Mark 14:53-72
The mob brought Jesus from the Mount of Olives down to the high priest. The men of authority gathered together to find or fabricate evidence that they could use to put Jesus to death. All the lies and false witnesses could not convict Jesus of anything. Through it all Jesus remained silent. False allegation after false allegation, Jesus did not say a word.
Peter had followed behind the mob and made his way into the courtyard of the high priest. There Peter stood with the guards by the fire. Just hours earlier, Peter had swore his allegiance to Jesus. Publicly, Peter declared that "Even If all fall away, I will not." Now, Jesus was on trial for His life or so it seemed. When times get tough, how close do you follow your leader? Will you stand to be falsely accused, and possibly suffer the same consequences, or will you follow from a distance, and wait to see how things play out? Jesus had even warned Peter of his upcoming unfaithfulness. Yet, Peter did not stay close enough to Jesus to remain faithful as he had declared.
Jesus did not respond to any of the false allegations, but when questioned about His identity, He declares the Truth, "I am". Jesus is the Christ, the World's Only Savior! The high priest and the men of the council could not believe their ears. Their evil hearts leaped with inner joy, for they believed that they had accomplished their mission. As they were condemning Jesus, Peter was in the courtyard being accused of being a follower of Jesus. Peter could have declared "Yes, I am", but as Jesus had said on the Mount of Olives, before the next dawn, Peter would deny Him three times.
If you have elected Christ as your Choice, then you have declared to the world that "I am a Christian". But, how many times a day do we deny Christ to the people we encounter? Maybe not in words, but in deeds. How do we react when someone falsely accuses us? How do we treat others when they disappoint us and violate our trust? When driving down the street do we cut other people off, or get angry when others do the same to us? At work, do we share the love of Christ, or the bitterness of a bad nights sleep? When your friends are planning a wild night out, do you join in, or just listen? When everyone wants to go to the strip club after work, how do you respond?
We deny Christ every time we fail to act Christ-like.
Every time we fail to stand up for Christ we deny Him and His existence in our lives.
WHEN I REALIZED HOW MANY TIMES I'VE DENIED JESUS, I JUST FELL DOWN AND WEPT LIKE PETER.
After the resurrection, Jesus reveals Himself to the disciples, He rebukes them for their unfaithfulness. Jesus then asks Peter three times, Do you Love Me more than these? Jesus commands Peter to feed and care for His Sheep. If you Love Christ, then you will feed and care for the lambs of God. Your past doesn't matter, Christ was crucified for the forgiveness of our sins, it's time to feed His sheep, not to shear them.
Jesus is the World's Only Savior.
J.W.O.S.
Spread the Word
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Too Hard to Handle?
Genesis 4:13
Cain was jealous of his brother Abel because God showed respect for Abel's offering and not his. God told Cain that if he did his very best and gave from his heart, he too could be rewarded as Abel. However, Cain choose to eliminate the competition. Cain killed his own brother; in his grief and anxiety over being rebuffed by God. Thus Cain suffered a greater judgement; to be cast from the presence of God.
Cain knew that this punishment would be both spiritual death and ultimately physical death. It seems that Cain was more fearful of the pending physical death that would result when his brethren recognized that the Spirit of God was no longer with Cain. Cain tells God that this punishment is too hard, but God only relieves him from the possibility of physical death at the hands of men. Cain's sin has resulted in spiritual death that was not reversible.
Sin causes permanent spiritual death. It is too hard for us to handle. That is why God provided Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus is the Worlds only Savior! Through Jesus Christ our spiritual death can be reversed; Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, Repent of sin and Confess that Jesus is God's son who died on the cross, and God raised Him from the grave on the third day. The punishment for sin is too hard to handle, but not if you accept Christ as Savior.
How are you handling the criticism and chastisement from God? Are you accepting of God's correction in His Word, or are you being rebellious, arrogant and self-righteous in the face of the Truth? You do not have to live with the curse of Cain; Jesus Christ offers you a better way. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and The Life. Follow Jesus, Read God's Word daily, and make better Choices through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is Coming!
J.W.O.S.
Spread the Word!
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Cain was jealous of his brother Abel because God showed respect for Abel's offering and not his. God told Cain that if he did his very best and gave from his heart, he too could be rewarded as Abel. However, Cain choose to eliminate the competition. Cain killed his own brother; in his grief and anxiety over being rebuffed by God. Thus Cain suffered a greater judgement; to be cast from the presence of God.
Cain knew that this punishment would be both spiritual death and ultimately physical death. It seems that Cain was more fearful of the pending physical death that would result when his brethren recognized that the Spirit of God was no longer with Cain. Cain tells God that this punishment is too hard, but God only relieves him from the possibility of physical death at the hands of men. Cain's sin has resulted in spiritual death that was not reversible.
Sin causes permanent spiritual death. It is too hard for us to handle. That is why God provided Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus is the Worlds only Savior! Through Jesus Christ our spiritual death can be reversed; Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, Repent of sin and Confess that Jesus is God's son who died on the cross, and God raised Him from the grave on the third day. The punishment for sin is too hard to handle, but not if you accept Christ as Savior.
How are you handling the criticism and chastisement from God? Are you accepting of God's correction in His Word, or are you being rebellious, arrogant and self-righteous in the face of the Truth? You do not have to live with the curse of Cain; Jesus Christ offers you a better way. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and The Life. Follow Jesus, Read God's Word daily, and make better Choices through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is Coming!
J.W.O.S.
Spread the Word!
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Sunday, January 01, 2012
It's too late to believe God, after His Judgement
Numbers 14:1-45
The Children of Israel didn't believe God when He said; He would bring them into the land of Promise. They grumbled against God, and threaten to overthrow Moses and Aaron by electing new leaders that would take them back to Egypt. When God tired of listening to their Grumbling, He appeared at the Tent of Meeting and spoke to Moses. God condemned the grumbling multitude to death in the desert. Upon hearing this judgment from Moses, these grumbling masses wanted to accept the first offer. But it was too late; God had already made His judgment.
If God presents a Blessing and an opportunity, take it, believe God in Faith, that He shall provide a way. Doubt is the killer of our Dreams, Blessings, and Miracles. Don't let doubt and fear destroy what God has prepared for you. Waiting to build up your courage or waiting to recognize that a lack of faith will lead you down a more destructive path is a bad strategy. God may just reserve His promises for the next generation. God did not remove or change His promise, the Children of Abraham still made it into the Land of Promise. However, the generation of grumblers, died never seeing the promise fulfilled.
Are you a member of the Generation of Promise or of the grumblers? If you are grumbling, because you're unable to see how God is going to manifest His Promises in your Life, then Just Stop Grumbling! Believe God! Turn up your Faith and Praise Him in the Midst of your Storm! God loves you, and is being patience... but one day He will say "Enough is Enough", Jesus is Coming!
Jesus is the World's Only Savior,
and He is coming back again...
J.W.O.S. Spread the Word!
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
The Children of Israel didn't believe God when He said; He would bring them into the land of Promise. They grumbled against God, and threaten to overthrow Moses and Aaron by electing new leaders that would take them back to Egypt. When God tired of listening to their Grumbling, He appeared at the Tent of Meeting and spoke to Moses. God condemned the grumbling multitude to death in the desert. Upon hearing this judgment from Moses, these grumbling masses wanted to accept the first offer. But it was too late; God had already made His judgment.
If God presents a Blessing and an opportunity, take it, believe God in Faith, that He shall provide a way. Doubt is the killer of our Dreams, Blessings, and Miracles. Don't let doubt and fear destroy what God has prepared for you. Waiting to build up your courage or waiting to recognize that a lack of faith will lead you down a more destructive path is a bad strategy. God may just reserve His promises for the next generation. God did not remove or change His promise, the Children of Abraham still made it into the Land of Promise. However, the generation of grumblers, died never seeing the promise fulfilled.
Are you a member of the Generation of Promise or of the grumblers? If you are grumbling, because you're unable to see how God is going to manifest His Promises in your Life, then Just Stop Grumbling! Believe God! Turn up your Faith and Praise Him in the Midst of your Storm! God loves you, and is being patience... but one day He will say "Enough is Enough", Jesus is Coming!
Jesus is the World's Only Savior,
and He is coming back again...
J.W.O.S. Spread the Word!
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Saturday, December 24, 2011
It's Not Your Birthday!
This is the season that we are suppose to be recognizing and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. However, by all accounts, many gift givers haven't considered putting Jesus on their list.
Matthew 2:10-11
God inspired this tradition of gift giving when He directed and guided the wise men to the location of Jesus as a young child. The birth of Jesus represents a change in the ages. The measurement of time in our culture is separated into BC and AD. BC means Before Christ, and AD means after His Death and Resurrection. Jesus lived upon the earth in flesh, a mere 33 years, but in that time, He changed all of life for an eternity.
The first Christmas "presents" really were birthday "presents". God provided for Jesus, by sending these wise men with valuable gifts that Joseph and Mary could use to provide for their family. The wise men brought Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. They did not bring toys and gifts of pleasure and indulgence. God knew that He would be directing Joseph and Mary to take the young Jesus into Egypt for His protection, a journey that would require some resources .
Modern day Christians and the world have turned Christmas into a time to exchange gifts of pleasure and indulgence with each other. It is way past time that we reconsider our ways when it comes to Christmas. It' s Not Our Birthday! Maybe it's time that we put the Christ back into Christmas, and begin to sacrifice our traditions and desires for the cause of Jesus Christ. Maybe it's time for us to put Jesus at the top of the list, and better yet the only one on the list.
Let's come to church to worship Jesus, and bring all the Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh to the church that it might be used in the service and missions of the church. Christmas needs to be a time of sacrificial giving by the body of Christ, to the body of Christ for the work of our Father. Well maybe not literally, Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh, but the modern day equivalents. These items were the currency of the day used in trade. We would all be better off if we sacrificed the money we spend on the many gifts given and put that into our offering we present to the Lord. It is His Birthday, and after all, maybe we need to bring him the presents.
Forever, For Always, For Jesus!
Jesus is coming again!
J.W.O.S. Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Matthew 2:10-11
God inspired this tradition of gift giving when He directed and guided the wise men to the location of Jesus as a young child. The birth of Jesus represents a change in the ages. The measurement of time in our culture is separated into BC and AD. BC means Before Christ, and AD means after His Death and Resurrection. Jesus lived upon the earth in flesh, a mere 33 years, but in that time, He changed all of life for an eternity.
The first Christmas "presents" really were birthday "presents". God provided for Jesus, by sending these wise men with valuable gifts that Joseph and Mary could use to provide for their family. The wise men brought Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. They did not bring toys and gifts of pleasure and indulgence. God knew that He would be directing Joseph and Mary to take the young Jesus into Egypt for His protection, a journey that would require some resources .
Modern day Christians and the world have turned Christmas into a time to exchange gifts of pleasure and indulgence with each other. It is way past time that we reconsider our ways when it comes to Christmas. It' s Not Our Birthday! Maybe it's time that we put the Christ back into Christmas, and begin to sacrifice our traditions and desires for the cause of Jesus Christ. Maybe it's time for us to put Jesus at the top of the list, and better yet the only one on the list.
Let's come to church to worship Jesus, and bring all the Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh to the church that it might be used in the service and missions of the church. Christmas needs to be a time of sacrificial giving by the body of Christ, to the body of Christ for the work of our Father. Well maybe not literally, Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh, but the modern day equivalents. These items were the currency of the day used in trade. We would all be better off if we sacrificed the money we spend on the many gifts given and put that into our offering we present to the Lord. It is His Birthday, and after all, maybe we need to bring him the presents.
Forever, For Always, For Jesus!
Jesus is coming again!
J.W.O.S. Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
What is it that you want?
John 1:29-42
John baptized and taught his disciples about the coming of the Messiah (the Christ). He exalted the one who would come and baptize with the Holy Spirit. When John saw Jesus coming, he exclaimed "Behold the Lamb of God". It was Jesus, just as God had revealed to John, Christ would be the one upon whom the Spirit rested. God revealed himself to John. John witnessed to a truth he had never seen, but believed by faith. How truly, excited and joyful John must have been at the sight of Jesus. After proclaiming throughout the land, that Jesus is Coming, now was the time, and today was the day.
On the next day John was with two of his disciples, one being Andrew, and Jesus appeared, and again John exclaims, "Behold, the Lamb of God", then these two disciples turn and begin to follow Jesus as He walks on His way. They begin to follow Jesus without saying a word, He turns to them and asks, "What is it that you want?", in other words, why are you following me.
What is it that you really want? Why was it that you began to follow Jesus? Have you continued in the way or have you fallen away? These men had been disciples of John, as they were called, but truly they were being trained to be disciples of Christ. They followed John, until the time that John had prepared them for, and without doubt or question, when John testified that Jesus is the one, they turned and followed Jesus. As Pastors, Ministers and Teachers we are just like John, our goal is not to get people to follow us, but to follow Jesus. Our mission is to reveal the Glory of God, so that a sin sick generation can be led to the Light and become witnesses of that Light.
All these men desired was to see and be touched by the Light, to sit and be ministered to by His Word. Is your "primary" desire to hear and learn of Jesus or is there some "hidden agenda" in your heart? These men met with Jesus, then went to tell of their experience, that they had found just what they had been looking for "the Messiah" the one called Jesus "the Christ", the World's Only Savior!
If you've found Jesus, then go and tell your brother. If you're still looking, Come let me tell you about Jesus who died, and then was raised from the dead by God...
J.W.O.S.
Spread The Word
John baptized and taught his disciples about the coming of the Messiah (the Christ). He exalted the one who would come and baptize with the Holy Spirit. When John saw Jesus coming, he exclaimed "Behold the Lamb of God". It was Jesus, just as God had revealed to John, Christ would be the one upon whom the Spirit rested. God revealed himself to John. John witnessed to a truth he had never seen, but believed by faith. How truly, excited and joyful John must have been at the sight of Jesus. After proclaiming throughout the land, that Jesus is Coming, now was the time, and today was the day.
On the next day John was with two of his disciples, one being Andrew, and Jesus appeared, and again John exclaims, "Behold, the Lamb of God", then these two disciples turn and begin to follow Jesus as He walks on His way. They begin to follow Jesus without saying a word, He turns to them and asks, "What is it that you want?", in other words, why are you following me.
What is it that you really want? Why was it that you began to follow Jesus? Have you continued in the way or have you fallen away? These men had been disciples of John, as they were called, but truly they were being trained to be disciples of Christ. They followed John, until the time that John had prepared them for, and without doubt or question, when John testified that Jesus is the one, they turned and followed Jesus. As Pastors, Ministers and Teachers we are just like John, our goal is not to get people to follow us, but to follow Jesus. Our mission is to reveal the Glory of God, so that a sin sick generation can be led to the Light and become witnesses of that Light.
All these men desired was to see and be touched by the Light, to sit and be ministered to by His Word. Is your "primary" desire to hear and learn of Jesus or is there some "hidden agenda" in your heart? These men met with Jesus, then went to tell of their experience, that they had found just what they had been looking for "the Messiah" the one called Jesus "the Christ", the World's Only Savior!
If you've found Jesus, then go and tell your brother. If you're still looking, Come let me tell you about Jesus who died, and then was raised from the dead by God...
J.W.O.S.
Spread The Word
Saturday, October 01, 2011
You must not know about me?
John 17:20-26
In the 17th Chapter of John, Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples and all believers. In verse 25, Jesus declares that the "world" does not know God, then He commits to revealing the glory of God to this and all generations to come. Jesus makes it clear that believers are known by their testimony(verse 20). The world does not know God because it does not testify of Him, these worldly ways are self indulgent. A world that "knows" God would be self sacrificing, humble, and loving.
This world is selfish and egocentric. In 2006, Beyonce Knowles released the Album "B Day" with a song named "Irreplaceable", a pop hit that characterizes a popular current world view. We live in a world that is disposable and replaceable. Most things are easily discarded. If you listen carefully to the lyrics, a real problematic attitude is revealed. In this song, Beyonce declares that she "could have another you in a minute", and it's true. When all you want is trash, you can find it anywhere. I ask , after dealing with a low-down, 2 timing partner, why should you want to settle for another one? But this is the message that the "world" is teaching. A throw-away world that simply tries something else, not something different. Insanity has often been defined as trying the same thing over and over, in the same way, and expecting different results.
Jesus is irreplaceable. There is only one. Jesus is the World's Only Savior. It's time to try something the world won't tell you about. The witness of all believers, must testify of the love of God through Christ our Savior. Real love is discovered through faith and Christian values. Don't replace one bad relationship for another. When you clean house, and take the trash out, don't bring in someone else's trash. Starting over means starting with Christ. When you realize that you're in a bad relationship, get into a great relationship with Christ. Let Christ replace the "Love" in your life.
I'm certainly not suggesting that men or women who are in church, make better partners. There are plenty of wolves in sheep clothing. Jesus establishes the perfect test for all potential relationship partners. What is their testimony? Believers have a testimony of Christ that is indisputable. Their testimony reflects the light of Christ, the sanctified life and ways of Christ. Real believers, act like it. They won't be perfect, but they will be headed in the right direction under the proper leadership. Don't choose to live your life without Christ, nor "bind" it with a "non-believer". If you say "I believe", act like it. If you know Christ, then tell someone! The mission of Christ is to spread the love of God to the world through the testimony of believers and the power of the Holy Spirit.
My sincere desire is to know Christ. Phil 3:1-11
How Well Do You Know God?
Take this test to find out quick.
www.GodTest.com
Jesus is coming again...
J.W.O.S. Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
In the 17th Chapter of John, Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples and all believers. In verse 25, Jesus declares that the "world" does not know God, then He commits to revealing the glory of God to this and all generations to come. Jesus makes it clear that believers are known by their testimony(verse 20). The world does not know God because it does not testify of Him, these worldly ways are self indulgent. A world that "knows" God would be self sacrificing, humble, and loving.
This world is selfish and egocentric. In 2006, Beyonce Knowles released the Album "B Day" with a song named "Irreplaceable", a pop hit that characterizes a popular current world view. We live in a world that is disposable and replaceable. Most things are easily discarded. If you listen carefully to the lyrics, a real problematic attitude is revealed. In this song, Beyonce declares that she "could have another you in a minute", and it's true. When all you want is trash, you can find it anywhere. I ask , after dealing with a low-down, 2 timing partner, why should you want to settle for another one? But this is the message that the "world" is teaching. A throw-away world that simply tries something else, not something different. Insanity has often been defined as trying the same thing over and over, in the same way, and expecting different results.
Jesus is irreplaceable. There is only one. Jesus is the World's Only Savior. It's time to try something the world won't tell you about. The witness of all believers, must testify of the love of God through Christ our Savior. Real love is discovered through faith and Christian values. Don't replace one bad relationship for another. When you clean house, and take the trash out, don't bring in someone else's trash. Starting over means starting with Christ. When you realize that you're in a bad relationship, get into a great relationship with Christ. Let Christ replace the "Love" in your life.
I'm certainly not suggesting that men or women who are in church, make better partners. There are plenty of wolves in sheep clothing. Jesus establishes the perfect test for all potential relationship partners. What is their testimony? Believers have a testimony of Christ that is indisputable. Their testimony reflects the light of Christ, the sanctified life and ways of Christ. Real believers, act like it. They won't be perfect, but they will be headed in the right direction under the proper leadership. Don't choose to live your life without Christ, nor "bind" it with a "non-believer". If you say "I believe", act like it. If you know Christ, then tell someone! The mission of Christ is to spread the love of God to the world through the testimony of believers and the power of the Holy Spirit.
My sincere desire is to know Christ. Phil 3:1-11
How Well Do You Know God?
Take this test to find out quick.
www.GodTest.com
Jesus is coming again...
J.W.O.S. Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Wow, It Sure Sounded Real Good to Me
At the time, it really sounded good, but it just didn't work out that way for me.
Proverbs 14: 11-13
Proverbs 16: 24-26
Why do we as Christians struggle daily with sin? Every day Christians fight with the sinful nature to lie, cheat, steal and engage in all manner of sexual immorality. Haven’t you ever had the urge to… (I’ll let you finish the sentence). The voices in your head keep telling you, that “it will be alright just this one time.” Your desire takes over, you lose all your self control, and now you’re in deep trouble. What happened?
Unfortunately, when we get saved we are not totally delivered. Salvation is a process. It begins with justification. We are justified by Christ when we accept Jesus as our Savior and the Lord of our life. Justification restores our standing with God. Jesus cleanses us from the penalty of sin, so that, we may stand righteously before the throne of God.
Jesus then begins the work of sanctification through the power of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification frees us from the power of sin in our life. When we accept Jesus Christ as Savior, we receive the Holy Spirit as our Comforter, and our Teacher. The Holy Spirit works within us, to teach, train and eliminate the power of sin in our lives. The Holy Spirit can and will remove sin from our lives, if we yield to His power and presence. We accept Christ once, but we must yield control of our lives daily to the Holy Spirit.
What may seem right to our carnal mind is usually contradictory to the ways of God. If you accept Jesus as Lord, then you must obey his commandments. In order to obey the commands, you must first read the orders. These orders and commands are found in the Bible. Reading and Studying the Bible is the best offence to the attacks of the sinful nature. The Bible teaches us that we must hide God’s Word in our hearts that we might not sin against Him.
Studying God’s Word prepares us to answer the sinful nature, with the ways of God, rather than the ways of man. Our ways will seem right to us because they satisfy our natural desires and the lusts of our flesh. God’s Word keeps us focused upon those things that are right and pure. Sin will always flee from the presence of God. Sin cannot stand in His Light. Whenever you shine the Light of God upon sin it will flee from you. Don’t believe me, try God for yourself.
When we try to satisfy our own desires, we will always get ourselves into trouble. Self indulgence is the “landmark sign” of the ways of man. The Bible teaches us that we must first seek the kingdom of God, and His Righteousness, and then all of these other desires of the hearts shall be added unto you. There are 2 important principles to always remember, number 1,”Only Seek God and His Righteousness”. The scripture doesn’t say to seek God, and then seek the desires of your heart. Number 2, Your Blessing is Given to You by God. The satisfaction of your desire is given to you by God, in response to your obedience to his commandments.
If you seek to satisfy your own desires, rather than to “wait upon the Lord”, then what you called a blessing will become a curse. It may look like a blessing, it may sound good, but if God didn’t give it to you, then you might want to let it go. I can’t tell you how you know the difference. But just like being “in love”, no one can tell you, you just know. You know when it’s from God, or when you worked it out on your own, and you were just trying to give God the credit. We dishonor God when we try to put our mess off on Him, in order to cover up our disobedience.
If you truly love Jesus, then obey his commands. Pray continually, read and study God’s word. Yield to the Holy Spirit in your daily living by praising and honoring God through your daily walk. The struggles with temptation may never leave you until you are glorified at the Day of Judgment, but if you allow the Holy Spirit to fight your battles, then you will have a winning record.
Jesus is coming again!
J.W.O.S.
Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
Proverbs 14: 11-13
Proverbs 16: 24-26
Why do we as Christians struggle daily with sin? Every day Christians fight with the sinful nature to lie, cheat, steal and engage in all manner of sexual immorality. Haven’t you ever had the urge to… (I’ll let you finish the sentence). The voices in your head keep telling you, that “it will be alright just this one time.” Your desire takes over, you lose all your self control, and now you’re in deep trouble. What happened?
Unfortunately, when we get saved we are not totally delivered. Salvation is a process. It begins with justification. We are justified by Christ when we accept Jesus as our Savior and the Lord of our life. Justification restores our standing with God. Jesus cleanses us from the penalty of sin, so that, we may stand righteously before the throne of God.
Jesus then begins the work of sanctification through the power of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification frees us from the power of sin in our life. When we accept Jesus Christ as Savior, we receive the Holy Spirit as our Comforter, and our Teacher. The Holy Spirit works within us, to teach, train and eliminate the power of sin in our lives. The Holy Spirit can and will remove sin from our lives, if we yield to His power and presence. We accept Christ once, but we must yield control of our lives daily to the Holy Spirit.
What may seem right to our carnal mind is usually contradictory to the ways of God. If you accept Jesus as Lord, then you must obey his commandments. In order to obey the commands, you must first read the orders. These orders and commands are found in the Bible. Reading and Studying the Bible is the best offence to the attacks of the sinful nature. The Bible teaches us that we must hide God’s Word in our hearts that we might not sin against Him.
Studying God’s Word prepares us to answer the sinful nature, with the ways of God, rather than the ways of man. Our ways will seem right to us because they satisfy our natural desires and the lusts of our flesh. God’s Word keeps us focused upon those things that are right and pure. Sin will always flee from the presence of God. Sin cannot stand in His Light. Whenever you shine the Light of God upon sin it will flee from you. Don’t believe me, try God for yourself.
When we try to satisfy our own desires, we will always get ourselves into trouble. Self indulgence is the “landmark sign” of the ways of man. The Bible teaches us that we must first seek the kingdom of God, and His Righteousness, and then all of these other desires of the hearts shall be added unto you. There are 2 important principles to always remember, number 1,”Only Seek God and His Righteousness”. The scripture doesn’t say to seek God, and then seek the desires of your heart. Number 2, Your Blessing is Given to You by God. The satisfaction of your desire is given to you by God, in response to your obedience to his commandments.
If you seek to satisfy your own desires, rather than to “wait upon the Lord”, then what you called a blessing will become a curse. It may look like a blessing, it may sound good, but if God didn’t give it to you, then you might want to let it go. I can’t tell you how you know the difference. But just like being “in love”, no one can tell you, you just know. You know when it’s from God, or when you worked it out on your own, and you were just trying to give God the credit. We dishonor God when we try to put our mess off on Him, in order to cover up our disobedience.
If you truly love Jesus, then obey his commands. Pray continually, read and study God’s word. Yield to the Holy Spirit in your daily living by praising and honoring God through your daily walk. The struggles with temptation may never leave you until you are glorified at the Day of Judgment, but if you allow the Holy Spirit to fight your battles, then you will have a winning record.
Jesus is coming again!
J.W.O.S.
Spread the Word.
Rev. Brian K. Shobe
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