Remain

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Remain

I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith. Philippians 1:23-25 

Recently I heard an evangelist ask, "Why are you here?" She was speaking to believers, in a small setting, not a large crowd. The simplicity of the question and in the setting, it which in made.  Made it particularly piercing. If, as we proclaim we are saved by faith. If all of the people in the room were saved what was our purpose? If salvation is the only goal God has for our lives, why are we still here? Why are we not remove from this life and instantly transfigured into eternal life? It is not to attain the secular pleasures of the flesh. Paul states it very clearly, "having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better." Why would we want to remain on this earth once we have attained eternal life through Christ? Which will be so much better than this painful temporal existence? The answer is in his next statement, "Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you." We remain for the very same reason as Paul. Because it is better for the rest of the world that we stay. We are the hands', feet, mouth, and heart of Jesus. We exist to propagate the gospel of Christ to all around us. For those of us who believe in Christ as it says in John 3:16. Our purpose is not for our selves. It is for those who have not yet heard of Christ. For those who have not accepted our Lord. We remain to serve our risen Lord by serving those that have not been saved. Your purpose is simple, be the hands and feet of Jesus. That is why we remain. The only reason we remain. 

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One Thing

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One Thing

4 One thing have I asked of the Lord,

that will I seek after:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,

to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord

and to inquire in his temple. Psalms 27:4

This is the perfect picture of contentment. Being in the presence of God. No fear, no want, perfectly secure fully provided for, in the presence of all mighty God.  To be in His presence would make us whole.

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Joy

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Joy

 

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

"Fullness of joy" To me this short phrase defines the height, depth, and breadth of the fullness of life. This verse promises me what my heart longs for peace, fulfillment, and love.  A life without lack, full of all of the good things of life. A lack of need, want or desire. It means that I will have abundance in every area of my life. And if that is not enough it then says," at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." When you're on the path of God, you will be safe, provided for loved and cared for. He will give you pleasures above and beyond that. Have you ever received a better offer?

When you are in the presence of God almighty He will give you the fullness joy. All you have to do is walk the path He has provided for you.  The path is not a secret. It is not anything that requires great education, superior, intelligence or a unique revelation. The path is the same for everyone. 

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (ESV)  

Jesus is the path. He is the way into the presence of God the Father. Jesus is the one that makes your joy full. It is He that provides all that you need. He is the secret in plain sight. He is the fullness of life. In the God Man, that is Jesus rests the the completion of man, and it is offered to you freely. You can have all the promises of God, but only through the path, that is Jesus. Celebrate the joy which is Jesus. Look around you will not find a better life.

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One Day

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One Day

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. Psalm 84:10

Somewhere along the life of Christianity, we've allowed the devil to upstage this reality. I have lived the life the devil has to offer I have received the best he has, I know the lies he has perpetrated against us. It is better to enter into the kingdom God and be as far away from his presence as possible and still receive his glory. Than to be in the center of the devil's demise.  We've allowed the lies of the enemy to be sold as truth and accepted as desirable accomplishments. 

Our country our world is in the shape, it is in because we have allowed the lies of the enemy to be sold as truths.  There isn't anything the enemy has sold us that compares to being in the presence of God.  All the world's accomplishments combined can not equate to being in the presence of God.  not even for an instant.

God's presence is where you are fulfilled to overflowing. It is where you will find love, peace, joy, happiness. It is where you will be filled with the water of life, and you'll never be thirsty again. Today, now these things are available to those who choose Christ. You can have a meaningful, purposeful and joyous life now. You can have the love, security and the companionship of God now, here today. You can have everything that makes life worth living. You can experience the presence of God.

Then when we are in His permanent presence when He dwells with man. There will be no more war, famine, hate, disease. No more lack, hurt, loss, exclusion, rejection, loneliness or empty promises. You will have security, peace, love, and acceptance. You will be washed and cleansed from the filth of sin.  You will be given a new perfect body. You will share in His glory.

We need to turn the tide of evil and let the world know, God has a better way, a better life. Instead of selling the world the lies of the devil we need to give them the truth of the joy of living the life of Christ. It is better to live life in the love of Christ than to live the life of lust and lost without Christ. We have a much better life to live here and now and into eternity, Far better than anything the devil has ever offer. If we show the world what it is like to live one day in His courts, we will revolutionize the world. 

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Realities of Heaven

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 Realities of Heaven

 

1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Colossians 3:1

 

What are the realities of heaven?  It is the dwelling of God, Father Son, and Holy Spirit. No more death, disease, infirmity or pain. Peace, joy, and happiness are its foundation. Completeness, wholeness is the standard of life. Lack will not exist. Love received without impediment.  No enemy that can taunt, assail or kill. No conflict, war or discord. Worship and praise are unhindered or obstructed.  The fullness of God is ever-present. Jesus our Lord rules. Our eyes, ears, and minds opened and unfettered by the veil of sin. We will live in truth, free from the threat of sin. We will be cleansed from the stench of sin. We will be free.  Our minds will be opened, and we will understand the justice, love, and forgiveness of God. 

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Slave to Sin - Righteous to Life

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Slave to Sin - Righteous to Life 

16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Romans 6:16

You can't live in limbo land. In a place free safe from consequences. There will be consequences for your actions. The consequences will either be beneficial to you or detrimental to you.  If you don't know it, you are eternal because the spirit of God in you is eternal. You cannot cease to exist.  The consequences of your action are not limited to this side of your existence.  The results of your actions will have permanent repercussions on your life. Which will continue after the end of this consciousness.  Death is not the cessation of life it is the permanent separation from God.  The slave you choose to be will determine your destination for eternity. Either you will live with God or separated from God. Where nothing good or perfect can exist.

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A Generation to Come

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A Generation to Come

18 Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord. Psalms 102:19

Was it recorded for us? This verse can't be regarding Israel. As Israel already existed when it was written so it could not be "a people yet to be created." What other people claim the God of Abraham Issac and Jacob? (Exodus 3:15) Christians are the only other people in the world that call on the great "I Am." We the adopted children of God are that people, we are that generation. We were created that we may praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

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Encouraging One Another

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 Encouraging One Another.

23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

We've all heard it, I don't have to go to church to be a Christian. Why then did God institute corporate gatherings? In the old and new testaments, the people gathered together at predetermined times to be taught, educated, and uplifted in the word and ways of God.  We were not created to be spiritual isolationist. We were designed to be bound together in love for our God.  Not even in Christ did we see the totality of God. We need each other to stay faithful to be educated and grow. To reach the purpose God has provided for us. We were made to help each other along the path of life. Without each other, we will end up creating a path that will not lead us to Christ, salvation or joy. We will end up lost.

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The City of God

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The City of God. 

⁴ ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4New International Version (NIV)

21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. Revelation 21:21

Here are two references to the city of God. In one we find the ceasing of pain, sorrow, and death, in the other you see the city designed with precious stones.  The promise of God is a place filled with security, love,  peace, and abundance. Is there any other offer that is more appealing? Substantiated by the fact, the fact of the resurrection.  The best the world has to offer does not compare. 

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Simplicity

Sometimes to think about.

Simplicity

10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:3

At times the simplicity of the Bible is overwhelming in is naked and piercing truth.  If you love someone, you will not cause them harm. If you look at the unrest in our society, in our personal relationships. If you look at the pain and sorrow caused in all forms from every spectrum, it is due in large part because of the utter absence of love.

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Sharper

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Sharper

12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Have you ever wonder why the reaction to the Gospels is sometimes visceral?  Maybe because the word of God cannot be bargained with. It always brings you back to truth. It is alive and relentless in its exposition of truth. It cuts through the layers of deception and exposes the lies we dilute to our selves with. It lays bare the inconsistencies of our thoughts and points to the one true God.  Maybe because it exposes to ourselves the shallowness of our selfless sinful intent.
The word of God can will also show you His redemptive, restorative grace. It shows you His longsuffering patience It shows you His amazing love. It shows you the life He offers you. The word of God is the fork in the road with with redemption, salvation, grace, love and joy on one side. the other road is the lost life you've chosen.

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The Lord Bless You

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The Lord Bless You

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

This blessing God spoke over Israel through Aaron is uplifting, motivating and generous.  What we seek in this life is contained in the first words of these verses,  "The LORD bless you and keep you." What I seek in this life is the blessings of God and His protection which is what he has given us as per the first verse. Then He goes beyond that and gives us peace.  God gives us all who call upon Him these blessings, but we have to accept them. If you don't let go of what you have, you can never receive the blessings God has for you and His blessings are always better.

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Number Our Days

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Number Our Days

12 So teach us to number our days

that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalms 90:12

Do you know when you will die? Obviously, the answer to that question is unknown. So this verse at first glance may not make sense. What would be the point in numbering our days? As I get older and realize there are fewer days in front of me than those behind. I now understand this verse.  The point of this verse is to remind us that our days are numbered that our life has an expiration date. From that knowledge, we can then set out to live a life of value, joy, and purpose. Wisdom in this sense refers to making your life count for you, not anyone else, you. Are you living a life of joy, meaning, purpose? It is your life and your days are numbered.

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The Gospel

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The Gospel

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Romans 1:16

We are put down humiliated, teased and denigrated for the gospel of Christ, yet it remains the best and only hope for mankind. No other religion, ideology, philosophy offers salvation to man. Only the gospel of Christ offers us any hope but hope with evidence. The evidence is the resurrection of Christ.

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Inexpressible Joy

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Inexpressible Joy


8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

A conundrum it must be to all who choose not to believe, our "inexpressible and glorious joy."  We should wake up every day exuberant with joy for the knowledge we have of our assured future. None other has offered to me and confirmed for me my eternal salvation. My joy is not only in what has been promised but also in what's been done. His resurrection as the first, His complete payment for my debt ensures my salvation for eternity. Why? Because I believe in the unseen God.

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Where Can I Go?

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Where Can I Go?

1 You have searched me, Lord,

and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue

you, Lord, know it completely.

5 You hem me in behind and before,

and you lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast. Pslam139:1-10

These verses are both exhilarating and frightening.  If you belong to God, it is wonderful to know that where ever you are He is with you. It is reassuring to know that He knows you inside and out that He is with you always these are things that we who call upon Him cherish. 

For those who are fighting aginst or are in opposition to Him, they must find these verses to be utterly frightening. Knowing that God knows you better than you know yourself must be sobering and frightening. Knowing that none of the beneficial promises of God pertain to you must be demoralizing, to say the least. I imagine the only hope for those in opposition to God is that He does not exist. A vain hope of an undeniable reality. For God is alive, Always has been and always will be. 

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Every Knee

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11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:11

The day has been set, the time will arrive when everyone will acknowledge and recognize that Jesus is the Lord. Some with great joy some with great fear but to the glory of God, it will happen. 

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No Other

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No Other

““Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.”
Isaiah 45:22 NIV

The message and the call are still the same God does not change.  He is still calling man to salvation. He is still God singular in His deity. His call is for all nations, tribes, and peoples. There is a satisfying peace, joy, and exuberance in knowing that God is unmovable; that He is the solid rock of our existence. 

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To And Fro

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To And Fro


9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”11Chronicles 16:9

God is seeking to bless those who are loyal to Him. He wants to make a significant impact on your life because of your steadfast, firm, unwavering, dedication to Him. Do you want to be a recipient of His favor? The price is wholehearted loyalty. If you do not have complete loyalty towards Him, you will have the life you have. The blessing of God will not be a part of your life.

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Better to Obey Than Repent

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Better to Obey Than Repent

22 And Samuel said,

“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,

as in obeying the voice of the Lord?

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,

and to listen than the fat of rams.

1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV)

Obedience, a word that might as well be the four letter word. Yet it is the word that best describes God's desire for those who claim to be His. It is not because He is master and we are servants, it is because in obedience we find the greatest blessings. If we obeyed God, a sacrifice would not be required. In obedience is where we find peace, joy, purpose, love, happiness, fulfillment, and rest. In short, all the beautiful things of life are abundantly available to us if we would obey.  

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