Called out to be separate--not conformed

Called out to be separate—not conformed

     We have been called out of our old sinful lives to live lives separate—wholly devoted, dedicated—to the Lord.

      One aspect of holiness is living a life of godly choices. We daily have choices on what we will place before our eyes, our ears, and where we will go. What we view, listen to, and attend/visit will affect us; either for our betterment or detriment. We must choose to feed ourselves with what is going to help us and others follow the Lord. For example, taking a youth group to an outing with a hotel stay afterwards gives you, the leader, choices. Will you let the youth watch whatever they want? Bloody, violent movies and sex-saturated, passionate movies will only harm them. It is not usually a onetime view that destroys people, it their continual choices down a faulty path. Your path determines your direction. Stick to the straight and narrow, not the broad (anything goes & don’t take stuff to seriously) and wide (tolerant & all-encompassing) road which leads to DESTRUCTION! Our choices have consequences on ourselves and others. The unbiblical dating frenzy today has produced a couple of generations with a lustful and physical view of love, multitudes of divorces, and an impractical view that one can find the “perfect” someone. Be careful how you live.

 

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

1 Peter 1:13-25 (KJV)

1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

1 Peter 2:1-3 (KJV)

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 2:11-14 (KJV)

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16 KJV

 

      We must be careful how we live. If we live foolishly, spurning the laws of God, then we will reap destruction, hypocrisy, and eventually the rejection of the Lord and our salvation as we walk away from the faith. The Christian has a hard life some would say, but it actually is a very good life. Though we are persecuted, we can have the peace of God and the Holy Spirit comforting us. Though a week was hard to get through, we can come into the Lord’s presence on the Sabbath and be encouraged by the brethren. We must live wisely, not in the wisdom of the world, but in the wisdom of God that we acquire by fearing the Lord.

      Make the most of your opportunities, nothing happens by chance. The temptations you have are tests to see how you are progressing in your faith and how Jesus is becoming more integrated into your life. The days that we live in are evil. Hollow and deceptive philosophies and the teachings of demons are being proclaimed from some pulpits, most public schools, and the mainstream media. Everywhere we look we see evil, but we must stand against it: we must stand for the Lord. Amidst the overwhelming flood of voices screaming that we are stupid, baist crazies, racist or even insane radicals we must stand. In all the hardships, we are to endure because of Christ who set us the example by enduring the Cross for us, for the sake of His Gospel and the Gracious Gift of Salvation.

Jesus had and intimate communion with God despite all the hard times He went through and He died on the Cross, an extremely hard thing to do because of His love for us.

     As you go through this week, this life, this chapter of your eternal walk with the Lord: seek the Lord, make the most of the opportunities that you have, and allow Him to radiate His truth from your being. And above all else, seek Christ, standing firm against our evil flesh, the demonic powers in high places and the domain of Satan, the world.

 

Thought 354: "Romantic Relationships"--Free in Principle, but not in Practice from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

 

 

Thought 354

“Romantic Relationships”

Free in Principle, but not in Practice

      God does have guidelines, and He will make a way for His perfect plan to be accomplished in our “Romantic Relationships” if we will wait on Him. The Lord has given us a free will which we can take a detour with that produces permanent consequences. God will chasten our disobedience to His absolute laws of right and wrong.

Side Note:

Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines Romance as that which vaults or soars beyond the limits of fact and real life; Romancer as one who invents fictitious stories; and Romantic as Pertaining to romance, or resembling it ; wild ; fanciful ; extravagant ; as a romantic taste; romantic notions ; romantic expectations ; romantic zeal. Improbable or chimerical ; fictitious ; as a romantic tale. Fanciful ; wild ; full of wild or fantastic scenery ; as a romantic prospect or landscape ; a romantic situation.

In light of those definitions of “Romance,” I do not encourage or recommend it and have only used the word for the sake of relating today’s’ topic to you. Even though a modern definition may differ from the 1828’s, both still depict Romance as wild and fanciful. Far too many Christians fall into the trap its illusion, especially young girls. So many books and movies are filled with it and there are many people that search in vain to find it. But in light of a Biblical worldview, we should be very cautious with anything that propagates the idea of Romance. A further look into history reveals a concept called Greco-Roman love. This conception of love is based on the pagan Greeks and Romans who propagated perverted sexual pleasures, worship, “art,” and literature. A Christian should be on his (and her) guard against the widespread philosophy of “Romantic Love” for it certainly does not line up with God’s definition of Love-1 Corinthians 13.

  Our word for the day regarding “Romance” is WAIT. The Bible teaches in many of its’ verses about the importance of waiting. If we wait upon the Lord for our strength (Isaiah 40:31) and we wait for Him in the deserts and valleys that we go through (Isaiah 43:18-19), why not in our relationships? And why not in “Romantic relationships”?

      Readers, romantic relationships are not something to fool around with; and unfortunately many in the World and in the Church view dating, kissing, sex, lust, pornography, and temptation as a game, not as sin and a stumbling block to others. Many date simply for enjoyment or to-get-to-know the significant “beauty” that they laid-eyes-upon. When one does this he is putting his trust and his heart in the hands of his emotions and not in the hands of an Omnipotent, Sovereign God who already has the “right one” selected for us according to His will. The big issue is: will we wait (sexually and emotionally) on the one the Lord has for us or will we look—search—for The One and simply let “fate” lead us into the “perfect relationship”?

       Really listen to the following wisdom that many grasped too late in life to spare them pain:

#1 There are no perfect relationships. There are no perfect men or women, we all commit wrong.

#2 All are sinners and fall short of perfection: this further disproves the illusion of having a “perfected life,” because it isn’t even a possibility.

#3 Forgiveness is essential, we have to forgive the past of our future spouses and promise to not hold it over their heads. Just remember, we have all sinfully trespassed, but Christ can forgive them and will forgive Him if they repent and place their faith in Him. As His image bearers, we should forgive as well.

#4 Fate isn’t real, God directs everything, yet He allows Satan to tempt you at times and He restricts Satan at other times (check out the story of Job)

#5 Looking for something that God has already promised to give you one day is just impatience and it leads out hearts into a state of being more prone to sin because we are ‘weary’ of waiting. Don’t try to hurry God along because it won’t work.

#6 Waiting for the Lord is always the best option. Obedience to the Father brings blessing, but disobedience brings a curse (check out God’s promise to the Israelites).

#7 God has picked someone out for you that is beyond what you could ever find on your own.

                I encourage you to make the choice to surrender EVERYTHING to God, even “ROMANCE.”

 

Thought 339: Be Careful from Ryan's devotional book Thoughts

 

 

Thought 339

Be Careful

“When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.” Proverbs 26:25-26 KJV

      This passage warns about charming speech. Many a young woman believes that a “prince charming” will appear one day and sweep her off her feet. The problem is that this notion is a fantasy and certainly has no Biblical basis; instead it is rooted in a cartoon world of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, not to mention Sleeping Beauty.

        God loves us, and He desires to protect His daughters and His sons. One warning that the Lord gives us, as He a spoke through Solomon, is that charm is really of no value. Charm is a deceptive tool, in most instances. However, the young man who is living in the Lord’s will and yet appears to be charming to the young women in his  fellowship is quite different issue. Young women and men should “keep their eyes open” for the young man or woman who is following the Lord, not for charm.

 

Thought 282: The Christian Family from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 282

The Christian Family

“One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)” 1 Timothy 3:4-5 KJV

 

Discipline is important, but so are love and encouragement and mercy.

ABOVE ALL,

The Father & Mother should seek to instill Scripture into the hearts and lives of their children because the Word of God will not return unto Him void (Isaiah 55:11)—this knowledge of the Scriptures, like Timothy, has the ability to lead to the salvation of their soul in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15).

The Father should LEAD & Teach his family in spiritual matters—he is the head of the home and must display Christ’s Truth through his own life example: every father is accountable to God to do this.

The Mother should care for her children in the home. She has been blessed by God to be the instrument through which God brings children into the world and He has designed her to also be a primary nurturer for a set season in a child’s life.

 

The home is an important place. The home—the family—is to do more than just provide food and drink, clothing, and shelter for a group of closely related individuals. The home is to be a place of spiritual preparation, life purpose discovery, and education. God, through the inspiration and person of the Holy Spirit, has said that one of the qualifications for ministry is that a man “ruleth well his own house (2 Tim. 3:4-5).” God considers the home to be a very important place in His redemptive plan for mankind! Today, let’s take some time to think about the Home—the Family. And may You, Heavenly Father, anoint us to hear your Truth—to have ears to hear and eyes to see your plan. Amen.

In the New Testament we see entire families coming to salvation in Jesus Christ (Acts 16:15&33,18:8)! I was once in a service where a minister gave the current statistics for his denomination on salvations. He said that they had many programs which were winning women and children to Christ, but for every 100 men they won to Christ, they won 98 or 99 families. Fathers, I believe you have an important role to play in the family. If you take your role as the leader of your home seriously, YOU WILL IMPACT YOUR CHILDREN. Two of the three Scriptures mentioned in this paragraph referred to men being saved and their entire household following them. Forget the statistics I mentioned, but look at the principle: men do have an eternal impact on their families.

Mothers, wives, Scripture describes you in a beautiful way. I won’t go into all the verses here, but here are some traits of a godly woman/wife: loving, respectful, wise, faithful to her husband, a role model of godliness, a model of purity, a model of inner beauty instead of outward vanity, a possessor of a gentle and quiet spirit, a manager of the home, one who speaks with wisdom, and a demonstrator of prudence. Wives, Mothers, your role is important too! You aren’t called to be the leaders of your homes, but you are called to be all the things mentioned above and more. Peter instructs Christian women married to unbelieving husbands to set an example for their husband that their husbands may be won over to the faith (1 Peter 3:1-6). We need you godly wives and mothers! Our world is crying out for you in these Last Days! Please take your character seriously, live the Word, model purity and godliness.

 The Family also is God’s agent for populating the earth through the union of a man and a woman in marriage. As children are born, parents naturally discover that their children will mature and grow and that they must instruct and prepare their children for life out in this world, and most importantly, for eternal life with Christ in this life and the next. Fathers and Mothers, your role of training of a child in the way he should go (Proverbs 22:6) is another important and necessary aspect of God’s plan. In the Fear of God may you labor, to the best of your ability, for the sake of your children.

  I’ve read numerous stories of great men and women of God and one of the most recurring themes is the fact that they had godly fathers and mothers who modeled God’s design, took their roles seriously, and prepared their children for the Way God had ordained for them to Go.

  Husband, rule your house well, sacrificially as Christ did. Protect, be Faithful, model Christ, be a Leader, Provide for your family’s needs (1 Tim 5:8), and Sacrificially Love as Christ loved us all, His Church, His Bride.

All authority flows from above, therefore Remember Christ’s example.

Five closing Thoughts on the function of the Home:

The Home is…

1. A depiction of Christ and His Church through the love, union, passion, and united labor of a husband and wife. As well as, a depiction of how Believers are to relate to the Family of God.

2. The means through which children are born & raised/trained in the Fear of God & prepared and released into their life callings.

3. A place to learn, grown, share close unity, resolve conflict, & help others.

4. A productivity center.

5. A place where Fathers are leaders, Mothers are teachers, and Children obey in the Lord.

Thought 262: Spiritual Chainmail & Persecution from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 262

Spiritual Chainmail & Persecution

“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.” John 15:20 KJV

 

         Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

            Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

               But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.   —Ephesians 6:10-24 KJV

Thought 258: Birth Control--a means of making man a god from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 258

Birth Control – a means of making man a god

     Birth control is just plain wrong. It is a form of abortion, and a slap in God’s face. That pill is used for “safe sex,” child “control” and for selfish pride. Those pills are used to take God’s GIFT OF CHILDREN!! Children are a blessing (Psalm 127:3-5, Matthew 18:10, Mark 10:14, Mark 9:37) yet if you have more than two you are thought of as strange today. God said to be fruitful and multiply. If we, as humans, are supposed to fill the earth then why do we keep taking matters into our own hands. A woman does not conceive by chance, because chance doesn’t exist with God.

 Man is not an animal, we are not supposed to propagate, rather populate BY GOD’S STANDARDS which means sex within marriage.

“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.  Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.” Psalms 127:3-5 KJV

God intends for Christians to desire large families. This is the desire that He placed in the Children of Israel and has historically been continued by Christians who love the Lord through the ages since our Lord’s ascension.

God’s ways bring multiplication, fruit and growth

Satan’s ways bring destruction, and death

Thought 257: Animal rights--Pshaw! from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 257

Animal rights—Pshaw!

         These days animals may have better rights people. Something is wacky here, God gave man dominion over the animals, which means we can eat them and use their “parts” for our clothing, handles, soap, etc… God’s Word tell us to eat mean and to use animals as beasts of burden. Sadly, however,  aborted children have fewer rights than the dog that is put in a sack and thrown into the river—the aborted children that are cut to tiny pieces in the womb or stabbed in the neck or has their brain sucked out or is born and set aside on a table to die of neglect is more important than an animal! Modern laws show the wicked condition of modern man. Only the Gospel can change the heart of the masses that made these laws and transform their conduct.

          May we all stop and petition the Lord about these wicked modern practices. And may we take a stand for children.

Thought 255: A Royal Priesthood, a holy People from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 255

A Royal Priesthood, a holy People

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Colossians 3:12-15 KJV

Thought 241: Porn from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 241

Porn

  I have read many articles and testimonies from boys and men that have battled with this ugly monster. But let me assure you, most of the things that I have learned; any wisdom that my soul might now cling to, has come from using the gifts of my ears and eyes to listen and to read and using my mind to muse over something and consider the matter. God is the only way out of an addiction to pornography.

 God accepts me despite my failures and despite all my sins and all my miserable shortcomings. If He can accept me, one of the worst sinners, then He can accept you as well.

 If you struggle with the sin of pornography, first recognize that you cannot be free in your own strength, but the Lord’s Spirit in you can give you the power to become free. Believe—have faith—that the Lord will free you from this. It is not His will for you to stay in sin and if you are willing He will delight in helping you out.

 Read these Scriptures and stand on their promises—memorize them, know them, quote them when temptation comes: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, Ephesians 5:3-4, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Psalm 24:3-4, James 1:12-16, Psalm 119:9-11, Philippians 4:13, James 4:7-8, Matthew 1:21,   Hebrews 2:17-18, 1 John 2:14, Psalm 101, Job 31:1, 2 Timothy 2:20-21, 1 Cor. 10:13

Thought 213: Justification? from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 213

Justification?

  Do you live a life in which you constantly try to defend what you do? Mankind often tries to justify its lifestyle, choices, and decisions. It is sobering, but attempting to justify our actions, is really just making up an accuse for why we have been disobedient. God sent His Son to make righteous (perfection) atonement for you and me on the Cross. If you are a follower of Christ, Christ has forgiven you of all your sins and washed them away! Jesus has covered them with His purity!

  As Believers, we were justified in Christ, that is, God sees Jesus’ payment on the Cross instead of our sin when He looks at us. We are being sanctified in Christ, that is, we are being made more and more like Jesus every day that we follow the Him as Lord. We will be glorified in Christ, that is, we will one day be in Heaven where there will be no temptation to sin and we will be perfect.

  In the Old Testament, Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of stone (Gen. 19:26) because she loved her explanation for turning (disobeying) more than she loved God. The Lord Jesus has paid the price, but He allows us to make a choice with our will to obey or disobey His Word. When Lot’s wife disobeyed, she reaped the consequences of death. Perhaps your disobedience will not bring death, but it will bring other consequences.

Instead of focusing your attention on why you are right in what you have done, focus on your attention on the Lord (Matt. 6:33). And out of that focus, love others at Christ loves you: practice the The Golden Rule:

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 (NIV1984)

 

Ask the Holy Spirit how to put The Golden Rule into motion today.

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Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4 (NIV1984)

 Lord, may You help us to ground our lives in the firm foundation of Your Word. Help us to not look our own minds or reasoning for justification of our actions, but, Holy Spirit, help us to see Jesus in all we do. And may our love for Him inspire us to live by the Word. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Tip for Growth

Study the Biblical meanings of Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification.

Thought 207: Power Word! from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 207

Power Word!

"Everything is permissible for me"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"--but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV

Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 NIV