40 MILE AN HOUR WORK

40 MILE AN HOUR WORK

Friday, January 16, 2015

Proverbs 18:19

(ASV)  He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer.

(CEV)  Being lazy is no different from being a troublemaker.

(ESV)  Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.

(GW)  Whoever is lazy in his work is related to a vandal.

(ISV)  Whoever is lazy regarding his work is also a brother to the master of destruction.

(KJV)  He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

(LITV)  And he who is slack in his work, he is a brother to a master destroyer.

(MKJV)  Also he who is slack in his work is brother to a great destroyer.

(Webster)  He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

(YLT)  He also that is remiss in his work, A brother he is to a destroyer.

  For ya’ll that have never been blessed with Southern Exposure I must explain today’s title.

  There is walk to, stop by and examine quality . . . and then there’s workmanship that looks mighty fine so long as you’re driving by at 40 miles an hour.

  We’ve all seen “painted over” fabrication. If you don’t know what this means, watch Holmes on Homes and you’ll see painted-over problems brushed in large strokes. (For brief bio of show, got to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmes_on_Homes  To view past educational episodes, go to:  https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=A0LEVvjdHblUo0UANIwPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTBsa3ZzMnBvBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2JmMQR2dGlkAw--?p=holmes+on+homes&hspart=SGMedia&hsimp=yhs-sgm_fb )

  As 2Corinthians 5:17 ambassadors for Christ we speak of God’s reconciliation and redemption through His Son, Jesus Christ. But if, whatever our position in home, office, or workplace, we practice 40 mile an hour low quality work standard, why would any lost or needy soul want to listen to us lay claim to the utmost eternal superiority of God’s mercy and guidance for life?

  Consider Colossians (GW) 3:1-2, 23-25 on the subject of honoring God in one’s work. “Since you were brought back to life with Christ, focus on the things that are above-where Christ holds the highest position. Keep your mind on things above, not on worldly things. … Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly as though you were working for your real master and not merely for humans. You know that your real master will give you an inheritance as your reward. It is Christ, your real master, whom you are serving. The person who does wrong will be paid back for the wrong he has done. God does not play favorites.”

  Few of us, self included, have the knowledge, skill, or the inherent ability to qualify for the Holmes team.

  All Christians can however make the grade as Jehovah’s unlimited workman: “Study earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. But shun profane, vain babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. … All Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfected, thoroughly furnished to every good work.” (MKJV 2Tim.2:15-16; 3:16-17)

  Hey ya’ll! Think about it, at what viewing speed will our lifework pass examination?  EBB4

THE FACE OF LIFE

THE FACE OF LIFE

Thursday, January 15, 2015

2Corinthians 4:13-18  We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

  I look in the mirror and see a man’s face that is no longer taut as once was. Where did that developing turkey wattle come from?!

  It’s not just my countenance that has changed: Once upon a time I was not a driver, then for 6+ decades a driver, followed by 6+ months not a driver, and now again as of 9:30am again a driver.

  There’s no avoidance of changes to the face of life. Change is tide and flow in and of life; the current that can inundate us unless we trust in the Word.

  2Corinthians 4 is about being confronted by death and life, and what our victorious attitude (faith) can and should be.

  Before you or I pass from this life to the next, change may include the looks of a Basset hound, not driving, not walking, not being able to lift spoon to mouth ….. But if seeing life as a citizen of God’s Kingdom, His prescription for us present and everlasting, we consider reflection and current situation as transitory and as producing for us an eternal glory that is absolutely greater than anything we can imagine.

  That remembered . . . and written for your edification, I’m now going to adjust supportive seat and rearview mirrors on my Mazda.

EBB4

ERASURE

ERASURE

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

  All who profess Christianity are not the same when it comes to form and function. History and current observation shows record of caring, compassion, indifference, no-difference, selfishness, persecutors including pogrom, mass and single murders.

  The history and current events pertaining to professing atheists is no different as they too are diverse in practice of personal belief. For the most part atheists are as the professing Christians that practice a “Live and let live.” “They believe differently, so what!?!” “Silly, but nice people.” attitude. There is however atheists that are aggressive in the personal conviction that mankind would be better off without Christianity.

  Okay, let’s say it could be so; the world without historical and contemporary Christian faith and practice:

·         What would not be?

·         What would be?

EBB4

PS. I included no references from the Word so as to leave you with opportunity to be studious and do so.

  

REGENERATE SIGHT

REGENERATION OR OTHERWISE

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

John [GW] 3:3 Jesus replied to Nicodemus, "I can guarantee this truth: No one can see the kingdom of

        God without being born from above."

2Corinthians [GW] 5:17 [Paul wrote] Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of

        living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence.

Titus [GW] 2:14 [Paul wrote] He [Jesus] gave himself for us to set us free from every sin and to cleanse us

        so that we  can be his special people who are enthusiastic about doing good things. …

1Peter [MKJV] chapter 2 [Jesus is the] Stone which the builders rejected; this One came to be the Head of the corner, and a Stone-of-stumbling and a Rock-of-offense to those disobeying, who stumble at the Word, to which they also were appointed. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for possession, so that you might speak of the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; you who then were not a people, but now the people of God,

  Only 3 letters, but Jesus’ “see” spoken to Nicodemus and recorded for us hereafter is a critical word.

The “see” that Nicodemus understood is quite different from the “see” we typically hear here.

  To help comprehend the distinction, think of USA as The Kingdom of America. Whether native born, immigrant, or foreigner, we/they see the USA interpreted by individual and/or group perspective. Whether ashore or afar, said sight being highly variant; from gratis to greedy, glorious to Great Satan.

  The “see” of Nicodemus’ hearing was quite different. He knew it framed a non-variant absolute entity that could only be understood and realized, acquainted with and experienced presently and forever through Almighty God’s regeneration.

  This is the sight that Saul of Tarsus gained on the road to Damascus, and diligently sought to expand and implement for the rest of his life. In the recorded 13-14 books Paul was privileged to scribe, he writes for our edification about his regenerate view of the Kingdom of God; vision drastically different than his prior enthusiastic religious life.

  How now do we see? As the otherwise see, guided by man’s philosophies contrary to God’s Word? Or viewing, Biblically critiquing and interpreting commonly held world views and thereby making life choices as knowledgeable citizen of the Kingdom of God? (Philippians chapter 3, note verse 20)

  I close this morning thought with a portion from KJV Titus chapter 3, the Apostle Paul noting that “… we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

EBB4

THINKING RADICALLY

THINKING RADICALLY

Monday, January 12, 2015

Genesis [GW] 2:16-17; 3:6 The LORD God commanded the man. He said, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden. But you must never eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil … [Eve] saw that the tree had fruit that was good to eat, nice to look at, and desirable for making someone wise. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband [Adam], who was with her, and he ate it.

Romans [GW] 12:1-3 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. Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants-what is good, pleasing, and perfect. Because of the kindness that God has shown me, I ask you not to think of yourselves more highly than you should. Instead, your thoughts should lead you to use good judgment based on what God has given each of you as believers. [Also note Ephesians 5:13-17]

  The Apostle Paul explains that when we trust Christ, the Word (“logos” Jn.1:1), we immediately become different. This I personally experienced, observed, and am observing; all followers of Christ are of a different nature. (2Cor.5:14-17)

  Yes, immediately different. Immediately complete in our new nature, no.

  Our new nature is in conflict with our old nature. Eternal salvation, everlasting life presently ours, is Lord Jesus Christ’s effectual finished work. Repentance, maturation in thought and resultant deeds, is not employment His. It is our ongoing vocation, also referred to as discipleship. This I continue to noticeably experience since October of my 28^th year (1964), observe, and am observing with continued benefit.

  Is this an easy task? Yes and no, always defined by what we believe; seeing thru the murky fog of unregenerate thinking, or lighted by clear vision thru lens of the Word.

  To illustrate: Lately we have been often hearing “radicalized” popularly applied by media politicians, and social scientist and pundit to violent murderous Islamists. The word is used as though exposure to jihadist thought and persons makes individuals and groups commit terrorist atrocities.

  Consider people: Around same persons and/or circumstance each individual in exposed group reacts differently, or at times in concert; in fury or by faith.

  To illustrate personally: There was a time when I thought persons and/or circumstance made me angry -- Grand excuse no more than skin of a reason stuffed with a lie. By study of and consideration of the Word I concluded that it is impossible for person or circumstance to make me angry. Being angry is a decision based in belief. Anger is a highly individual exercise much based in pride, seldom based in the veracity of the Word.

  Consider Jesus: He recognized wrong in a way that we cannot; the volume of which for us would have been deafening and engulfing to the point distracting resident anger. Did He ever act angry? He did, but take careful note of the instances and consider the why of it.

  Consider Eden: If radicalization through exposure to evil person or presence is factual, then Jehovah God Almighty radicalized Eve, then Adam, by having that tree and serpent available for conversation and disastrous meal.

  “radicalization” is yet another excusing man from the truth of the Word.

  The Word that we are exposed to in many ways, and then must decide what we actually believe of what we hear and see this side of heaven.

EBB4 

TEN THINGS GOD CANNOT DO

TEN THINGS GOD CANNOT DO

(References from God’s Word modern English)

·         God cannot get tired. Isaiah 40:28 Don't you know? Haven't you heard? The eternal God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, doesn't grow tired or become weary.

·         God cannot take on a job He can’t handle. Jeremiah 32:17 'Almighty LORD, you made heaven and earth by your great strength and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

·         God cannot be unholy. Isaiah 6:2-3 Angels were standing above him. Each had six wings: With two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. They called to each other and said, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory."

·         God cannot be prejudiced. Acts 10:34-35 Peter said, "Now I understand that God doesn't play favorites. Rather, whoever respects God and does what is right is acceptable to him in any nation.

·         God cannot break a promise. Psalm 89:30-35 "If his descendants abandon my teachings and do not live by my rules, if they violate my laws and do not obey my commandments, then with a rod I will punish their rebellion and their crimes with beatings. But I will not take my mercy away from him or allow my truth to become a lie. I will not dishonor my promise or alter my own agreement. On my holiness I have taken an oath once and for all: I will not lie to David.

·         God cannot remember sins He’s chosen to forget. Psalm 103:10-13 He has not treated us as we deserve for our sins or paid us back for our wrongs. As high as the heavens are above the earth- that is how vast his mercy is toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west- that is how far he has removed our rebellious acts from himself. … Isaiah 43:25 I alone am the one who is going to wipe away your rebellious actions for my own sake. I will not remember your sins anymore.

·         God cannot make a loser. 2Corinthians 2:14-15 But I thank God, who always leads us in victory because of Christ. Wherever we go, God uses us to make clear what it means to know Christ. It's like a fragrance that fills the air. To God we are the aroma of Christ among those who are saved and among those who are dying.

·         God cannot abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Don't tremble! Don't be afraid of them! The LORD your God is the one who is going with you. He won't abandon you or leave you." Hebrews 13:5-6 … Be happy with what you have because God has said, "I will never abandon you or leave you." So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid. What can mortals do to me?"

·         God cannot stop thinking about you. Psalm 139:16-18 Your eyes saw me when I was only a fetus. Every day of my life was recorded in your book before one of them had taken place. How precious are your thoughts concerning me, O God! How vast in number they are! If I try to count them, there would be more of them than there are grains of sand. When I wake up, I am still with you.

·         God cannot stop loving you. Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD appeared to me in a faraway place and said, "I love you with an everlasting love. So I will continue to show you my kindness. Romans 5:6-8 Look at it this way: At the right time, while we were still helpless, Christ died for ungodly people. Finding someone who would die for a godly person is rare. Maybe someone would have the courage to die for a good person. Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This demonstrates God's love for us.

PREFERRING DARKNESS

PREFERRING DARKNESS

Friday, January 09, 2015

John 1:1-5; 3:19; 8:12; 12:35, 46 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. [Col.1:16; Heb.1:2; Rev.4:12] In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. … And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. … Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. … Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

Acts [GW] 4:8-12 Then Peter, because he was filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers and leaders of the people, today you are cross-examining us about the good we did for a crippled man. You want to know how he was made well. You and all the people of Israel must understand that this man stands in your presence with a healthy body because of the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. You crucified Jesus Christ, but God has brought him back to life. He is the stone that the builders rejected, the stone that has become the cornerstone. No one else can save us. Indeed, we can be saved only by the power of the one named Jesus and not by any other person."

  The Apostle Peter, as recorded in Acts 4:12, stated truth that is resisted by multitudes, some of which are religious and name Jesus among their beliefs; though never as Lord Jesus Christ, but in limited personage of prophet and/or great teacher.

  Tragically, to them Jesus will say He never knew them for they were never truly intimately acquainted with or trusted Him as Lord Jesus Christ. (Mt.7:21-27; Jn.14:15; 15:10; 1Jn.5:2-3)

  Jesus is “Lord Jesus Christ” (82 times in KJV); Almighty God, Supreme Sovereign Savior alone; firmly declaring that those that are not for Him are against Him. (Mt.12:30’ Lk.11:23)

  Dare men resist? Yes, they do.

  Why so? Lord Jesus Christ explained the reason is that they prefer darkness.

  How do you as a follower of Christ (Christian) describe the darkness the Word speaks of?

EBB4