He Gives Grace to those He Humbles

God said...

"By Myself I have sworn; Truth has gone from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow to Me, every tongue will swear allegiance. It will be said to Me: Righteousness and strength is only in the LORD." All who are enraged against Him will come to Him and be put to shame." (Isaiah 45:23-24)

Those enraged and proud will be put to shame and humbled. And when humbled, God gives them His grace.

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5)

Politicians are overconfident in their ability to change things. They have to be for others to support and vote for them. Voters are an interesting lot, generally voting for whoever promises the biggest Goose in their pot. We are almost always disappointed when our "Goose is cooked".

Nevertheless, in about a month I will vote for one of those proud candidates - hoping that before he or she leaves office they will be "put to shame", "humbled" and given "grace" from "the LORD" at His "coming"!

"Yes, I am coming quickly." Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen." (Revelation 22:20)

Election Time in the USA

 I just turned 74 and have lived all my life in the US. In thinking about the upcoming election the following verse came into my mind...

"The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you." (2 Chronicles 15:2)

Neither candidate is the LORD, that is for certain, and so I do not "seek after" either one of them. When voting I prayerfully consider the one who it seems to me would not "forsake" my LORD during times of crisis in this world in which we live. People can and will differ on who that is I suppose, so I will not judge them if their choice differs from mine. After all...

"...the Most High is ruler over the kingdom of men. He gives it to anyone He wants and sets the lowliest of humans over it." (Daniel 4:17)..."Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." (Romans 13:1-2)

The Path To Future Glory - But For Now, Trump May Have To Do

Paul declared…

“I am crucified with Christ…” (Galatians 2:20)

“Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep...Ought not Christ to have suffered these things (events of his death) and to enter into His GLORY (thru his resurrection)...But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with GLORY and honor"...(1 Corinthians 15:20; Luke 24:26; Hebrews 2:9)

When Jesus hung on the cross it was a graphic declaration that death is the path to GLORY, for himself and for humans. 

Got it? Sin, death, and the grave is the path to GLORY. Christ the first fruit, then all the rest of us.

It is the SPIRIT within us which longs to live, not die, and testifies to us “the sufferings of Christ and the GLORY that should follow.” (1 Peter 1:11)

There is NO path to GLORY among the present self-righteous institutions of men in this present age. It is not our good works, nor our bad that determines the GLORY that will be ours AFTER our death and resurrection. 

Christ died…so will we die

Christ was raised….so will we be raised
Christ was glorified…so will we be glorified

All by the GRACE of God. A few of us hear and believe the good news in this life, yet all will know and believe after Jesus returns to resurrect humanity from death...

“Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep...As in Adam all die, even so in Christ SHALL ALL be made alive...sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, IT IS RAISED IN GLORY; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So also it is written, the first man, Adam, became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual. The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second man is from heaven. As is the earthy, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly, so also are those who are heavenly. Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22,42-49)

Get this straight, no one is going to heaven because of their political viewpoints. Even the low life, radical, militant, WOKE fanatics will eventually die and be resurrected to GLORY and salvation - by the grace of God.

"It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of ALL HUMANITY.” (1 Timothy 4:9-10)

BUT for NOW we need a President who cares about “we the people”, the majority who are not self-righteous, tolerant, politically correct bleeding hearts…but a President who will protect Americans who are in this country legally.

I voted for Trump for the sake of our children and grandchildren while waiting for our future glory. 

The Armor of God

"...TAKE UP the complete armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all things, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with TRUTH, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod the feet with the readiness of the gospel of peace; besides all, having taken up the SHIELD OF FAITH with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..." (Ephesians 6:1 3-17)

We are instructed to "take up" God's armor of "truth", and "stand" behind the "shield of faith" in the truth of God's word. Only then can we be safe from the lier who comes to steal our security, peace, and joy in the salvation promised us by God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10)

"Now the spirit is saying explicitly, that in subsequent eras some will be withdrawing from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and the teachings of demons in the hypocrisy of false expressions...Now profane and old womanish myths refuse...Faithful is the saying and worthy of all welcome (for for this are we toiling and being reproached), that we rely on the living God, Who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers. These things be charging and teaching." (1 Timothy 4:1-11)

The Righteous Forsaken

"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." (Psalm 37:25)

Of course King David was not alive to see the crucifixion of Jesus.

"About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46)

Some saw the righteous one forsaken, but three days later the one forsaken righteous human was raised to life, never again to be forsaken - and the judgment of all other humans has been given to Him.

"And I have a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there is going to be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous." (Acts 24:15)

"Father forgive them, they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

The Power of Truth

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever — the spirit of truth. The world cannot receive it, because it neither sees it nor knows it. But you do know it, for it abides with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17)

The word "spirit" refers to power of truth.  

"Jesus is saying to him, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one is coming to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)

When we hear the truth and believe, the truth sets us free from wasting our lives trying to save ourselves by the works of the law.Now we are aware that, whatever the law is saying, it is speaking to those under the law, that every mouth may be barred, and the entire world may become subject to the just verdict of God,

"...because, by works of law, no flesh at all shall be justified in His sight, for through law is the recognition of sin. Yet now, apart from law, a righteousness of God is manifest (being attested by the law and the prophets), yet a righteousness of God through Jesus Christ's faith, for all, and on all who are believing, for there is no distinction, for all sinned and are wanting of the glory of God. Being justified gratuitously in His grace, through the deliverance which is in Christ Jesus (Whom God purposed for a Propitiatory shelter, through faith in His blood, for a display of His righteousness because of the passing over of the penalties of sins which occurred before in the forbearance of God), toward the display of His righteousness in the current era, for Him to be just and a Justifier of the one who is of the faith of Jesus. Where, then, is boasting? It is debarred! Through what law?
Of works? No! But through faith's law. For we are reckoning a man to be justified by faith apart from works of law." (Romans 3:20-28)

Why have You allowed this to happen?

Job said...

"For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me." (Job 6:4)

King David said...

"My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from my deliverance and from my words of groaning?" (Psalm 22:1)

Ever felt like God doesn't give a damn about you? 

Me too. There are times when I get mad at God for things that happen to me or especially my family. He could prevent it but he doesn't. Why?

To be honest, I do not know why, but in those times I find comfort knowing that even Jesus felt God had abandoned Him, and it humbles me and helps me find peace in troubling times.

"About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46)

Trust Him, He's Got This!

"I can assure you that they are deeply devoted to God; but their devotion is not based on true knowledge." (Romans 10:2 NLT)

"These ignorantly zealous persons think altogether too much of themselves. According to their idea it would seem to be a marvel how ever the Lord got along before they were born, and altogether a dead certainty that He will have to suspend operations altogether after they are dead." - Arthur P. Adams

Such seems to be the state of many evangelists I have heard over the years.

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." (Psalm 46:10 NLT)

Trust Him, He's got this!

Coals of Fire on His Head

“If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink. For in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” (Romans 12:20)

What in the world does that mean? "heap coals of fire on his head"

"For love is strong as death, its jealousy hard as the unseen, its burning coals as burning coals of fire, the blaze of Yah. Many waters cannot quench− love,  nor can streams overwhelm it." (Song of Solomon 8:6-7 CV)

"God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

So, I think "heap coals of fire on his head" means to show the love of God to your enemies. That is the way God deals with His enemies, and I should try to do so - although it is extremely hard and would seem foolish to the world! 

I had a friend who loved this verse because when he would return good for evil, it gave him a sense of joy to think of it as heaping "coals of fire on his head". 😂

The Just and the Unjust - Who are they?

"...there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the righteous and the unrighteous." (Acts 24:15)

So, who are these people?

"Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright—but the righteous will live by faith." (Habakkuk 2:4)

"As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one." (Romans 3:10)

Houston, we have a problem! The Bible says that the righteous live by faith, however, no one is righteous. But there is an exception! - the incarnated Son of God, who became a man. This one is "righteous" and is the ONLY human who has ever lived by faith. So, he suffered for all the rest of us "to bring you to God".

"For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit..." (1 Peter 3:18)

"But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!" (Romans 5:8)

"But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. And this righteousness from God comes through Jesus Christ's faith to all, and on all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified (made righteous) freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through the faith in His blood, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand. He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who is of the faith of Jesus." (Romans 3:21-26)

"But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is from God for faith." (Philippians 3:7-9)

As I see it, those who are "just/righteous" are those who rely on the faith of Jesus to save them, and those who are "unjust/unrighteous" are those who rely on their own personal faith to save them.

Breathtaking Stupidity

My own stupidity is breathtaking, but I am learning to trust in the “mysterious and hidden wisdom of God” that His Spirit reveals from time to time.

“Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become stupid, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is stupidity in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”  And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” Therefore, stop boasting in men. All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future. All of them belong to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.” (1 Corinthians 3:18-23)

It has taken me years to become stupid after thinking I was wise in this age. The wisdom of the world is what I was taught in school. Yet God says that the wisdom of the greatest minds of men is futile - ineffective. So, I rarely “boast in men” by quoting them. However, I do try to find the wisdom of God in the Bible. So far, I have figured out that I belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God – and I am content with that while searching out the “mysterious and hidden wisdom of God” recorded in the Bible. The inspired writers therein claim that...

“…we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.  No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.  None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:6-10)

As I listen to the wisdom of the world coming daily from news casts and social media I am convinced that I am not alone in my breathtaking stupidity.

Amen, Come Lord Jesus!

 "What can we bring to the LORD? Should we bring Him burnt offerings? Should we bow before God Most High with offerings of yearling calves? Should we offer Him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins? No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:6-8)

In my 73 years I have, like all humans, experienced evil in the proportion necessary to motivate me to walk "humbly" with God and try to do what He requires of me. I honestly do not care what men or their institutions require of me, but I do care about, and try to do what GOD requires of me...it is not always easy while watching the news of the day!

The world news usually leaves me thinking about the final words in our Bible as I try to go to sleep...

“Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen." (Revelation 22:20-21)

Music - a jog in the flesh

Music, whether Christian or secular, is often a work of the flesh in my observation. When I need, in my opinion, a jog in the flesh, I listen to "amazing grace, my chains are gone" by BYU Noteworthy., OR almost any classic rock song from the 60s and 70s. Result is the same - feel good vibe lasting a few minutes. Way to go "Jubal"! (Genesis 4:21)

Why do we not trust God?

"For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God]." (1 Corinthians 12:13 Amplified Bible)

I am amused at Christians who act like they know clearly the truth of God's Word. I suppose they feel it necessary to draw a crowd around them which form the many church sects among humanity. I have my views of what the word of God teaches, and I share them, but I also realize that for now I only "see in a mirror dimly", and must wait for that face to face encounter with God after my resurrection to know HIM as He now knows me. I trust God, but to be perfectly honest, God sometimes feels to me like a stranger.

"Why do we not trust God? For the very same reason, I answer, that we do not trust strangers, because we are not acquainted with Him. The great prerequisite to a perfect trust is a perfect acquaintance – a thorough knowledge of the person to be trusted. Everyone will see this truth at once. And furthermore, we must become acquainted with Him for ourselves; no second-hand knowledge will do, however exact and truthful it may be; no mere introduction, or verbal description of His excellences will satisfy us. We must know Him for ourselves." Arthur P. Adams (1847-1925) 

The Unpardonable Sin - What is it?

"Therefore I am saying to you, 'Every sin and blasphemy shall be pardoned men, yet the blasphemy of the spirit shall not be pardoned. And whosoever may be saying a word against the Son of Mankind, it will be pardoned him, yet whoever may be saying aught against the holy spirit, it shall not be pardoned him, neither in this eon nor in that which is impending." (Matthew 12:31-32)

This verse scares the crap out of some folks. They are not sure what it means but have been told by Christianity that it is unpardonable SIN, and anyone who commits it can’t be saved and will be tortured in hell forever.

But here is what the above verse means to me in a nutshell:

1. The "Holy Spirit" is the "spirit of truth" (John 16:3)

2. “No one can say, 'Jesus is Lord', except by the Holy Spirit “
(1 Corinthians 12:3)

3. Christ Jesus is "the Savior of the world” (John 4:42).

4. "...when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth..." (John 16:3)

Failing to believe the "truth" about Christ Jesus as revealed by the "Holy Spirit" is never forgiven anyone (Jew, Gentile or Christians) in this age or the next - it is blasphemy of spirit!  However, in the next age ALL HUMANS will know the truth and confess Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God.

"Wherefore, also, God highly exalts Him, and graces Him with the name that is above every name, that in the name of Jesus every knee should be bowing, celestial and terrestrial and subterranean, and every tongue should be acclaiming that Jesus Christ is Lord, for the glory of God, the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11)

I Am Not Ashamed

“…I AM NOT ASHAMED of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation…” (Romans 1:16)

Will preaching about Jesus, teaching about Jesus, or writing a commentary on the Bible change what God has determined to do for humanity? Of course not.

And what about preaching, teaching, or the commentaries on the Bible that turn out to be wrong? Will that change anything God has determined to do? No

Then why preach, teach or write our thoughts down at all?

Good question but for me the answer is simple. I share my views simply to let others know what I believe. I do not want people to think I believe something about Scripture because I was raised in a Baptist church and therefore believe what Baptists believe. 

Most people go to the Church in which they were raised. I attended a Southern Baptist church because my Mom and Dad took me to one, and I continued to go for years because I liked the people who attended with me. I was not there to learn what the Bible says because I own a Bible and can read it for myself.  I would respectfully listen and if I agreed with them fine, and if not, well that was fine also. I know what I believe and in whom I believe from a personal study of the Bible.

Many of my thoughts on the Scripture are different than Baptist doctrine, however, I remain confident in what I believe about the God of the bible, such as…

“…God has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel...I AM NOT ASHAMED; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” (2 Timothy 1:9-14)

God is With Us

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

God's plans for humanity will happen whether anyone hears about it and believes it or not. It does not happen because we allow it to happen, it will happen because it is God's plans and He has the power to make HIs plans happen.

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. Speak these things as you encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you." (Titus 2:11-15)

When the plan of God is finished all humanity will have been saved. When we believe this we are instructed to live sensibly on this planet while we wait for the return of Jesus, the Son of God who is the means by which the plan of God is accomplished - the saving of humanity from and out of death.

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus,d because He will save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,and they will call Him Immanuel which means, God with us." (Matthew 1:22-23)

Gun to My Head Prediction

" I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be." (John 14:3)

"This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)

I am not a "date setter" for the return of Jesus to Earth. However, I read the Bible for clues which reveal the era in which He will return - that era seems to me to be unfolding before my watchful eyes.

If someone held a gun at my head and told me I had to give an exact month, day and year for His return to Earth to set up the Millennial kingdom. I would calmly say Saturday, October 4, 2035 AD.

Why? Follow this link for why I would give 2035 AD as the year.

https://2035thereturn.blogspot.com/

As for the month and day - Saturday, October 4 - it is because that will be the first day of the new year (Rosh Hashanah) in the year 2035 AD.

Again, not setting the date, just making an educated guess! 😇

What is your image of God?

"Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, ALL the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among ALL peoples...Let ALL creation REJOICE before the LORD, for He comes, He comes to judge the earth....." (Psalm 96:1-3, 10)

Notice that judgment is presented as a time of REJOICING for ALL creation. Unfortunately, religion has made Judgment day a time of horror and dread, at least for those who disagree with them. The Psalmist introduced the 96th Psalm with the reason for the rejoicing - "His salvation". The word translated "judge" simply means making a decision in a critical time - and the LORD's decision is to save all mankind.

"Faithful is the saying and worthy of all welcome (for it is for this we are toiling and being reproached), that we rely on the living God, Who is the Saviour of all mankind, especially of believers. These things be charging and teaching." (1 Timothy 4:10-11)

Eyes Up! And rejoice in your salvation!

He is your Savior whether you believe it or not!

"...we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe." (1 Timothy 4:10)

GOD is not your Savior because you believe He is your Savior. He is your Savior because He is your Savior. Believing He is simply gives us hope and peace in this world filled with religious doctrine telling us otherwise.

"This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life." (1 Timothy 1:15-16)