Let's Take A Survey, by Edward

     I have been told on more than one occasion that I am on the fringe, and this from religious folk.  They think that the things that I hold to from the Bible are way out there.  

     Recently, I was told that about 95-99% of all Christians would think that I am wrong about what I believe.  Maybe I am wrong on some things (who hasn't been?), but not because 99% of all who call themselves Christians say so.  The way to ascertain truth is not by taking a survey.  You don't interpret scripture by what the majority says is okay. You are not okay with God just because the 99% say you are.  Popular Christianity is so gutted of deep conviction that's it's fairly well disgusting.  

     Jesus said, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets."  If everybody is saying that you're okay, it may be time to examine your Christianity.  He also said, "If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!"   

     You will be persecuted if you simply put into practice the literal words of scripture.  Bad things will be said about you.  I think this is why so many of Christs' commands are not interpreted literally.  When you obey what He says, other's sins are exposed.   

     If you're hated by the world and the religious folk who are in it, for obeying Christ, you have a blessing.  "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."  

     Grasp the blessing; His love is better than theirs.

You can check out our other works! If you like them, you can help us out by sharing our links on your social media accounts and asking your contacts to do the same! Thank you!

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To listen to different thoughts from Edward:

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God bless you!

Jesus' Peace, by Amy Joy

    "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

   
      I sit here in peace.  I am so grateful for God and His word and the life that He has given to me because of His Word.  I am so happy because of God.  

     A few weeks ago, I received an email from someone close to me who is not a Christian.  It was disturbing and hurtful to me.  I have had many times over the past year when, after speaking with someone about something challenging, I have felt troubled initially.  However, after going to God in prayer, I have found peace.  The peace that He has given me has been from His Word.  I see that His Word is a rock.  Knowing what He says helps me to stand firm when people tell me things contrary to His Word.  So, the comfort given to me are the scriptures He gave thousands of years ago such as:

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11-12

"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed." 1 Peter 3:14

"But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." 1 Peter 3:15b-16

"Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.  As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God." 1 Peter 4:1-2  

     Upon reading this last scripture, I realized that even in this day and age and in countries where freedom of religion is allowed, I still should be armed with the same attitude.  We do not know what the future will bring, except the return of Christ.  Our current freedoms may be taken away.  I realized that I should also help my children to have the same mindset from their young age.  I want my children to be prepared for anything, especially to stay faithful amidst persecution.  Jesus says, "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." Revelation 2:10b.  That is what I want!  For myself, my family, and the whole world!  These scriptures remind me of Jesus' encouragement in Matthew 6:19-24 about storing up your treasures in heaven and linking it to where your heart will be.

     So, my peace does not come from things such as the luxuries or relationships or activities that the world believes will bring peace, but by following Him and obeying him.  My peace during persecution comes from Jesus' words that He spoke long ago, saying that these things would happen, but that I will have a great reward in heaven, and I am blessed to be able to suffer for His name.  There are many more scriptures that I have seen being alive and active because of the persecution and hardships that I have faced.  It has made my faith and hope stronger.  After Jesus told His disciples that the world will hate them because they hated Him first, in John 15:18-27, Jesus says, "All this I have told you so that you will not go astray." (John 16:1). 

You can check out our other works! If you like them, you can help us out by sharing our links on your social media accounts and asking your contacts to do the same! Thank you!

http://iamonebook.com

https://www.patreon.com/WarePublishing

https://www.waredesignworks.com

https://www.etsy.com/shop/waredesignworks

To follow us on Twitter and Instagram:

https://x.com/AmyJoyCarlton?t=Ohwl7Pf5LhWSzYG40USr2w&s=09

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To listen to different thoughts from Edward:

https://rumble.com/c/c-5501477/videos

https://youtube.com/@edwardcarlton?si=HUHHNoh5NX0hW-La

God bless you!

They Love Me, They Hate Me, by Edward

     Generally speaking, I am a fairly well-liked individual.  The people that I work for like me (I work as a contractor).  When I go to a birthday party and don't know anyone, I get along well with the people there.  I think the reason that I am liked is because I really try to put into practice what Jesus commands us.  I try to treat those I meet as I would want to be treated.  I try to love those I meet and not see them as just someone to get something from. My clients can see that I am trying to be fair with them and not trying to rake them over the coals with my pricing, because Jesus teaches contentment.  I try to answer all questions that I get honestly because God teaches me to put off falsehood.  Jesus said, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven".  I want those I come in contact with to see Jesus in me, that He may be glorified.  In short, I am liked not because of who I am, but because of how He has taught me to be.  

     This can all change in an instant though. As soon as I start obeying some difficult passages of scripture or speaking about some difficult things that Jesus addressed, the admiration that they have for me can turn sour and even become hatred.  One moment, they see me as loving, and the next moment they see me as hateful.  Jesus also said, "It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master.  If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!"  People like to be around someone who is loving, kind and gentle, but they do not like being around someone who challenges them to repent, or whose life convicts them of sin.  I have to do both.  I cannot just be gentle and kind; I must also point to what Jesus requires of all of us.  My encouragement is to be like Christ and let men see your good deeds that God may be glorified, but also be like Christ by being willing to be hated by men for doing what is right, and if they hate you for it, let them.  "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10.

You can check out our other works! If you like them, you can help us out by sharing our links on your social media accounts and asking your contacts to do the same! Thank you!

http://iamonebook.com

https://www.patreon.com/WarePublishing

https://www.waredesignworks.com

https://www.etsy.com/shop/waredesignworks

To follow us on Twitter and Instagram:

https://x.com/AmyJoyCarlton?t=Ohwl7Pf5LhWSzYG40USr2w&s=09

https://x.com/WarePublishing?s=09

https://www.instagram.com/waredesignworks/

To listen to different thoughts from Edward:

https://rumble.com/c/c-5501477/videos

https://youtube.com/@edwardcarlton?si=HUHHNoh5NX0hW-La

God bless you!