Suffer shame for His name willingly, not for asceticism, but for love of Him. After being beaten for their Christian witness, the disciples “departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41 KJV). Whenever you are embarrassed for Christ, remind yourself to rejoice and take it willingly.
Author: Ken
Suffering and Glory
Suffering as a Christian is not a strange thing, even with our constitutional forgetfulness and ignorance multiplying our sorrows. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1Peter 4:12-13 KJV). But, rejoice because those who suffer with Jesus will also be glorified with Him. No suffering, no glory.
Simply Suffering Does Not Teach Us Obedience
Simply suffering does not teach us obedience, but how we suffer does. “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV). When we suffer, may it be for the glory of God.
Shall Not Lack Any Good Thing
“O fear the LORD, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want [lack] any good thing” (Psalm 34:9-10 KJV). God promises no lack of supply to those who fear or reverently trust Him. Saints describes the holy lifestyle of those supplied because they are seekers of the LORD. Compared to the hunger of young lions, His saints will be better cared for. Throughout the history of the godly, we do not know how God will keep His promises, but we know He will! Are we afraid of embarrassing God by asking Him to keep His Word? Or, are we more afraid of embarrassing ourselves? Again, it is God’s problem to keep His promises, not ours! LORD, increase our faith! Amen and amen.
Freely Give Us All Things
“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). How can anyone make such a broad claim? Even more, what is to prevent anyone from making an application of this promise that would unsettle especially parents in front of their younger children? This is how we teach ourselves the promises cannot mean what they sound like they mean. Or, do we diminish the value of the promises to make ourselves more comfortable with our religion? Shouldn’t we immediately determine in our heart that God means what He says, and it is His problem or business to use such inflammatory language that would excite the imagination of young children? “But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer [allow] the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14 KJV). LORD, grant us the heart and outlook of children that we may better imagine what you so generously offer to us. Amen and amen.
The Hope of Glory
“Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). Whatever dream we have for physical healing or flourishing, financial deliverance or success, rescue or freedom from oppression, survival or rising above the elements, a Pre-Tribulational Rapture, or even the salvation of loved ones — Jesus Christ alone “is our hope” (1Timothy 1:1 KJV). If anyone or anything is more valuable than Christ to us, then that is our hope. If Jesus is really worth more than everything to me, do I live that way? Am I waiting for Christ to become more popular? Remember, when everyone realizes this truth, it is too late. “Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7 KJV).
He Cometh With Clouds
“Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7 KJV). The Second Coming of Christ is yet to occur, because not everyone knows and admits that Christ has already returned, for “every eye shall see Him” (1:7). Debate will not occur, or it’s not Christ’s Second Coming. Even Christ’s enemies will admit He has returned. He comes with clouds descending, just as He left in His Ascension. “And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:10-11 KJV). Even so, come Lord Jesus. Amen.
Light of the World
Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14 KJV). People will react differently to the light. Some will “see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 KJV), while others “loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19 KJV). As part of the Restraining Force of good over evil, the Holy Spirit exerts that influence through His children. Jesus also claimed, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12; 9:5 KJV). Let us shine God’s light in dark places, attempting to do good, and not further blinding the world with just harsh light in their eyes. Pray for love to accompany the light!
Daze of Deception
UFOs are lying wonders. Recently, I ran across this series of YouTube videos (3 hours), “Daze of Deception: Part 1,” “Daze of Deception: Part 2,” and “Daze of Deception: Part 3” from Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel (Chino Hills, CA). We must be getting pretty far along into the Last Days for us to be discussing this stuff out loud in Bible preaching churches. My wife and I used to identify the phenomenon of UFOs as “lying wonders” (2Thesssalonians 2:9 KJV). In context, the “lawless one” (2:9 NIV) refers to the Antichrist, which Jack Hibbs identifies as Nephilim. This is Twilight Zone stuff that respectable evangelical pastors know better than to discuss from their pulpits. I wonder how many have much of an idea how to biblically discuss UFOs and UAPs? Without knowing about Jack Hibbs, I commented on this in earlier posts. (1), (2), (3), and (4).
If NASA really makes an announcement about UAPs before the end of 2023, I wonder how they’ll get around an admission of ET being from another dimension, undefined by our current understanding of the laws of physics? “NASA has not found any credible evidence of extraterrestrial life and there is no evidence that UAPs are extraterrestrial.” Even the Roman Pontiff would be willing to baptize aliens, if they felt they needed it. If Jesus was just another alien, then there is nothing special about the Bible, and it would be unnecessary “to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 1:3 NIV). All the wildfires, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, wars (Ukraine), and rumors of wars (China, North Korea) are falling into place with Matthew 24. “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28 NIV).
The Bible is our only credible explanation of what is going on. This will shake out the wheat from the chaff. “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8 NIV).
Maranatha!
Stand Your Ground
Stand your ground. No retreat. Deny the enemy the opportunity of flanking and destroying the line. “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1Corinthians 16:13 KJV). Since this is a spiritual war, every action translates into consequences for the progress or delay of victory. Satan and the forces of the Antichrist cannot ultimately win, but they can delay the Almighty’s final victory and their judgment. If you were Lucifer wouldn’t you want to put off the final day of your reckoning with your Creator and Judge? This was the thinking of the demon possessed pair that met Jesus. “What have we to do with thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God? art Thou come hither to torment us before the time?” (Matthew 8:29 KJV). No matter how long the delay, the All Knowing Creator is not surprised or confused by the enemy. Lucifer will be a chained lion (Revelation 20:1-3) during the Millennium, but He presently “walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1Peter 5:8 KJV). Spiritual warfare demands, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7 KJV). We may admire the tenacity of soldiers such as Joshua Chamberlain at the Battle of Gettysburg, who stood their ground and even bayonet charged their foe; but, we know our victory is by faith assured, if we will have the spiritual backbone to “resist stedfast in the faith” (1Peter 5:9 KJV). God bless all soldiers of Christ!
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