Note for 2024/07/25

‭1 Peter 4:1-19 KJV‬

[1] Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; [2] that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. [3] For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: [4] wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: [5] who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. [6] For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. [7] But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. [8] And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. [9] Use hospitality one to another without grudging. [10] As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. [11] If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. [12] Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: [13] but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. [14] If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. [15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. [16] Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. [17] For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? [18] And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? [19] Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

https://bible.com/bible/1/1pe.4.1-19.KJV

To which end does all things work? What is the purpose of things? I know I ask a broad question, but it applies broadly. Yes, in the end, all would have worked towards GOD'S outcome, but how do we judge matters for ourselves, whether we should partake in something or refrain ourselves from it. The Word says test all things and keep what is good, but what then is truly good? Good for who? In Christ we are fortunate, in that we have an ally in the Holy Spirit and we can pray to our Father in Heaven and request a revelation according to His Will. But, in the eye of it, how do we judge for ourselves to walk in righteousness, rather than to slip down every slippery road unto correction, if The Lord is our Master; to destruction if we stand alone? See the end of it, before you enter it. Now with the Word of GOD as our instruction, we can indeed judge things more clearly, and as I said; it is best if we request the Will of GOD in all things. The Word of GOD communicates the Will of GOD to us. How then would you judge in righteousness, if righteousness is not in you?

Once again, as a believer in Jesus Christ, if we Trust in GOD our Creator, then all things work out for good according to Romans 8:28. For though we stumble, we shall not fall. The Lord will lift us up and we would have been corrected in the process. My question is, at what cost? If the cost is on me alone, then I can still make peace with it, but what if another pays a price for our mistake?

Friends, that is where wisdom comes in, to apply the knowledge that we have gained from the Word of GOD. Then, we can avoid the errors that will be costly. If the cost is only of material things, that I can still make peace with, and recompense in such losses. But, what if the cost is to the soul of another, even a lie told, that leads another down a path that may see him lost? In Christ we have an advocate at the Throne of GOD, but what of him that has not had his meeting with the Lord as of yet? So there is a responsibility resting on our shoulders as ambassadors of GOD'S Kingdom, in Jesus Christ our Lord. For the Liberty we have in Christ is not afforded yet to the unbeliever. Where we have accepted the price paid for us upon the cross, who will stand for the poor in Spirit?

Have you heard someone say, or have you yourself even said at a time, "if that is what it means to be a Christian, then I want no part in it?" The sad thing is, this is usually said in ignorance, and caused when a believer makes an error in judgment, or stands in some form of hypocrisy. Do you know that you are watched and observed when you claim you follow Christ? Let your claim then be true, for the sake of the unbelievers. Let your walk be a testimony of Jesus Christ. Let the Good Work Christ has done for you be on display.

How? You have to live according to the Word of GOD, and refuse what is ungodly for the sake of the conscience of the one who sees you. That your walk might be seen in uprightness, your charity known by all. If you must judge, judge fairly, protect the poor. Speak for him that does not have a voice or audience with his accusers. Live a life that shines the Light of Christ out into this dark world. In so doing, you will minister Christ to more than you would even know personally. Be known for kindness and charity. Be known as a fair judge in all things. How? Oh, my friend, for that I point you back to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, the Word of GOD that was made flesh for our benefit. It all comes back to the Word of GOD that will teach us the Will of GOD in all things.

So, let me share a personal testimony with you, to God be the Praise in all. When I gave up alcohol, almost 28 years ago; at first, I kept getting invited to drink again, parties for the sake of drinking. At times then still, I would attend, but the Lord strengthened me and I did not partake, not even once. My friends then would say things like that I am boring and no fun at all. Slowly, some of those friends placed distance between us, almost as if they could not trust someone that does not drink. Yes, I lost a lot of friends, but then were they ever friends at all? Then, later, something remarkable started to happen. When I found myself at public events, when someone offered me a drink, my friends would quickly say, "he does not drink." And if the one who offered insisted, those friends would even go as far as saying, "you are wasting your time, he made a vow to GOD not to drink again." Many of them are still drinking, but standing in my defense.

Now, the message here is not about the alcohol, the message here is what we inspire in others by our commitment to GOD. You see, while I did not quit drinking in my own power and it was the Lord that upheld me for the sake of my vow, these men will always have a testimony that played out right before them. They can say, "I knew this guy..." One of these friends is still a friend to this very day, we are like brothers to one another. Yes, even as a friend closer than a brother, that Solomon wrote about in Proverbs.

Live then not only unto your own salvation, but also for those who will see you, that they may be inspired and edified by your walk in Christ, just as Paul instructed Timothy.

For whom do you live? If Christ, who did He come for, even died upon that Cross? If our life shows kindness and consideration for those GOD loves, will we not find favor in His eyes? Who loves the one that makes accusations against one of our children, well would it not be the same before the Lord. Mankind, is GOD'S creation, whom He loved so much that He sent His only Begotten Son, that He may redeem back to GOD from all that have fallen away from GOD, those that would believe in Him.

The question then is whether we are helpful in GOD'S efforts to save mankind.

Shalom

YouVersion Bible Verse of the Day

‭Matthew 5:16 KJV‬

[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.16.KJV

Friends, have you got any idea how encouraging it is when you write in the Spirit, and a verse outside your control confirms the message you brought by the Spirit? The non-believer cannot benefit from it, for he will seek to show it as a trick. I know for certain that it is not a trick, but the working of the Holy Spirit in unison. Let these small miracles inspire you too, please.

On Prayer:

‭Matthew 6:5-9 KJV‬

[5] And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. [6] But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. [7] But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. [8] Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. [9] After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.6.5-9.KJV

‭Hebrews 10:19 KJV‬

[19] Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

https://bible.com/bible/1/heb.10.19.KJV

Listen to:

07 24 2024 Earth Shift 2024 - Q And A - Zombie Deer

By Mike from around the world of COT

Duration: 1 hour 14 minutes 4 seconds

Link:

https://soundcloud.com/ouncil1archive/07-24-2024-earth-shift-2024-q-and-a-zombie-deer

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