"…inquire who in it is worthy…" That requires a judgement does it not?

On of the things that bugs me is the mis-use of the "thou shall not judge" Scripture.  There are many who use this Scripture to support their position that no one should ever be judged for anything. 

 

There are many examples where Jesus gives specific instructs to His disciples and to all of us that require that we make judgements.  Here is one such example.  Jesus is giving the disciples specific instructions as he sends them out.  Check it out.

 

Matthew 10:11-15(NKJV)

“Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 

And when you go into a household, greet it. 

If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 

And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 

Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!

 

The disciples are given the task of deciding who is "worthy".  Jesus doesn't give them detailed instructions on how to make that determination.  Jesus trusts that to their judgement.

Imagine that!  :)
 

Can one walk on hot coals, And his feet not be seared?

 

Proverbs 6:28(NKJV)

    Can one walk on hot coals,     And his feet not be seared?

 

Actually, yes.  Yes you can.  My wife and I along with a couple thousand people did it at a seminar back in around 2010 or so.   18 foot long trough of red hot glowing embers.  I don't have an explanation of why we didn’t get burned, but we didn’t. 

 

:)

 

"When wisdom enters your heart, And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,…"

Proverbs 2:10(NKJV)

    When wisdom enters your heart,      And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,

 

Have you ever had wisdom enter your heart?  It's really cool.  You may have experienced it but didn't think of it in this way.

Ever been facing an issue and you weren't really sure how to proceed?  Then out of nowhere and idea pops into your head.  A solution like no other solution you had been considering.  That is what I think the phrase "when wisdom enters your heart" may be referring to.

 

Just one of the benefits of living in God's favor!
 

 

What does it take to find the knowledge of God?

 

EFFORT!!!

 

Proverbs 2:1-5(NKJV)

    My son, if you receive my words,      And treasure my commands within you,

    So that you incline your ear to wisdom,     And apply your heart to understanding;

    Yes, if you cry out for discernment,     And lift up your voice for understanding,

    If you seek her as silver,     And search for her as for hidden treasures;

    Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,     And find the knowledge of God.

 

It takes effort to find the knowledge of God.  It takes effort to build that relationship.  God is always there waiting for us but we need to be proactive in reaching out to God.

It takes effort.…and it is soooo worth it!!!

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Were any truer words ever written?

 

Proverbs 1:7(NKJV)

    The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,      But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

 

I needed a break from my regular study routine so decided to visit one of my very favorite books of the Bible.  As you can see from the passage above, that book is Proverbs.

 

I have always loved Proverbs for it's simplicity, it's common sense.  I kind of think of it as the Farmers Almanac portion of the Bible.  (No disrespect intended by the comparison)  There is just a down home folksiness to the wisdom found in Proverbs. 

It doesn't take long to find nuggets in Proverbs.  Seven verses into the chapter I found this one.  The part I see so much of in society today is the second part.  "But fools despise wisdom and instruction". 

Look at the venom and vitriol of some towards the wisdom and instruction that comes from the Bible.  Scripture tells us those people are fools.  That isn't us judging them.  That is Scripture identifying them for us.

OK, that's all well and good but what do we do about, to, or for them?  I think the only effective thing to do is pray for them.  Very seldom will you ever convince them in a debate or discussion.  Jesus warned us not to cast our pearls before swine and I think this is exactly what He was talking about. 

 

There has to be a change of heart and I think the only one who can bring that about is God, so pray for them! 

 

Have people gone crazy? Nope. Read Revelation17:17

It shouldn't be a surprise.  There is plenty of warning in Scripture.

 

I have to admit though that the depth and breadth of the total ludicrousness and depravity in our country and world astounds me at times.  It seems to me that some people have lost total touch with reality.  We have actual doctors testifying to Congress that men can get pregnant and deliver babies. 

We have cities that no longer keep their criminals locked up.  The cities arrest them and then let them right back out on the streets.  And then they complain that crime is out of control.  Well duh!!!

Have people gone absolutely crazy???  How can their view of the world be so completely different than mine?

 

I ran across this verse in Revelation today and it answered that question for me. 

 

Revelation 17:17(NKJV)

For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 

 

There is the explanation.  This isn't something that is "just happening".  It is part of God's plan.  It leads to Armageddon and the return of Jesus. 

I sometimes wonder though why we have to build to this mighty battle?  God is all powerful.  He could, right this minute, crush the opposition and send Jesus back to earth to start the 1,000 year reign…..but He doesn't.

Why not? 

What is the purpose of putting the human race through this?  What is it we are supposed to learn?  
 

Not sure I have the answer.  I have a guess or two, but they are only guesses.  I just trust God and I will add this to the list of questions I have for Him when I get there! 

Hope you all have a blessed day!  :)

 

 

 

Torment as a spectator sport!

 I love how different things come to my attention every time I read the Bible.  I saw this verse in a whole new way this morning, especially the highlighted part.

 

Revelation 14:9-11(NKJV)

Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 

he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.  And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

 

Did you catch that?  Those who accept the mark of the beast will be tormented "in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb."
 

I had always thought of the punishment/torment taking place down in hell while Jesus was up above in Heaven.  It's kind of weird thinking of Jesus and the angels sitting there watching the torment actually happen.  Seems like shades of the Old Testament to me.  That isn't a bad thing in my opinion.

To be clear I am not criticizing God in any way about this.  I think in this day and age it might be good to teach more about this side of Jesus.  Too many people, in my opinion, think of Jesus as peaceful and all forgiving and they don't really believe there is a final punishment coming to those who don't accept Jesus.

According to Scripture they are in for a big surprise!  Not only is there punishment coming but Jesus and the angels are going to watch the punishment!

 

So here is a question.  Have you accepted Jesus yet?  If not, why not accept Him right now.  Just have a quiet conversation with Jesus.  Let Him know what you are looking for and He will lead you from there.  "Dear Jesus….."

Amen!