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Biblical Hope, Part 3 , Keeping A Right ‘frame of mind’

In Biblical Hope Part 1, it was discussed that Biblical Hope Opposes Political Expectation, Do You Believe That?

In Biblical Hope Part 2, it was emphasized that Biblical Hope Offers Eternity in the Person of Jesus Christ; and that a believer’s Biblical Hope is focused upon the return of the Person of Jesus Christ. Therefore, Biblical Hope Offers Permanent Eternal life with Christ. (emphasis mine)

Do you believe that?

The Hebrew word for hope in the Old Testament is tiqvah; Strong’s #8615: Hope; expectation, something’s yearned for and anticipated eagerly; something for which one waits. (KJV Spirit Filled Life Bible, Word Wealth, page 1218) (emphasis mine)

The following passages of scriptures are found in the Psalms and Proverbs using the word ‘tiqvah’: Psalms 16:9; 22:9; 31:24; 33:18; 33:22; 33:15; 39:7; 42:5; 42:11; 43:15; 71:5; 71:14; 78:7; 110:49; 119:81; 119:14; 119:116; 130:5; 130:7; 131:3; 146:5; 147:11; Proverbs 10:28; 13:12; 14:32.

One of the most quoted texts in the Old Testament regarding hope is Jeremiah 29:11. These words were spoken by the prophet to the nation of Israel when they were in Babylonian exile. (see Jeremiah 29 for context) (emphasis mine)

” ‘For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope.‘ ” (Amplified Version) (emphasis mine)

In Biblical Hope Part 3, the topic for consideration is emphasizing the knowing that the Word of God has many ‘hope filled’ verses for our encouragement to focus our attention on the Lord Jesus Christ; so that we have a right ‘frame of mind’ as we walk with the Lord daily in this darkened world; we are a vessel of light that manifests the glory of God that dwells with in us. (emphasis mine)

The Greek word for hope in the New Testament is elpis; Strong’s #1680: Hope, not in the sense of an optimistic outlook or wishful thinking without any foundation, but in the sense of confident expectation based on solid certainty. Biblical Hope rests on God’s promises, particularly those pertaining to Christ’s return. So certain is the future of the redeemed that the NT sometimes speaks of future events in the past tense, as though they were already accomplished. *Hope is never inferior to faith but is an extension of faith. Faith is the present possession of grace; hope is confidence in grace’s future accomplishment.*” (KJV Spirit Filled Life Bible, Word Wealth, page 1791) (emphasis mine) (*meditate on these words)

Do you believe that?

Biblical Hope Offers Peaceful Existence

How?

Consider this: Hope (is a confident assurance) Offering (a) Peaceful(internal) Endurance until the return of Jesus Christ.

Do you believe that?

Linking our definitions together, and looking into the Word of God, we find God’s promises are buoyed with hope.

These hope filled verses allow us to focus on the Word of God that undergirds our mindset so that we can have a right ‘frame of mind’.

(for comments about a right ‘frame of mind’, see the previous post and Cortan Carter’s analysis of Edward Mote’s hymn)

Strong’s Concordance, nous – pronounced ‘nooce’; probably from the base #G1097; the intellect, i.e. mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning-mind, understanding.

Romans 12:1,2 Amplified Version instructs us regarding our ‘mind’(#G1097).

“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy, well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And to not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” (emphasis mine)

So how do we believers Keep A Right ‘frame of mind’ ?

We read the Word of God.

We meditate on the Word of God.

We memorize the Word of God.

We obey the Word of God.

(The following passages of scripture are from the Amplified Version.)

“Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant and boundless mercy has caused us to be born again [that is to be reborn from above–spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] to an ever-living hope and confident assurance through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,[Matthew 28:1-9; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:6; John 20:1-18] (1 Peter 1:3) (emphasis mine)

“But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy–acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance[elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect. [Isaiah 8:12,13] (emphasis mine)

Did you notice that there is a confident assurance attached to hope?

The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews explains to us the connection.

“Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality-faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]…”But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and ] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.”(Hebrews 11:1,6) (emphasis mine)

“We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, as we pray always for you, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus [how you lean on Him with absolute confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness], and of the [unselfish] love which you have for all the saints (God’s people); because of the [confident] hope [of experiencing] that which is reserved and waiting for you in heaven. You previously heard of this hope in the message of truth, the Gospel [regarding salvation] which has come to you indeed.” (Colossians 1:3-6a) (emphasis mine) {notice the three words-faith, hope, love}

“For it pleased the Father for all the fullness [of deity–the sum total of His essence, all His perfection, powers, and attributes] to dwell [permanently] in Him (the Son), and through [the intervention of] in Him (the Son), and through the blood of His cross; through Him, [I say]. whether things on earth or things in heaven. And although you were at one time estranged and alienated and hostile-minded [toward Him], participating in evil things, yet Christ has now reconciled you [to God] in His physical body through death, or order to present you before the Father holy and blameless and beyond reproach–[and He will] do this] if you continue in the faith, well grounded and steadfast, and not shifting away from the [confident] hope [that is a result] of the Gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven and of which [Gospel] I, Paul, was made a minister.” (Colossians 1:19-23) (emphasis mine)

God [in His eternal plan] chose to made known to them how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in and among you, the hope and guarantee of [realizing the] glory.” (Colossians 1:27) (emphasis mine)

“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope and overflow with confidence in His promises…Again Isaiah says, “There shall be a root of Jesse, He who arises to rule [as King] over the Gentiles, in Him shall the Gentiles hope,” [Isaiah 11:1; Revelation 5:5; 22:16] “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peach in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.” (Romans 15:4,12-13) (emphasis mine)

Do you believe this?

Q: What is settled in Paul’s confidence?

A: The ‘knowing’ his Savior Jesus Christ, and the surety of the Gospel?

Paul writes to the Galatians, “I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

Paul’s security, identity, and belonging is identified in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

Therefore, in Christ, he is “a new creation in Christ Jesus” and the Lord Jesus Christ, lives in him.

Paul is fully persuaded of his living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ; therefore, he seeks to live by faith in His Lord; knowing that no matter what he must endure as a believer here on earth; his mindset is fixed on the sure hope that anchor’s his soul; knowing he will spend eternity with the Lord Jesus Christ. (emphasis mine)

The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews (who I personally believe is Paul) encourages believers with these words.

“But, beloved, even though we speak to you in this way (context is Hebrew 6:1-8), we are convinced of better things that accompany salvation. For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have for for His name in ministering to [the needs of] the saints (God’s people), as you do. And we desire for each one of you to show the same diligence [all the way through] so as to realize and enjoy the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be [spiritually] sluggish, but [will instead be] imitators of those who through faith [lean on God with absolute trust and confidence in Him and in the power] and by patient endurance [even when suffering] are now inheriting the promises. For when God made the promise to Abraham, He swore an oath [an oath] by Himself, since He had no one greater by whom to swear, saying, “I will surely bless you and I will surely multiply you.” [Genesis 22:16,17] And so, having patiently waited , he realized the promise [in the miraculous birth of Isaac, as a pledge of what was to come from God]. Indeed men swear [an oath] by one greater than themselves, and with them [in all disputes] the oath serves as confirmation [of what has been said] and is an end of the dispute. In the same way God, in His desire to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable nature of His purpose, intervened and guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things [His promise and His oath] in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled [to Him} for refuge would have strong encouragement and indwelling strength to hold tightly to the hope set before us. This hope [this confident assurance] we have as an anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it]–a safe and steadfast hope that enter within the veil [of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells] , [Leviticus 16:2] where Jesus has entered [in advance] as a forerunner for us, having become a High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. [Psalms 110:4] (emphasis mine)

Now comes the ‘mindset’ challenge.

We unite the meanings of our highlighted words; and their intersection becomes the essence of our walk with the Lord, that will keep us in a right ‘frame of mind’. (emphasis mine)

Do you believe that?

Those words faith; hope–confident assurance, a safe and steadfast hope, love

Do you believe these words have been given to us by the grace, mercy, and love of God the Father; promised to us through the Lord Jesus Christ; and emboldened in us by the Holy Spirit; enabling us to live each day of our live?

Let me share some new acronyms.

F.A.I.T.H.: Faith Assured Is True Hope

Hebrew 11:1,2,6 “Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed) and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality-faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. For by this kind of faith the men of old gained [divine] approval…But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever [comes] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek HIm.:

H.O.P.E. : Hope : Hope Observed Purifies Everyone

I John 3:2-3, “Beloved, we are [even here and] now children of God, and it is not yet made clear what we will be [after His coming]. We know that when He comes and is revealed, we will [as His children ] be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is [in all His glory]. And everyone who has this hope [confidently placed] in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure (holy, undefiled, guiltless).” (emphasis mine)

I encourage you to re-read these verses and see the intersection of thought between faith and hope, working in us as we walk with the Lord and are made ready for His appearing.

Biblical Hope does not rest in a politician.

It does not rest in the strength of nations.

It solely rests in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

You can be absolutely certain that the Lord Jesus Christ will return to this earth in all His glory.

That is a certainty.

It is interesting to see in the Word of God, the mindset of the Jewish leaders, as well as, the mindset of Jesus’ disciples.

The Jewish leaders and Christ’s disciples both put their hope in a Messiah that would come and set up a kingdom.

They had political expectations.

Luke, the author of Acts identifies this very thought that was embedded in the mindset of Jesus’ disciples.

Luke writes, Acts 1:1-11 (Amplified Version)

“The first account I made, Theophilus, was [a continuous report] about all the things that Jesus began to do and teach [Luke 1:1-4] until the day when He ascended to heaven, and after He had by the Holy Spirit given instruction to the apostles (special messengers) whom He had chosen. To these [men] He showed Himself alive after His suffering [in Gethsemane and on the cross], by [series of] many infallible proofs and unquestionable demonstrations, appearing to them over a period of forty days and talking to them about the things concerning the kingdom of God. While being together and eating with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised “Of which,” He said, you have heard Me speak. [John 14:16; 15:26] For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized and empowered and united with the Holy Spirit, not long from now.” So when they had come together, they asked Him repeatedly, “Lord, are You at this time reestablishing the kingdom and restoring it to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority. But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.” “

It is not hard to understand why they asked Him repeatedly about the reestablishment of the Kingdom.

Jesus had been talking to them about the things of the kingdom of God over the course of 40 days .

As I see it, they were mentally fixed upon an earthly kingdom like the Jewish nation; and like its religious leaders had had for centuries before the coming of Christ Jesus to the earth.

Jesus was not talking about a literal Jewish nation being reestablished at that time; He was talking about the heavenly Kingdom of God being established within them; and I assume of its coming at the end of the Age. (1 Corinthians 15:20-28)

The Kingdom of God within them was not new to their hearing; they never properly understood it. (Romans 14:17)

Jesus, when standing before Pilate, was asked by him, if He were a King?

Jesus replied that His Kingdom was not of this world. (John 18:28-40)

Do you believe that?

What began at Pentecost continues to this day!

And it will continue until Jesus Christ’s Second coming!

Jesus said so.

Do you believe that?

The writer to the Hebrew community encouraged them with these words.

“Therefore (Context, see Hebrews 10:1-18), believers, since we have this confidence and full freedom to enter the Holy Place [the place where God dwells] by [means of] the blood of the Jesus, by this new and living way which He initiated and opened for us through the veil [as in the Holy of Holies], that is, through His flesh, and since we have a great and wonderful Priest [Who rules] over the house of God, let us approach [God] with a true and sincere heart in unqualified assurance of faith, having had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful to His word; and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching. (Amplified Version) (emphasis mine)

Do you believe that?

Our closing thought.

Q: Did you see the progression of faith, hope and love in the previous passage?

Q: Did you see the explanations of these words in the passage? a) verse 22, ‘unqualified assurance’-faith; b) verse 23,’confession’ of our hope; verse 25, encourage one another as the return of Christ draws near; c) verse 24, encourage one another to love-and to do good deeds.

All of this happens in Christ, in the relational community of believers-the Body of Christ.

I Corinthians 13:13 “And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces] but the greatest of theses is love. (Amplified Version)

Do you believe this?

As we walk with our Lord Jesus Christ, being an ‘ex-Algebra teacher’, I propose the following Biblical algebraic equation.

F.A.I.T.H. + H.O.P.E = *GOD’S LOVE

Romans 5:1-5 Amplified Version reads,

“Therefore, since we have been justified[that is acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ[the Messiah, the Anointed). Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying]the glory of [of great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power]. And not only this, but (with joy) let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character(spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance[of eternal salvation]. Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because (*) God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Q: When did that begin?

The Day of Pentecost.

It is still happening.

Q: Did you notice that ‘God, the Father’; ‘Jesus Christ, the Son’; and the ‘Holy Spirit’ are all involved in our spiritual growth?

Q: Did you notice that our three words, [faith, hope, love] are embedded in this passage?

I submit to you again that F.A.I.T.H + H.O.P.E = the manifestation of *GOD’S LOVE in your life.

Let me say it this way.

The gift of God’s saving faith + the hope of the Gospel in Christ Jesus = the manifestation of the love of God in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

Can you envision living this equation as the foundation of your right ‘frame of mind’?

This is the essence of the lifestyle of the Body of Christ.

This is the maturity that we, as believers in Jesus Christ, are to grow up into, and become learning to walk as Jesus walked.

Ask the Lord to make these truths real in your experience as you follow Him.

“So then, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation, but not to our flesh [our human nature, our worldliness, our sinful capacity], to live according to the [impulses of the flesh], you are going to die. But if [you are living] by the [power of the Holy] Spirit you are habitually putting to death the sinful deeds of the body, you will [really] live forever. For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit of producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, “Abba Father!” The Spirit testifies and confirms together with our spirit [assuring us] that we [believers] are children of God.” (Romans 8:12-16 Amplified Version) (emphasis mine)

May the Lord richly bless you,

a brother in Christ, deo

Biblical HOPE, Looking Unto Jesus, Part 2

In the previous post, the topic was Biblical Hope Opposes Political Expectation, Do You Believe That?

That question is still a valid question today and each day of our lives as believers in Jesus Christ.

The Word of God explicitly renounces putting our hope and trust in anything, or anyone apart from the Living God as followers of Jesus Christ.

The main issue throughout the Old Testament, regarding the nation of Israel, was that they were putting their trust for their safety and security in other nations, instead of the Lord their God; the God of their fathers, Abraham, Issac, and Jacob.

Such was their abandonment of following their God, that He had to punish them according to His covenant with His people.

God’s punishment of His people is always balanced with His grace and mercy to restore His people if they will confess their sin, and return to Him.

This is the essence of the cross where the intersection of God’s judgement against sin and His grace and mercy to provide life took place where Jesus, the Lamb of God was crucified for the sin of the world.

The nation of Israel’s God is a jealous God.

He loves His people with His whole heart; but the problem is that His people did not love Him with their whole heart.

They had a divided heart.

Q: Does your expectation from politics create a divided heart in you for God? (See the post Biblical HOPE OPPOSES POLITICAL EXPECTATIONS, Do You Believe That?)

If it does, then you must go before the Lord, confess your sin, and ask Him to give you an undivided heart for Him.

When you study Israel’s exodus from Egypt; their journey in the wilderness; and their refusal to enter the land; the heart of the nation’s people is clearly exposed.

The nation of Israel’s heart was focused on Egypt.

They never surrendered their heart fully to God.

They struggled with coming out from under the ‘government’ of Egypt and submitting to the ‘government’ of God.

This is exactly the same struggle that took place in the early Church after the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.

The beginning Church was filled with Jews. They struggled with the new ‘government’ that was instituted by the coming of the Holy Spirit; they were resistant to set aside completely the Law of Moses; they did not want to abandon the traditions of the Jewish nation; they sought to keep their preconceived ideas about the temple worship; and they did not let go of their political expectations of God’s Kingdom on earth.

These are some of the same struggles that new believers face in our day too; especially learning about the ‘government’ of God.

The old has passed away; behold all things have become new.

Jesus unequivocally had said that all authority was given unto Him.

So, who is in charge?

Jesus Christ is the Head of the Body of Christ.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the King of the Kingdom.

The Holy Spirit is C.E.O. of the Body of Christ.

This means that the Holy Spirit is the Chief Executive Officer of the Church.

The Holy Spirit ‘governs’ the Church as the Head of the Church directs.

There is a new King governing all the affairs of the world.

His name is Jesus.

Jesus has instituted true Biblical Hope.

True Biblical Hope Offers People Eternity.

True Biblical Hope comes because of the ‘finished work’ of Christ on the cross.

The foundation of true Biblical Hope is clearly enunciated in the words of a well known hymn.

The hymn, ‘My Hope is Built on Nothing Less’ was written by Edward Mote around 1834.

This hymn is understood to be based on the parable that Jesus told in Matthew 7:24-29.

The context of this parable is found at the end of what is known as ‘The Sermon on the Mount”, Matthew 5-7.

Jesus’ parable posed this question in the ears of the ‘hearers’ of His teaching.

Q: Is it wiser to build your house on a foundation of rock or on a foundation of sand?

Q: What is the obvious answer?

A: build on rock, not sand.

This parable concluded the teaching that Jesus had shared with a large crowd on a mount.

The chorus of this well known hymn, says, “On Christ, the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand. ” (emphasis mine)

According to AI overview, “God is explicitly compared to a rock (or rocks) approximately 23 times in the King James Version of the Bible. These comparisons are primarily used to convey God’s strength, stability, and unwavering character, emphasizing His role as a refuge and a source of protection.” (emphasis mine)

In the Psalms, the Lord is referred to as a Rock. (emphasis mine)

See the following: Psalms 18:2; 18:31; 18:46; 27:5; 28:1; 31:2; 31:3; 40:2; 42:9; 61:2; 62:2; 62:6; 62:7; 78:16; 78:20; 78:35; 81:6; 89:26; 92:15; 94:22; 95:1; 105:41.

It is not stretching the truth to categorically say that the Word of God is a solid rock of our foundation as believers in Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is our cornerstone. (Psalm 118;2; Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; Ephesians 2:20)

The effect of Jesus’ teaching elicited this response from His ‘hearers’.

“When Jesus finished [speaking] these words [on the mountain] the crowds were astonished and overwhelmed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one who had authority [to teach entirely of His own volition], and not as their scribes [who relied on others to confirm their authority]. (Matthew 7: 28-29 Amplified Version)

In the text of the hymn, Edward Mote theologically penned the correct Biblical understanding of Hope, as expressed in the Word of God, centered in Christ Jesus.

The first stanza reads, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”

These words are the message of the Gospel.

These words are the foundation of being born again.

These words are the rock upon which we build and live our life following Christ Jesus. (emphasis mine)

The aforementioned stanza is our sure foundation, our cornerstone.

This stanza is a vivid picture of the cross.

This stanza gives us a clear explanation of John 3:16.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have ever lasting life.”

The remainder of the hymn is a continuation of theological excellence.

l recommend that you read the entire hymn.

Examining the commentaries, there are differences of opinions as to what the wording ‘the sweetest frame’ refers too.

I would like to offer the following thought.

Because, Biblical Hope Opposes Political Expectation, and the Word of God clearly tells us not to put our hope and trust in mankind; the words ‘sweetest frame could easily refer to humanity, i.e., any human being.

As one person wrote, “the sweetest frame’ means the best person you could ever find. I dare not trust that person (no matter how dependable, clever, strong they are) but wholly lean on Jesus’ name (because He is the One who is truly faithful, good, perfect and He became my sin bearer at the cross.)”

I agree with this observation.

I recommend that you read Corton Carter’s analysis of Edward Mote’s hymn.

It is found at kings-table.com. It is entitled “I Dare Not Trust the Sweetest Frame”; dated February 5, 2016.

His analysis presents this personal conclusion.

I quote, “We are all familiar with this idiom. When we are off a bit, we are not in our right “frame of mind”. “

“This use of ‘frame’, Corton says, is referring to our joy and affections for Christ, how our souls are rejoicing in Christ.”

(Personal note, I am not sure I am comfortable with his thought, however-)

Quoting Carter, he continues, “We must heed the warning of Paul to “take heed, lest we fall”. God given maturity is mature and should be enjoyed. But the moment we lose sight of the gospel as the source of both our justification and our sanctification, we are close to denying the Gospel.”

He continues, “I think this is what the author (Mote) is getting at. We are not even to trust our sweetest period of life in Christ. How easily it is for a believer to think of himself, more highly than he ought to think, and not to think soberly.” (insert mine)

I think what Carter is talking about is how easily we can exalt ourselves, and take credit for our spiritual position in Christ.

Does not the enemy of our souls seek to take our eyes off Jesus, to focus upon ourselves, and to have us revel in ‘look at me’ and ‘what I have done’?

Absolutely.

Deuteronomy 8 teaches this very principle and shows the subtle progression of changing the center of our attention from God and re-centering it upon ourselves as the one who achieved our greatness.

( I recommend that you read Deuteronomy 8.)

At the end of Carter’s article, there are comments from individuals.

One individual, named David, said this “the sweetest frame…(frame = human body)

I concur with David’s thought.

Why?

Our focus needs to be centered upon Jesus Christ, no one else, not even ourselves, so that we maintain the “right frame of mind”.

I propose that Mote’s hymn, Carter’s article, and David’s thought intersect with my previous post.

How?

Biblical Hope Opposes Political Expectation; because political expectations rests in an elected official exercising his/her authority.

Biblical Hope is not centered in humanity; but in Christ Jesus.

Jesus Christ is the focus of our Biblical Hope.

Jesus Christ is the Word of God.

The Word of God defines Biblical Hope.

Q: What is the hope of the Gospel?

A. Biblical Hope Offers Personal Expectation of the fulfillment of the Gospel to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ as their personal savior.

Please read the following: Titus 1:1-3; Titus 2:8-14; Titus 3:4-8

Titus 2:12-13 is the most direct understanding of what Blessed Hope is for a believer in Jesus Christ.

Quoting Titus 2:11-15, The Tree of Life Version,

“For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all men, training us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live in a manner that is self-controlled and righteous and godly in the present age (now). We wait for the blessed hope and the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior, Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus). He gave Himself for us so that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and so that He might purify for Himself a chosen people, zealous for good deeds. So communicate these things, and encourage and correct with complete authority. Let no one look down on you.” (Inserts mine) (emphasis mine)

Reminding ourselves of another chorus, we need to ‘turn our eyes upon Jesus and look into His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

Please read Hebrews 12:1-3.

Waiting for the return of Christ, our blessed hope of the Gospel,

Our Blessed Hope also reminds us that we need to keep the “right frame of mind”.

Come Lord Jesus.

Your brother in Christ, deo

Biblical HOPE Opposes Political Expectations: Do You Believe That? Part 1

We live in a nation, a world, a culture that is governed by sensationalism not substance.

It purports that what is shared is substance; but in truth it is mostly folly.

Strong words, but verifiable when rationally observed.

The Lord has shown me that I cannot teach or share what I do not personally possess.

This has become glaringly apparent in the composition of this post.

Allow me to explain.

When I read headlines, react accordingly to its hype, its hysteria, and do not let the dust settle, and ‘jump’ to a conclusion, I can easily be caught up in what is said to be true and factual, but in essence is not.

How do I know that this is true?

Many times, I have reacted to an immediate headline, interpreted its words, not taking the time to read the accompanying story, and not waiting a day or two, to let the verbal ‘strife’around the story’s content settle.

If I had just waited, and held steady; I would have understood more clearly what may or what may not have truly happened.

I have assumed; and my assumptions have been wrong.

This has been my growing experience over the past decade.

Why?

Because, growing up, I have been an impatient reader.

I have been undisciplined and read hurriedly to get the ‘gist’, but not the substance; and therefore, assuming that I ‘know’, I have had to learn to read slower, stop, and process the essence of the words that I am reading.

This not only applies to headline news but is especially true when reading the Word of God.

I have had to learn to consciously slow down.

Thank you for hearing me out.

Moving on!

The unfortunate reality is that sensational headlines have progressed in their calculated innuendos suggesting an atmosphere of despair, perceived future, discouragement, and/or foreseeable worry.

Many times, there is an obvious element of truth in a headline, but its reality is exaggerated to get the reader’s attention; and then reading the article, having patiently waded through its words, you come to end of the story, only to find out that the reality of the moment is less than the substance of the headline.

Question: What if people only read headlines? only read the first few paragraphs? or did not read the whole article?

Is it possible to be misinformed?

Absolutely.

Is it possible that what the reader thinks is the truth, is in fact, not the complete truth, or an exaggerated truth?

Yes, that can be true.

How do I know?

It has been my personal experience.

We live in a world, governed by words that use such phrases as ‘what if’, ‘may be’, ‘could be’, ‘might be’, or even ‘let me tell you what this really means’.

I believe that we, as a nation, are a nation of P.O.W.s.

What does that mean?

We have become ‘Prisoners Of Words’.

I have observed how this nation has been systematically ‘manipulated’, ‘incarcerated’, and ‘governed’ mentally by those seeking to establish a specific agenda.

The power of this type of verbal reasoning can create an atmosphere of instability in our thinking; a questioning of our intelligence; an undermining of our culture; and an uncertainty for our future as a nation.

Many other nations of the world have their own histories that include what historians call ‘propaganda’ that has restructured their political future.

Has this nation been subjected to a political ‘rhetoric’ that wants to restructure our political future?

I submit that it has; and that this nation has experienced that profoundly in the past decade.

However, the effect of the onslaught of the ‘use of negative wording’ is now being revealed, is more clearly recognized, is being uncovered, disclosed, questioned and challenged.

What has brought about a shift from darkness to light?

God is exposing ‘untruths’.

God is bringing to light what we have been told was ‘truth’, when in reality that which was shrouded in darkness is now being revealed as a manipulation of the ‘truth’ that was being used to persuade us to believe a lie.

Again, strong words, but God is doing this in our nation.

God is not a god of political manipulation.

What we are witnessing is the intervention of the Sovereignty of God, the uncovering of the lies and deceptions that have been ‘spewed out’ upon this nation.

Luke 12:2,3, Amplified Version, speaks of this work of God, His Father.

Jesus said to His followers, “But there is nothing [so carefully] concealed that it will not be revealed, nor hidden that it will not be made known. [Matthew 10:26-33, Mark 4:22] For that reason, whatever you have said in the dark will be revealed in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops.”

{If you are interested, please see the post, The A.A.R.O.W. OF GOD, posted 2024/06/26}

Consider this testimony of Joseph, who was ‘incarcerated’ for many years because of ‘words’ that he had shared with his family.

God had given Joseph dreams and he shared those dreams with his family.

The origin of his dreams was God.

The ‘words’ of his dream were ‘truth’.

But his ‘words’ perpetrated actions against him because his brothers resented what he had shared with the family.

If you are familiar with the complete story of Joseph, then you know that after their father, Jacob died, an incident occurred between Joseph’s brothers and Joseph. It seems that his brothers were afraid of retribution from Joseph, so they had a message ‘told’ to Joseph that their father wanted Joseph to forgive his brothers. Whether this is true or not it is not known for sure; but Joseph showed maturity and integrity. (See Genesis 50:7-21)

“But Joseph said to them (his brothers), Do not be afraid, for I (Joseph) am in the place of God? [Vengeance is His, not mine.] As for you (his brothers), you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present outcome (the fulfillment of what God had showed him) that many people would be kept alive [as they are this day]. ” Genesis 50:19,20 Amplified Version, (inserts in ( ) are mine)

Why am I sharing this incident from the life of Joseph?

To show the overriding principle of the Sovereignty and Providence of God in a person’s life and/or even a nation’s ‘life’.

There are forces of opposition that desire to malign and disrupt what God has purposed; but our God uses those times of opposition for our good. (Romans 8:28)

Who is the opposition? (See John 10)

In the ‘wording’ of the headlines, the ‘rhetoric’ used is to awaken doubts; to present possible peril; to question authority; to advocate deceptions; to speak half-truths; to make false accusations; to bring someone into ‘harms’* way; and to prepare the way to present untruths. (* i.e. Joseph)

Why?

So that a ‘false idea’ against an individual person; against a governing policy; or against a specific political party’s position may be ‘planted’ in the soil of the mindset of this nation.

This ‘false idea’ then becomes the central topic that is in opposition to the ‘opinion’ or ‘belief’ that is going to be articulated in next syndicated column; the major ‘go to’ topic on the evening news; or the ‘spin cycle topic ‘ on the political talk shows.

This is not new journalism.

Deception and false accusations in journalism are historically factual.

{If you Google the topic of journalism, you will find a plethora of information regarding historical journalism.}

In the past ten years this nation has experienced an implosion of false journalism.

This has been a natural result of our ability to disseminate information more easily and repetitively through technology.

As a nation we have been exposed to ‘verbal supposition’ and ‘false accusations’ relentlessly for the past decade.

This didn’t begin ten years ago; but it has certainly accelerated in the past decade.

Therefore,

I ask you, what type of reaction do you personally experience when you focus on the sensational headlines that you are exposed to daily?

How do you respond to those who are seeking to gain your attention?

To those who want your readership?

To those who want to control your thought process?

To those who seek to excite your emotions?

Does this type of rhetoric disturb you?

Do their words bring peace?

Or do their words bring angst, anxiety, anguish, or a an promote arrogance that results in chaos, confusion, corruption, and/or consternation that manifests itself in a rebellious unloving attitude within you that brings anger; or that may even promote a spirit of lawlessness?

Strong words.

But it has been my observation that what is being observed and heard in our nation is the result of the ‘seeds’ of ‘negative rhetoric’ that have been planted, faithfully watered through daily repetition, and is now bearing ‘fruit’.

Q: But what kind of fruit?

{Jesus told a parable in Matthew 13:36-43, in which He identifies Satan as the sower of ‘bad seeds’.}

The ‘fruit’ of the ‘negative seeds’ are ‘weeds’ that have blossomed and are now being seen as they really are, false information.

Since the last election, the soil of our nation is being plowed; the old crops are being removed; and new ‘seeds’ are being planted.

This has brought delight to some; and consternation to others.

Some say, the new ‘seeds’ will yield a ‘positive crop’; others contend that the new ‘seeds’ will yield a ‘negative crop’.

Such is the ‘divided opinion’ of our nation.

The scripture says that you will “know a tree by its fruit” (Matthew 7:15-20)

Q: Why does Biblical Hope Oppose Political Expectation?

A. Because Biblical Hope opposes the work of Satan, God’s adversary, our enemy.

So,

Q: Where does the influence, the ‘seeds of negativity’ originate?

A: The answer is found succinctly in James 3:13-18.

Our issue is greater than most people may understand.

The difference between ‘above’ and ‘below’ as described in James is the result of what took place in eternity before the creation of the world.

Q: What happened?

In eternity past, before the creation of the world, in the presence of God, Lucifer(Satan) determined (decided to personally choose) he wanted to be greater than God. (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:15-17) (inserts mine)

That was the beginning of the conflict over authority.

Q: So, who is in authority in the universe?

A: God, Himself, the One True God.

Since Lucifer’s(Satan) declaration choosing to be greater than God and refusing to maintain his position of submission to God, his decision unleashed the continual struggle of wrestling with the claim of who is in charge?

Lucifer came out from under God’s authority, and said ‘I will ‘ be the authority over God Himself.

The Word of God is very explicit regarding the relationship between those ‘in’ authority and those ‘under’ authority.

Why?

Because it mirrors the willful transgression between God and Lucifer.

Fact: God never abuses His authority.

It is impossible.

However, those under His authority can choose to rebel, to sin, and misuse their position of ‘governance’ by abusing their use of authority.

The love, grace, and mercy of God brought to an end to the abuse of authority by the Person of Jesus Christ, who perfectly obeyed His Father, perfectly kept the Law, and never sinned. (Romans 5)

It was Jesus’ death on the cross that conquered Satan’s willful desire to subterfuge God’s authority.

Jesus did what Adam failed to do.

Adam came out from under God’s authority, when he disobeyed God, and became an authority unto himself. (Romans 5)

Jesus, did not come out from under His Father authority. He did not disobey His Father. Jesus did not become an authority unto Himself. (Matthew 4:1-11; Phiippians 2:5-11; Romans 5)

Jesus’ death on the cross, His burial, and His resurrection validates His victory over death; and His complete victory over Satan’s rebellion against God’s authority. (I Corinthians 15:55-58; Hebrew 2:14-15; 1 John 5:4, 19; Colossians 2:15)

Jesus’ death on the cross was much more than that because Jesus is the ‘Lamb of God’ who took away the sin of the world.(John 1:29)

All praise be to God, the One and Only, True God.

It is interesting that as I am sharing about the negative effects of headline news; the following headline was posted on CBN, the Christian Broadcast Network on 5/5/2025.

CBN was reporting the results of the Kentucky Derby held on 5/4/2025.

The horse that won the race was named, ‘Sovereignty’; the horse that finished second was named ‘Journalism’.

The headline read as follows: ” ‘Sovereignty’ Greater Than ‘Journalism’ at Kentucky Downs: ‘A Heavenly Sent Headline?’ “

Whether or not it was a heavenly sent headline, it certainly speaks truth.

God’s ‘Sovereignty’ is greater than ‘Journalism’ headline news.

Q: Do you believe that?

The title of this post says Biblical HOPE Opposes Political Expectation.

Do you believe that?

It’s the headline news for this post!

Q: In ‘what’ are people putting their hope when they express themselves?

Q: What are individuals ‘looking for’ to be the ‘effect’ of their ‘hostile written words’ and/or their ‘demonstrations’, where they stand, shout, and clamor for their truth to be heard?

These reactions, engendered by humanity, are not unfamiliar to the history of mankind.

History is replete with individuals who have used a ‘writing instrument’ to communicate the ‘truth’ of their personal story, sharing it on a public platform.

There is nothing wrong with that.

Humanity, throughout history, has gathered itself together, for the express purpose to make a noticeable demonstration; drawing attention their grievances; making them ‘known’ by rising up against an oppression they envision oppressing their lives.

This is human nature reacting to their vicissitudes experienced in everyday life.

These reactions are an individual’s way of ‘explaining’ the futility of what they are experiencing; the injustices of they perceive to be true; the utter despair of their moment; and/or their apparent loss of hope.

I am not saying these experiences are not real.

Proverbs 13:12 tells us “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when desire is fulfilled, it is the tree of life.” (Amplified Version) (emphasis mine)

For many people, loss of hope is desperately real.

It is even fearful.

That does not make them wrong, but….

Q: Can a person or a populace be so overwhelmed with a loss of hope that they succumb to being ‘governed’; ‘taken advantage of’ by a person; a mindset; or an authority that presents a solution to their ‘hopelessness’?

The answer to this is YES!

It absolutely can happen; and it has.

History is full of individuals who have risen up to relieve the anxieties of ‘hopelessness’ for a people group, or for a whole nation.

Q: What names come to mind?

Some individuals have overtly taken power over a period of time; some have taken power by revolt; some have rallied people to align with them and overthrow those in power who are the oppressors.

This is validated throughout the annuals of the history of mankind.

We do not have to look back into historical antiquity for such examples; we can begin at 1900 and think forward.

Q: What have you witnessed in your own lifetime?

Such has been the bravado of this nation’s political agenda especially during the past decade.

Why?

Our headline news has centered upon one man.

That, one man, Donald Trump, came onto the political scene; his presence has caused disruption in our nation; our political process; our political posturing; and our political rhetoric.

What began as a political ‘crevice’ in 2015, has grown into a political ‘chasm’ in 2025.

In January of 2017, after Mr. Trump’s election to be President in 2016, I saw on a television news program a young lady holding a cardboard sign.

On her placard were two words-“be ungoverned”.

That sign disturbed me.

Does it disturb you?

Those two words gave me impetus to write.

It has resulted in composing posts about the concerns I have for our nation; and specifically to encourage the Church regarding their relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ in times of unrest.

This was fueled by the two words, “be ungoverned”.

The young lady’s two words are emblematic of declaring, ‘I will not be governed by President Trump’..

Q: Has the nation benefited from the ‘political expectations’ of those who are opposed to Donald Trump?

Q: Will this nation benefit from the ‘political expectations’ proposed by President Trump?

The answer to those questions is at the heart for the soul of our nation.

The position of ‘political expectations’ and their derived benefits has exponentially grown in our nation in the past decade.

Many people are saying all is hopeless?

Others contend there is hope.

It depends upon what you are focused.

I contend that Biblical HOPE Opposes Political Expectations.

Do you believe that?

Our nation, our populace, our political governance, in the eyes of many people is fractured beyond repair.

There is no doubt that one man’s presence on the political scene has resulted in the unleashing of vile rhetoric that has permeated this nation’s media; this nation’s opinion; this nation’s conscience; and this nation’s thought process.

All of this has resulted in galvanizing our nation into at least two political pockets of voters; one, characterized as ‘never Trumpers’ and the other as ‘MAGA Republicans’.

We know these two groups exist.

They are often referred to in our nation’s news.

However, there are many other individuals that do not identify with either group.

They are neither ‘anti-Trump’ nor are they ‘MAGA’ Republicans.

I will let you define yourself.

The populace of this nation lies between these following two extremes, a) those labeled ‘far left liberals’ and b) those labeled ‘far right conservatives’.

The ‘in-between-ers’ (my word) are the ones most affected by the daily political headlines and the strong political voices that espouse both ends of the political spectrum.

Q: What is your personal position?

Q: In ‘what’ do you hope?

Q: In ‘whom’ do you hope?

Q: On ‘what’ do you focus?

Q: On ‘whom’ do you focus?

Political analysts are constantly taking polls; searching out the political pulse of our nation; seeking for a meaningful understanding; trying to gauge the political heartbeat of our nation, providing us with information that may comfort us as a nation; or, as it is possible with any information, supplying us with information that may not comfort us at all.

The realization is that when real truth is provided, it comforts some, and disturbs others.

Some will be delighted ; others will be in despair.

I am guilty of finding fault with those in this nation that have authority over me.

I am guilty of verbally criticizing a President of the United States when his conduct was initially revealed in the headlines, and then conscientiously reported repeatedly to the people of this nation with headlines confirming or denying his conduct.

I can not longer do that.

Why?

Because, the Lord chastised me regarding my behavior.

I was not bashful about verbalizing the inappropriate conduct of President Clinton regarding his personal life in the White House.

The Lord was not pleased with me, nor my words.

I was not walking upright before the Lord in godliness and integrity.

My words, right or wrong regarding President Clinton, in the ‘eyes’ of the Lord , were ‘couched ‘ in a perceived righteous criticism.

This does not mean that, with respect to those in authority over me, I must approve of their behavior; be in agreement with their governing policies; or tolerant of their chosen lifestyle.

I have had to hold my ‘tongue’ about subsequent Presidents after President Clinton.

This means I need to set a guard over my mouth. (Psalms 141:3)

God’s Word instructs us in I Timothy 2:1-4 (Amplified Version), “FIRST OF all, then, I urge that petition [specific requests], prayers, intercessions [prayers for others] and thanksgiving be offered on behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in [positions of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth.” (emphasis mine)

Re-read this verse and ask yourself, what is the result of obediently praying such prayers?

Q: What is God’s desire to happen when this prayer is obediently followed?

Q: Are we living, in a nation, where there is a peaceful and quiet lifestyle in all godliness and dignity?

Could you believe that an individual who obediently prays for those in authority can personally experience “peace and quiet in all godliness and dignity” in their own life?

I believe that is possible.

The Lord made me understand, ‘stop bad mouthing’ the President.

Q: Do you ‘bad mouth’ the President?

Q: Do you ‘bad mouth’ anyone in authority over you?

( I recommend that you read Acts 22:30-23:5. Why? To read about an incident in the life of the Apostle Paul.)

Q: How do you speak about others that have authority over you and are not elected officials?

I have learned that this not only applies in public; but also applies how I talk about those ‘in authority’ over me in private.

Q: What is the conversation like around the office ‘water cooler’?

And yes, I have been disobedient in the private sector and have needed to ask for forgiveness.

It occurs to me that someone that is strongly opposed to President Trump, may have not read this far in the post and may have interrupted their reading at an earlier place.

Let me hypothesize,

They have chosen ‘to grasp’ an earlier comment I made about those who seize control over a nation, politicize their agenda, take action by taking over, and wrongfully exercise their authority.

In essence they would say: ‘this is exactly what I have been telling you all along about Trump’; ‘wake up’; ‘take off your blinders’; ‘get your head out of the sand’; agree with me and all the others who see Trump as the very type of leader you have just described.

Yes, that may happen; but I can’t go there.

Why?

I cannot jump onto a verbal bandwagon lambasting President Trump.

That is the very thing the Lord corrected me about regarding President Clinton.

The entirety of the Word of God is very explicit about the relationship between those ‘in authority’ and those ‘under authority’.

Our world is floundering for truth.

Do you remember Pilate’s question to Jesus? “What is truth?”

However, like Pilate, who represented the ‘governing world’, refused to turn to the One who is the Truth.

When the moment for decision came, he ‘washed his hands of the whole issue’. (Matthew 27:24)

In Jesus’ dialogue with Pilate, He told him, that positionally, you “would have no authority over Me at all if it had not been to you from above.” (John 19:11, Amplified Version; see also Romans 13:1-5)

Truth is a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6)

Our nation is fighting verbally over what is ‘truth’ regarding the governance of our nation by those in authority over us.

In doing so, they are at odds with the Word of God, and the Sovereignty of God.

That is foolishness.

Christians are divided as to how to respond to the injustices that they perceive need to be addressed in our nation.

Please understand I am not ignoring the injustices in our nation.

I am reflecting upon setting one’s hope on the political process to remedy all the injustices in our nation..

I am not enumerating those needs in this post.

But…

Christians have taken sides on how to ‘attack’ the governance of our nation.

Q: When you attack ‘governance’, are you unwittingly attacking ‘authority’?

We must be extremely wise in how we handle the injustices in our nation; that is why we must pray for those in authority over us.

*If there is division in the Christian community, then what is the source of that division?

Upon whom do the Christians need to focus to find the wisdom needed when seeking to bring hope to individuals who are suffering from hopelessness?

*Unfortunately, the Christian community has centered its attention upon the wrong person.

It is fighting over the truthfulness of those in authority over us in government, our elected officials; and not focusing on the One who is Truth, to Whom all authority has been given.

*It is fighting over the authority of God’s Word governing our lives as believers.

This ‘infighting’ is affecting the witness of the Truth of God’s Word in our nation and throughout the world.

The’ truth’ is that you cannot separate God’s Word into two different political ideologies.

One that you approve; or one that you oppose.

Why?

The Person of Jesus Christ is not divided into two political parties.

You cannot say I approve this passage of scripture; or say I oppose this passage of scripture.

God’s Word is absolute truth.

This reminds me of Joshua’s encounter with an individual, as he was pondering how to proceed regarding the city of Jericho.

Joshua sees an individual in his presence with his sword in his hand.

Joshua asks, are you for us or against us?

The person answers, ‘neither, I am in charge!’ (paraphrase of Pastor Robert Goree) {Joshua 5:13-15}

Jesus is the Word of God. (John 1:1-5;)

Selah.

Q: How many Presidents have you witnessed being maligned regarding their truthfulness?

It’s historical.

My hope for the future of this nation is not focused upon our President and his governance.

Am I praying for his ability to do what is right before the Lord?

Am I concerned about how the elected officials govern?

Absolutely

That is why I pray for those in authority over this nation.

My hope is focused upon the Lord Jesus Christ, and His authority over all the nations, which includes this nation, whoever is President.

Regarding the community of Christians wrestling over how to ‘fight’ the injustices in our nation?

God will not allow His Name, nor His Word to be misrepresented or maligned.

God will hold His people responsible for the abuse of His Word; and will hold His people responsible for their response to those in authority over them.

God has always held His people accountable for their response to Him and to His Word.

That is the historical record of the nation of Israel found in the Old Testament and in the New Testament scriptures, written for our instruction.

God has not changed.

His people will be held responsible for their lifestyle according to the Word of God in the place where they live.

The importance of ‘not speaking wrongfully’ about those in authority over you is taught throughout the entire Bible.

Remember, God will also hold those in authority accountable for how they use their governing authority.

Is there a time when the Christian community takes its stand against the governing ‘authority’ and says NO! ?

Yes.

We witnessed that in the lives of church congregations during COVID, that said “NO!” to what their governing authorities told them to do, because of their conviction regarding the relationship between those ‘in authority’ and those ‘under authority’ as they understood the Word of God.

I recommend that you read Francis Schaeffer’s ‘Christian Manifesto’ that addresses this type of situation, and other Biblical issues facing the Christian community. (Also see, Acts 4:13-31)

Romans 15:14, Amplified Version says, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.” (emphasis mine) [see Romans 15:1-33 for the complete context]

After Jesus’ resurrection, He said to His disciples, “All authority(all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” (Matthew 28:18 Amplified Version)

Do you believe that?

Do you believe that?

Do you really believe that?

He rules and reigns over all the nations of the earth.

He governs everything in the heavens and on the earth, according to His will and purpose, and that includes our nation and its administration.

We are told to pray for all those in authority over us.

Our President and his administration are included in that ‘all’.

They are responsible to the Lord.

We, as believers in Jesus Christ, are responsible to pray for them; and not negatively, verbally criticize them.

If the administration of this nation goes beyond its governing boundaries, the Lord, Himself, will do what is necessary, in His perfect timing, to judge, and to correct the administration’s wrong doing.

Do you believe that?

How then, are we, as followers of Jesus Christ to live, each day, of our lives, in this nation?

We are to be in the world, but not part of the world.

What does that mean?

The answer to that question is found in Jesus’ prayer to His Father prior to His betrayal and arrest.

Please read John 17:1-26.

What the Lord prayed is what He told His disciples to expect; He told them (us,too) how to live and conduct ourselves; and what the Word of God would be doing in their (our) lives as daily followers of Him. (inserts mine)

I am first a citizen of the Kingdom of God, governed by the Kingship of Jesus Christ, then I am a citizen of this nation.

Do not reverse the order; it will bring confusion.

I am a member of the Body of Christ, governed by the Holy Spirit, who guides and directs the Body of Christ according to the Word of God, in alignment with the Head of the Body, who is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Living by the Word of God will fulfill your personal responsibility as a citizen of this nation; in fact, it will enhance it.

Do you believe that?

God is seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:7-26)

How?

Hebrew 11:1,6, Amplified Version, “NOW FAITH is the assurance(title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for(divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality-faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]….But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.” (emphasis mine)

Therefore, I take my stand, with the Lord, in the truth of His Word, knowing “….[with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” (Romans 8:28, Amplified Version)

This statement is about us as believers in Christ and as citizens of this nation.

Do you believe that?

So, where do you focus your hope?

in a man?

in a political system?

in the wisdom of this world?

or do you focus on the Person, the Lord Jesus Christ?

See Galatians 2:20

As a brother in Christ, I encourage you to focus on the Lord; to obey His Word and pray for those in authority over you; praying for all in authority, not just for President Trump and his administration;, but also for the elected officials in your state; and for the elected city officials wherever you live.

I confess my need to obediently pray for ‘all’ those in authority over me, as I am encouraging you to do.

It is possible that you are not living in the United States; however, you are reading this post; I encourage you to pray for the appropriate leaders in your nation and the local area in which you live.

I also want to encourage you to stop any negative verbal criticism that you may be engaged in regarding those in authority over you, wherever you are living.

When you see or hear something, written or spoken, against an authority, don’t engage in it.

Take it to the Lord; let Him deal with it; and ask Him for wisdom regarding how to respond to it.

Ask yourself this question, What does the Word of God say regarding the situation I am confronted with?

Word of warning: The enemy of our souls wants to tell you that it’s not wrong to engage in speaking negatively about those in authority over you.

The ‘adversary’ of your soul, Satan, wants to make you ‘adversarial’ to those in ‘authority’ over you.

That is what took place in the Garden of Eden.

Adam became ‘adversarial’ against God’s ‘authority’.

The world stands as an ‘adversary’ to God’s authority’.

Do not allow yourself to be entrapped into such a position.

I have fallen prey to this.

I have rationalized that I can handle it.

Guess what?

I couldn’t.

We need the Holy Spirit to guide us, direct us, and make us aware of the tactics of our adversary, Satan, who is the “accuser of the brethren”. (Revelation 12:10)

Satan is relentless, “seeking whom he may devour”. (1 Peter 5:8)

The wisdom of the world sounds rational; but it is foolishness in the sight of God.

Read Psalm 2 to understand how God responds to the foolishness of humanity’s thoughts against Him.

Remember Ephesians 6:10-18. (I encourage you to read this passage.)

{Please note the number of times the word ‘stand’ is used; and understand that “flesh and blood” (humanity) is not our enemy; our struggle is against rulers, powers, world forces of darkness, and spiritual sickness in the heavenly places.}

These are the very principalities, rulers, power, and the evil spiritual forces that Jesus defeated on the Cross, when He died, was buried, resurrected, ascended, and now sits at the right hand of His Father in heaven.

Christ’s death on the Cross is why all authority has been given unto Him.

What was abdicated by Adam and handed over to Satan has been taken back by Christ.

Colossians 2:15, Amplified Version, At the Cross, He, “…disarmed the rulers and authorities [those supernatural forces of evil operating against us], He made a public example of them [exhibiting them as captives in His triumphal procession], having triumphed ever them through the cross.”

I have said that Biblical Hope Opposes Political Expectation.

I hope that you believe that.

The Hebrew word for hope is Tikvah.

Word Wealth, Spirit Filled Life Bible, NKJV, pg 1260. hope, tiqvah (teek-vah); Strong’s #8615: Hope; expectation; something yearned for and anticipated eagerly; something for which one waits. Tiqvah comes from the verb qavah, meaning “to wait for” or “to look hopefully” in a particular direction.” (emphasis mine)

Psalm 62:5, Amplified Version,

“For God alone my soul waits in silence and quietly submits to Him, for my hope is from Him.”

Q: From whom does the psalmist’s hope come from?

A. From God alone.

Q: do you know the chorus, “my hope is in You, Lord, my strength is in You, Lord…it’s in You, it’s in You…..

I encourage you to reflect upon these words.

This is why Biblical HOPE Opposes Political Expectations.

There is so much ‘unprecedented unrest’ in our world.

In the midst of our uncertainty, however, we can rest and find refuge in God alone, for our “hope is from Him”.

Psalm 33:20-22 Amplified Version reads, “We wait[expectantly] for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For in Him our heart rejoices, because we trust [lean on, rely on, and are confident] in His holy name. Let Your [steadfast] lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us, In proportion as we have hoped in You*.” (*placed our confidence) (emphasis mine)

Our God and Father is a God of hope.

The Church, the Body of Christ is responsible to bring God’s message of hope to a lost and dying world; and believers are to be disciples of the Lord that manifest God’s hope to those who are living in hopelessness.

Q: If the Lord wrote a letter to His Church today, similar to the ones He had written to the seven churches of Asia Minor in The Revelation, I wonder what He would say to the Church ? (See Eric Metaxas, “Letter to the American Church)

I wonder if Christ’s Words would include a correction course regarding hope?

Waiting for God alone…

Psalm 62:1,2 “FOR GOD alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. He Alone is my rock and my salvation, my defense and my strong tower; I will not be shaken or disheartened. (Amplified Version)

How do you live each day of your life?

Jesus said, Matthew 16:24 Amplified Version, “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me[as My disciple], he must deny himself[set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross[expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me[believing in Me, conforming to My example in living, and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me.]

Do you believe that?

If you do, then the ‘self’ in you, your “I” needs to be daily denied; you need to pick up your cross; and follow Him, learning to live by the ‘way of the cross’.

If you believe that, are you ready to live it?

If you are ready to live it, then the Lord will give opportunity to bring hope to individuals that He brings into your everyday life.

You can count on it.

Let me assure you, your heavenly Father is totally committed to you to become a mature son/daughter.

He loves you and is completely committed to you.

What is the other side of the ‘coin’ regarding Biblical HOPE?

By FAITH Biblical Hope Obediently Pursues Eternity (Hebrews 11:1,6)

How? by F.A.I.T.H. – Following Adonai Implies Trusting Him

“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name…..”

Following Jesus, My Lord, in truth, looking forward in hope.

blessings deo

TBC

CHRIST, ON THE C.R.O.S.S.

ON THE C.R.O.S.S. – Christ Ransomed Our Sinful State

Acronyms help sometimes put things into perspective and allow us to remember things in an easier way.

ON THE C.R.O.S.S. – Christ Redemption Overcame Satan’s Scheme

The scene at the top of the hill, called Calvary, was not pleasant.

In fact ‘pleasant’ is a mild word trying to envision a picture depicting the exact opposite.

The prophet Isaiah gives us an understanding of the moment.

Isaiah 52:13-15, The Amplified Version, “Indeed My Servant (the Messiah) will act wisely and proper; He will be raised up and lifted up and greatly exalted. Just as many were astonished and appalled at you, My people, So His appearance was marred more than any man And His form [marred] more than the sons of men. So He will sprinkle many nations [with His blood, providing salvation], Kings will shut their mouths because of Him; For what they had not been told they will see, and what they had not heard they will understand.[Romans 15:21]

“The Hebrew word for “marred” or “deformed” is mishchat. It often refers to disfigurement or damage to appearance or quality. In Isaiah 52:14, it is used to describe a marred or disfigured appearance. (AI overview, Google)

Strong’s Concordance, Hebrew, #4893, mishchat, means ‘disfigurement’ (King James Bible Dictionary)

Can you visualize, the horrific scene, that describes a mutilated body.

As I was musing about this post, the words to a song came to mind.

“There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God, a place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God.

O, Jesus, blest redeemer, sent from the heart of God, hold us who wait before thee, near to the heart of God.

These words speak solace (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness); peace (Strong’s #7965, shalom; completeness, wholeness, peace, health, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, rest, harmony; the absence of agitation or discord); repose (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, eternal or heavenly rest); and safety (Hebrew, betach, trust, confidence, security).

The crucifixion of Christ-On The Cross was not a “place of quiet rest near to the heart of God”.

It was a place of anguish.

It was a place of ultimate horrific despair.

This is Jesus, nailed to a cross, where, just before saying, “It is finished”, He had cried out to God, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? (Mark 15:35, KJV)

Jesus was experiencing a total separation, as the Son of Man, from God.

The full weight and measure of humanity’s sinfulness crushed (Isaiah 53) Him, as He hung nailed On The Cross.

By one offering for sin (Hebrews 10), the perfect Lamb of God, Jesus, “who knew no sin, became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God.”(2 Corinthians 5:21)

John the Baptist had declared, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29, ESV)

The Son of God did not come into this world, created by Him, out of compulsion.

He came according to the will and purpose of His Father.

On The Cross is not just an event in human history.

It is the epicenter of God’s will and purpose to redeem mankind from its sinful state, and set us free from Satan’s power and dominion, and cause death to die.(Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 John 3:8; Matthew 4:1-11)

On The Cross is the convergence of God’s justice and love, judgment and grace, His wrath judicially satisfied and His mercy unleashed.

The final cry of Christ, “It is finished”, is not out of despair; but is one of culmination in which He realizes He has completed completely what God, His Father wanted accomplished.

Because “It is finished”, mankind can now be set free from the bondage of sin.(Romans 8:1-4)

Because “It is finished”, mankind can become a new creation in Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The cross is the pinnacle of ultimate separation of mankind from his Creator, God; and at the same time, the place of God redeeming love that paid the judicial ransom for sin completely by God, Himself, who was in Christ Jesus, reconciling the world unto Himself.

God, Himself, experienced that separation, so that we, whom He loves, does not have to incur that eternal separation; but can live eternally in His Presence. It is God, the Father’s love and grace manifested at the Cross that makes it possible for us to be part of the family of God for eternity. (2 Corinthians 17-19)

The cross is the place where, G.R.A.C.E. – God’s Redemptive Activity Changes Everything.

It is the place where, “By grace you have been saved by faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8,9, NKJV)

In God’s foreknowledge, in God’s heart, in God’s will, before the creation of the world, God the Father, chose you because He loved you and He wanted you to be part of His eternal family.

He desires you to be conformed to the image of His Son, Christ Jesus.

That conformity is a blessing.

It is our blessed hope. (Titus 2:11-15)

What God, the Father, proposes; Satan opposes.

Satan’s opposition resulted in disorder and disobedience to be introduced into God’s creation of order and obedience, because of man’s sin.

The Son of God, who came as the Son of Man in a body, was nailed to the cross.

As the Son of Man, He died to break the bondage of ‘disorder and disobedience’ by His complete ‘obedience’ and ‘orderly’ life lived before His Father to please Him.

In order for me, for you, for anyone, to ‘be near to the heart of God’, as stated at in the song at the beginning of the post; it required that the Son of God ‘leave the nearness of His Father’s heart’; come into this world, and experience the total annihilation of being separated ‘from the nearness of the heart of God’ as a human because of his/her personal sin.

Because He chose to leave ‘the nearness of the heart of God’ as the Son of God, and experience being completely separated from ‘being near of the heart of God’ as a Man; His death, burial, and resurrection, and ascension not only restored Him back to ‘the nearness of the His Father’s heart’ that He laid aside (Philippians 2:5-8) ; but He made the way for us to experience ‘being near to the heart of God’, too; just like Himself.

That ‘way’ was made On The Cross.

The text of the song, Near To The Heart of God, by Cleland Boyd McAfee (1901) was composed shortly “after the concurrent deaths of his two young nieces, caused by diphtheria.”

The text of the song is as follows:

1.There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God, a place where sin can not molest, near to the heart of God.

Refrain:

O, Jesus, blest redeemer, sent from the heart of God, hold us, who wait before Thee, near to the heart of God.

2. There is a place of comfort sweet, near to the heart of God, a place where we our Savior meet, near to the heart of God.

[Refrain]

3.There is a place of full release, near to the heart of God, a place where all is joy and peace, near to the heart of God.

[Refrain]

If there had been no perfect Lamb of God offered for the sin of the world, then justice would not have been served to satisfy the wrath of a Holy God against sin.

The incredible truth is, to realize that God, Himself, who is Absolute Holiness, took upon Himself, the task to appease His own wrath, and to secure salvation for His own created mankind that had willfully sinned against Him.

There is one verse of scripture that epitomizes this realization.

This is only imperative explanation.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

1 John 3:16 (The Amplified Version) says of this Divine Love, “By this we know [and have come to understand the depth and essence of His precious] love; that He [willingly] laid down His life for us, [because He loved us]. ….”

Christ died, was buried, and three days later was raised from the dead.

Christ lives.

He is Risen.

You, too, can live; call upon His name, and be saved.

a sinner saved by grace, deo

At The Cross, At The Cross…

A man was nailed to a cross between two other men on a hill called Golgotha, which is also known as Calvary.

That man was Jesus.

His death on the cross was His Father’s intended result for His Son who had been born of an earthly woman, named Mary, who was a virgin. (Galatians 4:4,5)

His birth began, no doubt, with a cry of ‘the breath of life’; and His death ended in a cry of anguish with the words “It is finished”. (John 19:30)

God in human flesh.

Who could of known?

Actually, it was no secret.

It is called the Incarnation of Christ.

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by [the power of] the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her [promised] husband, being a just and righteous man and not wanting to expose her publically to shame, planned to send her away and divorce her privately. But after he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus [The Lord is salvation], for He will save His people from their sins.” All this happened in order to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet [Isaiah]: “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND GIVE BIRTH TO A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL” — which translated , means, “GOD WITH US” [Is. 7:14] .” (Matthew 1:18-23,The Amplified Version)

The entirety of the Word of God is about Jesus Christ, Who is the Word of God. (John 1:1-5)

In the above passage in Matthew, the words, “…she was found to be with child by [the power of] the Holy Spirit” are the words that explain the miracle of the Incarnation.

Consider this passage found in Philippians 2:3. The Apostle Paul is encouraging the believers in Philippi to “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.” (The Amplified Version)

To whom does the Apostle point the believers?

Christ.

“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility], who, although He existed in the form and unchanging essence of God [as One with Him, possessing, the fullness of all the divine attributes-the entire nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped or asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid of losing it]; but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely human (*Incarnation) but was without sin, being fully God and fully man] (*Son of God/Son of Man). After He was found in [terms of His] outward appearance as a man[for a divinely-appointed time], He humbled Himself [still further] by being obedient [to the Father] to the point of death, even death on the cross. For this reason also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW [in submission], of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [Isaiah 45:23] and that every tongue will confess and openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (sovereign God), to the glory of God the Father.” {Philippians 2:4-11, The Amplified Version} (*inserts mine)

AT THE CROSS, AT THE CROSS…

The Man, Christ Jesus, hangs there, nailed to a cross.

The fulfillment of the words that you just read.

The Apostle Matthew writing about Jesus, on the cross, says, in Matthew 27:45-51, The Amplified Version:

“Now from the sixth hour (noon) there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour (3:00 p.m.); [Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-49] About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud [agonized] voice, “ELI, ELI, LAMA SABCHTHANI?” this is, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME? [Psalm 22:1] When the bystanders there heard it, they began saying, “This man is calling for Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran, and took a sponge, soaked it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink. [Psalm 69:21; Mark 15:36f; Luke 23:36; John 19:29,30] But the rest said, “Let us see whether Elijah will come to save Him [from death].” And Jesus cried out again with a loud [agonized] voice, and gave up His spirit [voluntarily, sovereignly dismissing and releasing His spirit from His body in submission to His Father’s plan. [John 10:18]”

John 10:17-18 (The Amplified Version), “For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My [own] life so that I may take it back. No one takes it away from Me, but I lay it down voluntarily. I am authorized and have power to lay it down and to give it up, and I am authorized and have power to take it back. This command I have received from My Father.”

His words caused a division among the Jews that heard what He said.

His words still cause division among many people who hear His words.

John 10:20-21 (The Amplified Version), “Many of them said, “He has a demon and He is mad[insane-He raves and rambles]. Why listen to Him?” Others were saying, “These are not the words and thoughts of one possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

Q: What do you believe regarding the person of Jesus?

Q: Who is this person nailed on a cross?

Q: Is He truly the Son of God who took on human flesh for the specific purpose of dying on a cross?

Q: Why did He need to come and take on human flesh to die on the cross?

A: “Because God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17, NKJV)

Q: Saved from what?

A. God’s wrath of judgment against sin.

Romans 1:18-19, (The Amplified Version), “For [God does not overlook sin and] the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who in their wickedness suppress and stifle the truth, because that which is known about God is evident with them [in their inner consciousness], for God made it evident to them.” (emphasis mine)

Romans 3:21-26, (The Amplified Version), “But now the righteousness of God has been clearly revealed [independently and completely] apart from the Law , though it is [actually] confirmed by the Law and the [words and writings of the] Prophets. This righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] (*all humanity) who believe[and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction,[I Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:28] since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, and are being justified[declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious, undeserved] grace, through the redemption[the payment for our sin] which is [provided] in Christ Jesus, whom God displayed publicly [before the eyes of the world] (*AT THE CROSS, AT THE CROSS) as a [life giving] sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation (propitiation) by His blood[to be received] through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness[which demands punishment for sin], because in His forbearance [His deliberate restraint] He passed over the sins previously committed [before Jesus’ crucifixion]. It was to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the One who justifies those who have faith in Jesus[and rely confidently on Him as Savior].” {emphasis mine} (*insert mine)

Here is something we must all understand.

Heaven and hell are real destination places. Heaven is the destination for those that accept Christ as their personal Savior. Hell is the destination for those who do not accept Christ as their personal Savior. (Matthew 25:31-46)

Tough words but true.

The Word of God has made it abundantly clear that there is nothing that an individual human being can do of his/her own merit that is acceptable to God because God is Holy. Each human being has a sin nature. Therefore, it is impossible for them to do anything to satisfy the righteousness of God that would appease His wrath against sin. He is Absolute Holiness.

What can be done to rectify this impossible situation?

God did it.

How?

2 Corinthians 5:21, The Amplified Bible, “He (*God) made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him (*Jesus) we would become the righteousness of God[that is, we would be made acceptable to Him (*God) and placed in a right relationship with Him (*God) by His (*God’s) gracious lovingkindness.”

This was done AT THE CROSS, AT THE CROSS….

God in His grace and mercy, demonstrated His love for all humanity, “that is, God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them [but canceling them]. And He has committed the message of reconciliation[that is , restoration to favor with God]. (2 Corinthians 5:19, The Amplified Version)

Ephesians 2:8-9, The Amplified Version, reminds us, “For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved[actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not the result of [your] works [nor your attempt to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].”

The Bible says, Romans 10:13, (The Amplified Version), “For WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD [in prayer] WILL BE SAVED.” [Joel 2:32]

A personal note: I am not criticizing the above verse; however, I would like to comment on the inserted words [in prayer]. I am confident that many people have cried out to God to be saved simply by asking Him to save them; and there was no formal prayer like you may be envisioning. The important thing is to say something–Lord, I need you, please save me; or it may be longer–I believe You are the Son of God, that you died on a cross for me, Your blood was shed for me, please forgive my sin, thank you for saving me. You may not even say all those words. Consider the thief hanging on a cross next to Jesus. He simply asked the Lord to “remember me when You come into His kingdom!” The Lord ‘sees’ the desire of your heart; He hears the words of your mouth; and He knows the truth of your sincerity. “Jesus said to him, Today, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-32, The Amplified Bible)

Act 4:12 (The Amplified Version), “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved[for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].

That name is Jesus.

Why must Jesus take on human flesh?

Let me share what I believe to be a very significant reason.

Romans 5, the Apostle Paul, clearly shows us two men; the first man Adam; the second man, Christ.

Sin came into the world through one man’s disobedience, Adam.

Through the obedience of one man, Jesus Christ, the results of Adams’s disobedience was completely annulled.

This is what is clearly explained in Romans 5.

I encourage you to read the entire chapter.

Adam sinned in a body, human flesh.

Christ obeyed in a body, human flesh.

What was brought into God’s creation through disobedience in a body; needed to be dealt with by obedience in a body.

That is how God planned for it to be dealt with.

The writer to the Hebrew Christians makes this point very poignantly.

Hebrews 10 is entitled, One Sacrifice of Christ is Sufficient. (The Amplified Version)

I encourage you to read the entire chapter.

[Quoting The Amplified Bible]

Hebrews 10:5, Therefore, when Christ enters into the world, He says, “SACRIFICE AND OFFERING YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED, but [instead] YOU HAVE PREPARED A BODY FOR ME [to offer]; IN BURNT OFFERINGS AND sacrifices FOR SIN YOU HAVE TAKEN NO DELIGHT. THEN I SAID, ‘BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD-[TO FULFILL] WHAT IS WRITTEN OF ME IN THE SCROLL OF THE BOOK.’ ” [Psalm 40:6-8]

What does this imply?

Hebrews 10:10-14, “And in accordance with this will[of God] we [who believe in the message of salvation] have been sanctified[that is set apart as holy for God and His purposes] through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ(the Messiah, the Anointed) once for all. Every priest stands [at his altar of service] ministering daily, offering the same sacrifices over and over, which are never able to strip away sins[that develop and cover us];” (emphasis mine)

{Note: the reference to the priests is a representation of each one of us trying to do some ‘work’ to satisfy God to “strip away sins [that envelop and cover us]”. The priests could not do it; neither can we.}

(continuing), “whereas Christ, having offered the one sacrifice (Romans 5)[the all-sufficient sacrifice of Himself] for sins for all time, (*in His body) SAT DOWN [signifying the completion of atonement for sin] AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD[the position of honor], waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES ARE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET.[Psalm 110:1]. For by one offering He has perfected forever and completely cleansed those who are being sanctified[bringing each believer to spiritual completion and maturity]. (*insert mine)

Hebrews 9:22, tells us that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

AT THE CROSS, AT THE CROSS, Jesus was nailed there in a body.

AT THE CROSS, AT THE CROSS, Jesus shed His blood for sin of the world. (John 1:29)

His death was the One Sufficient Sacrifice that His Father required for sin to be dealt with.

AT THE CROSS, AT THE CROSS, justice and mercy collided. The wrath of God was completely satisfied, and new life in Christ was made possible.

Death died, sin can be forgiven, and life can be lived in a body by those who put their faith and trust and Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. (Galatians 2:20)

Not only did Christ die, but He was buried, and on the third day He rose from the dead. (1 Corinthians 15:1-8)

His Resurrection from the dead validates everything that is written about Him in the Word of God and everything that He said about His Father and Himself. (1 Corinthians 15:12-19)

It also assures us of living eternally with Him in heaven if we have placed out faith and trust in Him. This is our blessed hope. (Titus 2:11-14)

God the Father does not send any human being to hell.

Hell is a place God prepared for Satan and the angels who followed him. (Matthew 25:41)

Each individual human being must decide whether or not to believe that Jesus is God’s Son, who was sent as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

If a person does not make that confession of faith, then that individual will spend his/her eternal lifetime in hell separated from God.

2 Peter 3:9 (The Amplified Version), says, “The Lord does not delay (*His coming) [as though He was unable to act] and is not slow about His promise (*to return) as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (*insert mine)

What about you?

Have you come to Christ?

Have you asked Him to be your Savior?

I encourage you to call out to Him now.

He is waiting with anticipation for you to call upon His name and be saved.

1 Timothy 2:1,2 the Apostle Paul is urging believers to pray for all those in authority so that the Church “…may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2:2b, The Amplified Version).

Paul continues, “This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the divine truth. For there is [only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom [a substitutionary sacrifice to atone ] for all, the testimony given at the right (*Galatians 4:4) and proper time. (1 Timothy 2:3-6, The Amplified Version)

Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday hearing thunderous cheering and the proclamation, “Hosanna to the Son of David”; at the end of the week, He heard the crowds shouting, “crucify Him, crucify Him”. (Matthew 21:9; 27:22,23)

What was the result?

Jesus died AT THE CROSS, AT THE CROSS for you….

I am a sinner saved by grace, you can be too, deo

This is not a Post, it’s a Personal Journal Entry. Text: Isaiah 10

March 3, 2025

Reflecting upon Isaiah 10:20-34 from yesterday’s teaching sermon at North Creek Church, by Pastor Kent Dresdow.

Father, these past two weeks, I have been shown from Your Word by Pastor Kent that those whom you have raised up for Your sovereign purpose to judge Your people, because of their unfaithfulness to You, (because they were sharing their love with others and rejecting Your love, and covenant care for them), will be judged themselves, especially because they have arrogantly asserted themselves, beyond Your intended purposes. Therefore, they will be judged accordingly-Thank you Father for a promise of a remnant-those who focus on You, overcome, and remain faithful, listening to what you are speaking by Your prophet, hearing the Word of the Lord, inspired by You/the Holy Spirit. This is the same intent you have always had for Your people-to hear Your Word, inspired by the Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-18), to be Your Church-Your called out ones-Father, give us ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to Your Church today.

This journal entry is roughly written, but that is ok.

Isaiah 10:10-34, the king of Assyria, boasts arrogantly.

Some additional thoughts.

God raises up individuals and/or nations for a specific task.

God has a specific assignment for them to do.

The reality is that most of the time such individuals and/or nations do not realize that they are being directed by the sovereignty of God.

A problem comes, when that individual and/or nation becomes proud in their heart-and acts arrogantly believing that they are invincible.

That arrogance of the heart is Satan driven.

God hates arrogance. That is saying it mildly.

God will judge all such arrogance.

In the context of Isaiah 10, this very dynamic is taking place.

God raises up Assyria to judge His people; the king of Assyria becomes arrogant; After God used Assyria to judge His people; God judges Assyria; God also promises His people that there will be a remnant; God intervenes mightily for His people; and in Isaiah 11 speaks of the coming of the Messiah.

As I shared in my previous post, I am concerned for President Trump and his administrative team that they will not become ‘arrogant’ and assert themselves beyond the assignment that God wills for them to do.

Remember the Church is in the world; but the Church is not to be part of the world. (John 17)

The Church must pray and intercede for President Trump and all those in authority over us. ( 1 Timothy 2: 1-15)

The Church must rest in the sovereignty of God regarding the leaders of the governments of the nations in this world. (Romans 13:1-14)

The Church must acknowledge the Authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the Head of the Body, and the King of the Kingdom. (Ephesians 1:15-23)

The Church must abide in the Lord Jesus Christ, governed by the Holy Spirit, and live obediently to the Word of God. (John 15:4-8; Romans 8:5-28; John 14:15)

As Jesus said, if you want to be My disciple, then this is what you need to do daily: deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me. (Matthew 16:24-26; Mark 8:34-38; Luke 9:23-27; Luke 14:27-35.)

Read 2 Timothy 3:1-17.

I recommend that you read Isaiah 10, especially in the Amplified Version if it is available.

Rooted in Christ’s Kingship, a brother in Christ, deo

Words of Caution to the Church, An Immediate Prayer Request

This post was originally published last March, 2025. I have been reminded of the need to pray for our administration. It is always important.

But its importance has been elevated because of the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, September 10, 2025.

Our nation is being awakened to the real spiritual battle that it faces every day of its existence.

‘Unprecedented unrest’,’ the spirit of antichrist’, ‘unrestrained lawlessness’, ‘increased violence’ ‘virulent rhetoric’comes to mind to characterize our nation’s atmosphere.

Today is September 20, 2025, the day before Charlie Kirks memorial service.

I encourage you to read this re-post.

____________________________________

Words of Caution to the Church, An Immediate Prayer Request

In the previous post (Another Heavenly Coming , 3/4/25), the Church was reminded of its position before the Lord functioning in the world. The Church must remember that God is Sovereign.

All the leaders of the nations are in their places of leadership because of God’s will and purpose.

Each leader is individually responsible to God .

God will judge and reward each national leader’s performance carrying out their duty.

The Church is responsible to pray for the administrative leadership of their nation and submit ‘orderly’ and ‘obediently ‘to their authority.

The members of the Church are first citizens of the Kingdom of God.

Each individual member of the Church lives his/her life in the world but not a part of the world.

In Christ, we are separated from the world, the flesh, and the devil. (I John 2:15-17)

We are being conformed to the image of Christ.

We are functioning as members of the Body of Christ, fulfilling our assigned spiritual vocation, using the spiritual gifts given to us to build up the Body in love; and fulfilling the work that God Himself has designated for every believer before the foundation for the world. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Why?

If we focus on the venom of the verbal rhetoric that is being spewed forth daily in our nation that rhetoric can infiltrate into our heart and mind, and darken our soul.

What happens within us if we focus on such negative rhetoric?

We will find ourselves coming into alignment with the ‘spirit of the world’ and not in alignment with the Spirit of God.

How do I know this?

I have been there; and I must constantly guard myself against listening to the offensive political rhetoric and subtly embracing the mindset of the world.

I confess to you that is very easy to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think; believing that you are strong enough to listen to the world’s rantings and assume that it will not affect you.

Wrong!

I have been there believing that I can handle this; that I can criticize those in authority over me; and not become affected in my personal attitude.

I am not strong enough.

The Lord showed me my fallacy; and He helped me to overcome my weakness.

In the midst of the administrative upheaval since the re-election of President Trump, our nation has been experiencing a political earthquake that has resulted in a daily shaking of the political landscape that has unsettled many people.

I support the re-election of President Trump.

I am aware there are many people in this nation, and probably around the world that do not support his re-election.

Many despise and hate him; yet, there are many who support the changes he is bringing to our nation.

Many citizens of this nation voted for him because of what he promised he would change.

Others supported him, because they did not support the Democratic platform and their agenda to govern their administration of this nation.

In my previous posts, I have explained my personal struggle and my conclusion as to why I chose to vote for the Republican party platform.

I have been confronted by members of my own family that do not agree with me.

That is ok.

The bottom line for me was a matter of personal conscience before the Lord.

Each individual believer will one day stand alone before the Lord to give an account of their life as a follower of Jesus Christ.

My eternal salvation is not dependent upon who I voted for in each election during my lifetime.

My desire is to please my heavenly Father.

The choices that I make, the words that I speak, the works that I do, either glorify the Lord or they do not bear witness to His life in me.

We are told to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12)

If the Church is going to live up to its calling and walk as children of light in this world of darkness, then it must learn and practice the teaching of Ephesians 4-6. (especially Ephesians 5:20-26.)

Please read these verses in the context of what I have been sharing.

As previous posts have explained, I believe Psalm 64 will be fulfilled.

( I recommend that you read the post: A Time To Read it Again)

God has shot His A.R.R.O.W.

Adonai’s Righteous Revelation Of Wrongdoing is being exposed.

There are many who are being wounded, and will be wounded by the revelation of their own malicious words that they have spewed out upon others that will ‘boomerang’ and come back and wound them. (Psalm 64:7-10)

What will be revealed will not be pleasant.

God doesn’t take sides politically.

He is no ‘respecter of persons’. (Romans 2:11-16)

God will judge righteously.

God is not mocked; individuals will reap what they have sown.

(Galatians 6:7-8)

I offer the following as a word of caution.

The Church must pray for President Trump and his administrative team as they implement changes in this nation.

Why?

If you recall my previous posts about the nation of Israel, and God’s intended purpose to bring them out of the bondage of Egypt and into the Promised Land, then you will recall that the original leadership of Moses and Aaron were not allowed to go into the land.

Why?

Because they disobeyed what God had told them to do.

God had told Moses to speak to the rock.

God said that He would bring out water from the rock to provide ‘drink’ for His people that were ‘grumbling and complaining’ about the lack of water.

Ironically, this is what happened 3 days after God had brought His people through the Red Sea and drowned Pharaoh and his army in that same Red Sea. (Exodus 15:22-26) At this time God had Moses strike the rock. Moses struck the rock and the water came forth.

In Numbers 20, Moses did not speak to the rock as God had instructed him; he struck the rock twice out of frustration and anger.

Moses, throughout his entire lifetime of leadership had listened to the people he was leading ‘grumble and complain’.

After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, at the very precipice of entering the land of promise, when he was confronted once more with the people’s ‘grumbling and complaining’, Moses seeks God about how to handle the situation.

God tells him what to do; and He tells him what He will do.

Moses and Aaron, carrying out their administrative appointment, as the governmental leaders of the nation of Israel, do not follow God’s directive.

I, submit, that Moses and Aaron, listened to the ‘grumbling and complaining’ of the people, allowing the spirit of the people, entrance into their own spirit disobeying God’s word to them.

The consequences was that Moses did not execute his office of leadership according to the Spirit of God through obedience to God’s directive; but he exercised his leadership, influenced by the lawless spirit of the people of Israel that ‘grumbled and complained’ and he struck the rock twice (Numbers 20).

Moses struck the rock out of anger (his personal rebellion and lawlessness) ‘governed’ by his own spirit.

God graciously met the need of His people.

The water came out of the rock.

The people received what they had ‘grumbled and complained’ about.

In Exodus 15:25, God made the bitter waters sweet; and then directed them to Elim where there were 12 wells of water and 70 palm trees.

[Many believe the 12 wells represent the 12 tribes of Israel, and the 70 palm trees represent the original 70 descendants of the nation of Israel that entered Egypt in the time of famine.]

Moses and Aaron’s disobedience misrepresented the character of God.

God’s Spirit is gracious and merciful, because He loves His people.

That does not mean He approves of their sinfulness.

God judges His people for their sinfulness.

Moses and Aaron’s disobedience went beyond what God had told them to do.

This is my concern for President Trump and his administrative team and all whom God is using at this time to bring about change in our nation.

I pray, and ‘beseech’ the Church to pray that those in the places of authority, raised up by the sovereignty of God, will stay within their appointed leadership boundaries, asking and doing what God directs them to do; and not allow themselves to be influenced by the opposing rhetoric that is shouting, grumbling, complaining, and hurling venomous rhetoric at them.

I pray that the ‘words’ of the world wisdom will not influence the minds and hearts of those in authority over us, so that they are negatively influenced in their souls.

We must not be ‘governed’ by individuals who ‘govern’ out of their own ‘self-government’ and not the government of God, ‘governed’ by the Spirit of God.

Remember, the Church is called to stand against the principalities, power, and evil rulers that seek to influence our lives. (Ephesians 6: 10-18)

These past two weeks (March 2025), Pastor Kent Dresdow, Senior Pastor at North Creek Church, has made it very clear what happens to individuals, who God has sovereignly chosen to use for His purposes, take matters into their own hands, and go beyond the boundaries that God had originally planned for them to accomplish.

I recommend that you read Isaiah 10.

To summarize Pastor Kent’s teaching, when a person goes beyond what God intends, that person becomes arrogant and boastful.

God hates arrogance and boasting.

As mentioned before, God will judge such individuals with righteous justice

Why?

The source of pride and arrogance is Satan, himself, who said that he will be like God. (Isaiah 14:12-17)

Our task as the Church, is to pray that President Trump and his administrative team will not become arrogant and prideful; that President Trump and his administrative team will stay within the sovereign purposes of God that He has ordained for this nation and the nations of the world, as he exercises his office as the President of the United States of America.

As the Lord taught us to pray, our prayer is that the Lord will not lead them (President Trump and his team ) into temptation, but to deliver them from the evil (evil one[Satan]), because the kingdom is God’s “and the power and the glory forever. Amen” (Matthew 6:9-13, as paraphrased by myself)

Thank you for praying for our leadership as I Timothy 2:1-7 directs us to do it daily.

Remember, that the enemy, Satan himself, is relentless, constantly fighting against the work of God.

Therefore, the Church must pray. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

The Church must humble itself before the Lord, resist the devil, and he will flee. (James 4:7-10) [Read the context in James 4:1-17]

Our battle is daily, until ‘that Day’ when God ‘ends’ it; however, until ‘that Day’, our refuge is in Christ.

(See rpmministries.org, 36 Scripture Passages on Safety and Refuge in God: Home, Safe, and Sound)

I am sure that you have your own personal scriptures that you seek out for refuge.

What is your personal favorite?

I encourage you to seek out your personal passage of scripture that is yours when you seek refuge in the Lord.

blessings, your brother in Christ, who, too, takes refuge in our Lord, Deo

(Psalms 62, Psalm 46, Psalm 37)

A Thoughtful Consideration

On Tuesday, March 4, President Trump will be addressing a joint session of Congress giving a State of the Union address.

It is no stretch of the imagination to believe that all of the people who ‘watch’ this address in our nation and throughout the world will have their own ‘prejudicial mindset’ of President Trump, me included.

To believe otherwise is simply not true.

(Yes, I know it is possible for someone not to know about President Trump, but that probability is small, and nit picking that mindset, is absurd.)

No matter, how personally righteous, one may feel about themselves, the reality is that each one of us has our own personal feelings, mindset, and opinion of President Trump.

As such, when one watches his address, hears it later, reads it later, or listens to those who evaluate and discuss what he said and propose what the truth of his intentions mean, are influenced by their mindset.

Some have the mind-set of ‘never Trump’; some have the mind-set of ‘hatred’; some have the mind-set of ‘dictator’ and/or destroyer of democracy; some have the mind-set of believing everything he says is ‘true’; and some have the mind-set of a ‘MAGA mentality’, and some have a quieter mindset of hope being restored nation in our nation.

For me personally, I take solace in the mindset of people who voted for hope being restored in our nation.

Actually, the demographics of the populace vote is varied with regard to their mindset.

That is what a Constitutional Republic is all about.

The reality is that all of the above are true spread throughout the populace of this nation and throughout the world; and there are various ‘shades of gray mentally’ that are the result of the intersection of the above mentioned mentalities.

There are even some who honestly believe in themselves insisting that they have a more ‘balanced mentality’ approach to President Trump.

I do not despise that; but I know that we are all afflicted with a ‘prejudicial mentality’ toward any subject, whether it’s President Trump or something else.

Some of these mindsets are positive; some of these mindsets are negative; and some of those mindsets are , like I said, gray.

When his address is completed; and his words have been heard, then the ‘prejudicial mindsets’ juices will start to flow and there will be an plethora of words that will be vocalized and written interpreting the meaning and purpose of his agenda.

Some people will be totally approving; some people will be totally critical; some will be polite and hesitant; some people will be unsure.

One’s response is ‘governed’ by one’s mindset.

Whatever category of mindset you fit into, your opinion, written or spoken will be apparent according to your words.

How do we know this?

“The [intrinsically] good man produces what is good and moral out of the good treasure[stored] in his heart; and the [intrinsically] evil man produces what is wicked and depraved our of the evil [in his heart]; for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart.” Luke 6:45 Amplified Version.

Why am I saying this?

Your words reveal your heart.

This is what I, we, have all seen and heard since 2015.

The scenario is not new.

Most of the reported rhetoric regarding Mr. Trump has been accusatory, defaming, and deceitful.

I am not exonerating him of his own responsibility for the words he has spoken.

I am making an observation of reality.

Positive words directed toward Mr. Trump have been sparse since 2015; but they have been on an increase since his re-election; and now more positive words are being shared more openly than before.

Unfortunately, the converse is also true since his re-election.

The Church must remember I Peter 5:8, “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

This tactic has been going on since the Garden of Eden.

This is Satan’s strategy against God.

We are in a spiritual warfare, please read Ephesians 6: 10-20.

Believers in Christ, be careful what you focus on after the State of the Union address.

Many words will be spoken and written.

There will be many opinions, ‘the good, the bad, and the ugly’.

There will be those that will say ” ‘words’ looking they may ‘devour’ “

Remember, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6), therefore, we humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift us up, and in Him, we can resist the devil and he will flee. (see James 4:7-8).

Therefore, be careful who and what you listen to too.

Remembering, you, too, have a ‘prejudicial mindset’ regarding President Trump.

As do, I.

Focus your attention on the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Be aware of what is going on around you; but do not be deceived or consumed by it.

Here is wisdom from the Lord.

Hear what the Spirit of God is saying to the Church in the last days,the ‘days of evil’.

blessings, a sojourner in Christ, deo

An Addendum To The Election

Reflecting back to when these posts began, they were given ‘birth’ by a poster carried by a protester after Donald Trump was elected President in 2016.

I believe it was in January 2017.

That’s a long time ago.

The sign said, ‘be ungoverned’.

What does ‘be ungoverned’ mean: lawlessness.

Quoting Got Questions, What does the Bible say about lawlessness?, the opening paragraph says, “To be lawless is to be contrary to the law or to act without regard to the law. Laws are necessary in a sinful world (I Timothy 1:9), and those who choose to act lawlessly further sin in the world. The word for “lawlessness” in the Bible is often translated “iniquity”. According to the Bible, the root of all lawlessness is rebellion.”

What have we witnessed in our nation as a result of his election in 2016?

The growth lawlessness that has borne the ‘fruit’ of those ‘two words’ written on that cardboard sign.

Those ‘two words’ are still resounding loud and clear today in 2025.

Their boisterousness has enlarged since the 2016 Presidential election.

The growth of lawlessness has resulted in chaos, confusion, corruption, and consternation in our nation.

What took place in 2016 at the election polls in 2016 repeated itself at the election polls in 2024.

Donald Trump was elected to be the President of the United States.

I know this is redundant; but the rhetoric against his re-election is still loud, disruptive, and irrational.

Mr. Trump promised change, if elected.

He was elected because he promised change; and now having been re-elected, he is following through with his promises of change.

There has been, literal, ‘screaming’ coming from those who oppose him; vehemently voicing their disapproval.

What will be the outcome of this political earthquake?

Only time will tell?

What I see happening, and many others also see happening , is the uncovering of the ‘deeds of darkness’ that have been overshadowing and influencing our nation for many years.

This uncovering of ‘darkness’ is the result of many praying for our nation.

I believe that the Lord will fulfill the words of Psalm 64.

Please read Psalm 64.

[If you are interested, please read the post, THE A.R.R.O.W. OF GOD]

God has shot His Arrow. (Psalm 64:7)

There will be ‘Adonai’s Righteous Revelation Of Wrongdoing.’

The evil words that have been spewed out over our nation (Psalm 64: 1-4) will come back upon those that spoke them, and they will be wounded by their own words. (Psalm 64:7-8)

Humanity will witness God’s uncovering; the effect of the wounding that occurs; and will know that it is a Heavenly Coming of God. (Psalm 64:8-9)

God ‘comes down’ in His own way;He sees the evil that prevails; and He exercises judgment and salvation according to His will and purpose. (Psalm 64:9)

[God ‘sought out’ Adam and Eve; God ‘came down’ in the days of Noah; God ‘came down’ in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah; God ‘came down’ in the days of Israel in Egypt… and we can follow this pattern throughout the Bible.]

God is a Righteous Judge.

He rules and reigns.

He is in complete control.

He is Sovereign.

In the context of Psalm 64:

Psalm 64:10 (Amplified Version) says, “The righteous will rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in Him; All the upright in heart will glory and offer praise.”

In our ‘days of evil’ (Ephesians 5:16), what is the Church responsible to do?

1. Remember Romans 13:1-7.

It’s all about who has the authority and why.

2. Remember I Timothy 2:1-7.

It’s all about praying for those in authority.

3. Remember Ephesians 6:5-9

It’s all about being submissive and obedient to authority.

4. Remember John 17:14-16

It’s all about Jesus’ prayer for us.

We are to be responsible citizens in the nation we live in; however, our primary responsibility is to our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are, first, the citizens of another kingdom, the Kingdom of God; then we are citizens of the nation in which we live.

Paul instructs the Church in Ephesus about how to live.

Read Ephesians 4-6

As followers of Christ, we are to be governed by Christ, obedient to His Word, guided and taught by the Holy Spirit, pleasing our God and our Father, to Whom, all praise, glory, and honor is due.

Remember, the ‘days are evil’ (Ephesians 5:16, 2 Timothy 3:1-17)

This is not something new.

Nevertheless, in our walk with the Lord, we need to be mindful to Whom our ultimate loyalty belongs.

When opposition comes, when an opposing ‘government’ asserts itself, or when we are faced with persecution for Christ’s sake, we must follow the example of Peter and John.

Please read, Acts 4:1-31.

What do we need to be willing to embrace, to endure, and not avoid?

Opposition for the name of Christ.

One of the most intriguing verses about Jesus, Who is the Son of God/Son of Man is found in Hebrews 5:8.

The context discusses His position as our eternal High Priest.

Hebrews 5:4-11, Amplified Version, “So too Christ did not glorify Himself so as to be made a high priest, but He [was exalted and appointed by One] who said to Him, “YOU ARE MY SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN (fathered) YOU [declared Your authority and rule over the nations]”; just as He also says in another place, YOU ARE A PRIEST [appointed] FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIEDEK.” In the days of His earthly life, Jesus offered up both [specific] petitions and [urgent] supplications [for that which He needed] with fervent crying and tears to the One who was [always] able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission toward God [His sinlessness and His unfailing determination to do the Father’s will]. Although He was a Son [who had never been disobedient to the Father] He learned [active and special] obedience through what He suffered. And having been made perfect[uniquely equipped and prepared as Savior and retaining His integrity amid opposition] He became the source of eternal salvation [an eternal inheritance] to all those who obey Him, being designated by God as High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek. Concerning this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become *dull and sluggish in [your spiritual] hearing and disinclined to listen.” (emphasis mine) [*insert mine]

His willingness to obediently suffer, as the Lamb of God, becomes the source of salvation to those who obey Him. (emphasis mine)

We must not be “dull and sluggish in [ (our) your spiritual] hearing and disinclined to listen.” (insert mine)

How is your hearing?

What are you hearing?

To what are you attuned?

Do you know what the Spirit is saying to the Church today?

To each of the seven churches, listed in The Revelation, a letter was written to each church.

Toward the close of each letter the following was said, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Why?

Christ, the Head of the Church, was correcting His Church.

What was the purpose of His correction?

Please read Hebrews 12:1-13.

So that the Church may ‘overcome’, be ready, steadfast and victorious in the Day of the Lord.

Please read Revelation 12.

Revelation 12 describes the spiritual battle between God and Satan.

There is constant angelic warfare.

The Church, by virtue of being in the world, lives in the reality of the constant spiritual warfare. (Ephesians 6: 10-18)

Revelation 12:11, says, “And they [the followers of Christ] overcame him [Satan] because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death.” (Amplified Version) [inserts mine]

Revelation 12:11 says:

“12:11 They overcame him by appropriating the victory of the finished work of Christ, by the public confession of their faith and patient endurance (see note * on 1:9). The church’s constant posture under the authority the authority of the cross’s victory by the blood of the Lamb and the steadfastness to the promise of God’s Word-the word of their testimony-is the key to their overcoming.”

[* commentary note regarding 1:9–“John experiences with his readers tribulation, or persecution on account of their faith, with patient endurance, which is steadfast courage under unjust suffering. However, attendant to the trials involved in the Christian life of the glory of the kingdom.”]

They were willing to suffer for Christ’s sake, even unto death.

“And they conquered him by the blood of the Lamb. This shows clearly that the victory over Satan which John described in mythological terms actually was accomplished in history at the cross. The shed blood of Christ is the real means of victory over Satan. The secondary means is the word of their testimony; their witness to the saving power of the blood of Christ. The background of martyrdom stands on these words. They loved their Lord more than life itself and willingly suffered death rather than deny Christ. Jesus had said, “He who endures to the end [i.e., to the point of death] will be saved. (Matt. 24:13). Victory over Satan is not not physical victory to be found in the preservation of life or escape from the persecution he wages against the saints. They stood fast in their testimony to Christ and loved not their lives even unto death. Their very martyrdom was their victory over Satan; it proved that his accusations against the brethren were empty. It is clear that victory over Satan is a spiritual victory which is even won in the terrible experience of martyrdom.”

It is no secret that there are believers throughout the world that live in the ‘certitude’ of this verse (Revelation 12:11) everyday of their lives because of the spiritual opposition they face.

The western church in North America has not faced the fullness of this type of persecution described in Revelation 12:11.

However, that does not mean we are exempt from such opposition.

The Word of God does not exempt the followers of Christ from suffering.

Please read 1 Peter 2:11-25; 4:1-19.

In closing,

The ‘Epistle to the Hebrews’ was written “to wavering Jewish believers, encouraging them to stand fast in their faith. The writer points out the overwhelming superiority of Christ over all that they had experienced under the law. Jewish believers should never consider turning back because what Christ offers them is so much better than what the law had promised under the Mosaic economy. The author dwells on the incomparable glory of the Person and work of Christ, showing His supremacy over, prophets…angels…Moses…Joshua…Aaron…and the whole ritual of Judaism.” (Introduction to the ‘Epistle to the Hebrews’, Spirit Filled Life Bible, copyright 2020, page 1844, KJV)

Therefore, let us consider these words,

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the father’s by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who is the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name then they…Therefore we must give the earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?” (Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:1-4 NKJV)

God, has Personally ‘come down’ in the Person of His Son, Jesus.

Jesus is still speaking to His Church today.

In fact, He is speaking loud and clear.

A ‘Heavenly Coming‘ has begun.

His voice is sounding forth with intensity and visibility throughout the earth.

It is even speaking in our nation, especially on college campuses.

Lord, as You said to Your seven churches, “He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the Churches.”

Thank you Lord for giving us ears to hear.

We praise You and glorify Thy name.

blessings, ‘Resting In Christ’s Kingship’, deo

His Comings Keep Coming! Part 4

2 Timothy 3:1-17 has different headings depending upon the translation used.

For example, the MacArthur Study Bible says, “Perilous Times, and Perilous Men”; The Spirit Filled Life Bible (KJV) says, “Perilous Times Shall Come”; Rotherham’s Emphasized Bible has no chapter title breaks; Master Study Bible says, “Difficult Times Will Come”; The Tree of Life Version says, “Opposition in the Last Days”; English Standard Version (ESV) says, “Godlessness in the Last Days”; The Message says, “Difficult Times Ahead”; “Kings James Version says, “Difficult Times Will Come”.

Question: What is the heading in your personal Bible?

‘Heaven is Coming‘ to confront ‘the evil days’.

God came down in the days of Noah. God came down in the days of the Tower of Babel. God came down in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Why did God come down ?

He came down to ‘see’ the evil.

The result of what He ‘saw’ was a Heavenly Coming.

Using the Exodus of Israel from Egypt as a template a second time, God came in response to His people crying out to Him for deliverance.

God keeps His covenant with His people.

He revealed Himself to Egypt (a type of the world), and specifically to Pharaoh, who boasted before Moses:

“Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, nor will I let Israel go.” (Exodus 5:2, NKJV)

That kind of arrogance will get God’s attention.

God made Himself known to Pharaoh( who represents the authority of Satan and his total opposition to the authority of God); to the nation of Egypt( a picture of the world); and to the nation of Israel (God’s people).

The process of God that He sent to set His people Israel free from the bondage of Egypt is a representation of the conflict that is in the universe between God and Satan.

It was God’s ‘Heavenly Coming’.

It is also a picture of God’s people who are in the world but not a part of the world. A world that is governed by the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2 NKJV)

The conflict is over who is in charge?

God or Satan.

The answer is God.

His opposition is Satan.

Is there a conflict?

Is there an ongoing battle?

Is God threatened by this conflict?

Absolutely not!

How has Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, the Creator of the world, the One and Only True God responded to this uprising by Satan?

His response actually took place before the foundation of the world in eternity.(Ephesians 1-3)

The explanation of His response is found from cover to cover within God’s written Word, the Bible.

God’s people today, the Church, the Ekklesia, like those who have gone before them, must take its stand in the Word of God.

Reflect on these words: “For you were once in darkness [Egypt, the world], but now you are light [out of the world, and ‘in Christ, Who is the Light of the world] in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness [Egypt, the world], but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things which are exposed are made manifest by the light [Q: when you turn a light on, what leaves?)] for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says, “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light” “. [Paul’s call to the Church is to remind them that they, too, were once not saved, in darkness, and they came to the light, now live like it.] Continuing, “See then that you walk circumspectly (carefully, [a marginal note]), not as fools [a fool is one who says there is no God,Psalms 14:1], but as wise (Proverbs 9:8-10) redeeming the time because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:8-16, NKJV) [inserts mine]

In context, Paul, speaking to the Church at Ephesus, is reminding them of their responsibility as Christians to be sure that their lifestyle does not reflect the lifestyle of the world but reflects the life of Christ to which they are being conformed.

Using Proverbs 9:8-10 Amplified Version, to help us focus,

“Do not correct a scoffer [who foolishly ridicules and takes no responsibility for his error] or he that hates you; correct a wise man [who learns from his error] and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will become even wiser, Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom [its starting point and its essence], and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight.”

This, I believe, is the teaching spirit of Paul, as he addresses the Ephesian Church in their midst of struggles to persevere and continue in faithfulness to the Lord.

If you have been a follower of my posts, then you know, and it is no surprise to you that the “days are evil”(Ephesians 5:16).

Am I sharing anything that the Body of Christ is not already aware of?

I sincerely doubt it.

Then, why, the posts?

I want you, Church, to see what Paul is teaching through encouragement and admonition to the Church at Ephesus.

He begins showing them that they are ‘seated in Christ’, “far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name, that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come.” (Ephesians 1:21, NKJV)

i.e.: seated above the “prince of the power of the air”.

Because of the finished work of the cross (Ephesians 2:1-10), “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus… ” (Ephesians 2:4-6, NKJV)

Next, Paul (Ephesians 4-5) focuses their attention on ‘walking out’ what God has birthed within them, “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called”(Ephesians 4:1 NKJV); Ephesians 5:2, NKJV, “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

Paul shares how Christ has loved us and how we should love one another.

Then in Ephesians 6:1-9, Paul focuses upon the importance of obedience in our earthly relationships, which is paramount to walking in love as Christ has loved us.

Finally, in Ephesians 6:10-20, Paul brings their attention to the importance of spiritual warfare.

Why? because the ‘days are evil’.

Read Ephesian 6:10-18.

Paul’s emphasis is to stand.

Why the emphasis on standing?

Because we, believers in Christ, the Body of Christ, the called out ones, are in the midst of a spiritual conflict, doing spiritual warfare, because the ‘days are evil’.

Let me say emphatically, the Church must awake to this realization in this hour of its existence.

In every generation, the true Church of the Lord Jesus Christ has realized its generational spiritual warfare.

There are many in the Body of Christ today that are fighting this ‘conflict’ daily, by praying and interceding for their loved ones, this nation, and the ‘slumbering church’ that does not understand where it sits; how it is to walk; and for what it is to stand.

Please look up Psalm 1 and read it carefully.

Many years ago, it was pointed out to me that the three words Paul structured his letter to the Ephesian Church-sit,walk, and stand-is the teaching of Psalm 1.

What is the blessing, admonition, and result of heeding the words of Psalm 1?

It is dependent upon your personal answers to the following questions.

Q: How is your relationship to the Lord?

Q: Does it reflect the characteristics and fruit of the world?

Q: Or, does it reflect the characteristics and fruit of Christ?

Remember-the ‘days are evil’.

This was emphasized at the beginning of this post.

Please read 2 Timothy 3:1-17.

Question: Will your lifestyle as a believer in Christ Jesus withstand the evil influence and pressure of Ephesians 6:12, Amplified Version?

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending with only physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly [supernatural] places.” (personal insert-this is another way of describing the ‘prince of the power of the air’ and his demons)

Remembering Ephesians 1:21 Amplified Version, who did Jesus conquer at the cross? “…all rule and all authority and power and dominion [whether angelic or human]…”

Combine this with Colossians 2:15, Amplified Version, “When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities [those supernatural forces of evil operating against us], He made a public example of them [exhibiting them as captives in His triumphal procession] having triumphed over them through the cross.”

I am not forgetting that Jesus is the Lamb of God that died as the perfect sacrifice for the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

What the Church needs, is to be re-awakened, to the truth that there is an adversary-Satan, and the angels that rebelled with him.

The warfare between the Church and Satan will continue until Christ returns.

B.U.T. – But Understand This – Church!

The ‘work of the Cross’ won.

The power of Satan has been conquered.

One of the mysteries of the Sovereignty of God is His permission allowing Satan to continue to have the influence he exerts in the world today.

I Peter 5:8-9, Amplified Version, “Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined, be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry] seeking someone to devour. But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack-rooted, established, immovable] {may I insert this thought? this is a picture of Ephesian 6:12, stand}, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone].

God’s Heavenly Comings are dramatic, bringing judgment and salvation.

God’s Heavenly Coming to His people, the nation of Israel, was manifested through 10 plagues.

God brought a Personal ‘saving’ revelation of Himself to His people and Personal revelation of ‘judgment’ to Pharaoh and to the nation of Egypt.

The night of the 10th plague, the nation of Israel, in obedience to God’s Word, stayed in their dwelling places, under the blood of a lamb. (Exodus 12)

They were saved.

Saved from what?

Those in the land of Egypt whose dwelling places did not have blood applied over the entrance to their household experienced judgment of the death of their first born. (Exodus 12:29-30)

The purpose of taking Israel ‘out’ of Egypt (type of the world, the kingdom of darkness) was so that He could bring them ‘into’ the land (type of the Kingdom of God) that God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

God is keeping His covenant with His people.

When we respond in faith to the message of the Gospel, He saves us, and brings out of sin and death and brings us into Christ in Whom we have the forgiveness of sin, and we are born again by the Spirit of God.

We are brought out of the kingdom of darkness(Egypt, world) and into the glorious Kingdom of Light(Kingdom of God).

We have passed from death unto life, because of the blood of Christ.

The nation of Israel came out ‘under the blood’ and went through the Red Sea on dry land.

We, too, come out of death because of the Blood of the Lamb and then our old nature is buried in the water (Red Sea) of baptism identifying with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. We come up out of the water into the newness of life. The old has passed away and all things have become new in Christ Jesus. (insert mine)

I recommend that you read I Corinthians 10:1-13.

Just as the nation of Israel had to journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, so we, too, are on a spiritual journey with the Lord until He brings us into His Presence.

We must understand that we are walking with the Lord daily.

Our life’s journey is out from the world of darkness that has been left behind; and walking with Him through the wilderness chosen by Him to conform us to Himself and be a mature son or daughter of God, now.

God has brought out His people from under the government of the world, and led them into the wilderness to teach them about His rule and reign for their lives.

Guess what?

‘That’ is exactly the same journey we are on after we come to Christ and are saved; and then learn to live out our life with Him.

Our story is a story of learning the rule and reigning of God in our life.

So, who is in charge?

‘That’ is Paul’s heart for the Churches that h has founded.

‘That’ is the substance of his letters.

Read Philippians 3, in the Amplified Version it is entitled The Goal of Life.

Philippians 3:12 Amplified Version, reads, “Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own.”

TBC

Blessings, your brother in Christ, on His journey with the Lord, learning His rule and reign in my life, too-deo

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