Note for 2024/05/30

‭2 Corinthians 8:1-24 KJV‬

[1] Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; [2] how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. [3] For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; [4] praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. [5] And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. [6] Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. [7] Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. [8] I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. [9] For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. [10] And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. [11] Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. [12] For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. [13] For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: [14] but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: [15] as it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. [16] But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. [17] For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. [18] And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; [19] and not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: [20] avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: [21] providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. [22] And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. [23] Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. [24] Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

https://bible.com/bible/1/2co.8.1-24.KJV

Greetings friends. May the LORD protect and guide you, may He shine His favor on you and relieve you by His provisions according to His measure. Gold and silver I do not have, but what I have in the Name of Jesus Christ, I give unto you. May the peace of GOD be with you, may you increase in wisdom and knowledge in the Lord.

To all my fellow countrymen of South Africa, who are voting today, may God guide you in this too. May His will be done, may He find favor for us and present us with a good and honest leader, one that knows the LORD, if it pleases Him. According to the Word of GOD, it is GOD that places leaders of the people, even wicked rulers over wicked people. My heart is that all will repent and receive the promise of Salvation in Jesus Christ. But, GOD'S Will will forever be more trustworthy than my own, so I trust in Him. May there be peace in the streets today, at every voting station. May our people remember that we are fellow countrymen and not enemies of each other.

Regarding the scripture today, it seems like it is just about pleasantries, commendations and exhortations; but there is always a little more than what we may perceive at first in GOD'S Word. Yes, even in numbering and naming things there are lessons too. May the Holy Spirit of the Most High GOD, guide us in all things. And these, not just words, but true intentions in sincerity. I was reminded, to remind you too, that we are reading through the Word of GOD in a "as it happened" kind of way, to the best knowledge of man. God's will be done, remember we follow Christ Jesus and no other.

This chapter is about giving, friends. Freely giving and it is where the heart of man meets the needs of others. Note, that abundance should inspire charity, and compassion and the Love of GOD, meet the needs of the needy in all things. We give, as we have to give, in coin and in labor. Is it a gift if it is requested? Watch therefore, see the plight of man and the need that is most rife amongst you. As it is said, charity starts at home, but let me add, it shouldn't stop there. Inequality arises, when people's hearts have hardened, when the want of one, turns to greed and towers over the needs of others. It is thus my viewpoint, that many of the solutions mankind cries for, can not be resolved at voting stations, but in the heart of each man and woman. If the Love of GOD is in us, people would give freely to meet the needs of one another. But, I also know that this world will never agree to anything so sane and rational, for it is still troubled by the enemies of mankind.

I want to turn your attention to a phrase in the Book of Revelations again, "and the repented not." Why do we then suffer trials and tribulations? Why do we suffer ill weather, wars and pestilence? Is GOD not pleading with us to repent, before the day of judgment comes? Can we stay the Hand of GOD, can we be spared from destruction? What does the Word of GOD teach us. Did the Lord not add 15 years of life for King Hezekiah when He repented? Did he not confirm it by turning the shadows on the steps back 10 steps? Our GOD is in the business of deliverance and salvation, for He loves us. But, it is the wickedness of man that brings turmoil for mankind. Is that not why the day will come when the wicked will be consumed? Friends, read Malachi 4 again, then see if this solar cycle is cumbersome. The warnings, GOD'S pleading with us is all around us.

Let me then share with you why I will not go and vote. And this is a matter for each person to resolve in himself, I am by no means saying that you should do as I do. I am a man, follow Christ. I will not vote, because my mark indicates my will, and since my Savior is not on that list, I cannot make my mark. With the mark, it is our will, not GOD'S. I have surrendered my life to Christ, and our Father will determine the season, he moves even the wicked for His cause. But, a godless nation shall know no peace, a people that know not how to love one another shall be at war with themselves. No vote is required, because man's defiance of GOD will bring their destruction.

So, my hope and prayer is for our people, but it does not shut my eyes or ears. I may still hold my tongue in peace, but the Lord's will will be done. If we could only give each other consideration. If we could only spare one another in conviction. If we could “gift” forgiveness, we could know peace. But those are fruits of the Spirit, so it requires a deep faith. And by the saying of Christ on the broad and narrow way, I know where things may go too soon. For man stands for himself, maybe for his family and a favorite group. But it seems that the love for their enemies is long since forgotten, as if Jesus Christ never said that too. So my hope is for peace, but my eyes and ears bring no good news for humanity, not here in South Africa, and it seems that this is a common threat across the entire world.

May GOD'S Kingdom come (which requires no vote at all.) May His Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. For His is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory. And I... I am just an ambassador of His Kingdom that Will come.

Shalom

Verse of the Day

(YouVersion)

‭Psalm 119:105 KJV‬

[105] Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path.

https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.119.105.KJV

A perspective from GOD’s Word

I said, live the Word of GOD.

‭2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV‬

[14] if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

https://bible.com/bible/1/2ch.7.14.KJV

‭Revelation 9:17-21 KJV‬

[17] And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone. [18] By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. [19] For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt. [20] And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: [21] neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

https://bible.com/bible/1/rev.9.17-21.KJV

Even in the face of destruction man is reluctant to repent. They would much rather make excuses, justify their actions and even lie about the nature of things. Is money then not as a god for mankind today? Just because you do not have a statue of it in your house does not mean you do not worship it. What about your trust, where is that trust assigned to? Is it to GOD or your bank balance?

Friends, it has become time to take a hard and honest look at our lives and pray that we will be found worthy to escape the judgment of the wicked. So, it is written, come out of her. Do not partake in the iniquities of this world.

I am sounding the alarm, how shall you then say, I did not know?

Look at the verse of the day, and also these short sections I have added, that gives you a small view into the will of GOD. Do not listen or follow me… FOLLOW CHRIST JESUS, the Savior of Mankind.

Shalom

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