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1 John 3:11-13 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. (12) Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. (13) Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. (KJV)
What did Abel do wrong to deserve the hate which led to his death? The answer is nothing; however, he did choose to hold God to be true, which brought about the persecution. So what are you doing wrong or think you are doing wrong because you have brought the wrath of man to the surface and manifested what is really going on in the heart? Don’t stand in awe or wonder, and marvel if the world and its ways hate the message you live and bring forth, rather continue in the love of God even though the majority of what we are surrounded with chooses to hate. Even back to the beginning of mankind we see the strife and contention manifested in the form of hatred; so if you encounter these things on the path of life you are walking don’t be ashamed or think it strange, rather rejoice because you are partakers of the same sufferings that others who have chosen this same path have encountered. John 15:17-21 These things I command you, that ye love one another. (18) If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. (19) If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. (20) Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. (21) But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. (KJV) We see the warnings again of what will happen to those that choose to be followers of our Lord and the opposition they will encounter. As you see though, we should not take these things personal, as it is not us they hate but the One we represent, that is who they truly hate and despise. Whatever visions you had of Christianity, or however our Lord has been portrayed by mankind, are most likely based on illusions of pleasing man, people pleasers if you would, which we are surrounded with and why so many are weak. They persecuted our Lord they will do the same to you. So get used to it and be prepared; don’t take it personal, because all they are doing is taking their frustrations out on the messenger. We are like postmen who must deliver the mail despite the fact that there are some nasty dogs out there that bark and bite. Our responsibility is to deliver the message, a message of hope and love to a dying world, even though they may interpret it as hate. John 17:13-16 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. (14) I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (15) I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. (16) They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (KJV) Our Lord’s prayer for His people shortly before His crucifixion was for their edification and comfort, despite the hatred they would encounter after His departure. The more one grows in the knowledge of our Lord and the things of His realm, the more it will contradict those of this realm, the world as it is referred to and its fallen ways. The more you let the truth set you free the more it will convict those that wish to establish their own righteousness which is based on works and not on grace. The Lord was in this world but not of it and did not subject Himself or His belief in its system and way of thinking. We too are confronted daily with the same temptations and man’s way of thinking, that if we would only bend a bit here and compromise a bit there then we could fit in with the world, and not have to suffer the hatred and persecution. But like Paul said, if we seek to please man then we cannot be the servants of Christ. John 7:1-7 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. (2) Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand. (3) His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. (4) For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. (5) For neither did his brethren believe in him. (6) Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. (7) The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. (KJV) We see that our Lord was not always a crowd favorite and well received. It got to the point where He had to be watchful where He went because many didn’t take His message as one of love, but rather chose to hate. Isn’t it just like mankind illustrated in verse 4, who thinks they need to go and show themselves to the world and demonstrate the things of God to a larger audience in order to be a success? But the Lord knew His calling and who He was seeking to please. And the more He chose to love, the less He was loved, rather hated. And just like our Lord, just because those that have been close to you don’t believe, even your own brothers or sisters, it doesn’t mean you are a failure or have done anything wrong. John 7:5 [Neither did his brethren believe in him.] They did not receive him as the promised Messiah; but, having seen so many of his miracles, they could not but consider him as an eminent prophet. They supposed that, if he were the Messiah, he would wish to manifest himself as such to the world; and, because he did not do so, they did not believe that he was the salvation of Israel. (from Adam Clarke Commentary) Luke 6:22-23 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. (23) Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. (KJV) Don’t always think right away that you have done something wrong, or that you are offending people in a negative way just because you choose to live the truth and be a true believer of our Lord, not just in word but in deed as well. Although our Lord brought a message of love to a fallen mankind, many choose to hate rather than reciprocate His love in return; and if you experience these situations in your own walk don’t think it strange, rather rejoice in that you are partakers of these same sufferings which are an evident sign that you are on the right path and in good standing with our Father. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning dear brethren, in the January 2015 issue of The Costco Connection was the article below about being positive, persevering, and remaining in now.
By Wally Amos: Be Positive DON’T QUIT. This idea came to me this morning during my prayer time. It felt like a plea. In Napoleon Hill’s legendary book Think and Grow Rich (Napoleon Hill Foundation 2012: not available at Costco), he writes about a miner who quit inches away from one of the richest gold strikes of that time. Acres of Gold. How many times have you quit just inches away? You will never know. Not quitting means you constantly live where the action is, in the now. There simply is no place like now. It is the only time there is. You cannot get out of now. Also, the only place you can ever be is here. Wherever you go, that is where you are: here. To me that means you have everything to gain if you keep going, and nothing to lose. If you keep going you will not live a life of regret, saying, “if only,” or “I wish I had.” That is living in the past, which is nothing, and gives no rewards. Life is about constantly making positive decisions here and now, in the present. For me, this last year has been a year of one setback after another during the launching of another cookie company. The Cookie Kahuna. Often it felt like I would climb up the hill, almost reach the top, then slide back down. There have been some disappointing times, but at no time did I consider quitting. I knew if I quit it would be a definite “no, it’s over.” Yet, if I just found the courage and fortitude to keep going, I knew I would succeed. Which is exactly what happened. Life is never what it appears to be; it is always more. Just hold on to your vision, and have faith. We are human beings, doing things. My company is now up and selling cookies online, and all kinds of great things are happening because I refused to quit. Whatever you are working on, please, don’t quit! (Article from Costco Connection, January 2015) Now, although this was in pursuit of something in the physical sense, Wally was encouraged to press forward and not to quit; but how much more are we encouraged to do the same daily for spiritual things? Those things that will build you up spiritually and encourage you in pursuit of peace, and to walk by faith and not sight so that you can overcome your old fleshly nature and walk in victory. Remember the example given us; our Lord Jesus Christ who through faith pressed forward against all that was contrary to God, and having suffered for us He overcame the world victoriously and is now seated at the right hand of God our Father. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Hebrews 1:11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (KJV) Let your faith be in the ‘now’; live in right now, today, this moment where His strength is and… Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (KJV) Don’t be anxious about all of the tomorrow’s that haven’t yet come as it steals from the strength that you have been given to get through today. Keeping your focus on today will enable you to hear the Lord’s counsel for what you have need of in the ‘now’ so that you are strengthened and encourage to hold fast; to move forward having your steps directed by Him; and to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Brethren, now, don’t let the external circumstances disappoint, overtake or sway you, and please don’t quit as you might just be inches away from victory. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life and don’t’ let go. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. My dearly loved brethren…
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Spirit, who dwelleth in you. (2Tim 1:13-14) Let no man dispise thy youth, but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (1Tim 4:12) Let your conversation (manner of life) be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5) Do all things without murmurings and disputing: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the Sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life, that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. (Philippians 2:14-16) (KJV) Think on these; and keep your mind renewed continually, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God in your life. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:3-8 For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue). 4. By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature. 5. For this very reason, adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence, resolution or determination, Christian energy), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence), 6. And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control (in knowing the truth there is self-control), and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety, commitment & obedience), 7. And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection (laying down your life), and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love (Christ formed in you). 8. For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep [you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [full, personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed one). AMP
These are all attributes or characteristics of the divine nature which was formed, brought to maturity, within Jesus of Nazareth. He decreased by dying daily to the wants and desires of his fleshly nature (the nature of man) so that Christ (the attributes or characteristics of God) would increase and over take the old corrupt fleshly nature. Jesus Christ left us an example to follow: to put off the old man, and put on of the new man who is renewed in the knowledge of Him who created you, and to do this continually. As you do these things (put off the old, put on the new) the more you see who God is; you begin to understand His nature through experience in your own life in Christ; you begin to understand His love, His grace, and His mercy for us and how lovingly He provided us the way of fellowship with Him, and escape from this corrupt and dying world through Jesus Christ. As you do these things you will not be blind to the truth, the full personal knowledge of God and Jesus Christ who He sent; and you have His promise that you shall never fall. 2 Peter 1:9-12 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. (10) Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (11) For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (12) Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. (KVJ) My beloved brethren, I pray that you will continue to make these qualities yours and let them increasingly abound in you, so that you are not idle or unfruitful in your walk but that you do come to a full personal knowledge of the truth that is in you. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (KJV)
Strong’s definition for ‘hold fast’: NT:2722 katecho (kat-ekh'-o); from NT:2596 and NT:2192; to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively): KJV - have, hold (fast), keep (in memory), let, make toward, possess, retain, seize on, stay, take, withhold. Seize on, possess, those things which are good, and acceptable, and of the perfect will of God. An example is, the fruit of the Spirit which is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; so possess it, let it not go or slip away from you, but continue in it for in doing this you shall never fall. The Lord encourages us …. Revelation 2:25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. (KJV) Did you first prove it? Is it good? If so, then hold fast! How about to sound words? Because we are encouraged to hold fast the form (pattern) of sound (true in doctrine, uncorrupt, whole) words (something said, including the thought; utterance; reasoning or motive). Don’t deviate from the pattern of soundness in speech; that which ministers grace to the hearers. Let your words be from the throne of God, true in doctrine, uncorrupt, true in motive in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. Hold to that which is good; remember, evil communications corrupt good morals or manners which translate into a pattern of soundless words that are not fit for the kingdom of God. How about the profession of faith? Without wavering? Remember, He is faithful that promised. God promised us eternal life in His Son Christ Jesus if we continue in Him. So continue in the faith grounded and settled (holding fast), and don’t be moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven. So what is the implication of not holding fast to that which we have heard and have been assured of? There is no guarantee that our name will be in the book of Life. Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? (Hebrews 2:1-4 - KJV) The only way of escape is to hold fast our crown of life, which is Christ in us the only hope of glory. He is the way, the truth, and the Life. Revelation 3:11-12 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. Jesus Christ proved that God is good and all that He promised. So dearly loved don’t let go, continue to prove Him unto yourself, and hold fast to that which you do know to be true; for God is true and so is His only begotten Son Christ Jesus. God bless, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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