Does your preacher/pastor qualify?

 It's not given to me to judge others but to know you are in the right place of worship you must be a fruit inspector (Mt 7.16) regarding the "overseer" also known as "bishop" or your pastor.

Paul tells Titus (Titus 1.5-9) that a 

• "bishop must be blameless, - "above suspicion" would be another way to phrase this directive - while he may have his private life, his public life must be above reproach.  It is a given there will be naysayers and false accusers but in the end he will live the virtuous, untarnished life to any who would accuse him.
  
• the husband of one wife,(not one wife at a time!) - too many verses to count regarding remarriage when one has a living mate. It is enough to say he is not a wife swapper! He will remain as true and faithful to one woman as he is to his Lord.
• having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly... - he is expected to "Train up a child in the way he 'should' go..." (Pro 22.6) - same as any other believer with children should do.  This does not mean his children won't stray but he will have the peace of knowing he "raised them toward the Lord."
• must be a (good) steward of God, - A steward is one who oversees the needs of others, according to Webster's 1838 dictionary.  Your "bishops" primary focus should be to see that his congregants have all the spiritual food he can give.  He may also oversee physical needs as brought to his attention.  Has your pastor ever paid specific attention to the details of your life?  How are you? Then, listened, patiently, as you expounded your woes.  Be mindful of his time, he has burdens too!
• not self-willed, - He will put his personal comfort aside when studying the Word to give to you each time he is in the pulpit.
• not soon angry, - He should react angrily to sin but never the sinner and the trouble they are in because of living "loose."  More often, his heart will break because of the trouble a believer is in due to "unruly, disobedient" behavior.
• not given to wine, - Pretty clear here, he doesn't drink any form of liquor! This includes wine.
• no striker, - He doesn't present as an angry man, except when sin has ruined ones life.
• not given to filthy lucre;... A real, godly Pastor/Bishop, IS NOT in it for the money and it shows.  Others may afford him suits, new car even but he has never sought these things out. 
• a lover of hospitality, - He will always say, "call me if you need me."
• lover of good men, - His hero's and personal mentors will be godly men.  The godly men will be the influences in his life
• sober, -  this isn't just referring to not drinking. This blogger also believes it applies to his behavior.  He may tell a funny thing from time to time but he understand the seriousness of living right before God in himself as well as those he oversees.
• just, -  One will never feel accused at his Holy Ghost filled preaching but convicted which is the far better conclusion.
• holy, - He will never be found in the places of the world for personal pleasure.  He might take his young family or grands to a park for recreation but will not spend time in pleasure filled days.
• temperate; - He is very balanced in his judgments.  He may not always be right, according to those he must discipline but will exercise control when dealing with adverse believers or unbelievers.
• holding fast the faithful Word...that he may be able by sound doctrine to exhort and to convince the gainsayers - He will NEVER compromise the truth of scripture to fit a personal agenda.

This list is not conclusive but thorough enough to use when deciding and praying whether
you are sitting under sound preaching.

God bless is my prayer.  Ps 57.7

What can you live without?

 Of course, money is needed for food and water. One could also theorize we need wheels to get around to get to the job that pays for the things we need.  But all the other?  Let's listen to Bro. Pauls words to Timothy. "(Bring) the cloak...the books...but especially the parchments." (2 Tim 4.13)  Then he explains why God's Word is so important to him.  "Alexander...did me much evil...all forsook me...but the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me....that all Gentiles might hear..." (2 Tim 4.14, 16, 17)  A side note before going on would be to remind you dear reader, anyone not a Jew is a Gentile!  That's you and me!  God preserved His Word that you and I might know truth and be "set free!" (Jn 8.32)

So,  "What can you live without?"

• "Forever, O Lord, they Word is settled in heaven." Ps 119.89 - Let there be no mistake of reasoning.  The Words penned down in Holy Writ come from His mouth.  They are eternal and need no defense.  Once again, "What can you live without?"
• "Heaven and earth SHALL pass away, but My Words shall NOT pass away." Mt 24.35 - The Psalmist knew from the heart of God the truth in Ps 119.89.  The Lord Jesus, when He walked this earth as a man, spoke the truth to His hearers.  "What can you live without?"
• "In the beginning was THE WORD, and THE WORD was with God, and THE WORD WAS GOD." I Jn 1.1 - Let there be no doubt WHERE "The WORD" originates. -  "What can you live without?"
• "ALL scripture is GIVEN by inspiration of God...profitable for doctrine... reproof ...correction ...instruction in righteousness." 2 Tim 3.16.  So, you think you know best in everything?  You think you have all the answers?  You have so much wisdom you can walk thru life without any other helps?  "What can you live without?"
• "And having food and raiment let us therewith be content." I Tim 6.8 - are you content with food and clothes?  Has He graciously provided shelter also?  The old preacher said, "all these things (beyond food and clothes) are 'added' benefits."  "What can you live without?"
• In this bloggers mind, the key verse regarding His Word; "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Ps 119.105.  Isaiah reminded us that everything else, "withereth." Isa 40.8
• Jesus warned; "He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My Words, hath One that judgeth him:..." Jn 12.48   "What can you live without?"
• Let us add, "For the Word of God is quick, AND powerful, AND sharper than ANY twoedged sword, piercing even...dividing...(the) soul and spirit...AND is a discerner of the thoughts AND INTENTS of the heart." Heb 4.12.  Will you be judged on the other side or judge yourself here according to His Word?  "What can you live without?"
• More could be said but encouraging words abide; "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart TO THE LORD." Col 3.16   "What can you live without?"

Bro. Peter said to the Lord Jesus, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou has the Words of eternal life." Jn 6.68.

If the rough, old fisherman who once spewed curses and denied the Lord before repenting and turning back to Him could have a heart so changed as to utter these words, we would ask again.  "What can you live without?"

Judged and Charged

 "I charge thee (Timothy) therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom;" (2 Tim 4.1)

First, who are the 'quick'? Quite simply, those that are alive.

Second, who are the 'dead'? Obviously, those that are no longer living and breathing.

Third, who escapes judgement?  Do you really need this answered? NO ONE!

Now, what is the job or business of the Pastor or Evangelist?

• to reprove - means to blame or censure
• rebuke - chasten, punish or afflict for correction
• exhort - use words or arguments to incite good deeds
• doctrinal training - truths of the gospel

So, the next time you get all puffed up at the preacher or evangelist for "doing what he is called to do," remember, he is suppose to "preach."  

According to Webster's 1828 dictionary this means a "pastor or evangelist" is to:

...discourse on the gospel way of salvation and exhort to repentance; to discourse on evangelical truths and exhort to a belief of them and acceptance of the terms of salvation. This was the extemporaneous manner of preaching pursued by Christ and His apostles. (Mt 4.17, 9.35, 10.27, 11.1, 24.14)

Why is a man of God so passionate when "preaching?" Because he knows "the time will come when they WILL NOT endure sound doctrine..." "How SHALL they hear without a preacher?" (Rom 10.14)

Of course, there are "false teachers and preachers" (Mt 7.14) but IF God has called on you to seek "while He is near" (Isa 55.6), in light of "judgement and condemnation" to eternal damnation, it is my hope that you will heed the warning.

NO ONE escapes judgement!

Much more could be said on the subject but the warning has gone out if you are reading these words.

Believer, pray for those in your realm of influence that are clearly "lost as a ball in high weeds."

Unbeliever,

.

Teaching others

It has been a recent prayer to have a kinder, gentler spirit.  The inclination of this believer is impatience to others who simply are ignorant and unlearned in things of the Lord. 

    The following is what the Spirit gave me this morning from II Tim 2.19-26.  

    {The child seen in the photos at right should be how you see EVERY one you feel is put in          your path for spiritual or practical instruction.}

   

The Lord knoweth them that are His. AND, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (vs 19)

• Sanctified...for the Master's use, (thus) prepared unto every good work. (vs 21)
• Avoiding foolish and unlearned questions (that help no one) (vs 23) - learned from another believer is the tact that if one does not accept the premise of the question, then "avoid" it! No need to answer comments or statements that have no truthful or factual basis.  This is not arrogant, it is wise.
• Very clearly, the servant of the Lord MUST NOT strive (have a quarrelsome, "I'm right, your wrong" spirit; but be gentle unto all, (have a teaching attitude),  patient (vs 24)
• (Meekly) instructing those that oppose themselves (unbelievers, basically) (vs 25)

The question(s) to ask oneself when reaching for this kinder, gentler spirit would be:

1. Am I gentle in dealing with others who are younger or just blind to truth?
2. When instructing do I use a "teachable" attitude rather than "I'm right and your wrong?" 
3. Do I indicate there was a time I didn't understand such truth and meekly explain as the Lord leads?
4. Is patience or impatience exercised that would guide "why can't you see this truth?"

The larger principle to utilizing the instructions above, in my mind at least, is realizing unbelievers, young or old, ARE blind to such truths.  If I am to be "a servant" to Him, the first order of business is to remain "clean and unspotted" (Jms 1.27) as much as possible from this world. (v 19, 21) However, IF patience, meekness and humbleness are in evidence when explaining a truth the Lord has impressed, I believe at some point, the seed is planted and will take root.  How often am I reminded of things other believers, saints, preachers, friends have said in days gone by, that encourage and help me go "farther on?"  

Patience is key.

Thank you, Lord for answering this prayer.  Amen  Ps 57.7

That "good thing"

In the Apostle Paul's second letter to Timothy, much time was given to encouraging thoughts that Timothy, "hold fast...that good thing committed...by the Holy Ghost."  2 Tim 1.13, 14

First, the Apostle reminded young Timothy of his heritage; "unfeigned faith...in(his) grandmother and (his) mother." 2 Tim 1.5

Second was the remembrance of "the gift of God,...in (him)." 2 Tim 1.6  The elder and the younger had probably discussed what Paul had seen in Timothy's life that would be his to use for the glory of God.  Maybe, he was articulate in expressing himself.  Maybe, people were naturally drawn to a good nature.  Whatever "the gift" was, you have one too and must do the same with it.

Thirdly, he was reminded that "God hath not given (him) a sprit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Tim 1.7  Wonder what Timothy was afraid or fearful of?  In our walk with the Lord Jesus, there are things in life that would make us fearful to stand for truth and right.   Yet, the apostle also admonished the young man not to "be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord..." 2 Tim 1.8  He was even given the reason to "hold fast."  The reason to stay true to one's testimony for the Lord Jesus is because He "saved us, and called us with a holy calling...according to HIS own purpose, and grace..." 2 Tim 1.9

Fourth, Timothy was further instructed by the older man as to why he could "go farther on."  The Apostle had experienced many things since his conversion and to this he told the young preacher, "I Know whom I have believed. and am persuaded that HE IS ABLE to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." 2 Tim 1.12

Timothy was also instructed to:

• "hold fast...sound words"  2 Tim 1.13
• "endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."  2 Tim 2.3 (because it will come) 2 Tim 2.3
• Stay untangled "with the affairs of this life." 2 Tim 2.4
• Remember WHY you must endure:  for "the elects sake" - a testimony 2 Tim 2.10
• "Study..." 2 Tim 2.15
• Avoid "...babbling...that increases ungodliness." 2 Tim 2.16
• "Flee youthful lusts..." that will cause one to stumble 2 Tim 2.22
• AVOID "foolish and unlearned questions..."  2 Tim 2.23

Much time and effort was given to Young Timothy that he could go forward with confidence, grace and love for God's "elect people."

What "good thing" has the Lord gifted you?  Such an thing may be used for His honor and glory and peace in the believer's life when using the instructions above.  The guidance in these passages are for the laymen (or woman) as well as any young preacher man.

God bless and guide is the prayer of this blogger.  Ps 57.7

Are you "watch"ing?

Redemption Draweth Nigh

"...Let us watch and be sober." I Thes 5.6

Watch for what? Well verse 2 says, "the day of the Lord..." What does that mean? Verse 3 states, "sudden destruction...they shall not escape." Who will not escape? Well if verse 4, then verse 5 calls the recipients of this letter, "brethren and children of light," it isn't referring to believers.

The rest of this chapter gives further instruction concerning "the day of the Lord."  Then, the believer can "Rejoice evermore."  Believers truly have much to look forward to.  Unbelievers or those who are not saved and do not have their hope in Him will suffer "the day of the Lord."  So, what are believers to be watching for?

Peter puts it this way in 2 Pet 3.10:  

"But the day of the Lord WILL come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein SHALL be burned up."   Amos tells us in 5.18, 

"Woe unto you that desire the day of the Lord!...(it is) darkness, and not light."  Bro. Joel prophesies in 2.1-3 that : 

"the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand; (it is) a day of darkness...clouds...thick darkness...A fire devoureth...a flame burneth...desolate wilderness;...nothing shall escape..." 

What to watch for? Well, 2 Tim 3.1-5 speaks of "perilous times."  Matt 24 gives a vivid account of events and things to "watch" for.  Much of Matthews words would've made sense during the greatest persecution of the early church.  However, it may also be accounted to modern times.  Bro. Luke 21.11, 12 also seems to apply to the early church.  However, this writer founds much hope in verse 14 where our Luke instructs to "settle it therefore in your heart..."

We are not of those who have no hope about such frightening words as "the day of the Lord."  (I Thes 4.13)  In the words of a wise old preacher of years ago, "we are looking for the upper taker not the undertaker.  This writer does not know, "the day nor the hour," (Mt 24.36) but I do know HE IS coming again! (Mt 24.44)

Are you ready?  Are you "watch"ing? Again, Mt. 24.44 warns that believers will not know when He is coming. 

Many verses could also be recited about escape of such a horrendous time.  

Thus, Are you saved, do you know HIM, Does HE know you? Our hearts desire is fulfilled in I Thes 5.9.  Acts 4.12 and 16.31 expresses the WAY of escape from these times.

So, when you see the signs of the times noted in Matthew 24, "lift up your head, redemption draweth nigh.

Redemption Draweth Nigh 

Believer or Non Believer?

Much has been said on the subject of the photo in this discussion.  However, the mind of this blogger questions whether folks who say they are saved but believe differently, a little or a lot, from my understanding of scripture, truly are.

The devotion that led me to study this matter is found in I Tim. 4.1-3.  "Now the Spirit  speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducting spirits, and doctrines of devils, Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron..."

The defining scripture as to whether these "shady" believers are saved is found in I Jn 2.19, "They went out from us, but there were not of us; for IF they had been of us, they would have continued with us:..."  These questionable folks act "sanctified" (2 Tim 2.21) but a real believer always feels a little off or unbalanced in their presence.  At least that is how this blogger would say it.  James 1.27 is clear on staying "unspotted from the world."

So it is that we understand separation with right conversation, dress and behavior. (Gal 5.22,23, Titus 2.12, I Tim 2.9, 10, Rom 13.10, 11) 

It would seem the difference is "the spirit" of these folks.  Real sheep may not recognize a wolf in sheeps clothing but "sense" a difference in manner and behavior. Thus, the following verses for guidance:  

• "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed (Pro 13.20) "But if Any provide not for his own...is worse than an infidel." (I Tim 5.8) 
•  "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ...He is proud, knowing nothing..." (I Tim 6.3,4) 
• "...brethren,...withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly..." (2 Thes 3.6) 
• "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers..." (2 Cor 6.14)

If these "brethren/believers" have the slightest tendency to "mock" or "smirk" at any of your convictions, separate from them. (Gal 6.7)

Current times demonstrate "Mega churches and lazy "believers" who think it's okay to stay out of church for any personal pursuit or pleasure.  Are you one of them? (Mt 7.15) OR One of these? (Jn 10.27, 28)

To distinguish even a hint of "apostate believer," one must enter the Throne Room in prayer guidance.  He is teacher and guide as well as Comforter. (Jn 14.26)

Submitted in His Blessed Name, Site Moderator

Continue

One Word before January 2024 ends....

CONTINUE

Nothing else will do.  Continue;

• in prayer
• watchful for His coming
• with a thankful heart
• in all you know to do that is good, true, honest and right
• CONTINUE...
• until He calls or comes

 

What's the plan?

Continued devotion in Colossians 3 yields more gems for 2024.

After practicing more of the list noted in verses 12-16, one finds practical instructions for each believer and their office or station in life.

First, we are told that "whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do ALL in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by HIM."  3.17   

That means that in addition to thinking about what is  "true, honest, just and pure and of good report," Phil 4.8, one gives glory for all things good to "God the Father by Him (the Lord Jesus)."  Simply put "He must increase but we must decrease." Jn 3.30  Very clearly, the believer gets no credit because He or she is "laying up treasures" for another time.  Mt 6.19-21 

Second, each "office" has a directive: verses 18-22

• Wives submit
• Husbands love
• Children obey
• Fathers provoke not
• Servants obey

Interesting order. Especially curious at the "Fathers provoke not" stage.  The truth is, it's easier to be obedient to one in authority when its also done in love, kindness and mercy.

Third, verse 23 instructs that "whatsoever ye do, do heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."  Seems pretty clear that this instruction emanates from the attitude and heart of obedient behavior.  One should question whether an obedient behavior is done with a willing heart or begrudgingly because there is no choice or it's a duty to do so.

Why do a thing with a willing, grateful heart?  Because you are "laying up treasures." Mt. 6.19-21

In His blessed Name, Site Moderator