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

What's "New" with you?

What will your "New Year Resolutions" be?  Lose weight, usually tops the list.  Other things folks tend to think about is spending more time with loved ones or "spring cleaning" comes to mind along with organizing ones space. However, loftier goals are nearer to a believers heart.

Morning devotion finds this blogger in Colossians 3.12-16.  The Apostle begins by stating what we should "put on."  So, here goes the list of things this blogger will, Lord willing, attempt to "resolve" in the next year.

More mercy - be thoughtful of whomever you are dealing with.  One can never know the story behind the individual in front of you.

• More kindness - all too often I am given to hurry up and go to the next thing.  I want to "resolve" to slow down and see the need.
• Humility of mind.  Uggh, how proud and lofty I think myself when comparing my abilities to others.  I'm more mature, more experienced....so what!  Again, slowing down and really looking at who or what is in front of me will cause humility to prevail.
• Meekness - read the previous point.  The Lord Jesus was definitely meek and mild. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me...for I Am meek and lowly... (Mt 11.29)
• Long-suffering.  How often am I in such a rush as to miss the pain and heartache in front of me?  Lord, forgive my impatience.  Spiritual maturity causes a gentle spirit to prevail while teaching or training another.
• Forgiveness.  One of the harder aspects in a believers life.  To keep a forgiving spirit when unjustly accused, wrongly done or feeling unvalidated.
• Thankful heart.  Definitely a goal for 2024.  "In every thing give thanks."  Why?  "For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I Thes 5.18)
• Psalms and Hymns - When thinking on all that's good, true and honest and pure... (Phil 4.8) it is better to look up instead of around.  Life is difficult enough without dwelling on ones circumstances or the harsh things around us.
• More of His Word to add to wisdom.  (Col 3.16)  One can have knowledge without the wisdom to apply it.
• Ps 57.7 - bottom line

So, What's New with you this year?

Blessings, dear reader, as you enter 2024

Shedding worldly weights, trials and pain

Lately, this blogger has been given to focus on what really matters.  One thinks an unsettling emotion of perhaps envy or jealousy is conquered, then BOOM!  One little circumstance totally crushes the spirit giving way to a really bad attitude.  The solution? First, of course, in Jesus' Name ask forgiveness for such an attitude.  THEN, focus on what awaits when this life is done!  For every believer this is the only hope.  Much more could be added in thought and scripture but below are just a few verses on the subject that speak truth alone.  

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Rom 12.12

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Rom 15.13

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jer 29.11

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.  Isa 40.31

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isa 41.10

And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.  Ps 39.7

The prayer of this blogger is that the reader will discover a way beyond whatever may be discouraging at this time.  

God bless and keep you is my prayer,  Ps 57.7, Num 6.24