not believe as I believe. That is fine. This goes for everyone by the way.
Why I mention it in this post though is the way he went about it. I have shown several times that we in the Christian Body are to be humble. Also admittedly there are times when I too have been less humble then I should have been, but we are all human. We all slip up.
This person’s wording were an actual attack, which is really against the teachings within the Bible. We are taught that when someone errs the person that sees this error is to take the man aside (i.e. privately) talk to him and explain his mess up. If he does not listen then we are to do it with two people and then again if he does not listen with the deacons of the church.
This man made his attack public. He also worded his sentence in a way that was the total opposite of humble. Simply he acted as if I was ignorant.
Why I say this, is I responded humbly, well at least I think I did. I also allowed him to have the last word publicly. I thought upon it and prayed. So the next day in a private reply I explained where he had erred in his behavior. His response was what is the most interesting.
He directly said, “Why are you messaging me?” then proceed to place himself above me once again.
It this type of behavior, which is against our teaching as Christians. It is this type of behavior, which is wrong with many that call themselves Christian. This in turn makes people think Christianity is wrong and evil, which it is not. It is the true way to peace and salvation when someone actually follows the teachings within the Bible.
Those who claim to be Christian and behave in a way that in not taught within the Bible are not being Christian. If you have an attitude that you are always right and anyone who disagrees with you is wrong, this is not Christian. If you look down upon and belittle anyone this is not Christian.
One of the first things someone learns when you truly humble yourself is you are most likely never right, but what is taught within the Bible is right, and so you must follow it and watch yourself for at any time you may stumble and walk the wrong way.
There is only one being that is always right. For he was born perfect. He lived perfectly, and he learned all that was required to take our sins away. His name is Jesus. If you are not He, then you know that you do not know everything and so you are humbled once again.
With true humility, you are incapable of looking down upon anyone. You can meet them eye to eye, for when you look upward all you should see and feel is the presence of God looking down upon you. For God is the only one that should look down upon anyone.
This is how all who call themselves Christian should think, but rarely do. It is because they have not been taught the Bible. Most that call themselves Christian have never fully read the Bible at least once. They are spoon-fed parts of it.
Understand this. It is not your Pastor or Priest duty to teach you the Bible. It is your responsibility. It is also something you should truly desire to read and learn if you truly believe you are a child of God. Is it not time to learn the faith, which you embrace? Then it is time to learn the Bible.

Get the King James Version. Why? New versions of the Bible are someone else’s translation of the translation made by the King James commission. The goal is to know how the words were originally used in the Hebrew and Greek. To do that you will also need a Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance and a/or several dictionaries. Also get your hands upon the unabridged version of the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament.
Do this and you will truly learn the Bible and truly understand your faith when you do. Many may even come to realize that they are truly not saved even though they think they are and actually bend a knee to Jesus Christ and ask Him in their are for real.

Selfishness the ultimate sin

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Why would someone say selfishness is the ultimate sin? When you think on it, you will realize that it really is. From selfishness, there is theft. From selfishness, there is strife between people and nations. From selfishness, there is even murder and war.
Jesus I believe knew that selfishness was this bad as well. Why I say that is how he framed the statement “Do unto to others, as you would have others do unto you.” You see he framed the wording to come from a selfish person’s perspective. Why? Become he was talking mostly to the sinner. How YOU wish to be treated is how YOU should treat others and if YOU do so, YOU will receive it.
This is a major point in what I post on these blogs. I mention selfishness many times. I mention that we are not to be selfish and are to do as the gold rule states. If we truly practice this type of behavior everywhere every day this world would truly be a better place.
Just take for example an everyday event like going through the drive through window at a fast food restaurant. I will give you two examples and you decide which is selfish and which is not.

Person A gets into line then places their car in park to save gas. Cars in from of them move up as other cars behind them pull in to get food. The person parked lets three car lengths open before them and then decides to look up from their cellphone to see the that line has moved. They then slowly move up. They then place their order, taking several minutes to do so. Then they finish and the line in front of them moves up to three car lengths again. They then again look up from their cellphone and slowly move up, stopping a full car length behind the person in front of them. When they finally arrive at the window, they get their food and then set there several minutes examining their food. They attempt to give back the food but it is given right back since it is what they ordered. They then pull away from the window slowly. (This is an actual occurrence I witnessed)

Person B pulls in the line in the drive thru. The car in front of them moves up and so move up with them. The person in front of them gets to the point to order their food. Person B looks at the menu from where he/she sets and decides what they wish to order. The person in front moves forward and they move up and quickly order their food then proceeds to move up behind the person in front of them allowing the person now behind them to order their food. Person B keeps the line moving. When they get to the window they have their method of payment ready and receive their food then pull away.
The selfish person’s actions can cause others about them to become angry. They do not care, for all that is important to them is themselves. When people only care for themselves then they are not thinking of God first and so are not truly Christian if they profess to be one. Actions speak louder than words. It is these actions, which we are all to stand to account for on the day of final judgment. Who will get to live an eternity traveling the universe and who will live forever in an uncomfortably warm place?

When Jesus got angry.

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There is one time and only one time that it is documented that Jesus Christ got angry. This was when he entered into the temple in Jerusalem. Here he saw corruption and hypocrisy rampant within the Jewish religion.
What can we the Christian take from this? It is obvious that if this is the only thing that caused Jesus to anger then it is those that call themselves “Christian” but their actions and behavior say otherwise then God is most likely not happy with their behavior.
Jesus made it clear that if we place God first and love our neighbors as we love ourselves, which mean to love ALL humankind, no matter what they have done or how they live, then we are giving glory and honor unto to God His Father.
Acts of self-righteousness in most cases are actions which shows you do not love your fellow brothers and sisters of the human race. If you get angry that someone curses or even willfully lives in a life of sin and you turn your back upon them you are in reality turning your back upon God, for you are deny His teachings given to us directly by His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.