Jude & The Warning

 

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Jude &

The Warning

   In this small book, we are shown the pitfalls of being of the World. You may well be saved, but how well do you know & closely are you walking with our living God?  V4 “They are people to whom God means nothing” Yes .. Yes.. “we are to go out into ‘ALL’ the World preach the gospel” [Mark 16:15] That’s all well and good I hear you say, what if they refuse? You dust off your feet and hands, and tell them you have tried and they have rejected God. Then you can leave with a clear conscience, as you know you have tried, It’s NOT your fault they rejected God.

   Here the Bible reminds us that .. what these people don’t understand is that by rejecting Him they insult Him. Remember now that we are saved we have become transformed, now no longer of World thinking ~ attitudes & behaviour.

   Now set apart from the World, we must be careful that we don’t slip back into our old ways. We now no longer have the hunger or desire to be once again, as V16 puts it .. “These people complain; find fault; follow their own desires; say arrogant things; and flatter people in order to take advantage of them” .. V18 “In the last times people who ridicule God will appear”

   My prayer to God was, ‘this new lot politicians – are they any better than those they replaced? As they only lasted 2yrs out of 5yrs! I think I did truly got an answer, not the one I had maybe prayed hoped for.

   With you already on this, God, so in all things I will give thanks unto our Lord Christ Jesus, the author and finisher of our Faith. In finishing God wants to say this, V22/25 “22 Show mercy to those who have doubts. 23 Save others by snatching them from the fire of hell. Show mercy to others, even though you are afraid that you might be stained by their sinful lives. 24 God can guard you so that you don’t fall and so that you can be full of joy as you stand in his glorious presence without fault. 25 Before time began, now, and for eternity glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to the only God, our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The Bible translations used in this message was from ‘Gods Word (GW)

God want to forgive

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God Want's to Forgive

[NRIV]Micah 7:18/19 “Lord, who is a God like you? You forgive sin. You forgive your people when they do what is wrong. You don’t stay angry forever. Instead, you take delight in showing your faithful love to them. 19 Once again you will show loving concern for us. You will completely wipe out the evil things we’ve done. You will throw all our sins into the bottom of the sea”

   Micah asks here in reverence, ‘how is it that we do all these things wrong against you & others, yet you bestows upon us mercy & grace?

   V19 “You will completely wipe out the evil things we’ve done” … What an awesome God we have that we have a personal daily connection with. That He is going to over look ALL the .. “evil things we’ve done” .. V18 “Lord, who is a God like you?” .. Seriously, I feel what a God we have in as much as He is willing to, just just like when you make a mistake whilst writing a letter – you screw up the page and just start again, this is what God is doing for us here. As in V19 “You will throw all [yes all] our sins into the bottom of the sea” … Lets just let that sink in for moment.

OK??

   Let these remarks ring in your mind during the coming days…

~ What do you imagine about God after you’ve sinned?

~ Do you imagine an angry God, quick to turn you away? .. OR

~ Do you imagine Him indignant that you have failed, yet again?

   The Bible assures us that His anger & Disappointment in us passes quickly, and that He actually delights in giving Mercy to a humble and repentant heart.

   God really takes no joy in judgement, if we truly want to please Him, we need to stop trying to hide our sins & failures. We need to bring them out and lay them before Him, in the light of day and forsake them, so God can help deal with them, after showing you His Mercy & Grace.

[NIRV]: New International Readers Version

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Prayer

‘What is it Good For?’

    Apart from the obvious, in communing with God. Question: “If you were to lift up your land-line or Mobile phone, and don’t dial a number, you’d say what’s the point?”

• No one knows what’s troubling you .
•  No one knows you needs ..
• How do you ask for help .... 

   This is why you pray to God, to our Lord Jesus. We don’t only come to Jesus to ask for stuff. Just like on the phone we like to tell those Family & Friends we love them, and how much they mean to us.

   In Cynthia Healds book called “A woman’s Journey to the 

heart of God”, she write this ..

In a sense we are all, in some way, outcasts until we

meet the Lord. We are thirsty for people to love and

accept us. We drink from many wells to try to satisfy

our longings, but eventually, we tire of always

have to draw water to get our needs met. Each of us

asks, isn’t there someone who will give me

water without manipulating me, or requiring me to

jump through hoops for it? Isn’t there someone who

will love me just for who I am?

   Now as saved we should no feel ‘out-casts’ in our relationship with our Lord, for He is always waiting for us to call upon His Name, and open a dialogue. Here’s a tip I use when out and about and need to pray. I lift out my mobile phone, then praying into my Mobile, now remember just as you pause to let whom ever we’re talking to to respond us, we must always pause to let our Lord to lead us to His answer.

NB: A conversation is a 2 way street

The best way to start in learning to pray is from what is often known as ‘The Lords Prayer’ ..

 “For your Father knows the things you have

need of before you ask Him.

9 In this manner, therefore, pray:“Our Father

in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.

13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver

us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom

and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses”

   If your still perplexed look up on-line Pastor Keith Moore (from this link … https://faithlife.org/ ) or .. https://faithlife.org/faith-school.php  Once you start watching his ‘Faith School’ series, which are all free to down load on line or via YouTube, your prayer life, like mine will take off. You will find also a closer walk with God.

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Being Tempted

[NIV] James 1:13/14 “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed”

   The bible tell us that ‘Temptation comes from 3 sources .. 1) from the devil [Adam & Eve sinned when they gave into temptation, also the devil temped Jesus Himself] .. 2) From the World .. 3)From our own evil, fallen hearts.

   It is a misconception among newly saved Christians, that all their temptations have all gone away. Then become disheartened when they find out their old temptations have not gone away. In fact your old temptations will always be part of your every day life whilst here on Earth. Before you become disheartened The Bible promises .. “God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear” (1 Corinthians 10:13) [NIV]

   Look at this way, God has given us His Gifts ~ Gracie's ~ Promises, and so much more besides. God will never leave us, to fen for ourselves, nor forsake us. Watch .. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” [Psalm 23:4]


Prayer

Hallowed father God in Heaven, Strengthen us by your spirit, and help us to resist ‘ALL’ temptations. In the name of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray.

Amen

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Who do you lean upon?

   I'll leave names out, but today I found out this "Seasoned International' footballerleft his club because 2 fellow team mates lleft and went on to pastures new, now that thier contracts were up. These guys had been with the football club just shy of a decade each, have won everything at club level.

   This other guy got hurt at them leaving his club, he too now has decided to leave this football club as well. 

   Now why am I telling you this, it's to say this guy was wrong for leavingas well. It was to ask you this . . ."Who do you lean on when - things don't go your way? - or - When faced with forced uncertainty? - or - you have to make difficult decisions? 

   The first thing we must count oh what joy it is to be saved ...(1)  “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved" ... the second thing is to know that (2) "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world". Meaning no matter what trials - obstacles; or 100,000 strong army at the door, GOD is bigger, stronger, and wiser than what ever this World has in store, for He is greater.

   Tell me is this not the only one you nee to leaning on? The one who created the Sun Moon & Stars. surely God can help. All He asks in return is that you have believe & have faith in Him. His measure for us is .. (3)  "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Surly you can see God is the only one to whom we lean upon!

 1: [NKJ] Acts 16:25 “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved"

2: [NKJ] 1 John 4:4 "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world"

3: [NKJ] Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Should A Christian Smoke?

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Should A Christian Smoke?
(Cancer is the curse of the modern World)

   The Bible must be our guide in the Question. Christians did not smoke, they were on fire! They were fired with enthusiasm to live our lives well and pleasing to our Lord. A Christian should be at least the 3 things shown below.

1] Free
   Free from anything which grows into making us a slave. . .
[GW] Galatians 5:1 “Christ has freed us so that we may enjoy the benefits of freedom. Therefore, be firm ⌞in this freedom⌟, and don’t become slaves again”
[GNT] “Freedom is what we have—Christ has set us free! Stand, then, as free people, and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again”
[MSG] “Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you”
[AMP]John 8:36 “So if the Son makes you free, then you are unquestionably free”
… Our bodies are to be temps where the Holy spirit resides. Let me suggest this, would you give someone you hold in high esteem a damp mould ridden condemned house to live in? Well this is what us Christians do if our ways are not changed the way they should be.

2] Pure and undefiled
   Pure and undefiled, in His ways is an example. Let me ask you this .. “Is smoking a pure habit?” .. “Does it defile us?” .. I would like you smokers to look at your fingers and think of what it is doing to your throat & lungs. Let me put this to you, “should defiled fingers and lips partake of the bread & wine (Communion), Which we speak of such a pure and undefiled one as is Christ?”. Is it a good example to your children and the youth of the church?
[NLT] Matthew 6:13 “ And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one”

3] Personal temple
[GW] 1 Corinthians 6:19/20 “Don’t you know that your body is a temple that belongs to the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit, whom you received from God, lives in you. You don’t belong to yourselves. 20You were bought for a price. So bring glory to God in the way you use your body”

   Your body is the temple of the holy Spirit, and it is to be presented to God, Holy and in order to Glorify Him. I’m sure you don’t need me to remind you that smoking leads to cancer, this in it’s self should be a wake up call. . .
[GW] Romans 12:1 “Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God’s compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you”
... Would you truly stand there and blow putrid smoke into the temple of God and then present it to Him, telling God it is a Holy thing? Do you sincerely think smoking positively Glorifies God? Now being honest, on which side do you think the scales weigh down? I know that any addiction can be hard, but smoking being one of the most difficult to quit. As for my Father in law after giving his life to Christ he said one day I can’t do this any more, threw his cigarettes in the bin. But today there is a plethora of aids to help.

This message is one of my own but it is actually my late father in laws, which he wrote on 

this subject.

These are the Bible translations used in this study...
GW: The Gods Word translations
MSG: The Message translation
GNT: The Good News translation
AMP: The Amplified translation
NLT: The New Liviing Translation

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Gods Peace, when
Anger Rises

James 1:19 “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God”
Romans 12:14 “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse”
Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger”

   When engulfed with anger, it can be hard to fall into restful sleep. You will be lying in bed stewing over, your mind constantly playing over and over the events that have left you in anger. It could have been something that happened just today, or your co-workers criticism, or your child's wild behaviour, or a church member bringing unwanted gossip in church. It could have happened in your past (years ago) but continually comes to the fore front of your mind. Her unkind words, His refusal to apologise, the betrayal you never saw coming, the wounds you fear will never heal. Those are things to forgive, and hard things to let go.

   While your day my be filled with so much busyness there is no time to properly contemplate these difficult circumstances, your lying in bed are often not that way. All you have is yourself, your pillow, and your thoughts. And when your thoughts turn to these provoking situations, they can lead to long nights of restlessness. Instead of peacefully dreaming, you’re troubled by ways you were wronged, mistreated, and deceived. Not surprisingly, this doesn't lead to peaceful, bliss-filled sleep. Instead, your heart fills a little hard and desire for revenge keeps knocking, holding you and your thoughts in a vice like grip.

What would it look like to let all that pent

up anger go?

   All that resentment that pulses through your veins and makes your face flushed with your frustration is really controlling you(and only you), but not the person who wronged you, not the friend who who deceived you, not the spouse who betrayed you. In short, the anger you hold and nurse and keep on simmering is now impacting you most fervently. It’s started to steal your body of rest and festering in the deepest parts of your soul. We must stay always mindful. As the enemy feeds off of your anger your feeling. But there is good news: the Lord is able to rescue you from his grip.

   In Psalm 37:8, the Psalmist said it like this “Refrain from anger and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself: it tends only to evil” [ESV]. Harbouring unforgiveness is not only harmful for you, it’s also exhausting. Right here and right now, vow to make a change in your thinking, even only a small change. As your reading this cry aloud to God for His help to over come this battle your in. Asking Him for His supernatural strength to breath deeply, inhaling forgiveness and exhaling bitterness. Imagine His loving arms around you, letting you know He understands this fretting your going through. This kind of change doesn’t happen over night. But just for this night, in these quiet moments, you can you can take a small step toward change & cleansing, purifying, rest giving change.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me take a step toward healing and forgiveness. Remind me of the everlasting patience you hold, and help me regard others with the same gracious, loving, spirit-filled as yourself.