So, if you don't agree with the actions of the person in charge of your country, does that mean you don't love Jesus?

Then Paul said, "I did not know brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.' " Acts 23:5 also: You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people. Exodus 22:28

So, if you don't agree with the actions of the person in charge of your country, does that mean you don't love Jesus? 

This post is very significant for me, because I don't always agree with the actions or tweeting of the ruler of my country. I have to be prayerful about this and see where Jesus is leading me on this one. 

How do I reconcile my faith with someone who  makes negative comments about: someone handicapped, unattractive, someone of another race, someone who doesn't agree with him, the poor, those in need of medical assistance, etc.?

According to the parts I underlined in the Bible passages, I think I'm able to disagree with the negative comments I mentioned above. I just can't talk about it with other people, which is more difficult than it sounds. When I am talking with people about these negative comments, I have to watch myself, so I don't say mean spirited things against the ruler of my country, because they just want to leak right out of my mouth!  It's very tricky and I have ended conversations, because I didn't know how to get out of them with my Christian ethics intact. 

On the other hand, the negative comments are distinctly against my Christian ethics and being sensitive to the needs of the poor, less fortunate, those who need medical assistance all of which Jesus wants us to do. So, although I don't have any strong answers, I felt compelled to share these verses that leave me lots to prayerfully ponder!

When I'm Awkward About Sharing My Faith in Jesus, Does that Mean that God Won't Dwell in Me?

1 John 4: 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

When I'm awkward about sharing my faith in Jesus, does that mean that God won't dwell in me? It quite possibly does!!! 

*When there are opportunities to share my faith in Jesus, do I do it or do I shuffle my feet and look at the ground?

*When around those who are putting others down, do I stand up for them by being an example of my faith in Jesus, or do I shuffle my feet and look at the ground?

*When others are using God's name in vain, do I take a stand up for Jesus, or do I shuffle my feet and look at the ground?

*When others suggest doing something that wouldn't make Jesus proud, do I stand up for Jesus by declining, or do I shuffle my feet and look at the ground?

To be honest with you, there are too many times I've shuffled my feet and looked at the ground rather than take a stand. I want to be prayerful about being a better example of my faith in Jesus, because I truly want God to dwell in me! How about you?

If I turn my back on a Christian going astray, am I saying to Jesus that I figure they'll be O.K., because they are a Christian?

" Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. " Ezekiel 3:20

This may sound similar to last week's post, but it's a little different. This one is more personally significant!!! It's talking about if we encourage Christians to make lifestyle choices that could lead them astray, we are putting a stumbling block before them. If we don't warn them that they are going down the wrong path, Jesus takes it personally when we've had the opportunity to help redirect them and we choose not to. Of course, mentioning this is a personal risk, but ignoring this is an even bigger personal risk!

If I turn my back on a Christian going astray, am I saying to Jesus that I figure they'll be O.K., because they are a Christian?

I said that this passage is more personally significant, because it speaks to all Christians. If other Christians can lose their salvation by going down the wrong path by making counterproductive lifestyle and faith choices, then we can too! We have to realize that it's not a Once Saved Always Saved situation, although many churches believe so. If you read these verses, you will realize that we aren't guaranteed salvation just because we were a Christian at one point in our lives.

Fortunately, it also says: "Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also you will have delivered your soul." Ezekiel 3:21


If I turn a blind eye when someone is making counterproductive lifestyle and faith choices, by saying nothing to them, am I telling Jesus that I wipe my hands of this situation?

"When I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,,' and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand." Ezekiel 3:18

If I turn a blind eye when someone is making counterproductive lifestyle and faith choices, by saying nothing to them, am I telling Jesus that I wipe my hands of this situation?

I realize more than you will ever know how much easier it is to ignore choices of this nature. Sure, you risk the person jumping down your throat when you approach them. Sure, there's the potential of them telling your friends that you confronted them. Sure, there's the chance they will no longer be your friend. The thing is, at what cost do we ignore their choices? It can have a detrimental effect on their salvation and according to the verse above, it could possibly have a detrimental effect on our salvation, as well.

"Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul. Ezekiel" 3:19

This verse shows that Jesus takes into consideration that we tried to warn the person of their counterproductive choices. Hopefully, they will make the changes necessary to be aligned to what Jesus wants in their life, but if they don't, Jesus won't hold us accountable for that.

If you are in a group of people where someone puts down those who believe in Jesus as being weak, are you turning your back on Jesus if you don't stand up for Him?

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9

If you are in a group of people where someone puts down those who believe in Jesus as being weak, are you turning your back on Jesus if you don't stand up for Him?

I'm ashamed to say that I know from personal experience that it's easier to hide your true feelings and blend in with the crowd. The thing is, every time we blend in with the crowd, others think we agree with the comments being made, which makes them a little bit more likely to blend in with the crowd, as well. 

What would it have been like if  when Jesus was being questioned He said, "These people I was planning to give My life for won't even stand up for Me. Why should I stand up for them?" 

Fortunately, that's not what Jesus said, but the passage says: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9


When You Desire New Clothes, a New Car, or the Latest Phone, Are you Telling Jesus that You Aren't Satisfied with What He's Provided?

He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity. Ecclesiastes 5:10

When you desire more money, a new car, or the latest phone, are you telling Jesus that you aren't satisfied with what He's provided?

According to the Bible verse above, people who love things like like money and abundance of material goods are never satisfied. The implication is that we always want more. Most of all of us have been guilty of this at one time or another. 

God says through this Bible verse that this is vanity! I bet you don't consider yourself vain. None of us want to be associated with a shallow label like that, but if the shoe fits, we have to wear it! 

It's not too late to turn the desire of these things over into Jesus' capable hands. He can heal us from this and our other vices if we let Him!


So, When I'm Crabby, Say Rude Things, and am Generally Hateful, Am I Putting the Light that Jesus Gave Me Under a Bushel?

Matthew 5: 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 

So, when I'm crabby, say rude things, and am generally hateful, am I putting the light that Jesus gave me under a bushel?

Yes, even Christians get crabby, say rude things, and can be generally hateful, at times. When I'm behaving in any of these ways, am I showing the positive impact that Jesus has made on my life? Not at all, I'm embarrassed to say.

The thing is, my question asked if I was putting the light that Jesus gave me under a bushel? Unfortunately, it may be that when I act in any of these unsavory ways, I'm putting them on a candlestick where others can see them. So, in fact, instead of hiding these behaviors, I have put them out there were others can think, "If that's the way that Christians behave, I want no part of it."
 
I'm ashamed to say that people have seen my poor behavior. Of course, I'd like to think that only happens when I have low blood-sugar, but that's looking for a scape goat. I have to be honest, when ever I've behaved in these ways, I'm letting darkness shine and not light. I need to be prayerful about turning all aspects of my life and my reactions over to Jesus' very capable hands! I do want to share light instead of darkness!  

When We Give Up Trying to Let Go of Our Vices, Are We Saying that We Don't Trust Jesus to Heal Us of These?

1 John 5: 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

When we give up trying to let go of our vices are we saying that we don't trust Jesus to heal us of these?

I was a compulsive overeater for most of my life. One day I gave up and told God that if He ever wanted me to be thin, He'd have to do it, because I couldn't. Well, I actually didn't expect for God to do anything, because I was really giving up on dieting. The surprise was that very same day, Jesus took away my urge to eat sugar, excessive carbs and large amounts of food away from me. 

It wasn't anything I did of myself. It was all Jesus!!! He allowed me to lose 80 pounds and to keep the vast majority of it off for over 30 years. If Jesus could heal my big vice, He can certainly heal yours! 

In the process, Jesus had to teach me some important lessons. A major one was that I had made food a false god, because I was turning to food for comfort when I was stressed, worried, etc. Once He showed me this, I started turning my food, body, and eating over to Jesus' very capable hands each day. Have your vices become false gods to you? Do you turn to them instead of to Jesus? You can do the same with your vices. One thing is to ask Jesus for the willingness to turns these vices over to Him each day.

Does that mean that I never slip up? No. Satan knows that I am especially vulnerable to overeating, especially when I start getting sloppy with my eating plan, which most often means I've gotten sloppy with my relationship with Jesus. Fortunately for us, we have a very forgiving Savior. When I realize what I've been doing, I ask forgiveness and for Him to be in control of my vices, because I can't.

 Trying to be in control was another one of my vices, but I didn't realize it until it was one of the lessons Jesus taught me along the way. In the years prior to this, I thought I had a close relationship with Jesus. I would ask Jesus to help me stop overeating. I would pray for Him to help me to be thinner. I kept asking Jesus to help me instead of turning control over to Him. It has made a major difference in my life.  

So, back to the original question.  When we give up trying to let of our vices are we saying that we don't trust Jesus to heal us of these? Be prayerful about your answer to this one!


When We Don't Show Compassion to the Refugees, Poor, Widows and Fatherless, Are We Saying That We Want Jesus to Turn His Back on Us, As Well?

Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Execute true justice, Show mercy and compassion Everyone to his brother. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, The alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart Against his brother. Zechariah 7:9-10

 When we don't show compassion to the refugees, poor, widows and fatherless, are we saying that we want Jesus to turn His back on us as well?

 So, are we planning evil in our hearts against the widow, the fatherless and the poor when we are supporting tax breaks for the very wealthy when it will eventually end up in cuts for these very same people Jesus wants us to show compassion to?

So, are we planning evil in our hearts against the alien [refugees] when we don't support decisions to help them find safe homes and jobs to provide for their families.  

I think it's noteworthy what God, through the Bible goes on to say:

But they refused to heed, shrugged their shoulders, and stopped their ears to that they could not hear. Yes, they made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the Lord of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets. Thus great wrath came from the Lord of Hosts. Zechariah 7:11-12

Do We Think that Because We Love Jesus, Our Lives Should be Easy and Without Any Suffering?

Hebrews 5: 8 Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him.

Do we think that because we love Jesus, our lives should be easy and without any suffering?

I've heard of so many people who have turned away from their faith in Jesus, because they didn't get the job, the house, the health, wellness, or the money they wanted or prayed for. It doesn't say in the Bible that because we love Jesus we will never suffer, never have loss, never be ill, or never have disappointment.

Jesus went through poverty, loss, and suffered much more than I could ever imagine, but never gave up on any of us. I'll be honest with you, after being betrayed by a supposed friend, being beaten, mocked, and spit upon, I might have had second thoughts about giving my life for others, but Jesus never gave up on us. 

Hopefully, we realize that Jesus never gave up on us then, He is there with us even when we don't get the job we want. He is there with us even we don't get the house or apartment we want. He is there with us when our health fails or the health of a loved one fails. Jesus is there with us when we don't have the money we need or deserve. He never turns His back on us and we should never turn our backs on a Savior that is always there with us through thick and thin!

If God Commanded Light to Shine in Our Hearts Instead of Darkness, because of Jesus Christ, Would Jesus Be Happy If He saw that we dimmed that light by allowing hate into our hearts?

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:7 

If God commanded light to shine in our hearts instead of darkness, because of Jesus Christ, would Jesus be happy if He saw that we dimmed that light by allowing hate into our hearts?

It seems that all I hear these days is one group of people against another group of people for some silly reason like their ethnicity. Now, in reality, does anyone have any control over their ethnicity? Of course not! Not any more than any one has any control of whether their eyes are blue, brown, green or hazel.  

Some people have the mistaken opinion that if someone was born of a certain preferred ethnicity, that's good. The thing is, it's not the ethnicity of a person or the color of their hair, skin or eyes that is good or bad. It's who they are inside. There are many nice people of every ethnicity, hair, skin, and eye color that are good and there are some who aren't. 

I get that some people feel more comfortable around people who have a common faith in Jesus. The thing is that Jesus wants the light in our hearts to shine as examples to All people, showing how He's positively impacted our lives. If we fill our hearts with hatred to those with different faiths, skin, eye color and ethnicity, are we being an example that will draw them to want to know more about Jesus as our Savior? We need to be prayerful about this and ask Jesus' guidance on this one!

If We Have Faith in Jesus and Know We Are Saved, Can We Keep on Leading a Sinful Life and Figure He'll Just Forgive Us Later?

 Romans 6: 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

So, if we have faith in Jesus and know we are saved, can we keep on leading a sinful life and figure He'll just forgive us later?

It would be easy, wouldn't it, if we just said to ourselves, "Jesus has forgiven us, so it won't matter if I (go out drinking or drugging, have an affair, cheat on my taxes, act hatefully to our family, etc.)"

Sure, Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven, but.... there's a crucial part of this passage we need to remember. It says: But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. If we are Christian, we have eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord and have been made free from sin. 

The part we need to remember is: and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.  If we choose to ignore the underlined part of the passage, we have not become the servants of God and have NOT fruit unto holiness if we choose to go out drinking or drugging, if we choose to have an affair, if we choose to to cheat on our taxes, or we choose to act hatefully to our family.

Of course, none of us is perfect and we are blessed by a very forgiving Lord. The thing is, Jesus expects us to try to live our lives as servants of God. Sure, we'll slip sometimes, but our general intention should be to live our lives according to what Jesus would want. We shouldn't be saying that now that we're forgiven, we have a free ride on the Vice Carousel  and can live a worldly life, because we know Jesus will forgive us later. Maybe He will and maybe He won't. I don't want to take that chance. Do you????

If I look Down on Others with Vices I Think are Worse Than Mine, am I saying to Jesus that My Sins are Less Significant Than Theirs?

Romans 3: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

So, if I look down on others with vices I think are worse than mine, am I saying to Jesus that my sins are less significant than theirs?

It's really easy to get caught up in looking down on others, especially those who don't fit into the societal norms, these days! 

It doesn't say, Debbie's sins are somewhat minor, so she should be in line ahead of all the other sinners. If I read this passage carefully, it says that we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. That means NONE of us is better or more righteous than another. It means NONE of us can really look down our noses at those who make poor life style choices, have addictions of one kind or another, have been born into a race this isn't the highly desired race at the moment, etc. We have NO RIGHT to look down our noses at anyone!!!

Verse 24 says that those who believe in Jesus Christ are justified freely through His grace, not through any hierarchy of who is the most or least sinful, since we are ALL sinful.

So, if Jesus Calls Me to Share My Faith With Others, So They Can Receive Forgiveness of Sins, What Am I Saying to Jesus if I Shirk that Duty?

Acts 26: 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom I now send thee. 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me.

So, if Jesus Calls Me to Share My Faith With Others So They Can Receive Forgiveness of Sins, What Am I Saying to Jesus if I Shirk that Duty?

You wouldn't think people would argue with Jesus, but I have done it more times than I would like to admit. There have been many times when I've had the instinct to share my faith with someone who maybe doesn't know Jesus as their Savior. Do I do it and say, "Yes, Lord, here I am. Lead the way."? Unfortunately, I'm sad to admit, I've thought of excuses more often than I have shared my faith. Here's just a few of them:

* "I'm not good at sharing my faith with others. You should pick someone who is better at it."

* "Remember the time that the person backed away when I shared my faith, You don't want that to happen again? Maybe You should pick someone else."

* "There are people out there who are much better trained to share their faith with someone else than I am. I'm sure they would do a much better job!"

* "Gee, whiz. Unfortunately, my plate is pretty full right now, Jesus. Maybe I could do it some time later."

The list goes on and on and on and on and........

Do you have a list like mine? We need to be prayerful about Jesus' will in our lives!

If I am Envying the Attention of Others, Am I telling Jesus that Their Attention Matters More to Me Than His Attention?

Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5: 26 

Growing up, I envied the ones who were among the "In Crowd." If I'm being really honest, as an adult, I've probably envied others I perceived were in that same type of group. I quite often felt like an outsider and longed for the camaraderie that seemed to exist in those groups.  They always seemed so happy. They always seemed to have lots of friends, be liked by many, and have nice clothes, hair, etc. 

So, if I am envying the attention of others, am I telling Jesus that their attention matters more to me than His attention? 

When I read this Bible verse, Jesus doesn't want us seeking that type of attention, so I already know I'm barking up the wrong tree! The tree I was climbing, was filled with superficial things and the admiration of others that doesn't last. 

I know that since I've turned my life over to the all capable hands of Jesus, fancy clothes, nice hair, and lots of trendy friends aren't what give me that sense of peace inside. Only Jesus can give me that sense of peace. Being self-assured comes from an on-going, active relationship with my Savior. I no longer need and long for the approval of others, although I sometimes backslide. Fortunately for me, Jesus forgives me when I ask Him and He will do the same for you!

If You Have a Neighbor Who Gets On Your Nerves, Does That Say It's O.K. to Disregard the Second Most Important Commandment Jesus Shared With Us?

Matthew 22: 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

So, if you have a neighbor who gets on your nerves, does that say it's O.K. to disregard the second most important commandment Jesus shared with us?

This is a tricky one to write about, because I absolutely love my neighbors! I've been truly blessed! At one time, I did have a neighbor that I avoided, because she complained all the time!!! It became overwhelming and I didn't want to be around her. Now, Jesus doesn't say that we have to stay in unhealthy relationships, but was there more that I could do???

First of all, I need to be more mindful of the other person. Someone who complains all the time is probably feeling pretty lonely, and she was! I'm afraid that my avoiding her, probably made this only worse! 

*Maybe, I could have structured our interactions in order to limit the negativity. I won't ever know, because I avoided her. 

*Maybe, I could have asked for us to interact through email, due to my busy schedule. That would have allowed her an outlet to share her problems and would have allowed me the opportunity to pick the timing to read them when it wouldn't stress me out. I won't ever know, because I avoided her.

*Maybe, I could have prayed for her and for Jesus to give her The Peace Which Passes All Understanding that only He can give. I won't ever know, because I avoided her...but I could pray for her now!  Although these posts are supposed to provide insight for readers, I find that Jesus calls me to be a better Christian through them, as well.

When We See All These Natural Disasters Around the World, Are We Ignoring the Message that Jesus Has for Us?

Therefore the strong people will glorify You; The city of the terrible nations will fear You. For you have been a strength to the poor, A strength to the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, A shade from the heat; For the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. Isaiah 25:3-4 NKJV

When we see all these natural disasters around the world, are we ignoring the message that Jesus has for us?

Although I can't profess to have all the answers, I think it's only natural to see all the natural disasters going on around the same time and wonder if Jesus is giving us a message? He quite possibly is, but are we heeding it? 

In Matthew 13:14-15 NKJV, it says: "And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says; Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; for the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.'  

Verse 16 NKJV says: "But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear;"

I also take solace in the part of the Bible verse at the top that says: For you have been a strength to the poor, A strength to the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, A shade from the heat; and feel the importance to focus on Jesus as our Lord and Savior, trusting Him through all of this, but not just putting our faith on the back shelf someplace when the disasters subside.

Do We Turn a Blind Eye When Jesus Calls Upon Us to Do Something Good for Others?

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17 

Do we turn a blind eye when Jesus calls upon us to do something good for others? 

I have to be honest. I'm ashamed to say that I've done this before. Of course, I've come up all types of excuses to validate my inactivity. "I'm too busy, I'm doing this much more important thing, I can't because I have these other obligations, I've already done so and so which fulfills my obligation, they might just use the money to buy something that might be harmful to them." These are just a few of the excuses that have passed through my mind over the years.


Peter said, "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

Do Our Actions Say Worldly Things are Our Priority and We're Ok with Becoming Ineffective in Our Faith

Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. Matthew 13:22

 So what do we Christians do with our faith when we get caught up in climbing the social ladder, trying to attain wealth, status, and possessions? Do our actions say worldly things are our priority and we're OK with becoming ineffective in our faith? Are we settling for minimal effort and not striving to do what Jesus wants of us?

Jesus goes on to say, "But he who received seed on good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." Matthew 13:23 

So, are we willing to cultivate our faith in Jesus so that it takes root and can withstand the troubles and temptations of the world, making us examples of how Jesus Christ has positively influenced our lives?

Are You Saying to Jesus, that You Are Only There for the Good Times, but When Things Get Rough, You're Going to Hit the Road?

"Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the world, immediately he stumbles."  Matthew 13:18-21

This passage really made me think when my minister discussed it at church recently. The underlined part is what really caught my attention. This is saying that there's people out there who joyfully embrace a relationship with Christ, but don't continue to deepen that relationship. As soon as these people meet with trouble or are persecuted for their faith, their faith in Jesus goes by the wayside. 

So are you saying to Jesus, that you are only there for the good times, but when things get rough, you're going to hit the road? Fortunately for us, Jesus didn't give up on us when things got rough! He knew in advance that He would be betrayed, beat, spit upon, mocked, crucified and buried. He kept His sights on the fact that His going through all of this for us. He would rise again on Easter and pay the price for our sinful human nature, so that we could some day join Him in heaven! Now, that's definitely worth our sticking around and not going by the wayside when the rough times come!

What Does Jesus Think When We Get Caught Up in Wanting Things of the World?

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 2: 15

 What does Jesus think when we get caught up in wanting things of the world? It's difficult, I admit. There are times I'll see someone in a stunning outfit and want it. There are times that I wish that I could wear my hair like someone I'd seen, but aren't these all things of the world?

You're absolutely right, they are! I can't tell you that I have all the answers, but I know that Christ puts this in my heart during times when I'm admiring these things. That means that He loves me enough to remind me, so that I can back up and refocus my priorities! What about you? I'm not figuring that Christ only puts this reminder in my heart when I'm admiring the worldly things of others. Do you listen and allow Christ to refocus your priorities or do you ignore that gentle tugging on your heart?

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. Hebrew 13:5

Do We Doubt Jesus Will be with Us in Times of Poor Health and What Does Our Doubting Say to Him?

But that ye may know that the Son of Man hath power upon earth to give sins, (He said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. Luke 5:24-25
 
Do we Doubt Jesus will be with us in times of poor health and what does our doubting say to Him? In this instance, Jesus healed the handicapped man of palsy. I wish I could say that just because you believe in Christ as your Savior, all your physical illnesses and infirmities would be healed, but that's not necessarily the case. We are to...
BE careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7

When You Turn Your Back on the Less Fortunate, Are You Telling Christ that He Gave His Life for the Wrong People?

And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eat with Publicans and sinners, they said unto His disciples, How is it that He eateth and drinketh with Publicans and sinners? Mark 2:16

 When you turn your back on the less fortunate, are you telling Christ that He gave His life for the wrong people? I remember years ago, hearing the Urban Legend about a minister who dressed as a homeless person and attended church only to find that few members, if any, were considerate and welcoming of that person who looked dirty, scraggly and poor. Several ministers have tried it since, but sadly the results are similar. What are we saying to Christ when we turn our backs on these people when encounter them or there's a worthy cause to benefit them? Are we self-righteous when they tear down the Homeless Villages in our country?

When Jesus heard it, He saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.  Mark 2:17

When You Feel Like Christ Doesn't Remember All You've Done for Him, Are You Losing Sight of the End Goal?

Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name. Malachi 3: 16

 When you feel like Christ doesn't remember all you've done for Him, are you losing sight of the end goal? It's easy when troubles seem to overwhelm us to feel like Jesus has forgotten about us, but He hasn't. It shows in the previous verse in blue, that Jesus notes how we persevere on His behalf. That verse is followed in the Bible by the verse in pink. Christ considers us His jewels which He values so much that He gave His life for us and arose again, so that we can join Him in heaven some day! I want us to be one of His jewels!!!!

And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own Son that serveth him. Malachi 3:17

When Others Tempt You to Give into Worldly Ways, Does Your Joining in Tell Jesus That He Doesn't Matter?

And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But He answered and said, It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:3-4

When others tempt you to give into worldly ways, does your joining in tell Jesus that He Doesn't matter? It's so easy to go along with the norm, saying spiteful things about others and judging people's clothes, cars, finances, status, etc. Jesus resisted temptation when it would be easy to just do what Satan asked of Him. Christ knew that His actions made a difference to others and so do ours. Christ needs us to stand above the crowd and be willing to defy the temptations that Satan lays out there for us through the ways of the world.

 Jesus says, "By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:35 

When You Are Feeling Like It's Too Difficult to be a Christian in the World Today, Are You Telling Jesus that Salvation Isn't Worth It?


We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9

When you are feeling like it's too difficult to be a Christian in the world today, are you telling Jesus that salvation isn't worth it? I know it's so easy to let the mean-hateful rhetoric of the day, the insensitivities of people against one another, and the lack of common decency get to you. But what are our actions telling Christ when we let it get the best of us? He never gave up on us. Jesus was willing to be humiliated, spat upon, betrayed, and crucified, so He could rise again on the third day because of His love for us. He thought we were worth it. So, we need to take heart in the midst of the apathy we come across and realize salvation is worth it and Christ needs us to be an example to others for Him.

 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that over-cometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 

Is Your Belief in Warm-Fuzzy Unifying Types of Faith Who Feel all Beliefs in God are One-in-the-Same Worth Losing Your Salvation?

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 1 John 2:22  I had a co-worker once who belonged to a church that felt all beliefs in God were one in the same.  It sounded warm and fuzzy, everyone united in one faith in God. But are these beliefs true? In Matthew 7:15 Jesus says: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Is your belief in warm-fuzzy unifying types faith who feel all beliefs in God are one-in-the same worth losing your salvation?
 

In 1 John 2:23 it says, "Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also."

Are You Saying You Don't Trust Christ to Get You Through Difficult Times When You Get Frustrated or Worry?

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 1 Peter 5:10

We all have troubling times and it's easy to get frustrated, angry, etc. Are you saying you don't trust Christ to get you through those difficult times when you get frustrated or worry? At a point, I realized that when I'm frustrated or worrying about situations, I'm showing that I don't trust Christ to get me through them. My worry or frustration is basically saying, "God I don't trust you to be with me through this terrible ordeal, so I'm going to worry about how I'm going to get through this."  In John 14: 27 Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

When You Feel Undeserving of Christ's Grace, Do You Feel Led to Things That Give You Immediate Satisfaction?

Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with then thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? Micah 6:6-7

 When you feel undeserving of Christ's grace, do you feel led to things that give you immediate satisfaction? You are right. We are undeserving of Christ's grace and could never earn it. Some faiths have their members give all their wealth and worldly belongings to the church, but Christ doesn't ask for that. Some faiths ask their members so shave their heads and sell flowers, etc. but Christ doesn't ask for that. We don't have to earn our salvation, because Christ already paid the price by giving His life on the cross for us and rising from the dead. We just have to believe in Him as our Savior. He would also like us to live as examples of our faith in Him by being fair and showing compassion to those in need even when it goes against the norm and having a humble Spirit in the Lord.

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8

Do Your Actions Say that You Don't Appreciate Jesus Giving His Life for Us When You Don't Forgive Others?

Matthew 6: 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

I wish I could say that I'm a better example of this passage. I get caught up being resentful and sometimes angry with those who are rude or insensitive to my needs. When I'm holding on to this resentment and anger, feeling vindicated by the wrongs done to me, I'm not showing the forgiving grace that God has given to me. I would hate for this to keep me from experiencing the forgiveness of my Heavenly Father given to me through the death and resurrection of His Holy Son, Jesus!

Do Your Actions Say that You Don't Appreciate Jesus Giving His Life for Us When You Don't Forgive Others????

When Something Bad Happens, Do We Turn Our Backs on God?

For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37

When something bad happens, do we turn our backs on God? This is a tricky one to write about. I'm afraid that there are some who pray over ailing loved ones and may feel lied to by God when their loved one passes. Sometimes it's easier to handle when that person has lived a full life and it's time for them to join their Savior or if the person has been struggling with pain for a long time, so they're no longer suffering.

It's not so easy when it's the death of young ones or the innocent slaughter of those who have done nothing to warrant it. [I'm praying like crazy on this one, because I want Christ's guidance on this.] I do feel that God has timing when He calls each of us. Of course, this timing especially alludes us with young ones. Although this isn't always easy to understand, I try to stay focused on God's loving nature and His infinite wisdom in all things. When Lazarus, Jesus' good friend died, Jesus went to his tomb. Just prior to Jesus' resurrecting Lazarus, it says "Jesus wept" in John 11:35 . Actually, I felt led to this particular verse, because it says so much on this topic that I never really realized before. Jesus didn't weep because He missed His friend who had died four days earlier, since Jesus knew all along that He was supposed to resurrect Lazarus, so others would witness this miracle. Jesus wept, because He saw Mary and the Jews that came with her weeping in John 11:32-34. What this verse tells me that Jesus truly feels our pain and grieves with us when we have losses in our lives!

Some may wonder how a Just and Loving God can allow terrible things and atrocities to happen. Although I struggle with these same questions, at times, I know that evil came into the world with the first sin and is perpetuated by our sinful human nature. I know that God doesn't want us to love Him like marionettes, with someone else pulling all the strings and having no true actions from ourselves. God gives all people choice to choose evil or good  and to choose to love Jesus as their Savior or not. 
Although there are many people who don't know Jesus as their Savior who do nice things for others, having free choice allows some who don't have an active relationship with Christ to do evil in the world.

Unfortunately, Satan uses losses such as these on a personal, national, and international level to pull people away from their focus on Christ as their Savior. Satan allows some to doubt God and blame Him for these losses. "Cast all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, [establish], strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 5:7-10

Just know on whatever level you are grieving, it says "The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." Psalm 34:17-19 Even though Christians may have more than their share of afflictions, Christ will be there with us and get us through them!

Do We Tell Jesus by Our Actions That We Are Less Sinful Than Others?

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Romans 4:22-24

How many times have we seen someone on the street panhandling and have smug thoughts that at least our vices aren't as bad? I hate to admit this, but I know I have. Fortunately for us, Jesus reminds us that we all fall short of His glory, because we're all sinners, but our belief in Christ's death and resurrection for ALL of us sinners, including those panhandling, justifies us by His grace!

Do Our Actions Say That We Love the Praise of Men More Than the Praise of God?

Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. John 13:42-43

I've been in situations where I wanted to say how I was prayerful about a situation and God had this creative resolution pop in my mind. I've found myself being reluctant to tell others about it, without first scanning the crowd and getting a feel to how supportive they might be of a comment like this. In reality, even with this very simple thing that we all do, we might be telling Jesus that we want the praise of men more than His praise. This passage reminds me I should be prayerful on a daily basis for Christ to bless me with a willingness to do His will despite whether people will approve or not.


Do Our Actions Say That We'd Like Jesus to Heal Us of Our Vices Some Time Later After I've Indulged?

And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, He saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? John 5:5-6

Jesus heals the lame man, but when He asks us Wilt thou be made whole of our vices, do you put it off until tomorrow? There are times when I'm at a buffet and Christ reminds me that aggravates one of my vices. By piling my plate high to get my money's worth, does that tell Jesus that I want Him to heal me some time later after I've indulged? The same could be true of vices like drinking, gambling, sex, drugs, technology, etc. What do we say to our Lord when He asks us Wilt thou be made whole?

Do Your Actions Say That You Love the World More Than Your Lord?

I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 1 John 2:14-17

Wow! This passage makes me really think! Do we allow ourselves to get caught up in the things of the world, the lusts of the flesh, eyes, and pride of life? Are you like me and some things I've done don't seem as bad as others, so I rationalize and feel that I haven't done anything too bad?

God isn't saying through the Bible that a so-so relationship with Him cuts it. It says that if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. I don't want to be without God the Father in my life. I know it's difficult to turn from the lusts of the world and being prideful, but our Savior will change our lives if we let Him!

Do Your Actions Say That You Don't Have Any Brothers?

Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in Him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake. 1 John 2:8-11

When this was written in the Bible all those years ago, they weren't just talking about your siblings, although it also does pertain to them. Which of us hasn't had some type of discord over the years with our siblings?

Well, Christ doesn't want this discord in our families, but He also doesn't want discord in His larger church family. Are we hateful or do we just ignore those we don't approve of in our church family?

Well, Christ doesn't want discord among different people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, etc. Do we have people of different ethnicity, faith, etc. and we are either hateful to them or just ignore those we don't approve of in the world? Who knows whether by our example of inclusion, we might be the example that leads them to faith in Christ. God doesn't want us to walk in the darkness any longer and will forgive us if we ask Him.

Do Our Actions Say That We Are Better Christians Than Others When It's Not the Truth?

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9

Do we get caught up in our volunteer duties at church and attending church that we give off airs projecting that be are better Christians than others? Do we get caught up in thinking that we are better than other church attenders for all the things we do? Do we use our church activities to boost our sagging self-esteem? Do we only associate with other church members who are as committed to these activities as we are?

Are we welcoming or arrogant to others who attend our church? Do we realize that our actions can either invite or push away others who are contemplating becoming Christians. Are our actions making us good role models of our faith? If we are not honest about this, the truth is not in us. Fortunately for us, Christ will forgive us for our self-righteous actions if we let Him.

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