Timely Words!

Truth: Believe It, Follow it!


“What is truth?…”
(John 18:38)

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Knowing and obeying truth will keep one from error. Once we follow after error then we have believed a lie (II Thes. 2:11) or we know the truth, but  hold the truth in unrighteousness (Rom. 1:18). Both of these will eventually take us down some very dark paths. Those who follow dark paths will be held accountable, especially those who have knowledge of the truth. Here are modern translations of II Peter 2:20 & 21: “If people escape the moral filth of this world through the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, then get tangled up in it again and are overcome by it, they are worse off than they were before.” (CEBA) II Peter 2:21: “Yes, it would be better for them to have never known the right way than to know it and to turn away from the holy teaching that was given to them.” (NCV).

It is very dangerous to ignore truth that has been revealed to us. God may not received us if we don’t receive and love truth. Those who consistently reject truth become like metal that has been tried, but did not stand the test. Simply put; It means rejected after testing (reprobate). The apostle Paul spoke to an entire church about this and, apparently, some were on the borders of being rejected (II Cor. 13:5). It’s ironic that some in the Bible “ever learned” but never came to the knowledge of the truth (II Tim. 3:7). Ultimately, truth leads us away from error! Truth is a path filled with light and error leads to dark paths (Prov. 4:18-19).  What road are you on today.?

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Murder and Entertainment!


 

THE FASCINATION WITH MURDER

Murder is on the increase, not only with those who physically commit such crimes, but also those who are transfixed with their details. Many video games and apps, news reports, and television programs all have one thing in common — exploiting murder! Our world has a curiosity, fascination, and even a love affair with the “how’s” and “whys” of murder. We are being fed a steady diet of crime, served up in as many ways as possible to make the viewing and hearing about killing palatable. Murder is a heinous crime that can capture the attention of its listeners and viewers. For those taken in by the sensationalism, at some point murder goes beyond “news”. The news has the ability to feed on the psyche and can become as addictive as any powerful drug. This is a trick of an enemy!

THE EFFECTS OF MURDER ON A SOCIETY

Many know the account of Samson who was fascinated with Delilah’s ways. After Sampson’s hair was cut, he thought he had the strength he once had to fight. He found out at the critical time he didn’t have that strength at all. Likewise, one cannot be consistently curious about murder and think it doesn’t have any negative affect on them mentally and spiritually (Mt. 24:12). The Bible states: “We know that anyone born of God does not keep on sinning; the One who was born of God protects him, and the evil one cannot touch him. We know that we are of God, and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one.” – I John 5:19 – Berean Study Bible

Copycat killings usually start with one who is intrigued by another’s murder(s). The intrigued person eventually “acts out” what has been sown in their heart. We should stay away from anything that is wicked — and our hearts are desperately wicked (Jer. 17:9). We should also know that we haven’t experienced the utter depths of where our hearts can lead us. (“Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” – Prov. 4:23/GNT.) A person who is “saved” is not immune from being caught up in the spirit of murder — which is usually in some form of news or entertainment through means of broadcasting. People can be subject to this spirit, whether saved or unsaved (James 4:2; I John 3:14-15). Great spirits from history have a way of returning and affecting masses of people. We see these following accounts in the Bible. During Noah’s day the earth at that time was given over to violence (Gen. 6:13). The apostle Paul noticed that the city of Athens was given over to a similar spirit, which was idolatry (Acts. 17:16). The prophet Hosea took a wife from the land of Israel that was given over to idolatry and adultery. Habakkuk complained of the wide-spread violence of his day (Hab. 1:1-3). History has a way of coming back to repeat itself.

The first murder in the Bible was broadcast for the purpose of showing how dark sin really is, but we see the insatiable drawing power murder has to consume all who are given over to its spell — from those who commit actual crimes to those who are drawn in by the details.

Stay away from murder!

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Cares!


Casting all your care upon Him; for he cares for you.
 (I Peter 5:7)

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Those who have feelings of anxiety often feel like there is no hope and no one understands — and there is no one to help them come out of what they are experiencing in that moment. People with anxiety can often feel overwhelmed with thoughts of what other people’s opinions are about them.  Those with anxiety may even be worried about the future or something else that is unfolding in their lives.

GOD IS THE ANSWER TO ANXIETY! David had feelings of anxiety, but he learned how to overcome his fears. He said in Psalms 61:2-3, “From the most remote place of the earth, I will call to you, when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower from the enemy” (NHEB). The enemy is expert at trapping unsuspecting souls, but it is written: “Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Ps. 124:7-8).

There are solutions to life that we don’t have and questions about life that we can’t answer. God is there to give solutions and to answer questions. He will amaze you with His problem-solving and answers! He has the ability to take the most complex situation in our lives and turn it around for our good! What a mighty God we serve! He will never leave or forsake us; He proves Himself time and time again!

Can’t you hear Jesus’ words to Martha: “But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things” (Luke 10:41 – ESV).  Like Martha’s sister, Mary, there are times when we are to put away the details and come sit at Jesus’ feet! We are to cast all our cares on Him. He cares for us! This day has enough to deal with, so don’t give undue thought about tomorrow, but seek God’s kingdom (Matt. 6:33-34). We are not to be anxious about anything, but our cares should be given over to Jesus as we pray (Phil. 4:6-7).

He that has ears to hear, let him hear!

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Unfailing!


Two are better than one;…for if they fall, the one will lift up his
fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth…and a
threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecc. 4:9-12)

According to Ecclesiastes, being single has its disadvantages! As a rule – two people can accomplish more than one and people who are real friends share a bond that a single person just does not have.

Two or more people who have a bond can help each other in difficult times. They have a sense of community and responsibility for each other. We are told in Ecclesiastes that the bond can be like an entwined rope that has three cords. It is virtually impossible for anyone to pull apart strong ropes. Likewise, it is difficult for an outsider to break established relationships that people have formed. People need to be involved in close and unfailing relationships with others!

God did not design people to be alone. Even in marriage – the Bible does not prohibit people from being single – but often encourages a marital bond. The Genesis account is that it is not good for man be alone, but they are to seek out wives (Gen. 2:18, Prov. 18:22), enjoy their mates (Prov. 5:18-19), and increase family relationships (Psalms 127:3-5).

There are many people who are alone and just live for themselves. They work hard, never have time for any one, and store up finances without regard for others (Ecc. 4:8). They often become greedy and leave everything they have to no one. What a shame! People like this don’t understand deep friendships with others or just choose not to engage themselves in any meaningful relationships.

The body of Christ is a bond and God often brings lonely, rejected people into His body of believers to become a part of His family (Psalms 68:6). Friendships with brothers and sisters in the body of Christ can become unfailing because people can mature in the oneness relationship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the relationship we have with Christ and His church.

There are a lot of relationships that fail, but love is like a strong rope; it is unfailing!

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