tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65527701697969021062024-03-13T08:41:45.580-07:00 A Moment With GodA Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.comBlogger556125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-13794020048910038032022-03-09T13:51:00.002-08:002022-03-09T13:51:18.184-08:00<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">A LIFETIME TO PREPARE</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-51fc59a9-7fff-a7ea-5202-955dce1b8636"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Life moves ever so swiftly. You, like me, wonder where time goes. Yesterday we were young, and today we are old. How many tomorrows do we have left before we leave the walk of men? The Bible addresses the swiftness of life. “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle...O remember that my life is wind.” Job 7:6-7. James saw life as a “vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14. For that reason, he determined that we ought to say, “If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” James 4:15. We must not count on tomorrow, for tomorrow may not come. We could make that journey into eternity at any moment. Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet, saw life as a “flower that fades and grass that withers.” Isaiah 40:6-8. Indeed, we know that life is brief.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The Psalmist, in the midst of speaking of God’s everlasting nature, counsels us to the consideration that must be given to life. “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalm 90:12. We are to be mindful of the brevity of life. We are to be aware of life’s purpose. This psalm teaches us of God’s dwelling. The words speak of God’s wrath and his mercy. We are to behold God’s work and his glory for we are his servants. The beauty of the Lord is upon us. Henceforth, our days will be numbered and our hearts will know wisdom. Life is to be lived in service to God while we are to be mindful of his nature.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The apostle Paul when writing to the Ephesians exhorts us to “redeem the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:16. Our time is to be spent, not in idle foolishness, but in pursuit of God’s purpose. Our days are not to be used in worldly endeavors, but in the glorification of God’s kingdom. Our years are not to be used in seeking the praises of men, but rather we are to seek the praise of God. We are dying, and we must be prepared to die. Of all the endeavors that should occupy us, meeting the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ at the judgment should be our overall concern. We are here as visitors, and we are bound for eternity. The journey here is to prepare us for our dwelling there. And the days to accomplish that feat are few.</span></p></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-89117123610400321142022-03-09T13:49:00.002-08:002022-03-09T13:49:31.221-08:00<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">A HOUSE BUILT ON ROCK OR SAND</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-adf727cb-7fff-e77d-ad7d-d28c27f7ab10"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him to a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell; and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7:24-27. We are not building houses; we are building destinies. We either build wisely or foolishly. The key to building a successful life that is prepared for the final destination is the word of Christ. The word of the master teacher who so skillfully preached this sermon is that we do what God says or we do not what he says. The life which we build is always tested. The rain, floods, and wind come to every life. No life is without the storms. In order for any of us to endure, we must hear and do what Jesus teaches. Many listen to the words of Christ, but are not motivated to do what he says. Knowledge must be translated into action. Whether our life stands or falls is solely dependent upon our hearing and doing what Jesus teaches. “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure.” II Timothy 2:19. “The righteous is an everlasting foundation.” Proverbs 10:25. Obedience to the will of God will ensure our life now, and in the eternity to come. We seem to live in the midst of a society that does not appreciate restrictions and rules. People act and react according to their own will. Such brings havoc and destruction. Humanity cannot be a law unto themselves. They will not stand when the rain, flood, and wind come. My house cannot endure storms unless my foundation is secure. Sand is easily eroded. Rock holds firm. How we build our life is determined by our acceptance or rejection of the rule of God. God can be ignored and his law shunned, but that one who so does will not endure the rain, flood, and wind of this life, nor the judgment to come. Upon which foundation is your house built? When the storm comes, will your house stand or fall?</span></p></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-39413474051104755282021-02-25T09:32:00.000-08:002021-02-25T09:32:04.294-08:00Walk By The Same Rule<p> "Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing." Philippians 3:16. There is a rule which has been delivered by the Lord Jesus Christ by which we are to walk and please him. As we examine the religious landscape, do we see one rule or many different rules? Do all walk by the same rule or do we seek to walk by different rules? The rule of God has been given to us in the Bible. The rule has been written so that all might know and walk accordingly. Our desire should always be to please and glorify our God. Therefore, we must seek his way, not our own way. There are also not to be many interpretations of this rule. We are to simply walk by the rule which God has given and all mind the same thing. God wants unity among those who believe in him and follow him. The only way that we please God is by following the rule which has been given to us. Rather than all of the division that we see in various religious societies, let us seek to be as one and united by believing and accepting as divine truth the rule that God has spoken.</p>A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-51498983079519874132021-01-21T13:08:00.000-08:002021-01-21T13:08:23.048-08:00Let Thy Mercies Come<p> "Let thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy word." Psalm 119:41. O, let the flood gate of God's mercies open so that we might receive his salvation. The mercies of God make possible our salvation. Let us behold constantly that God saves us from the way of sin. His word is a light that shines so that we might walk upon the path of his salvation. His word is our instruction so that we might live our life in a pleasing way before him. As we heed the word of God, we grow in his mercies. The mercies flow over our soul cleansing us of our waywardness. The word shines forth in the blackness of evil so that we might know which way to travel. Only through his word do we know that we need salvation and how we might come to possess such a blessing. No other word truly reveals the salvation that is found in the wonderful mercies of God than his word which flows from the heavenly voice. God speaks of salvation from all the evils of the land, and gives mercies so that we might be removed from the vileness of evil. His mercies have saved us. May those mercies ever flow over our troubled souls giving life and hope.</p>A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-39398097301517529232021-01-19T13:59:00.002-08:002021-01-19T13:59:35.247-08:00Truth Or Fables<p> "And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." II Timothy 4:4. What do we wish to hear? A time would come says the aged apostle that the heart would move away from hearing the truth and would prefer to hear fables. When we view the New Testament account of the gospel preached, we see multitudes of individuals obeying the gospel. The truth of God is a message from God that has the power to save the soul. In fact, the truth is the only message that can save. Fables are lies or stories that come from the mind of humans. Different humans proclaim different stories. Many wish to be saved in their own prescribed manner. But, God reveals truth. Only the truth saves. As time has gone forth, fewer and fewer prople are saved. As the world population grows, the church which proclaims the truth has not kept up in numbers converted. Despite our best efforts to proclaim truth, more and more are inclined not to believe. The Bible is the truth of God which saves. Human hearts must have the desire to hear this truth and obey this truth. Our ears must be inclined to hear only the word of God. Fables will make one feel good, but will not save. Fables will ease our conscience, but will not save. What we hear will make a difference in our eternal destiny. Let us turn our ears unto the truth rather than fables.</p>A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-90677882997244446812021-01-15T08:43:00.000-08:002021-01-15T08:43:58.972-08:00Life After Death<p> "If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change come." Job 14:14. God has blessed man with a soul that will never see death. Our human body which houses the soul will succomb to death. But, we who have been made in the image of the Creator God will live forever. Job is aware of his appointed time and for the change that will come. This old human body will be framed with immortality. This earthly body which is corruptible shall be clothed with incorruption. While we live in this earthly house, we must make preparation for the change that will come. We must live life with a sense of urgency that our appointed time will come. The days of our earthly pilgrimage will end. We must be ready to meet God. Our life has a destiny that we must choose. Where will we spend this immortal existence? Heaven awaits those who are righteous and have served God faithfully. Hell will be the dwelling place of the evil and unrighteous. God is to be sought and a relationship with him is to be developed while we have this appointed time. Knowing that we shall die and that we shall live again, let us prepare so that we are ready when the change comes. </p>A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-15078422765548341212021-01-14T11:22:00.000-08:002021-01-14T11:22:49.792-08:00Not OfWorks<p> "Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:9. The writer of these words has just declared that we are "saved by grace." Grace was God's marvelous act to save humanity from sin. We are not able to save ourselves. Only God can save, and through Christ, God provided for the salvation of humanity. We, therefore, are not saved by works that we do. While there are works that we must do so that we can be saved, those works will not save us. God will never be in the debt of man. We will forever be in his debt, and depend upon him for our salvation in Christ. But, we have been called to labor in God's great vineyard. We have been created so that we can work. We must never be slothful in God's kingdom, but each day go forth to labor. Our works in the kingdom of God will never merit our salvation, but unless we are busy in the work of the kingdom, we will not be eternaly saved. Our home in heaven is very much dependent upon our doing the will of the Father. The salvation which comes by the grace of God must be obtained. Let us heed the word of Christ, "Son, go work today in my vineyard." </p><p><br /></p>A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-55388645558047039432021-01-09T13:02:00.001-08:002021-01-09T13:02:22.260-08:00Abide In His Love<p> "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." John 15:10. Jesus is the perfect example of obedience to the Father's commandments. He constantly walked in all the will of God. Because he chose to do the will of the Father, he abided in God's love. So it must be with our lives. We will abide in the love of God if we keep his commandments. God has loved us with an amazing, incomprehensible love. We must continue in that love. For the love of God delivers us from the guilt and penalty of sin. God's love for us gives us eternal life, and the hope of heaven. His love will deliver us from the pangs of death. Under his banner of love, we are never alone in this present world. We also have a refuge from life's storms. God provides for us all the blessings that we need in this world. We need his love for us. Therefore, we must walk in obedience to his will always keeping his commandments. The commandments of God are not unreasonable, and the keeping of those commandments guarantees us peace and security in this life. Let us insure his love for us by keeping his commandments daily and constantly.</p>A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-56405842259866342282021-01-08T08:43:00.001-08:002021-01-08T08:43:45.843-08:00When We Escape<p> "And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita." Acts 28:1. Paul, the apostle of Jesus Christ, is being taken to Rome where he desires to stand before Caesar. While on the journey, a terrible storm occurs threatening the loss of life. Paul has informed the crew that there will be no loss of life. This comes to pass as we read, "and when they were escaped." They had escaped the wrath of the sea. God has made it possible for us to escape his wrath for our serving sin. In this mortal life, we will serve God or we will serve the devil. Service to the devil will be punished with the wrath of God. That wrath has been displayed in ages gone by. We know of the flood that destroyed the world except for Noah and his family. They were able to escape because of their righteousness and obedience. We read of the wrath of God upon Sodom because of the sexual perversion of that city. Lot was able to escape because he believed God and went out with the messengers that were sent to warn him. There is a day of wrath coming upon the sons of men. God's wrath always comes because of sin and transgression. In Jesus Christ, we can escape. May we have the wisdom to hear the warning and flee for our souls.</p>A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-22031889476170788622021-01-07T12:07:00.000-08:002021-01-07T12:07:35.679-08:00What The Living Know<p>"For the living know that they shall die, but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten, Also, their love, and their hatred, and their envy is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun." Ecclesiastes 9:5-6. While we live, we hav a knowledge of what transpires around us. We love. We hate. We envy. But, the hour will come when we shall leave this mortal existence. W shall no longer know of things that happen in the land of the living. Our sure knowledge now is that we are going to die. This is no surprise to anyone. We are constantly surrounded by death. While we live, we have an opportunity to love and do good. Many times, we may do the exact opposite. But, the time will come when we will not have that opportunity. Life under the sun will continue, but not for the dead. We will not return to this mortal existence. We will be unable to return and change anything. The way that we die is the way that it will be. Knowing that we shall die, let us love instead of hate. Let us be without envy only seeking the good of others. Rather than our memory being forgotten. let us ensure that our journey here brought a benefit to the lives of others. </p>A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-77142376063464397652021-01-05T12:42:00.000-08:002021-01-05T12:42:16.655-08:00Trust Rather Than Fear<p> "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." Psalm 56:3. This is the one who killed the bear and lion with his hands. He faced Goliath while an army was fearful. But, all men at one time or another know what it is to be afraid. Different events fill our hearts with fear. What we must learn to do is trust God. God wants his followers to be without fear. Fear can disrupt our relationship with him. Fear can cause us to lose sight of God's power and purpose. But, trust brings us to God. Trust makes us know that with God,we can do all things and overcome all things. Trust leans not on our understanding and will power, but commits to God who can do all things. Trust allows us to know God's peace that does indeed pass our understatnding. Trust allows us to wait on God. God wil always do what is right for us. Fear creates irrational behavior and will cause us to rush. We will make wrong decisions which will lead to wrong actions. Trust brings us to a calmness of spirit and an assurance of soul. Trust knows God who reliefs anxiety and fretfulness. Fear can make us faint. Fear can make lose sight of our goal. Trust gives us hope and ultimately, victory. When fear comes, God is there to protect and help. We encounter moments when we are threatened, but trust will give us strength and we will overcome. Fear makes for loss whereas trust always brings gain.</p>A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-13283394562238897512021-01-02T11:40:00.001-08:002021-01-02T11:40:39.029-08:00Redeeming The Time<p> "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:16. The days are evil, aren't they. But, evil has been on the earth since Adam and Eve decided to go their own way. That brought disaster, and the time has not gotten better. Jesus had to die so that we could be redeemed from our sin, and purify our soul. God wants us to "redeem the time" because of the evil of our time. We all wish that we could call back time and relive our days. We, like Adam and Eve, have walked in our own way, and made our share of mistakes. Let's go ahead and call them what they are--sins. How do we redeem the time since we cannot relive any of our days and undo anything that we have done? We realize that the "days are evil" and we must live with caution and dependance upon God. We watch so that we do not fall into any more traps that are set by Satan. We turn our attention upon those Godly principals that are set forth in the word of God so that we can live and walk in a way that pleases our Creator. We understand that each moment is precious, and that heaven or hell is only a step away. We "redeem the time" when we seek God and allow him to control our heart and life.</p>A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-33955416701317652552021-01-01T09:02:00.002-08:002021-01-01T09:02:23.321-08:00High Time To Awake<p> "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed." Romans 13:11. How true is this passage. Indeed, it is now time to awake from our slumber and laziness. This blog has been neglected for some time, but a new day has dawned. Aren't we blessed that we can have new days? God is so gracious in that he is willing to give us new opportunities. I pray that those of you who read these words will search your soul and know that your salvation is nearer than when you believed. But, you must believe. You must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior and be united with him in baptism. If you do not know salvation, then come to Christ in obedient faith putting on Christ in baptism. God will then add you to the church which you read about in the New Testament. You live each day seeking a closer walk with God in holiness and faith. We use the power of God's Holy Spirit to overcome sin and temptation. We keep our focus upon heaven and the life after death. I will make it a focus of my life to write meaningful words of encouragement as often as possible. I will use only the word of God without any philosopy or human wisdom because only the work of God can save the soul. If I can answer any question personally or help in any way, use my email to contact me. wvthomas68@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you even if you just say hi. Let us today begin a journey toward a new opportunity.</p>A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-58129909574946928652020-09-04T08:11:00.002-07:002020-09-04T08:11:20.388-07:00Jesus Christ, Our Foundation<p> "For other foundation can no man lay that that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 3:11. The long standing of the house will be determined by the foundation upon which the house is built. So, the foundation of our spiritual life must be built upon Jesus Christ. The success, happiness, and fulfillment of our life will be permanently set if we build upon Christ. This foundation has already been laid, and no man is to lay a different foundation. Christ is the true foundation. Jesus is the solid foundation. This foundation which has been laid by Jesus Christ is the foundation of redemption and salvation. All hope for eternity must be built in Christ. This foundation is one of assurance and conviction. The foundation will withstand the passage of ages. No storm can destroy it. The winds of doctrinal change cannot alter it. The assualt of Satan cannot undermine it. The foundation has been tested through times gone, and yet, firm and true it stands. The security of the foundation is in the power of the Almighty. The foundation has been laid in the blood of the Savior. Build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ and know joy forevermore.</p>A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-190092258907635282020-09-02T14:40:00.001-07:002020-09-02T14:40:27.975-07:00Jesus, Our High Priest<p> "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession." Hebrews 4:14. We can hold fast because Jesus is our high priest. We can continue in the Christian faith because Jesus is our high priest. God has made it so that we can continue to fight and overcome. Burdens will come, but Jesus is our high priest. Satan will assualt us, but Jesus is our high priest. Jesus is a great high priest for he does not serve in our behalf upon the earth, but has passed into the heavens. In the clouds, he ascended unto his heavenly Father, and took his place at the right hand of the throne of God. From that throne, he makes intercession for us. He continually offers his blood as the remedy for all sin. With that blood, he sealed the covenant that declares him as our high priest. His priesthood is greater and far superior to any that existed prior to his being seated on the throne of the Almighty. That throne upon which he sits is established forever. His priesthood is an unchangeable priesthood. None will succeed him. Jesus, the Son of God, is our high priest from now until time shall be no more. </p>A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-52755277986875027822020-09-01T22:39:00.000-07:002020-09-01T22:39:20.476-07:00Walk After Him Commandments<p> "And this is love, that we walk after his commandments.This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it." II John6. To walk is to keep in step with one in submission of heart. The one with whom we are to keep step is Jesus Christ. We are to walk in a manner that others will be able to follow. God's commandments are the guiding light of our journey. We are to be in obedience to God's commandments or His law. To truly love God, we will keep His will. The commandment has been delivered unto us from the beginning. The Christian life begins in the doing of God's law. The law of God is a perfect law. It does not and will not fail. The law will bring prosperity and happiness. Those who love God are loved by Him. He will supply our needs never leaving nor forsaking us. Jesus is a friend that abides, and understands our weaknesses. When we are weak and faint, Jesus brings us power and courage. Keeping the commandments will keep us from sin. God's commandments lead us in a good and right way.. Keeping the commanments will preserve our character, and insure our destiny. Walking in the commandments leads us to heaven to live with God forever. </p><p>. </p><p><br /></p>A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-30794716997916788442020-08-26T13:30:00.000-07:002020-08-26T13:30:12.603-07:00Peace By Grace<p> "Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 1:3. Grace is God's gift to the human family. This is because of God's desire that all know him "from the least to the greatest." Without the grace of God and Jesus Christ, we are hopeless. God's grace came in the person of Jesus Christ. However, God's grace must be received. Grace is a gift that is offered, and it brings peace to all who will receive it. The peace of God is an individual consolation of the soul to anyone who is so inclined to accept it. Sin has brought the need for peace. Sin causes division and confusion. God who loves send his grace to create a heart of peace. By grace, we can know forgiveness, and thus, possess peace. Peace by grace brings us into union with God. The barrier of sin is destroyed in Christ. God has reached across the great gulf to make peace. Peace assures us of God as our Father and Jesus as our Lord. Peace comforts us in the storm, and lifts our burdens. Peace lights our way as we walk with our God. Our peace is our confidence of bestowed grace. Peace is our constant reminder of grace bestowed.</p>A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-24655228160119731782020-08-20T13:16:00.000-07:002020-08-20T13:16:15.716-07:00An Altar Unto Sin<p> "Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin." Hosea 8:11. Our intent can even become sin unto us. Throughout Old Testament history, altars had been raised so that sacrifices could be offered to other gods. These people clearly understood the purpose of the altar, and they also understood God's rejection of the altar. The altar was erected so that a god other than Jehovah could be worshipped. Why would any people choose to serve a god other than the true and living God? The altar was erected so that they might sin. As a result, the altar had become sin unto them. The knowledge of that which is evil should always be avoided. If not, that which we know to be sin will become sin for us. Our lives are to be ordered accordilng to the divine revelation of the Almighty. Never should the devil be invited into our lives. The devil brings sin. Sin cannot be present in one's relationship with God. Sin is to avoided because of the tremendous power that it possesses. We are always to do what is good and pleasing in the eyes of our God. If we seek to sin, then we will sin. Our intention will always determine our action. When the intent arises, flee as one fleeing from a horrific storm. Destruction sits upon the horizon of our making altars to sin.</p>A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-9706808543341144002020-05-08T09:50:00.001-07:002020-05-08T09:50:36.087-07:00Besought Him To Depart"And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts." Matthew 8:34. A marvelous miracle had been done. The torment of two men had been driven from them. The lives of these individuals had been forever changed. Jesus has that power. The work of Christ was to transform. Even in this hour through the gospel, Jesus transforms lives. The whole city asked him to leave them. They like those at the cross were ignorant of what they were asking. Jesus did not hesitate. He did argue with them. Their request was honored. Did he ever return? It is highly unlikely. Jesus calls, and we either answer or refuse. Remember the ruler? Christ did not call him back for further discussion. The terms of discipleship are clear. Christ does not debate the requirements of heaven. We can accept him or we can refuse him. The decision to follow Christ is in the heart of man, and never the court of heaven. How we respond to Christ will forever change our life. The question we must ask is: Do we want our life to be better? Will we choose to live the transformed life?A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-42827766958470751252020-05-02T11:54:00.000-07:002020-05-02T11:54:06.666-07:00Worship The Lord"Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence , Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Matthew 4:10. The setting for this statement is the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. This follows the Lord's baptism of John. The one whom Jesus calls Satan is the devil. Matthew 4:1. The work of the devil is to tempt. Satan seeks as he did on this occasion with Jesus to separate us from God. Jesus was able to withstand all the temptations of Satan as you and I also can. Jesus knows that only God is to be served and worshipped. The reason for our service and our adoration is that God is the Lord. God is over all and above all. God must be worshipped above all things. Never must we allow pleasure and possessions to be the object of our worship. Pleasure, possessions, and power is but for the moment. The devil will finally in the last great day receive his doom. But, God remains. We worship God for who he is and for what he is able to do. We worship God for the plan that he has for our life now and in the world to come. We worship him because of the great love that he has demonstated toward us. Satan does not care about us, However, God has, does, and always will. Worship and serve God the Lord.A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-24652198366364605432020-04-30T09:31:00.000-07:002020-04-30T09:31:04.980-07:00Come Shortly Unto Me"Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me." II Timothy 4:9. The apostle Paul writes this statement to his "son in the faith." I Timothy 1:2. Paul is at the end of life, and he desires to see Timothy. We are all coming to the end of life. I want you to consider this statement as coming to Christ. All must come to the Lord Jesus Christ to receive God's salvation. Wherever we are in life at this present moment, we need to come to Christ. The opportunity to come can be gone in an instant. Life is not certain, and death can take us at any moment. Life makes no promises to us. We must come with diligence. We must understand the urgency of coming. We must give thought to the world beyond this present world. Our soul is our most priceless possession. Only by coming to Christ can we secure our soul. Let us not delay counting on some future moment to come, but let us come shortly. We must understand the impact of coming, and also the impact of not coming. Paul knew that life was going to pass in a moment. Timothy did not have much time to come to see him. Let us apply this same thought process in our coming to Christ.A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-50435118045195057562020-04-30T09:13:00.000-07:002020-04-30T09:13:43.580-07:00Commandments That Turn Us"Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men that turn from the truth." Titus 1:14. There is God's truth and man's truth. Survey the religious landscape. What do we see? Do we see one faith as the Bible teaches? Do we see one body of believers who share the same faith system? The answer is no. We see various faiths, and vast division because of those faiths. Rather than seeing one church, we see a multitude of churches teaching different plans of salvation and different views of worship. But, Jesus faced those who did not share his teachings and refused to believe what he taught. Remember that Jesus has all authority. If Jesus has all authority, then man has no authority. All doctrines mut be of God and all teachings must be of God. We are not to hear the commandments of men for they will turn one away from the truth. A person can not follow truth and error at the same time. God has revealed his truth so that we can examine all teachings and determine what is right. Only the truth can save and turn one away from sin. The doctrines of men have no value. The doctrines of men are only empty teachings that destroy the souls of those who believe them. Do not give heed to a teaching that has not come from God.A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-28366749670022230042020-04-27T09:09:00.000-07:002020-04-27T09:09:30.162-07:00He Could Not Be Hidden"And from thence he arose and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid." Mark 7:24. This journey of our Lord appears to be the fartherest away from Palestine that he traveled. Christ knew well these cities of sinfulness. However, he states that it will be more tolerable for these cities in the judgment than for others. Matthew 11:20-22. It is truly sad when the Christ is rejected. The house into which Christ entered is not identified. The scriptures do not always give us the details that we might like to have. Only important truth is revealed for us. It appears that Christ sought to be alone for a time. His life was constant on notice. But, even here, he could not be hidden. The light of Jesus shines even in the darkest corner. Oh, that he would be sought today as he was in that hour. Christ today needs not to be hidden, but revealed. Every heart needs to seek him. Every eye needs to see him. Every ear needs to hear him. Every soul needs to receive him. In our life, let not Christ be hidden, but known and seen.A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-54627278598887631832020-04-23T08:48:00.000-07:002020-04-23T08:48:18.305-07:00Things Have An End"For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, and he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end." Luke 22:37. The work of redemption that Jesus had come to accomplish was almost at an end. The task for which God had sent him was coming to fulfillment. The suffering that he experienced and the separation from his father that he knew was soon to end. Is it not true for us as well that the things which we experience in life soon end? We find ourselves in turmoil, but calmness comes. We become ill, but wellness comes. The events in our life change. We can be happy, but saddness comes. Smiles are followed with tears. In our life, there is separation as well as reunion. All things have an end. We must know the downs as well as the ups. There are both smooth times, as well as rough times. Today can hold the greatest promise while tomorrow may look like defeat. God's plan for Christ had him reckoned among the transgressors, but it had an end. Whatever darkness we see in life will ultimately be dismissed by the brightness. The clouds will disperse, and the sun will shine for the things concerning us have an end.A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552770169796902106.post-65885826945697053562020-04-18T10:54:00.000-07:002020-04-18T10:54:36.998-07:00As Thou Hast Believed"And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour." Matthew 8:13. A centurion of authority had come to request of Jesus that his servant be healed. He confessed that he was unworthy of Jesus coming into his house. He wanted Jesus to "speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed." verse 8. We are unworthy because of sin, but Jesus has the power to make us worthy. By our faith, we can be healed of the most deadly disease of sin. By faith, we can confess the saving power of Christ. By faith, we can become sons of God. As we believe, so can we become. The Savior opens his arms to those of faith. The Christ hears the cry of those of faith. Faith can open our heart and we approach Christ even though we know that we are unworthy. Jesus accepted not only the centurion, but also the leper. Those high and those low could come to Christ. You can come, and I can come. As we believe, we can receive the blessing of healing and acceptance. We, through faith, become conquerors in Christ Jesus. In this selfsame hour, we can know the love and grace of Jesus Christ if we but believe.A Moment With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08346659814569864034noreply@blogger.com0