Pure Motives, by Edward

Psalm 19:9, "The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever."

      I had read this passage before and had a hard time understanding it.   How is the fear of the Lord pure?  But now, when I think about it alongside Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God," it makes sense.  

     I have an evil heart.  I have impure motives that come through my head everyday in many situations, but I also have a fear of the Lord.  I recognize Him, I recognize that He sees my heart and knows what's going on in it.  So, even though I have impure motives to do things, the fear of Him purifies my motives so that I may learn to do what pleases Him.  If my motives are purified, then I have the hope of the blessing in Matthew 5:8.

     

     It brings joy to do things for the right reasons and removes the guilt of doing things for the wrong reasons.  The fear of Him works to my benefit.  He is a good God.

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It All Comes To LIght, by Edward

     I work as a contractor.  I mostly paint, but I also install flooring, put up trim and do other finish type work.  Not long ago, I was at a customer's house doing some painting.  In their dining room, there was an old telephone on the wall that they wanted removed and then the hole behind it patched and painted.  The paint had been there a long time.  It looked sound, until I started scraping the paint around the hole.  The paint started coming off in sheets.  Right away, I thought to myself, "whoever painted this last did not prep properly".  In fact, I don't think they prepped at all because paint does not just start peeling away like that.  

     In 1 Corinthians 3:10b-13 it says,"But each one should be careful how he builds.  For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work."

     From what I understand, Paul is speaking of those leading the church and the quality of teaching, preaching and the example of their lives with which they build up the church. But the same principle applies to our Christian lives.  The day will bring to light what kind of faith we truly have. Our lives may look good right now.  We may present a good show to others as being spiritual, but make no mistake, the day will bring to light how seriously we have taken our walk with God.    

     We should take heed to build our faith with costly and choice stones, not being lazy in our search for truth or in our actions.  Whoever painted that room did a shoddy job.  It looked good for a time, but the day of my scraping brought to light the quality of that mans' work.  When He comes,  will you be able to stand?  Consider!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Women's Liberation, by Amy Joy

     "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.' " John 8:31-32

     My mother has often told me the story of when I was a baby and at the doctor's office, I sat right up as soon as she finished the exam.  This was back in 1978.  My pediatrician remarked to my mother that I would be a "woman's libber" someday, seeing the determination and confidence that I had as I sat up, I suppose. Maybe she thought that it was a compliment. My mother knew what the Bible taught on woman's roles, so she was certainly hoping that I would not turn out to be a "woman's libber".

     After my mother recently retold the story to me, I surprised her by saying something to the effect of , "And she was right!"  My mother looked at me, quite confused.  There I was, standing before her, a Christian woman, wearing a head covering (a symbol of authority), a long skirt, having long hair that I had grown because my husband likes it.  I happily gave up my career to stay at home and raise my children.  I am in total agreement with what God says about women, including that it is "disgraceful  for a woman to speak in the church".  I hate when people are so scared to offend women by practicing the things that He says to, as if God is not loving and His ways  are not best.  I am confident of God's love for me and that in Him I am of equal value as that of a man.  Paul writes in Galatians 3:28-29, "There is neither ...male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."  If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."  I am not offended by the truth when I am considered "the weaker partner".  I know that I am also an heir with my husband "of the gracious gift of life..." (both 1Peter 3:7).

     Thinking about having recently started this blog, with my intent to encourage women, particularly in areas concerning our role, I realized I am a "woman's libber" after all!  For when we follow and hold to Jesus' teachings, then we know the truth and the truth does set us free!  I am free!  I am liberated, and I want to encourage other women to be the same!

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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God bless you!

Caring More About Your Friend Than Your Friendship, by Amy Joy

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."  Proverbs 17:17

"Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses."Proverbs 27:6

     Recently, while praying for some friends of mine who are in some situations that I am concerned about, I realized that if I really care for them and their souls, then I need to speak to them and make them aware of what God says about the situations that they are in.  It is very scary for me to think about bringing these things up.  I don't like conflict.  I don't like to say anything that might offend people. 

     While praying, it came to me that I need to care more about my friends than my friendships.  I need to be willing to lose my friendships with people for the sake of their salvation.  What good will it be for me to keep a friend, yet have my friend go to hell because I didn't have enough love or courage to speak up?  

     I am still scared, but maybe you can please pray for me that God will give me boldness, wisdom, and the words in these situations.  

"All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:22

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Tip For Softening Cookies, by Amy Joy

      I like my cookies soft, in general, but often when I've made cookies they're crispy.  I learned as a child from a woman named Toni Andrade, that if you leave a slice of bread in a container with the cookies, the cookies will become soft.  It works! 

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God bless you!

If You Heard It Only Once, by Edward

    When we read the Sermon on the Mount, we have the privilege of being able to read it again, and again, and again.  Sometimes we come to conclusions years later, from rereading it, which we had not originally come to when we first read it.  

      Getting to read it again, and again, and again, is not what those who originally heard it had the opportunity to do.  Remember, the gospels were not recorded until years later.  They heard Jesus speak His message, and then went home with only what they had heard.  They had to make decisions based on what they had heard that day, not on what they got to read again, and again.  They would have either accepted or rejected what they had heard.  

     We actually have a very good example of this in the gospel of John.  In John 6:53 when Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you."  After this, many disciples left him saying,"This is a hard teaching.  Who can accept it?"  but Peter said with the eleven present, "Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life." The disciples heard Jesus' teachings and then made decisions based on what they had heard at that time. They either accepted His teaching or rejected it.  

     So the question I have is this. If you were present when Jesus spoke the Sermon on the Mount, what conclusions would you come to about how He wants you to live based on what He said, having heard it only one time?  After all, at the end of the sermon He said, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."  

     If the Sermon on the Mount is not as sharp to you as the first day you read it, it may be that you have let the years wear away its edge so that it's simply a collection of nice words, and not the revolutionary sayings of our Great God and King. 

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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An Enjoyable Experience, by Edward

     A couple of weeks ago, on two separate occasions,  I heard two different brothers speaking about two different subjects (I apologize for the redundancy).  On both subjects, I had come to the same conclusions on my own that they had come to. 

    

      What's neat is that I had never heard them speak about these things before.  I don't read commentaries, so I know that we had not come to the same conclusions by reading the same commentaries.  

      I spoke to both of them separately about this and one of them said to me with a smile, "You would think we were reading the same Bible!"  That brother's statement says it all.  The Bible is understandable.  

     This is not the first time that this has happened with a brother, and I doubt it will be the last, but it is enjoyable every time.  We can come to the Bible, read it, understand it, and obey it.  

     Christians coming to the same conclusions, independently, on what the Bible says, has happened throughout history, despite being separated by time, space, culture, language and even translations of the Bible into different languages.  

     This is very encouraging to me.  It really helps me to see that the Bible can be taken at it's word.  It really does mean what it says.  I don't need someone to interpret it for me.  If we simply accept what the scriptures say, with a childlike faith and obedience, then we can be unified in Christ.  We can all be of one mind and of one Spirit and of one faith.

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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God bless you!

Obedience is Legalism? Really? By Edward

     Have you ever spoken to a fellow Christian about a certain conviction you hold, or about obedience to a commandment of Christ, and gotten the response, " That's legalistic."  I sure have.  I find it funny that if I speak about literal obedience to Christs' commandments, I am considered a legalist.  I am all of a sudden trying to work my way to heaven.  If I think that Christ meant what He said, I am a legalist, a scribe, a pharisee.  

     Legalism is a word I very rarely use; after all, it is not a Bible word.  Christ did not use it.  He used two other words.  Do you know what they are?  They are hypocrite and lawless.  Christ never condemned the Sadducees and Pharisees for obedience, for keeping the Law.  When He condemned them, He condemned them for hypocrisy and lawlessness, for not obeying.  

     After all, Jesus Himself kept the Law perfectly.  Was He a legalist for obeying the Law?  I think not. What about Moses?  He kept the Law, he even had a man put to death for gathering firewood on the Sabbath ( Num. 15:32-36).  He must have been a legalist; he took God at His word and obeyed.  

     I have found that those who harp on the word legalism are usually covering their own legalism, I'm sorry, I mean hypocrisy and lawlessness.  They're usually the ones looking for loopholes to the commandments, bringing the commandments to nothing, having spiritualized them into oblivion.  It is usually a deflection from their own disobedience.  

     God has not given us commandments to break or to ignore, but to follow.  How unfair it would be for Him to command us to do something and then to condemn us if we do it.  How unfair it would be to tell us to do something that He does not really want us to do.  No, Jesus only commands that which He wants us to follow.  

     Not only that, but He goes so far as to say that this is how we will truly know if we love Him, by obeying what He has commanded.  Jesus has said in John 14:15, "If you love me, you will obey what I command."  He has also said in verse 21 of the same chapter,  "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”  One more verse just for good measure, though there are many more, 1 John 5:3, "This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome."  You see, obedience is not legalism, it is love for Him.  

     The next time someone calls you a legalist for striving to obey God, let the comment slide right off you and continue doing right.  And you, for your part, if you are going to label someone a legalist, ask yourself first if they are being hypocritical or lawless.  If not, maybe you should keep the comment to yourself.

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!