Some Long Thought-of Thoughts from Yesterday

...I could go after one thing, then another. "This is fun, but I still got this issue." Then I could find something or someone else. "Yeah, this is cool, but I still have some pain from the past." Then I could keep going and find lots of things I think I want, and people who actually 'understand', and music, entertainment, etc that goes along with the stuff I'm thinking and feeling.

         Actually, that was me. And somehow I got out of those things. How? Hmmm, I must have felt convicted to stop feeling worldly and bitter and stuff, and the process began. Why am I telling you this? I don't know...But I felt kind of guilty for a while about pushing it away. I feel fine now though. :) Making things right always makes things better. I have been dealing lately with exploding and thinking, "Why am I doing this?!" I've gotten so confused and angry that I've cursed in my head and said words that I stopped saying. I think this was necessary to go through.

        If you have been relying on self, I know life isn't what it could be for you, for your happiness and for others'. If you have been relying on God, you of course would have different results. If you choose to go to God about the things that pain you(instead of causing yourself more pain and buiding the wall higher) He will take the bad out of all the wounds of your life that you have stuck inside you. And He will(like NOBODY or NOTHING can, because NOTHING can) heal you. The pain is gone, replaced with good, by overcoming it with good.

        When you have problems and pain, it effects others(just like others' such things effect you), and then what they do can add MORE problems and pain. You start bottling stuff up inside, and exploding out to people once in a while(about OTHER things sometimes), NOT getting to the root of the problem. Then we complain about them, STILL not resolving things, but hey, at least we get to talk to so-and-so, who really actually understands. Then we can have a life of going back and forth between strife, problems, etc, and pleasure, friends, etc.

        I'm learning a different way though. :) I thought I was going against God when I said, "I just want so-and-so to KNOW about this, how I really feel about it.[things I was bitter about] I just want to let it all out..." But I guess I was in such a rut and so troubled, that I wasn't realizing that it WAS from God. I'm having to tell a certain person what the exact things are that bothered/bother me, and exactly what I'm forgiving them for. If I don't tell them what the issues are, then they don't see me breaking down the walls and letting God change my heart and mindset, and then it's like I'm letting the things stay wrong between us, instead of making them right.
       Things need to be made right with God, our family, and our fellow men.

From Darkness to Light

　
"...God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:5-7.
I know that when one is in darkness, one is separated from the "Father of lights", the One in whom is no darkness at all. And, when one is separated from the God of love, and is miserable, self-deceived, discouraged, convicted of sin, then there is only one Source of light that can deliver one from all the dark things in one’s life, and give one a new life, a life of faith and freedom, walking in the light.
As I look back at my past experience and compare it with where I am now, I see that I was led "out of darkness into His marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9.
"The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble." Proverbs 4:19. Before I really knew God, and I walked in darkness, I couldn’t see what I stumbled at. So I couldn’t see the solutions to my problems either, when I chose the darkness rather than the light, that is. Thankfully, God had something better planned.
For some time in my life, I knew some things about God, Jesus and the Bible, but I was still in the dark. I hadn’t yet come to the love of the truth, because I was so comfortable in sin. Yes, I was comfortable, but not happy. I knew I was deep in sin and selfishness, plus I was worldly, and much of the time I thought spiritual things were boring. Deep down though, sometimes I understood that they were true. But, I pushed away those convictions as I hardened my heart, seeking my own selfish pleasure.
Spiritual things are spiritually discerned, so as I look back, I see that when I refused to do what I was convicted of, I was rejecting the light that the Holy Spirit was trying to lead me into("he that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life," the more abundant life. And "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace," all things I really wanted, but for a while I *{compare with James 4:8 on the next page} wavered between choosing them and the things I wanted selfishly that were not good.). Also, as I rejected the Holy Spirit, I couldn’t even discern spiritual things, so I attempted to hide from the light, because I loved darkness. When the light cut through the darkness, I ran away from it, but it persistently chased me. Then it was as if I cried, "Help!" But wait, just who was I crying out to? Certainly not myself or Satan...was it...God, the One that was disturbing my ‘peace’ and harassing me, not letting go of my heart till I was willing to listen to Him?
More and more I saw God’s mercy and care and love for me. He wasn’t asking me to just give up the bad things that I liked. He was asking me to leave the darkness, and walk in the light that He graciously gave me, and the light would overpower the loved-yet-miserable darkness. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Corinthians 3:18. The more I beheld God’s true goodness and love, and the more I saw of His ways, and the more peace that came when walking with Him, the less attractive – the more wrong and debased – my sinful, worldly, and selfish ways were to me. As He lovingly convicted me of some things, I lovingly(with the love and desire that HE provided along with the enmity for sin), willingly did as He said, with great satisfaction and peace.
So my heart went from being hard as stone to being soft, willing, and subdued ("according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue ALL things unto Himself"! Philippians 3:21). In my life, more and more, step by step, God applied to me the truth and power of Ezekiel 36:25-28: "Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you ["Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." 2 Corinthians 3:17.], and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them...and I will be your God."
If anything is separating your soul from God, then it is darkness. And, the only thing that can dispel the darkness is light. "Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against Him, until He plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: He will bring me to the light, and I shall behold His righteousness." Micah 7:7-9.
Again(this seems to come out in almost every chapter I write), God speaks to us through our consciences, giving us rays of light to penetrate through the darkness, and He does this out of love for us. He’s not trying to make us miserable, but I know, at least from my experience, coming to the light can be painful and it exposes sin and selfishness. On the other hand, if we shrink from the light, sin and selfishness gets worse, but when we come to the light, there is a big struggle. What is better? To escape for a while from the light that exposes sin, and be proud, or, to be humble, and acknowledge our sins and faults before Him, that we may have forgiveness, and power to have victory in overcoming sin and self, bringing glory and honor to God and our Savior? Yes, it is a struggle, "but He giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye *double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up." James 4:6-10. Do you want laughter now, and sorrow and regret later? Or do you want to draw nigh to God NOW, humbling yourself, giving Him your mind, heart, and life, so then you wouldn’t have this up-and-down, false joy, but instead, peace and true happiness in God?
We need to be willing to acknowledge our true condition before God. He already knows it, so what better thing to do with it than to give it to Him, confessing our sin and claiming victory and a new life in Him? And, I know that when you ask God for hope and faith, He gives them to you, and day by day(no matter what happens today or whenever) you learn more through the huge struggle, and yhou keep going through faith in Jesus Christ. I know you just need to start following Him if you haven’t already, and if you have already, I know you just need to keep going, listening, trusting, and obeying. Do by His grace and power with a willing heart whatever He says, walking not by sight, but by faith! Jesus Himself, right here, right now, wants this for you! He can help you and lead you today, tomorrow, and everyday, as you draw nigh to Him, and He will draw nigh to you. That is true all the time. Would we dare say that our Almighty, loving God and Savior is limited to certain circumstances, and that during the hardest times He is powerless? If we wouldn’t say these words, then we should not think them or have them in our attitudes or show in our lives and choices. We must choose to NOT think that way anymore! I used to, but God is Almighty, and now I know it! In fact, I’m remembering right now that when I was really struggling, I kind of thought that God couldn’t help me. But, when I thought those thoughts or had that attitude and outlook in struggles, Jesus would say to me, not in these exact words, but basically this:
"You know deep down that I am not powerless. You just don’t want to face this, because it would be acknowledging you have a need, and it would be humiliating. But this is not gray; it’s black and white. If you choose to do the wrong thing and harden your heart, oh, my child, that would sadden me, and draw you away from Me. But, if you choose to do the right thing, humbling yourself, separating from sin rather than from Me, taking the cross of self denial, My peace and happiness and love will flow into your heart, mind, and life. You will be rejoiced about by the angels of heaven, including the ones who I send in your behalf, in behalf of sinful man, that they may be led out of darkness into My marvelous light! And you may not know the immediate results of your choice to do right – but Ryann, that’s all part of walking "by faith, not by sight" [He’d be smiling at that point, with love, power, encouragement, and the assurance that the outcome of my right choice would be very good and bring happiness and peace to me, and glory and honor to Him] ; now you really, practically understand that verse in My word! It is real, as I am real to you, and I will really empower you – plus, making the right decision will just add to the good of your eternal interests, and to the good records pf heaven. In the end, not what happens to you now as a result of your good choice, is what matters. I promise to give you peace, draw you closer to Myself, give you victory, and make you happy, and more...Just trust in Me. You don’t have to do everything; in fact, you can’t, but just be willing, abide in My words, follow My example and My lead, and know that ‘faithful’ am I that call ‘you, who also will do it.’" 1 Thessalonians 5:24.
Brother, sister, Jesus speaks to you often. What does He say to you? Listen, trust, and obey. Remember these three principles, live them, and just see what happens. Here are some promises that when you ask for, God will give to you, as He is infinitely more desirous to give than you are to receive (Also, Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35.) : "The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath." "Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help. Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation. Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt. Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them. Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them. For without cause have they hid their net for me in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul. Let destruction come upon them unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall. And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in His salvation." "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you...Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up." "Save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up forever." "The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them who are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many [Jesus knows how many] are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all."
"He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death." "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." "Jesus said unto those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God on the children of disobedience. Be ye not therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them...he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." "For Thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness." "For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High: Therefore He brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help. Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder...He hath broken the gates of brass[what are the gates of brass in your life?], and cut the bars of iron in sunder. Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and He saveth them out of their distresses. He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful work to the children of men!" Proverbs 15:24; Psalms 35:1-9; James 4:8,10; Psalms 34:17-19; Job 12:22; John 8:31-32; Ephesians 5:6-11,14; Psalms 18:28; Psalms 107:9-21.
When we see the darkness of our ways, as when I saw the folly of my selfishness, worldliness, rebellion, foolishness, etc., our enemy Satan seeks to discourage us. He may say, "Look how bad you are. God frowns upon you, and there’s nothing you can do about it..." As I believed those lies, I felt like I had committed the unpardonable sin, and that it was too late to become a Christian. I felt like I might as well have all the fun and pleasure and all I could get. I still somewhat enjoyed my worldly music, t.v., and trying to be cool like the world and such, and I walked in the dark with a character not very refined at all, yet God drew me. And, as I drew closer to Him, and I became more and more convicted to make some changes, I was finally willing to accept the light as from God Himself. I actually stopped listening to my debasing CD’s. I must say though, I’m only using the bad music and such as one example of how God has worked on me. I needed and need His grace in every area of my life, and He has changed me in so many ways, refining my character, giving me power to live up to the light that I know, and then the light increases along with my faith.
No matter how much Satan lied to me, deep down I still knew that what God said was true. When Satan tried to make me think I couldn’t be saved, God shone His light into that very darkness. It was like He was speaking through my conscience the truth of this verse: "God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:17.
And now I must mention this, because I know at least from my experience, that we not everything changes at once: it is an ongoing process that God takes us through very patiently, and with power. Even after I chose to tell God, "Yes, I choose not to listen to these CD’s anymore, ever again," I still listened to the radio sometimes. I still struggled a lot really, but you know, you have to start somewhere. I had finally come to where I longed to be, to the dawn of a brighter day. Jesus said, "Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk ye while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth." John 12:35. I remember I didn’t know where I was going, but I didn’t have a purpose and I wasn’t headed for heaven. And really, at first part of my motivation for changing was fear of not going to heaven, but one amazing thing is that God can change our motives. So, when He puts the desire for Him in our hearts(and for His will, not ours, which is brought out in the chapter, "A New Heart and a Surrendered Will"), and we grasp it by grace through faith, we have the true power to take hold of eternal life, along with the life that the Lord wants to live now, today, and the rest of our lives. He is now desiring our companionship more than we desire His. So, no matter where we are in life, we can be assured that He will lead us out of darkness into His marvelous light.
"And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: wherein in times past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience[Remember, listen, trust, and obey] :among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,(by grace are ye saved;) And hath raised us up together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:1-10. "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6,7.
God will be giving us forgiveness, comfort, peace, power, grace, wisdom, goodness, and whatever else He sees we need. So wherever we are right now, let’s choose to walk by faith in Christ on the "path of the just" which "is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." *
*Proverbs 4:18.
You may also want to read the following for more knowledge of God and His ways as found in His word, and when you pray for enlightenment with an open heart and mind, God will give you light and answer graciously: John 3:30; John 8:12; Mark 10:28-30; Matthew 13:3-23; and more, write more references here:

A Christian in the Home (Part 2) Definitely Something to Pray About

"To do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." Hebrews 13:16.
           
            As families, are we connected? Are we disfunctional, or in harmony? Do we communicate in a Christian way, or do we communicate selfishly? Do we communicate enough, about enough things? Do we spend enough quantity and quality time together? Do we know and want to know what's really going on with each other? And do we take interest in how each other are doing? Or do we stick with our own things, and then get annoyed when someone gets in the way of what we want to do? Do we really care about each other? Do we go out of our way to help someone else? When we are done with our work or in between jobs, do we ask our parent or sibling, "Hey, what else do you need to do? maybe I can do some of it..."? Do we ask our Savior often in the day, away and at home, "Jesus, what would you do?" There are many questions we could ask ourselves in this regard. Maybe the Lord will bring some to your mind now, or at other times in the future.
            Do we have a tendency to not want our family's company, and to not enjoy being with them, neglecting to do good and communicate? Don't we want to live the verse in Hebrews 13, which says, "To do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."? Now, I have to bring this out: the previous paragraph mentioned family mostly as opposed to individuals. But, do you (as I've been through) ever feel like your family members are the problem, and like you can't make all these good changes because of your family? Or maybe you feel like they are religious but deny the power, and you want nothing to do with being like them at all, so you turn completely to your own way? If so, that's just Satan trying to divide and conquer. One thing that may work on your parents, siblings, etc., but he uses a different attack on you. We ALL are in a warfare no-doubt, and it's up to us as individuals to choose whose side we're on, serving self and Satan, or serving God. We should not wait for our family to change. We should not serve self and choose not to be on Jesus' side just because others aren't doing what we think is right. We should have courage, strength, and zeal, no matter what our different family members are doing. Do we want to add to the dis-unity, or go ahead and dare to take a stand on Christ's side? Some things are more challenging to do as an individual, but Jesus said, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross , and follow Me. For whosoever will save His life shall lose it: and whosoever will LOSE his life for My sake shall find it." Matthew 16:24-25.
            Let's compare the following questions: "What am I doing in my home?" "What could I be doing?" "What am I not doing?" "What can I do in my home, with my individual family members, through Christ who strengthens me?" He says to us, "Freely ye have received, freely give." Matt.10:8. Really, have we been given great light, knowledge, wisdom and so on, freely and undeserved from our selfless Savior? And then selfishly not lived it and not given it to the dear souls we find in our own homes? Why can this be such a hard issue to deal with? Because of the selfishness we may have in it, and because one of the hardest struggles (or maybe the hardest struggle) is to die to self in each area of life, making sure it is totally crucified when it comes to everyday, practical life. I cannot deny that this is a big deal to me. It is vital that I take hold of it in Christ's strength, and one reason is this, "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment  have we from Him, that he who loveth God love his brother also." And this, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." 1 John 4:20-21, Matthew 19:19.
          If we can be Christians with our families, we can be Christians anywhere. Do you believe that? I see that as really true. I personally think that since that is made possible by Him who loved us, then anything is possible! If we are not as much like Jesus as possible with our current families, what makes us think that we can all the sudden change and have it right in our future homes(if we have future homes) and mission work? That, partly, would be feelings, emotions, and vain imaginings, along with, perhaps, the desire to escape from our home, instead of focusing on God and letting Him teach us the little and big important things. That is not God's way; He has such great wisdom for us, and when we choose to take hold of it and walk in it, listening, trusting, and obeying, great things will happen. We will see ourselves changing, and with God-given faith, hope and most of all love, we will keep fighting the battle, and journey on.
          If we did follow our feelings, emotions, and vain imaginings, that would be walking by our own blind sight. But we need to walk by faith. And, when we are walking by faith, we are actually walking by sight, but it's God's sight. We don't see everything when we walk by our own sight, but when we walk by faith, God shows us everything we need to see. That means we must trust Him. And when we do, He will bless us and work wonders in our hearts and lives. He will change our ways of thinking, making us to grow up to be responsible, unselfish, Christlike adults, with straightened-out priorities, mature thoughts and motives, good choices and high aspirations, and nobility. Don't we see that our feelings and emotions are as a roller coaster, and that there is only one safe way to go? The only safe path is to follow Jesus, our good example, our Savior that saves us from our sins, and wants to live out His life within us.

"So let us throw our burdens aside, and take our stand on Jesus' side.
The trees are swaying in the wind. It will be rough and cold, my friend,
But let our courage never fail; we will get through the rain and hail:
Jesus is with us to the end." *

*From a song called Through the Storm--

A Christian in the Home -- (Part 1)

-- Is a Christian everywhere, in Singleness of Heart --

Matthew 19:19 says, "Honour thy father and thy mother: and, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Do you know what I have to say to that? "With men it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible." I personally don't have a tendency to easily love everyone, family included. It is natural for me to be un-Christlike, but Jesus has something higher for me, something better, something powerful, something called "charity," Christlike love. It is stronger than human nature. It "beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." It really does bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things, including home and family life.
            Now I know it doesn't take a Psycologist to figure out that it's easier to show our "real self" with the people we live with (the psycological side of it is interesting, though). While we naturally would want to impress people outside of the home, we feel much more comfortable and "off-guard" when at our place of residence, around the people we live with and see pretty much everyday.
            I am happy, thrilled, and excited to say, that God has solutions for every issue involved in this, and one principle  and beautiful truth is...singleness of heart. Ephesians 6:5-7 says, "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eyeservice as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will ["For it is GOD which worketh in you to will and to do of His good pleasure."]doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord..." Jesus wants us to be so deeply and firmly consecrated to Him that we will not serve self by pleasing people(and just pleasing ourselves when people aren't around), showing off, etc. He wants us to be so consecrated to Him that we will serve Him alone, wholeheartedly. Serving God and serving humanity go together. So, when we serve God, we are serving our families, and when we serve our families (taking Christ's example by His power and love) we are serving God.
            "The Lord requires perfection from His redeemed family. He calls for perfection in character-building. Fathers and mothers especially need to understand the best methods of training children, that they may co-operate with God. Men and women, children and youth, are measured in the scales of heaven in accordance with that which they reveal in the home life. A Christian in the home is a Christian everywhere. Religion brought into the home exerts an influence that cannot be measured." MS 34, 1899.

Will post part 2 eventually... :) God bless you!

By Beholding

            “But we, beholding...are changed...” 2 Corinthians 3:18.

What we behold really does strongly effect our minds and lives. What we look at, read, listen to, and behold in any way, can stick in our heads, and show in our words and actions and can even effect our health. What we behold has an influence on us and changes us as we are beholding them. People who choose to behold certain things are more likely to talk and think and do according to what they are used to beholding. What we choose to behold really does have a big impact on our eternal interests. “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1 Corinthians 15:34. Words, thoughts, actions, and what we behold, ALL go together. What goes into our minds must come out.

            When someone watches or reads something vile and degrading, or just something that isn’t good, they accept what they watch or read as something worth watching or reading. Then, because it pleases their sinful human nature, and they like it, they say that it is ‘good’. Thus, in one way, is seen the truth found in Isaiah 5:20, “Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” If one makes a point to choose to absorb evil things into one’s mind, and if one chooses to behold people lying, cheating, stealing, bribing, or doing anything else that is ungodly and un-Christlike to fulfill their earthly, selfish purposes, how can one allow God to fulfill His great, high, and holy purpose in one’s life? How could we know the truth, the wonderful works of God, His wise principles, Jesus’ precious gems of heavenly, high and holy knowledge, and all the infinite wisdom found in His holy word, and then turn around, choosing to read, watch, look at, or listen to ANYTHING(even something you don’t feel like giving up now, just confide in Jesus about it, and fully give it to Him) that we would be ashamed to behold if Jesus Himself was visible in the place where we choose to behold these things? For that matter, how could we ever choose to think, or do, or say ANYTHING that we just couldn’t think, do, or say if we saw Jesus and His holy angels in our presence? If this is the case with us, that we are still beholding anything sinful and un-Christlike, and liking it because of our flesh and sinful nature, then what is the difference between us who know the truth, and those who do not know the truth? We all act similarly, talk similarly, and think similarly, but some of us profess to be Christians, and some of us do not make that profession (partially because they see the hypocrisy, formalism, inconsistency, dullness and emptiness of “the church”). The only reason we could still choose to think, or do, or say selfish, un-Christlike things, would be because our human flesh is weak, (“we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”) and we are too weak to overcome, without a true, strong, close relationship with God. But, we can choose to die to the flesh and sin and self, and LIVE in Christ. Paul said, “For in that He died, He died unto sin once: but in that He liveth, He liveth unto God.

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Jesus can give us the power and grace to die to sin, and live, truly live, in God. Completely surrendering to Jesus, we will be dead to the flesh, and “alive unto God.” So now, let us fulfill our commission given us by Jesus Christ, our dear, loving Saviour, Who says, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?[how will the earth be salted with Jesus’ words that are a savor of life unto life if the salters have lost their savor?] It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under the foot of men[ if we lose our savor, and do not truly have the fruits of the Spirit, and ‘though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge...I am nothing’. So then we are ‘trodden under the foot of men’, even though we know the truth, and what we could do through the vivifying power of the Holy Spirit, is cast out, and trodden under the foot of men, because we are not dead to sin, living in Christ (no matter what ‘good things’ we might do sometimes) and we have nothing better and have no better life than those in the world who have not known the truth nor found God].  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house [When we truly serve God and our candle is lit by the Holy Spirit, then we don’t hide away, and we don’t just do whatever and say whatever those around us are doing and saying, but instead of doing whatever we would naturally do in the flesh, Jesus leads us to be like Him! And Jesus, through us, shines forth, and through our words and actions, leaves behind us a clear, bright path leading to heaven. Everybody around us, by God’s grace and power and love, can see Jesus shining through us, and God will truly be glorified].

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, [we don’t teach just by preaching, but also by living the truth, having the fruits of the Holy Spirit, having the character of Christ in us and shining through us] the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:13-19. Jesus words really are powerful!

            “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” This being true, why would we choose to watch, read, listen to, look at, or BEHOLD IN ANY OTHER WAY, people manifesting, through their words and what they do, the works of the flesh and of foolishness and of sin, especially when we know the truth that “...we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18.

            I really hope and pray, that we will all know this truth, not merely theologically, but by experience, by the true power of the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and renew a right spirit within us! Seriously, it dishonors God to selfishly choose to have pointless, purposeless, sinful, selfish, mean, and foolish thoughts, words, and actions. It dishonors our dear Redeemer, Saviour, Friend, and King, to be thinking, saying, and doing selfish things that we would never do if we had God’s glory ever before us; if we would but let Him work in us and through us, to reveal HIS character an ALL(big and little) situations and circumstances, as we go about the day!

            God wants, and longs to put in our hearts, minds, and daily lives, the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance...” I used to read this verse too quickly to really have time to think about these words. But now, as we read these words, let us remember that God wants to speak to us through His holy word, and let us remember that He is right now watching us. Let us prayerfully open our hearts, minds, and ears, to listen to our dear Saviour’s call, His call to really reflect His image, and do what He would do in every circumstance(at home, at work, in school, everywhere and in everything) honoring and glorifying our Heavenly Father. Let’s ask Him to show us how we can personally, individually, have the fruits of the Spirit manifested in us, “Love...joy...peace...longsuffering...gentleness...

goodness...faith...meekness...temperance”. Galatians 5:22-23.

            Let us choose now to separate from ANYTHING that will take us down to the degradation of sin caused by the evil prince of this world. Let us choose God, the fair and just and almighty, loving Creator and Ruler of this universe, that we are tiny little specks in. Why would we react to circumstances as though we can’t do God’s will? We ARE NOT powerless, when we are fully surrendered to the Almighty King: “Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.” Psalms 24:8.

2 Chronicles 15:2-7 says, “...The Lord is with you, while ye be with Him; and if ye seek Him, and He will be found of you; but if ye forsake Him, He will forsake you. Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God...and without the law. But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought Him, He was found of them.........Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.” “Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD forever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength...” Isaiah 26:3-4. People may not always be there for us, but “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear...” Isaiah 59:1. Think about it, since the Lord’s hand can save, what about His blood, what about His infinite, redeeming love? Jesus would do anything for us; are we willing to do ANYTHING for HIM? And why would we go about the day acting like we’re something big, when the Almighty King has the power to destroy us or lift us up? “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:3-12.

“...God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” James 4:6-10. I know from experience that life is miserable when not fully surrendered to God, and I remember getting distracted by exciting things, and sometimes I would laugh (“Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.” Proverbs 14:13), but I wasn’t truly happy until I gave all that I had and all that I was to God. Before, I thought too much about what I wanted, and I wouldn’t obey God for many reasons, plus, I thought I was too weak. After, I saw that throughout each day, whether in the position of prayer or not, my thoughts could still go upward to the Lord, and I could have His glory EVER before me. I found that I didn’t need to have His glory sometimes before me, and then other times,[ like: 1.when talking to friends; 2.when tempted to talk frivolously and foolishly; 3.during hard times; 4.when I was disappointed; 5.when I was just so confused about what was really going on with certain people; 6.when things happened that would almost make me mad; 7.when I went through things that I would really be scared of alone (without God); 8. when I thought I couldn’t climb any higher;] have His glory not before me, by choosing to forget and forsake Him and lean on my own understanding, relying on myself. But, He showed me that I can have His glory ever ALWAYS before me, with everything in my life. With JESUS, my loving, always watching Savior, Who is constantly taking care of me, always by my side, leading me in all things of life, I can now: 1. glorify God when talking to friends, talking about things that matter, and rather than being discouraged and sad, I can have peace and be an encouragement to them; 2. think about Jesus when I’m tempted to say pointless, foolish, or selfish words, and choose to let HIM guide me in what I say; 3. instead of  giving into despair in hard circumstances, I choose to “in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning” me (1 Thessalonians 5:18), and I can get through the hard times doing His will, and He will carry me through; 4. when disappointed, I am Comforted by my compassionate Savior, and He gives me more peace and strength through it all; 5. when confused about what’s really going on with people, I now confide in Jesus, and pray for people, and I sometimes see some evidence of Him answering prayer for them (and it can be really exciting sometimes, as it increases my faith and can make me more thankful to God as I trust Him in sweet surrender); 6. Instead of getting angry or being dismayed, now I can think of what would honor God, and do what Jesus would do. Things that really try my patience don’t make me mad anymore(it’s a choice to get mad, and it’s a choice to let Jesus give us true charity, which “suffereth long and is kind, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.” 1 Corinthians 13). Also having victory over temptation strengthens me and causes me to go to God about these issues, and He renews my strength; 7. when I was scared to do the right thing, instead of giving into temptation, I prayed and prayed and prayed for God’s strength and power and love and grace, to always do His will, and He answered and now I am freed from the bondage of fear(“for ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Romans 8:15-16); 8. climb to the highest mountain summits, by His love, grace, power and strength, and on the upward journey He will lead me to the end.

All the things mentioned above are evidences that God is working in me and through me, renewing my mind, helping me to always trust Him, changing my life, and giving me deep, true peace. He has done and He is doing so much more than I can remember or mention here now, or ever, because He does so much as He leads me on that I don’t even know about. And He is doing a lot for you that you don’t even know about as well. He lived here on this earth, and He passed the test, and won the victory, that we may be set free from sin, that we may honor and glorify our Father in heaven. He cares for us and loves us more than we love and care for Him, so the least we could do is give Him our all. He can humble us, and enable us to climb to the greatest heights, and cause us to honor and glorify Him, all at the same time. His purpose will be fulfilled, and His great work will be done; it’s just up to us, as individuals( we are not saved in groups, we must not trust our fellow men, but first trust in God, “...in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men...” Ephesians 6:5-7, and He will cause everything in every area of our lives, including our relations to others, to fall into the right place and), to CHOOSE whether we will be a part of it or not. Will we choose to let Him refine us in the Refiner’s fire, that we may in the end, instead of being found living for this world and self, be found with the Spirit’s fire? Will Jesus our Saviour find us prepared for His return, or will He find us content to stay on this sinful earth? Will we choose to let Him fulfill His purpose in us? “The cross of calvary challenges, and will finally vanquish every earthly and hellish power. In the cross all influence centers, and from it all influence goes forth. It is the great center of attraction; for on it Christ gave up His Life for the human race. This sacrifice was offered for the purpose of restoring man to his original perfection. Yea, more, it was offered to give him an entire transformation of character, making him more than a conqueror...” MS 56, 1899.

Let us choose God, seeking Him earnestly for His character, and for the fruits of the Spirit, that, by His power and grace alone, will be revealed in our thoughts, words, motives, and in all that we do, for “what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I WILL RECEIVE YOU, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

                                                                       

                     For further studying in God’s word on the points that were brought out in this article, you may also want to read the following: 1 John 1:9;  1 John 2:24, 25; Romans 8:28(the called, according to HIS purpose);  Colossians 3;  2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13-17;  Ezekiel 36:22-38;  1 Corinthians 13;  Isaiah 43:1-19;  Isaiah 12;  Micah 7:7-9; Zechariah 3;  Revelation 3:7-22;  Revelation 14:1-12;  1 Peter 5:6-11. Pray earnestly to the Lord as you study His word. Ask Him to help you dig deep into the words, and He will show you deeper meaning in them. Verses that you have already read many times before will shine forth with brighter light than before, as Proverbs 4:18 says, “...the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”

"I Am The Light of the World..."

"I am the light of the world; he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
"Trust ye not in a friend...I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation [love bears all things] of the LORD, because I have sinned against Him, until He plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold His righteousness."
"...we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
"The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble." "But the path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."
"If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
--If your path is dark now, it doesn't have to always be that way. Jesus cares for you and desires your companionship more than we've desired our aching heads to be still. He says to us in many ways through our consciences throughout our life and throughout each day, "Incline your ear, and come unto Me: Hear, and your soul shall live..." "A new heart also will I give you, And a new spirit will I put within you..." What can we do if we are walking in darkness? We must listen to God, when He says, "Turn [here]...and live..." As we live up to the light we know, our miserable darkness will vanish away, bit by bit, fiber by fiber, and our path WILL grow brighter and brighter until the perfect day. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD..." "...take hold of MY strength, that [you] may make peace with Me; and [you] SHALL make peace with Me."
"It feels like it's night now, but that's okay. Soon will be the dawn, the dawn of a brighter day..."--

The Worth of a Soul

The worth of a soul is seen in its price, The price that was paid on Calvary’s cross.
We see in Christ’s infinite sacrifice, The true calamity of a soul’s loss.
We cannot over-value one soul’s worth; Its price was paid with blood.
The precious Son of God came down to earth –Jesus was the only One who could.

Only His innocent blood could atone, For one sinner’s evil and vice.
He had to bear the burden alone; No angel could pay the price.
He chose to bear the guilt and pain, Represented by His cross.
Jesus moved forward, despising the shame, In order to save all the lost.

So give Him your heart, O valuable soul! Forget all the pleasures of this earth.
Return to Christ what the devil stole; Jesus paid for your infinite worth.
And how could you not surrender to Him, Who bought you by anguish and tears;
Who died to save you from your own sin? He’s been begging you all these years.

And finally, soul, what have you done, To help other fallen souls;
To lead them to the Father’s throne, Where all can be cleansed and made whole?
When you speak to those who you know best, What is the effect of your words?
At the end of the day, have they been blessed? Have you pointed them to the Lord?

Do you pray for and with your straying friends, To guide them back into the fold?
Do you care what will be the effect in the end? Or is your heart just too cold?
Does your influence testify to your faith? Do your actions and words honor God?
Or are you just playing the Christian game, Pretending to walk where He has trod?

What is the value in playing this game,

If you are a Christian only in name;

If your life leads your loved ones to believe,

That religion doesn’t matter in reality;

And your words and actions have them deceived,

So that they think lightly of eternity?

What will be the result in the end?

The loss of a relative, neighbor, or friend?

Will you sell your own soul for this earth?

Do you not understand the actual worth…of a soul?

The worth of a soul is so great, you see, That nothing can outweigh its cost.
So there lies a burden on you and me, To seek to save all who are lost.
Now we cannot save them all on our own; We need the Holy Spirit’s aid.
But do not despair! We are never alone; God’s plans have already been made.

He plans to save you, and all who you love;

You must only seek for His leading.

He has mansions prepared in Heaven above.

In the most holy, Jesus is pleading…for your soul.

So where will you stand in the end?

Just wherever you go,

Jesus wants you to know,

That you will take a friend.

So remember… the worth of a soul.


~Poem(will likely be a song at some point) written by Dylann G.H.~

Growing Up Into Christ

__--Part of a chapter from the book Steps to Christ--__

Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, "Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee." This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ.

A life in Christ is a life of restfulness. There may be no ecstasy of feeling, but there should be an abiding, peaceful trust. Your hope is not in yourself; it is in Christ. Your weakness is united to His strength, your ignorance to His wisdom, your frailty to His enduring might. So you are not to look to yourself, not to let the mind dwell upon self, but look to Christ. Let the mind dwell upon His love, upon the beauty, the perfection, of His character. Christ in His self-denial, Christ in His humiliation, Christ in His purity and holiness, Christ in His matchless love – this is the subject for the soul’s contemplation. It is by loving Him, copying Him, depending wholly upon Him, that you are to be transformed into His likeness.

Jesus says, "Abide in me." These words convey the idea of rest, stability, confidence. Again He invites, "Come unto me…and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28. The words of the psalmist express the same thought: "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." Psalms 37:7. And Isaiah gives the assurance, "In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength." Isaiah 30:15. This rest is not found in inactivity; for in the Saviour’s invitation the promise of rest is united with the call to labor: "Take My yoke upon you…and ye shall find rest." Matthew 11:29. The heart that rests most fully in Christ will be most earnest and active in labor for Him.

When the mind dwells upon self, it is turned away from Christ, the source of strength and life. Hence it is Satan’s constant effort to keep the attention diverted from the Saviour and thus prevent the union and communion of the soul with Christ. The pleasures of the world, life’s cares and perplexities and sorrows, the faults of others, or your own faults and imperfections – to any or all of these he will seek to divert the mind. Do not be misled by his devices. Many who are really conscientious, and who desire to live for God, he too often leads to dwell upon their faults and weaknesses, and thus by separating them from Christ he hopes to gain the victory. We should not make self the center and indulge anxiety and fear as to whether we shall be saved. All this turns the soul away from the Source of our strength. Commit the keeping of your soul to God, and trust in Him. Talk and think of Jesus. Let self be lost in Him. Put away all doubt; dismiss your fears. Say with the apostle Paul, "I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20. Rest in God. He is able to keep that you have committed unto Him. If you will leave yourself in His hands, He will bring you off more than conqueror through Him that has loved you.

When Christ took human nature upon Him, He bound humanity to Himself by a tie of love that can never be broken by any power save the choice of man himself. Satan will constantly present allurements to induce us to break this tie – to choose to separate ourselves from Christ. Here is where we need to watch, to strive, to pray, that nothing may induce us to choose another master; for we are always free to do this. But let us keep our eyes fixed on Christ, and He will preserve us. Looking unto Jesus, we are safe. Nothing can pluck us out of His hand. In constantly beholding Him, we "are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Corinthians 3:18