When we each stand before Christ we will give an account for our lives and not for anyone else's. Therefore don't spend your one and only life obsessing over someone else's life, overly observing weighing critiquing someone else's life, judging someone else's life, psychoanalyzing someone else's motives memories musings or life, comparing your life to someone else's life, coveting someone else's life or gossiping about someone else's life.
Live your life. Maintain your integrity and testimony as you walk in intimacy with the Lord. Let your yes be yes and your no be no -- simple as that. Choose to be kinder than you might feel like being.. yeah, more gracious, wisely loving, forgiving and merciful to all. Trust the Jesus of the Bible with your prayers dreams and future.. not mere mortals. He who promised is faithful. God said he'd never leave you nor forsake you, believer -- ain't bailin' out even on your worst day!
“My father taught me, take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don't forget my words or turn away from them. Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown." Prov. 4:5
"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." Colossians 3:3-4
“God created things which had free will. That means creatures which can go wrong or right. Some people think they can imagine a creature which was free but had no possibility of going wrong, but I can't. If a thing is free to be good it's also free to be bad. And free will is what has made evil possible. Why, then, did God give them free will? Because free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. A world of automata of creatures that worked like machines would hardly be worth creating. The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily united to Him and to each other in an ecstasy of love and delight compared with which the most rapturous love between a man and a woman on this earth is mere milk and water. And for that they've got to be free. Of course God knew what would happen if they used their freedom the wrong way: apparently, He thought it worth the risk... If God thinks this state of war in the universe a price worth paying for free will that is, for making a real world in which creatures can do real good or harm and something of real importance can happen, instead of a toy world which only moves when He pulls the strings then we may take it it is worth paying.” ― C.S. Lewis
“Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it.” ― Saint Augustine
So many fears out there today. I’ve noticed the Amish people don’t seem to have many at all, not even over Covid 19. Nope, cuz they don’t have CNN or TVs.
They tell us that Company CEOs now have to make decisions in 15% of the time that they used to have to make them in just 10 years ago. In other words everything is squeezed into a shorter period. A lot is at stake.
The pressure is overwhelming and it does put stress on many people in many Lands, but you know what.. God isn't fretting, or worried, or in a hurry, or caught off guard, or getting all stressed out. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, and his good counsel from the word endures for all of time and eternity. So stay in touch with him. Follow Christ closely. Ask specific questions and pray for your friends.
12.Does God have free will?
Aren’t there things God can not do? If God can’t sin, doesn’t that mean He is not truly free? We know he can't lie or stop loving you.
God has chosen never to lie to anyone ever -- He “cannot lie” Titus 1:2 nasb
17.Who are the elect of God?
Does God predestine who will be saved? Is God’s election based on His foreknowledge of who will believe?
18.Why did God choose me? What purpose did God have in choosing me? Do I have a choice in regards to whether I am chosen? Do you kinda wonder if you really are chosen? I say choose to turn (hang a U-turn from all the Bible calls sin aka repent), trust (believe with commitment cuz of the cross).. to know, and to daily follow Christ. You’ll see. His loving arms are patiently wide open to receive you.
"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.." Ephesians 1:11(These verse are from the esv)
"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Proverbs 16:9
"If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority." John 7:17
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12-13
But what do you even mean by “free will”? Free is “the capacity of a conscious mind to make decisions and choices without any external constraints or coercion.” That’s what it is. God has a mind and is conscious; He has the capacity to make decisions and choose (He has volition, like you have); He does not answer to any authority anywhere, is not limited by any external constraints, and cannot be coerced or bribed like our politicians have been. Therefore, based on this definition, you and I can easily say, yes, God certainly possesses free will.
No one, no where tells God what to do: “Who has appointed Him His way, And who has said, ‘You have done wrong’?”Job 36:23 nasb
God was not required to create at all: in Revelation 4:11 we read, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” What’s the point, Kurt? It’s this -- the act of creation itself was the result of God’s free will.
You know that sometimes good wisdom comes from age and sometimes not. There are a lot of old educated fools. If you are young and not yet wise or not so young at all, you can choose to ask the Source of good wisdom. Go for it, choose life.
We all can ask -- it’s easy as pie. I don’t mean ask for that inferior type of worldly wisdom. Who needs that? None.
"If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open." James 1:5-8 msg
“If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it.“ tlb
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. kjv
Choose to love and wisely apply the Word. How much gets into your daily life -- into your shoe leather, Kurt?
Written in my Bible as a reminder -- This Book will keep you from sin and sin will keep you from this Book. Live in the word 24/7/365!
Let no sin keep you from God or his Book. Run to him, admit it and quit it when you blow it. When you stumble or fall and the accuser is there to say you aren't worthy to go back to God, you are a hypocrite. That's when you need to run to him all the faster. He knows it all anyways, and will forgive you. With your free will, choose Him over any pet sin that's even fun for a short season. Some sin can be. Get home before dark..and darker..and darkest. Come back to Jesus, and to his healthy church fellowship he has for you to enjoy.
“If we judge our lives by what we know or by what we say, we can easily deceive ourselves into thinking that we are something we are not; it is wiser to evaluate ourselves by the amount of truth we actually live. This is very humbling.” — Paul Washer
You are my personal revival, Lord. On You I will wait to hear -- I love your Voice. The word still renews my strength.
What of the word gets from the head down into your heart daily.. what of it do you wisely apply, Kurt?
“God created things which had free will. That means creatures which can go wrong or right. Some people think they can imagine a creature which was free but had no possibility of going wrong, but I can't. If a thing is free to be good it's also free to be bad. And free will is what has made evil possible. Why, then, did God give them free will? Because free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. A world of automata of creatures that worked like machines would hardly be worth creating. The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily united to Him and to each other in an ecstasy of love and delight compared with which the most rapturous love between a man and a woman on this earth is mere milk and water. And for that they've got to be free. Of course God knew what would happen if they used their freedom the wrong way: apparently, He thought it worth the risk... If God thinks this state of war in the universe a price worth paying for free will that is, for making a real world in which creatures can do real good or harm and something of real importance can happen, instead of a toy world which only moves when He pulls the strings then we may take it it is worth paying.” ― C.S. Lewis
So many beautiful things in God's nature and creation out there! Jesus is the most beautiful person there is. I love Him more.
Why ever primarily go away after something or someone that is far lesser than the Lord? God is the best there is -- live 100% for Him. Let's never bail out. You and I don't need any epic backslide, or any backsliding away from Him at all.
“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” — Vincent van Gogh
“If you truly see how the Lord is and choose to love Him (the most beautiful Person in the entire universe), then you’ll find His strong grace to glorify Him everywhere He leads you.” — Me, yours truly
What do ya know of apostasy and how can ya recognize it? Well, that term apostasy comes from the Greek word apostasia. It means “a defiance of an established system or authority; a rebellion; an abandonment or a breach of real faith.”
I love the living Word and the written Word. Yes, the Bible, it’s such a unique Book. It’s the best Book of all books ever. The Bible contains “God’s thoughts” which are SO marvelous.
And among them are paradoxes (those are seemingly self-contradictory declarations but are in fact totally true).
The Bible is God’s love letter to the born again believer. The Holy Spirit caused flawed righteous people to write this truth not to you or me, but for you and me too. Ask what did he mean back in the day to the original author in that cultural setting. Ask are there any timeless transferable truths for us today.. for me to wisely apply.
To some people, such biblical paradoxes may seem somewhat ridiculous and yet such are the very words of God which were written for our admonition, wise application (so important) and learning.
Okay, so here are Seven of my Favorite Bible Paradoxes -- They’re truly Amazing Cuz God Is:
1. EXALTATION THROUGH HUMILITY (Jas. 4:10) The way up for the believer is down, and the way down is to put yourself up (foolish self promotion). God has never been pleased with the arrogant, hubris, proud, boastful and over confident people. Our confidence is to be in Him. We know that and angel called Lucifer in his madness became Satan. He wanted to be put up higher.. yeah, exalted like God (on the same level of authority) but he fell! The Most High God sees to it that all who will desire to be exalted out of His will and timing will ultimately be put lower -- they fall. What a contrast Satan and his children are from Christ who humbled himself but was exalted! (Phil. 2:8-9). Br lowly, meek and think smart. We wisely choose to serve Him and others instead of living selfishly or puffed up.
2. STRENGTH THROUGH WEAKNESS (II Cor. 12:10) In relation to other disciples of Christ, Paul received an abundance of revelation and God used him to preach the word and write. Paul wrote 14 New Testament books including perhaps Hebrews. He wrote about 1/3 of the entire NT! With all his God-given blessings and advantages; there was always the possibility of him becoming proud and over confident. So God allowed him to experience a “thorn in his flesh” which kept him lowly and ever dependent on the Lord. He naturally didn’t like it. Thrice he prayed for the removal of this thorn (a messenger of Satan to buffet him), but God said that His grace is ever sufficient for Paul. So in Christ Paul chose to pray and rejoice! Would you like the world to see the power of Christ rest in you? Sell out to the Lord, not to some other idols. Yes, seek and serve the Lord wholeheartedly -- faithfully in spite of any sickness, trials, testings, afflictions, opposition or other troubles that come your way. Rejoice in God! We all have weaknesses which God can turn your weakness into strength. He can use them to make us aware of our limitations and need for Him, and to keep us humble and useful in his hands for future ministry!
3. RECEIVING THROUGH GIVING (Acts 20:35) The ultimate test of love for God and other people is in giving something that we hold so dear.. as the Lord leads you to. Giving often seems quite foolish to selfish worldly people. The world’s philosophy is get all you can, can all you get and then sit on the can. Yes, to them it’s much better to work and work more, to save and save up more, to earn and invest all you are able to, to get rich for self. To then keep it and long withhold from others! But some of the most miserable people on earth are those who live on the take. Those who selfishly take, gain and take some more. Some of the happiest people on earth are the wise givers (as God leads them to) for they manifest the light of the Lord in their unselfish attitude and deeds. God the Father gave His Son, God the Son gave Himself. God the Spirit gave His baptism, seal and anointing. God is the greatest giver of all givers (John 3:16). God delights to bless you beyond what you need so that you may have the chance of becoming His channel of blessing! He blesses us in order to make us a blessing -- it’s not to self-terminate upon self. He indeed generously gives to bless you but has others in mind as well. He loves us all the same. You may cheerfully and willingly give your time, talent, treasure for God’s glory and in return receive love, joy, peace, satisfaction, respect from men (though that’s not what we seek when we give)! Do you give in secret?
4. FREEDOM THROUGH HUMBLE OBEDIENT SERVITUDE (Rom. 6:18) Men think they are free since they are outside of prison cells. The truth is there’s another form of imprisonment and bondage which is both spiritual and moral in nature. Many people today are enslaved by fear, doubt, hatred, vices, and pet sins that add to life’s hardship. Yes, there are consequences for sinning, and many of those are seen while here. Friend, if today you are enslaved by sin and unbelief or doubt, you can be forgiven and set free in the Christ of the Bible! That’s the Christ you and I need. None need a poser Jesus, or a false Christ. None need the Antichrist or an antichrist. Some want to talk about or to the enemy of their souls all day long -- not me. I want to talk to and about how wonderful Jesus is. With all who are open. Yes, I’d rather seek Christ than any antichrist. Only in personally knowing God through Jesus Christ can we walk in true freedom on all levels.
5. GAINING THROUGH LOSING (Phil. 3:7-8) Many of us have suffered loss at some time and that really stings. Materialism and the love of money have always been great hindrances to growth and a personal living relationship with the Lord. People who are materialistic never have any thoughts of sacrificing or offering anything to the Lord who died and gave Himself up for them at Calvary. After receiving Christ Jesus as Lord and Saviour, we each need to accept the fact that we are to live a clean lifestyle of repentance, of service and of sacrifice for Him. Lets allow the Lord lead us. Only then can we be truly satisfied inside. Why gain the whole world but lose your own soul? That would be dumb (See Mark 8:36; 10:29-30). Like Paul you could lose earthly opportunities, gain better ones. Yes, you can gain forgiveness in Christ and lay up treasure in heaven! You can gain abundant and eternal life starting here and now. Come to.. come back to Christ.. as you are and willing to change.. willing to be made new and changed.
Remember how King David got majorly ripped off, yep, stollen from.. so badly by the Amalekites. Go restudy that and what he did.
So what did David do? “Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep.”
David own men were ticked off at their leader. They were even talking about stoning him to death, but David encouraged himself in the Lord.
He lost, it hurt, and then he regained through His relationship with God. “David got back everything the Amalekites had taken, and he rescued his two wives.” NLT
Here where I live, Americans have been ripped off of their President. Guess what.. the Lord is how the believers will recover. Sooner or later we indeed will. And turning, trusting (saving faith), repenting, believing (and following the Christ of the Bible).. are real keys in gaining and recovering.
Regardless of what Big Tech, Hollywood and the lying Media keeps repeating, 92 percent of US voters who chose 45 in 2020 and many saw evidence of the Dominion cheating..now believe that the US election was totally stolen from them. And that some past elections have also been stolen. Q: Did you see the USB ports on laptops, and people logging on to the counting center computers?
“This is no small thing, to restore a republic after it has fallen into corruption. I have studied history for years and I cannot recall it ever happening. It may be that our task is impossible. Yet, if we do not try then how will we know it can’t be done? And if we do not try, it most certainly won’t be done. The Founders’ Republic, and the larger war for western civilization, will be lost... but I tell you this: We will not go gently into that bloody collectivist good night. Indeed, we will make with our defiance such a sound as ALL history from that day forward will be forced to note, even if they despise us in the writing of it.” ~ Mike Vanderboegh
6. REALLY LIVING THROUGH FIRST DYING (John 12:24) Back in the day, Jesus was foretelling his death as He served, taught, helped and healed people. Remember?
Why? Well, the corn of wheat so to speak.. that falls to the ground and dies also grows up and becomes productive. It happens in real life with real wheat huh. This is both an agricultural and a spiritual principle for us. Death to the old self and old life are the first steps to really living here and on into eternity. It’s required for Christian growth and maturity -- and this principle is found in all the Bible (See Rom. 8:13). Death to the old sinful nature inside means to intentionally go against the works of the flesh, against the worldly mentality, against the impure worldly philosophies and damnable superstitions and religious doctrines of the world. Believers are not to live according to the lusts of the eyes or of the flesh, or according to the pride of life, or according to this corrupt world system. God says that the flesh must be crucified with its sinful lusts (Gal. 5:24). The more that you die to SELF the more CHRIST will be seen in you! Those of this world need to see and hear from Him more! John the Baptist taught that Christ must increase and we must decrease! (John 3:30). God says: “For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live.”
Romans 6:21 - What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death.
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:6 - The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace,
Romans 8:12 - Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation, but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.
1 Corinthians 9:27 - No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Colossians 3:5 - Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.
7. FINDING THROUGH LOSING (Matt. 10:39) Jesus is enough for you and for me -- He is the need meeting God. Many people today are lonely, unsatisfied, empty, guilty, and afraid to die. Many of them try to find the real meaning of life in earthly pursuits, in trying to succeed and prosper, and in trying to enjoy their material possessions.. only to find out (sometimes too late) that nothing on earth here really satisfies the inner longings of the soul. They try to fill up the empty void in side so to speak.. with all kinds of temporal and other things or relationships. Many look to their career, to a lover, to a car or house or location etc. to make them happy inside. Friend, without Jesus Christ the giver of life.. this life here is meaningless. It’s cuz Jesus is the very essence of life. Yes, He is everything that your person longs for.. your wealthy person needs.. that your poor lost soul has ever longed for. Jesus will still be Lord and King even without you, but friend you are NOTHING without Jesus!
Job 4:11 - The old lion perishes for lack of prey, and the cubs of the lioness are scattered.
Job 22:21 - Reconcile now and be at peace with Him; thereby good will come to you.
Psalm 23:1 - The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 84:11 - For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity.
Psalm 107:9 - For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Proverbs 10:3 - The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but He denies the craving of the wicked.
Proverbs 13:25 - A righteous man eats to his heart's content, but the stomach of the wicked is empty.
"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Psalm 37:25
"Fear the Lord, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing. Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord." Psalm 34:9-11
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33
Photos by Sergey Mazhuga, Adrian Rolfe and by Dave Herring. Thank you!
YOU INDEED CAN BE MADE RICH IN A SENSE.. EVEN AFTER LOSES, BELIEVER. MIGHT NOT BE IN CASH THOUGH, UNLESS YOU NEED SOME.
YOU CAN GAIN IN THE AREA OF PERSONAL HEALTH WHILE IN SICKNESS. (I don’t mean go enjoy or make yourself sick on any level. Yes, sometimes God allows Christian to become sick for a time. It's not always due to their personal sin or a lack of faith on their part, but God will eventually heal all believers. Yes, some when they get to.. really all believers in heaven.)
There are types and shadows in the Bible. There are some Bible paradoxes. Meditate upon them as well on true quotes from believers. Good quotes of course always fully agree with the Bible. We all hear about new revelations, but if it’s new it ain’t true, and if it’s true it ain’t new.
And think on providence in relation to paradoxes for a moment. What.. providence? Ain’t that an nice Caribbean island?
It is that continuous agency of God by which he makes all the events of the physical and moral universe fulfill the original design with which he created it. Cuz he delights to bless, help, use, keep and guide his kids.
Worthless workmanship yet SO valuable to God (people are His apex creations).
- “We are worthless servants.” (Luke 17:10)
- “We are his workmanship.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Qs: So how does a grasp of His Gospel reveal both statements are totally true—that people are both worthless and a workmanship? How should Christians think about themselves in relation to God? What is a Christian’s worth tied to?
-“No one who comes to me will ever be hungry.” (John 6:35)
Qs: As believers await Christ’s return, how are they to process their current state here? In what ways are reborn Christians to hunger and thirst in the present? In what ways are they to become satisfied again and again as they rest in the Lord’s kind provision?
To yoke or not to yoke?
- “Take up my yoke and learn from me.” (Matthew 11:29)
- “Don’t submit again to a yoke.” (Galatians 5:1)
Qs: How does Christ’s yoke differ from the yoke of the law? How do Christians practically live under the tension of being free from certain aspects of the ceremonial law while imitating Christ who perfectly obeyed the law?
The role of works...
- “A person is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” (Romans 3:28)
- “A person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (James 2:24)
Qs: What false gospels are each of the above verses warning against? What’s the relationship between faith and works in the life of someone who has been justified?
The Christian life—easy or hard?
- “My yoke is easy.” (Matthew 11:30)
- “How difficult the road that leads to life.” (Matthew 7:14)
Qs: What should believers expect out of the Christian life—is it easy or difficult? How should a proper understanding this paradox affect the way Christians process the realities of everyday life?
Who’s the judge?
- “The Father judges impartially according to each one’s work.” (1 Peter 1:17)
- “The Father, in fact, judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22)
Qs: What do these passages reveal about Christ as high priest and king?
Optimist, pessimist, or realist?
- “Everything is futile.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2)
- Everything is meaningful—“Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Qs: What is the meaning of life found in? How does the current state of the universe reflect the realities of both the curse and the Kingdom of God that’s breaking into the world?
Going public with good works.
- “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works.” (Matthew 5:16)
- “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.” (Matthew 6:1)
Qs: How should Christians go about doing good works? Is it OK to post on social media when you’re having devotions or going on a mission trip?
Give up your tunic; withhold your pearls from the closed minded.
- “Give to the one who asks you.” (Matthew 5:40-41)
- “Don’t toss your pearls before pigs.” (Matthew 7:6)
Qs: How are Christians to steward God’s resources? What differentiates a steward from a philanthropist or a hoarder? Under what circumstances could it be right to not give to someone who asks?
Testing God.
- “Test me in this way.” (Malachi 3:10)
- “Do not test the Lord your God.” (Luke 4:12)
Qs: What does it mean to test God? How are these commands motivated by faith?
Is Christ really the Prince of Peace, a real peacemaker here? Sure. But didn’t Jesus also speak of bringing a sword.
- “He will be named…Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
- “Don’t assume that I came to bring peace.” (Matthew 10:34)
Qs: How does the gospel bring peace but also divisiveness? What peace did Christ bring at this first coming? What peace will Christ bring at His second coming?
Judging the rightness of judging.
- “Do not judge.” (Matthew 7:1)
- “Judge according to righteous judgment.” (John 7:24)
Qs: In what context and frame of mind is it appropriate to judge? When is it wrong? Is “judge not” a trump card that can be pulled out anytime a person is challenged by someone?
Wise dealings with fools.
- “Answer a fool.” (Proverbs 26:5)
- “Don’t answer a fool.” (Proverbs 26:4)
Qs: How and when should Christian engage foolish talk and actions? How should these verses guide social media interactions?
The reason for Christ’s coming.
- “I did not come to judge the world.” (John 12:47)
- “I came into this world for judgment.” (John 9:39)
Qs: What was the purpose of Christ’s first coming compared to His second coming? What’s His purpose for the Rapture or Catching Away of His church? How does an understanding of the four gospels reveal that both of Christ’s statements are true here?
But why even delve into this kinda stuff, Kurt? Remember Christ clearly indicated to us in His dialogue with Satan out in the wilderness, that a proper understanding of the word... like with biblical paradoxes equips a believer to properly counter the enemy’s constant lies and twisting of Scripture with a wise and fitting informed reply, “It is also written..” (Matthew 4:7).
