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Repentance

Learning To Beat The Scoffers

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Luke 16:19-31

[19] There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
[20] And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
[21] And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
[22] And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
[23] And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
[24] And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
[25] But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
[26] And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
[27] Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:
[28] For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
[29] Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
[30] And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
[31] And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

The Pharisees did not believe in grace. They were upset that Jesus received sinners and ate with them. They could agree with Jesus on rejoicing for finding something that was lost, like the sheep or coin, but not to a sinner coming to repentance. In part of the response to the mocking and scoffing towards him, Jesus addressed the one thing that mattered most to them at that time: their wealth and outward riches.

What part of this is of worth to us today? Let’s read on.

Matthew 8:11-13

[11] And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
[12] But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
[13] And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

When we read up above about how that Lazarus was in Abraham’s bosom, it speaks to me about how there was a separation when it came to where the riches of the heart were. When a person has their riches in this earth and not in God, there is only but one destination in the end. It is inevitable, and cannot be changed but only through salvation by Jesus Christ. Lazarus didn’t have riches and was a beggar in this illustration, and as you read it begins to show that when we come to God we cannot bring all of the riches and things of worth (sin) in our hearts. Those things must be confessed and forgiven as we start a new life as a forgiven individual, saved by the blood of Jesus!

I remember how I came with so many problems in my life, and to the view of many there was no hope for me. I probably would have been looked on with all of the things that I had done and never had any hope. However, when I came to God seeking for forgiveness for the things in my life, all things were my new by the forgiveness of my sins. I am not as what I was before, and I too will be in Heaven! As I live today, I have to remind myself that I cannot change what is behind me, but I am forgiven for it. I have to demonstrate by what God has done through the way I live for Him (as He helps us) that we are new creatures! And trust me, when you truly surrender all of the things that hold you captive, you won’t feel the bondage anymore!

I went down a beggar, but I came up forgiven and free! You don’t have to prove anything to anyone anymore; simply live your life for God and let Him fight the battles that you cannot control!

When It Starts To Get Bad Make It Better

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THE WORD

Matthew 5:23-25 –  Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Plenty of people told me in my youth about how exciting life was going to be. I learned really quick as I started out that no person could have prepared me for the way life would surprise. There are all sorts of circumstances that occur that will challenge your walk with God. You can try to run as fast as you can from the trial but at some point you will have to face it head on. I wish I could say that it was going to be an easy experience that you endure, but often it ends up being tough. Conquering our life battles with victory is truly what defines you. What defines you and builds your character are the experiences you have and the decisions that you make (as well as the rewards and consequences of those).

I have discovered that no matter what kind of mess I am in that I can have redemption in a trial through prayer and repentance! We must yield our pride and ask God for forgiveness for our sins and transgressions! By God’s grace and mercy we have the ability to move forward and overcome. I would not be able to make it through life without the peace that comes by prayer! Do not live stuck in things that you think that you have live with to forever. Give God your issues and allow the spirit to dwell in your life in a greater way. Nothing is impossible to God, and is in fact but a small thing! I encourage you to remember who the God that you serve or and embrace that relationship. Do not let life get worse while you are still able to make it better!

PUT INTO PRACTICE

Battle through something that has hurt you and pray that God will forgive you for your feelings of bitterness and anger. And as you overcome, pray God show you how to improve something that is within your means to do (forgive someone, being benevolent).

How Do We Learn From Our Mistakes?

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THE WORD

II Timothy 2:22-26 – Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

When we think we can take measures to prevent repeat mistakes, I offer this to you:

Change The Environment Around You – If there are situations that you come across that you can prevent in the future – or that put you in an awkward position, change it up! You can never be any different unless you surround yourself with an environment that will promote you to be who you are, especially a Godly individual.

Change Your Attitude – We want to carry a chip on our shoulder with rightful justification, yet this simply cannot be in every case. Remember that we have to put the Godly virtues into practice each day.

Practice Forgiveness To All – It may be the hardest action but it is the most effective. If you can forgive, you can lift what feels like massive weights off of your mind and heart! When I get upset about issues, I just remember that metaphoric analysis of how often we should forgive: 70 times 7!

Remember To Love Regardless – You can have all the gifts of God, know the bible from front to back, and have all the capital and resources at your disposal for your ministry, but without love it is meaningless.

PUT INTO PRACTICE

Take the time to correct yourself in one specific issue related to you being impatient with others. Use forgiveness and trust God to help you to forgive as He did you!

Exhortations Of “Let Us” In Hebrews

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I have been reading a lot lately and thought that I would put out some of the scriptures and notes that I have been taking. I hope that you get something good out of it like I have!

1. Hebrews 4:1-3 – Let Us Fear

[1] Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
[2] For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
[3] For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

Let us fear and continually enter into God’s presence, lest we come short and fall before the time.

2. Hebrews 4:11-12- Labor

[11] Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
[12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Let us enter into his presence by labouring, lest anyone not receive the help they need when they need it.

3. Hebrews 4:16-Come Boldly

[16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Let’s not tiptoe around, but come to the Lord with boldness, as he has given us the right to have with his endued power.

4. Hebrews 6:1-3-Go On

[1] Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
[2] Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
[3] And this will we do, if God permit.

Let’s not lay down what we have been taught, what we know to be true.

5. Hebrews 10:22-Draw Near

[22] Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us draw near, to be close to God with a full assurance and confidence in faith.

6. Hebrews 10:23 Hold Fast

[23] Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Let us not be moved in the open testimony of our faith, let us not be silenced.

7. Hebrews 10:24-25 Consider One Another

[24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
[25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Let us consider each other and only act out of love.

8. Hebrews 12:1-3 Lay Aside Every Weight & Run With Patience

[1] Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
[2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
[3] For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Let us lay down every burden that would pull us down.

9. Hebrews 12:28-29 Have Grace

[28] Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
[29] For our God is a consuming fire.

Let us have grace that we learn to serve with godly fear.

10. Hebrews 13:13-14 Go Forth

[13] Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
[14] For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

Let us go forth and and do the work in the world while we wait.

11. Hebrews 13:15-16 Offer the Sacrifice of Praise

[15] By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
[16] But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Let us offer our praise to God, whether we feel like it or not, CONTINUALLY!

For such sacrifices, God is well pleased.

Being Established

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Some start to return to the true fellowship God has ordained for His people, but some have a hard time getting free of what they have experienced, but not all do get out.

There are all kinds of people that are out there:

1. Those who are so involved, they are absorbed into it to the point where their “faith” will never be shaken

2. Those who leave because they have been hurt or damaged and consider true Christianity a farce and leave it altogether

3. Those who come out of it immediately because the light of God’s word and conviction by the Holy Spirit is so clear

4. Those that will come out of it, but struggle to get rid of the oppression and experiences and feelings

Am I Established In The Right?

Many believers who have stepped onto the road of deception have all had thoughts or doubts about what they were doing, having thoughts like “Something seems wrong” or “I am not sure“.

1 John 1:5-7

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

What is around me? Is it something of God?

It may have looked like light, but it was darkness. It may have looked like truth, but it was a lie. It may have looked like God and His workings, but it wasn’t. It was darkness, and Jesus said,

Matthew 6:23

23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

Why can’t I let things just stay this way?

This is an important area of repentance and a turning to the word of God.

2 Corinthians 6:14-17

14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you

Where do I go from here? What do I do?

His forgiveness is readily available. It is the heart of the individual that limits to what extent God can work to fully restore them. God wants to ESTABLISH you again in His truth and He has the total power to do so if you will return to the faith you once followed:

God desires to establish you again according to His gospel through your obedience:

Romans 16:25-26

25 Now to him that is of power to STABLISH YOU ACCORDING TO my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

God wants to establish you in holiness by ridding you of the deceptions:

1 Thessalonians 3:13

13 To the end HE MAY STABLISH YOUR HEARTS UNBLAMEABLE IN HOLINESS before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

God wants to establish you in good works once again and deliver you:

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17 Comfort your hearts, and STABLISH YOU IN EVERY GOOD WORD AND WORK.

The Lord will establish you and deliver you from those who have not faith around you:

2 Thessalonians 3:1-4

1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
3 But the Lord is faithful, WHO SHALL STABLISH YOU, and keep you from evil.
4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

All About Preparation

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I want to start today’s writing in the thought of talking about food. If I said to you that you had a choice on something to eat based on how it had been prepared, what would be your pick?

Are you the kind of person that can’t wait, and will go through and get something that takes 5 minutes or less to fix, just so you can have it right then?

Are you the kind of person that is willing to wait a little longer, maybe 5-10 minutes, while something cooks in the microwave?

Or are you the kind of person that will wait the longest amount of time, maybe 30 minutes to an hour, while something bakes in the oven?

If I started taking answers from everyone, I’m sure that the responses would vary greatly. However, if I told you that the best tasting food was the food you would get if you waited the longest, I am sure that the answers would begin to change, right? I’m not here today to talk about microwavable blessings. That is a wore out topic, that everyone is very much aware of. I want to discuss something that everyone seems to leave out every single time.

I’m not here to tell you that I am an avid chef, but there is a very important step in making the perfect meal. It’s all about preparation.

If you rush through the process of putting all of your ingredients together during the beginning of your process, then your meal will be a mess, and won’t come out the way you want it to be, and you will be unhappy with the end result, not enjoying the taste of your food by any means.

Now then, let’s move this from food to more spiritual matters.

Let me just go ahead and tell you how God has put this on my heart. I’m sure I won’t make any fans or followers on this, and that’s okay. It’s very often that I see the people of God coming into services day in and day out, so unsatisfied with the way that church is anymore. There is always one in the crowd, no matter how good the food is, that won’t like the way it tastes. They aren’t happy with the way that the praise and worship is, the preaching is, the teaching is, they blame just about everything in the world, and are very unhappy with the way everything tastes. It’s not just one church you go to that you see this trend; it’s everywhere that you travel.

And the truth of the matter is, it is nothing more than a lack of preparation from a person:

Isaiah 57:14-21

[14] And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.
[15] For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
[16] For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made.
[17] For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart.
[18] I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.
[19] I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.
[20] But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
[21] There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

If we do not begin to learn to prepare ourselves to have a humble spirit, we will go into our services and be the very stumbling block to people that need to be saved, or need help in a desperate way. If you are going in church, and have no peace of mind, and you are just completely distracted all together, then just pray that God will help you to find peace. He is the one who gives it, and will restore, as the word above reads.

I’m learning every day that having more prayer and reading throughout my week every single day is helping me be more prepared to be of a help in church services to others that stand in need. I have also learned the hard way that doing nothing at all leaves me in that wicked state that it speaks of, leaving me in no better shape than someone that is lost, just as confused as they are, having to get myself back in good shape with God.

It took a lot of boldness for me to write this, so I pray that you take some initiative like I have, and start being more prepared before you ever hit the doors to the church: come with a song on your heart, come with a scripture on your mind, come with a person burdened on your heart to pray for, come with a goal to give God glory! Come prepared to do something spectacular!

Then I know beyond all doubt that you will leave with a better taste in your mouth, and you will leave much more full then you would if you came with no preparation. Because like the old adage, there is nothing better than eating a meal that has been slaved over all day, right? God Bless!