One in God and Jesus

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Read the Instructions

How many times have you found yourselves purchasing a product that is assembly required, and always tend not to read the instruction, which is a guide that gives us careful instructions on just how to put the product together. There you are at beginning and find something always happens, or that it does not look right; simply because you failed to read the instructions. Maybe you finish your project and see that there are pieces left and can't seem to figure out where they go; again all because you failed to read the instructions. Of course, this does not only apply to items that need assembly, it could also be with today's technology; like a phone, a lap top, computer, or an ipad, ipod for that matter. I guess this is where our stubbornness tends to always get in the way, or the pride of thinking that we can do anything without instructions. How about when we are traveling and we just can't find what we are looking for, and our spouse's suggests to ask for directions. I am almost sure that we all have been there sometime or another. One thing for sure if we do persist in doing this or going about this the wrong way we will fail in accomplishing what we set our minds out to do, or started to do, if we do not take the time to read the instructions. After all the instruction are there for us to be at ease, and to make the project much easier than it should be, and we may enjoy it faster than we think. So, what should we be doing instead, “read the instructions!”

That of course was a metaphor, or template if you will, to what the real subject of the matter is all about. What we do have, is the word of God, and it is seen in many different forms, percepts, and connotation. Today I wish to see it as an instruction manual that is pertinent for the child of God to heed everything that is written there of.

The first passage that I wish to look at, is written in the second book of Timothy, a sound letter from the Apostle Paul written to Timothy. As we know that were two letters that are filled with instructions; that can also be applied toward us in our service to the Lord (2Ti.2:14,15)In the King James version the word “study” is used in place of show [be diligent] diligence. We all know that all of the men who are the writers in God's word were all instructed by either God or the Holy Spirit of God. As well as, the Holy Spirit of God enlightened our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and so has the Apostles received such instructions to help all the listeners to understand what all needs to be done; for them to engage in the path of eternal salvation. Only, today, in our time of age we already have everything in our hands, the written word of God, the will of God, His commandments, the Holy Spirit of God in black and white. Our instruction manual that is inspired by God Himself (2Ti.3:16,17).

One thing that we are going to notice is the emphasis of reading and studying these instructions, can never be seen unnoticed. Even in the time of our Lords ministry he constantly rebuked the people, including the Jewish rulers and leaders, about reading the laws, the commandments, and the scriptures; and with Jesus already knowing the intents of their hearts, and even knew that they did not read any of the scriptures: as he made it very clear throughout his entire ministry. Simply by asking them “if you knew my Father you would see Him in me?” Also, he himself reading from the scriptures in the synagogues, and as he continually gave them instructions, and expressed to them what is written in the Law of Moses, the actual word of God. For example, we read several passages in the book of Matthew. Although, they failed to comprehend, exactly what was he trying to get across, because of their blindness of their heart, eyes, and ears: which is explained by the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians (2Co.3:12-17). Here are some of the passages of this dilemma; where we can find our Lord asking them about their reading(Ma.12:3,5; 19:4; 21:16,42; 22:31) all of these passages have one thing in common, and that is, that they have the phrases like: have you not read, or did you not read. So the question is do we want to be asked that at any given time? That is why I have the tendency of emphasizing the great importance of reading the word of God; it is our Spiritual food, it is the increase of our growth. The growth that we receive from God not from no one or anything else (1Co.3:5-8).

There is no other way of knowing anything that pertains to our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ; other than finding it in the scriptures (2Co3:1-6), now I ask how can this be done if we do not read the word of God; there is no way. It is through the same scriptures that we were introduced to our Lord and Savior, by a holy person whom God chose to be His deliverer, for each and everyone of us. All glory to our Heavenly Father on how he uses us to help the lost reach His kingdom. All this is done through this man of God to do God's holy purpose, as he is reading and studying the instructions that can only be found in the word of God.

For informational purposes, and in fact, in my research I have found that the word “read” is used 66 times in the entire word of God, and the word “study” is used only 5 times, and the word “instruction” is used 33 times, which most will be found in the book of Proverbs; in which we all know them as moral virtues and their contrary vises, strong and clear instructions for the children of God, and along with (Jeremiah32:33,35)they have not listened to receive instruction: Will you not receive instruction to obey my word, (Ezekiel5:15)When I execute judgment among you in anger and in fury and in furious rebukes, and (Zephaniah)Surely you will fear me, You will receive instruction-so that her dwelling will not be cut off; and the last but not least (2Ti.2:15) Study [give diligence] to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Its quite evident that even in the word of God, we are constantly told to read and study the instruction manual; that God has left for us to use as it is there for our benefit, as well as the benefit for the listeners; and this is proclaimed in two text that is very well known to us (2Ti3:16,17)All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2Pe.1:20,21)Knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but by holy men of God spoke as the were moved by the Holy Spirit. So we being in the same scenario we too have the Holy Spirit guiding us as well, and this is one reason as to why we should never quench the Holy Spirit and never despise prophecies (1The.5:19,20)

Another text that is quite powerful, but very strong in its connotation is in (Job33:14-17)For God may speak in one way, or in another, yet man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, while slumbering on their beds, then He opens the ears of men, and seals their instructions, in order to turn man from his deeds, and conceal pride from man.

These are only a few examples that I brought up, so we can see just how important it is for us to never stop obey the commandments of God by reading the instructions. Its all about our spiritual growth so we can maybe one day reach the stature of Christ (Ep.4:11-15), and have the same growth through the same obedience. I guess one word may have slipped my mind and that would be “doer”! Which it too goes very well with what this lesson is all about, and one text comes to mind and we can find it in the book of (James1:21-25), and this of course goes with what our Lord Jesus Christ told the multitudes during his ministry in (Ma.7:21-28); what is the key word here “obedience”; in being “doer” of the will of God.

The bottom line is that we will never fail God if we do read the instructions on a daily basis; because if do not do it we may loose what we have already done through the grace of God. For many who do not know how to read, but have become a true child of God, believe me that God has done something wonderful for that person some how some way. For those who can not see, our Father has given that person stronger perception through their hearing and understanding, I for one do believe this to be very true as our merciful Father does love His children and will never let us down as we do Him. As for us who are able to read the word of God; we should find the time from our busy schedule and read the instructions that are written throughout the word of God. If we fail in doing so we will be found in the devils playground; which is known as the idle mind. We all know that we can easily become lazy, and become full of slackness and tend to procrastinate with many issues that will always get in the way of our studies. As we all know that through our minds we as humans can easily be controlled or manipulated; and this is where satan works on all of us if we are weak in faith. And faith comes from hearing the word of God, but in this concept, reading the instruction to strengthen our faith (1Co15:58)Therefore, my beloved brethern, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Finally, brothers and sisters I will say it again and again, we all need to study the word of God, we need to read the instructions so that we can never ever fail God and ourselves. This is to the glory of God after all we owe Him everything that we are, everything that we have, and more importantly what we are going to receive in due time. May the good Lord always bless us and keep us in the guidance of his glorious instructions as we head on our journey to worship Him in Heaven!

Borrowed time

When we take a good look at the word borrow, and what is the meaning; it can be seen and defined in various ways: for example borrowing something from someone, or borrowing money, and to borrow some form of literature from someone else etc….. Now, when we take a good look at the word time; we would immediately think of a clock, seasons, appointments, and historical periods, and so on etc….

Now, when we put the two words together it gives a completely different meaning in itself: for example a person who is diagnosed with an ailment and has no cure can be looked upon as a person living on borrowed time; figuratively speaking! Only I wish to set the tone and the concept in an area of thought: that the entire world does not really consider time to have any affect at all; because time is of no essence to them: time is just time.

This would be an area that some or few religious people can concur with; and I’m speaking in the spiritual sense of living life on borrowed time. One thing that we all need to be aware of, is that this entire world is living life on borrowed time without a doubt; because at any given moment, or better yet at any given time our Heavenly Father will put it upon Himself that time is up, and enough is enough. One great example would be when our Heavenly Father destroyed the first world was in the time of Noah (Gen.6:5-7;7:17-19).

God being full of patience, and mercy gives the entire world opportune time to redeem themselves from their evil works; as everyone has fallen short of His grace. Yet to those who belong to Him must never forget this, and recognize where they came from. This is explained by the apostle Peter in his second letter to all Christians in general: he warns the godly, for the long patience of God, to hasten their repentance. Basically, it means that we should always be ready and if not we need to consider how to salvage our own salvation long before judgment day(2Pe.3:8-9)but beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. In reference to the passage that we just read we can go back to what King David wrote as a prophecy in the frailty, and the fragility of human life (Ps.90:4)For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

Its quite obvious, and very evident that time is not ours to begin with; specially with the two passages we just read telling us other wise: it clearly states that time [by His authority] belongs to God. How can we as humans measure up to time when we being trapped in this; running out of time; world as if nothing is going on. When in reality something is going on and not all know this, and if they do; they just don’t care.

In the passage of (2Pe.3:9)Peter tells all who is of interest; who God is, and what He is doing, and what He has done, and will remain doing till laps of time is no more. As far as I am concerned, it’s the only way out for all to take and rely on; because we are living on borrowed time. This is time that we as humans can not afford to take advantage of; just as many rely on time, and quite often old clichés come to mind: for instance “killing time”, “time is a wasting”, or “time is of no essences”, and “time is money“. Who are we to assume, or even consider that time is ours: lets refer to what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ always claimed during his ministry and I quote “repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand”(Mk.1:15) this passage gives the inclination that time is near its end, and in the book of (Jo.7:6)in the second part of the verse; “your time is always ready”, and this passage gives the notion that the true worshipers of God must always be on their toes; and be without slackness and idleness; because these are considered the devils playground.

I truly believe that with scientist, evolutionist, and archeologists; who theorize with their man made ideas are in complete contradiction to the word of God in full: they find ways to manipulate the mind of Humans and assure them that time has been around for millions of years, and that it will never end unless some cosmic proportion evolution may, or might occur; which to me is preposterous! In concurrence with the word of God this world has been around for about 6200 thru 6500 years; give and take a little. Well, enough with the knowledge of this world, and lets stick to the true knowledge of the world to come, within “ the word of God”!

Here is words of wisdom that comes from God in His word: this world needs, and should relate with this next passage; as it is a warning for all to reckon with, for the salvation of oneself. (Is.30:1)Woe to the rebellious children, said the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin. For the counsel that we read about is the difference in knowledge of the Lord and this world, and with great emphasis is this: He is the owner of our borrowed time, yet, He awaits for all to come to His glory, His Kingdom, His righteousness, by and through His gracious mercy in the name of Jesus Christ (Is.30:18)And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will be exalted, that He may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for Him. (Ps.1:12)Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him. Here we have something to consider: that this next verse would be one of the blessing that one is given in listening to God’s counsel (Pr.16:20)He that handles a matter wisely [gives heed unto the word] shall find good: and whoso trusts in the Lord, happy is he.

How much more do we think we need to know about how much time we have; I for one think that the hope we have is enough, but on the other hand we need to know everything there is to know: despite all the mercies, patience, forbearance, and long-suffering that our Heavenly Father has; we must never forget that time is his and not ours. Its a crucial thing that we must always abide to the word of God; because this is His counsel, His will, His commandments, and its our life for everlasting time, and its our hope that we find good pleasure in our Heavenly Father and not a terror that is against us in any point of our life here in this world.

This is explained by the prophet (Jeremiah17:7,17-18)Blessed is the man that trusts in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. Be not a terror unto me: thou are my hope [refuge] in the day of evil. Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy the with double destruction.

This is obviously a rude awakening for the rest of the world as time is slipping by; and they not caring for it at all: again to them its just killing time on borrowed time. This to me, just doesn’t make any sense; for all we know time has already been shortened from 12 to 9 hours day and night, and only God knows this because time is His, and its written in His glorious gospel (Rev8:12;Is.13:10;Am.8:9). In other words he proposes too what ever seems fit, and to what ever He desires to do: so, at any given time He will do what ever He wishes to do. We need to always be aware of this, and be prepared and ready when time is up: as this was prophesied by the prophet (Habakkuk2:3)For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak [and it haste’s toward the end], and [shall] not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

In the essences of being ready; we must stand firm, unmovable, unshakeable, and never ever be deceived by the falseness that lingers in this dark and perverted world; because many will fall , and have fallen, and will keep falling (2Pe3:17); and at the same time many shall have the opportunity to get purged from their sinful life and be rooted too flourish fruitfully: from then, to now, and to the end of time (Dan.11:35)And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.

One thing that we [true worshipers of God] must always have is the acknowledgment that we already know of; who our Heavenly Father is, and we need to hold on to it forever; because it’s the goodness of God that sets us straight for His pleasure. If we then know this, and ignore it while going about our self willed life: where do you suppose this will lead us? If one is true to God, and we have a remorseful heart, it will leads to repentance, and have pleasure in God (Ro.2:4-6)Or despises thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads us to repentance? But after the hardness and impenitent heart treasures up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; who will render to every man according to his deeds.

We must take heed the warning that is set there for those who assume that they are saved; being found in a laid back customs that the vast majority of persons posses during their life here on earth. Why? Because the idea that time is on our side is a misconception that most people tend have a stronghold; they act as if life depended on it. The only thing that I will say about time; is that it does in fact benefit those who wish to make some major changes in their lives; this enables them an opportunity that God is willing to wait for that person.

Yet, I am very aware that the borrowed time that we are living will in fact come to an end not only for the entire world, but even more so for those who claim to be a child of God; as it is stipulated in the book of (Heb10:34-39). Above all, this is all done with God’s grace and His faith, His love, and tender mercy. If one is doubtful, a skeptic, or uncertain: think again and rationalize your decision; because in the eyes of God you, we, they, all are in error that we just can waste time on. The unfortunate thing is that with this world would be that they have grown accustom to the idea that time really does belong to them; and they have no care for what lies ahead in their future. Metaphorically speaking, this world can only evolve with what they have been taught throughout the centuries with the use of clichés, figurative words, and symbolism; and guess what? They are all words that are made up by man to deprive man from the real truth concerning borrowed time, or time in general.

Lets look at the reality of life based on the word of God, and of course we will find ourselves in the midst of many passages that pertain to time itself: beginning with the notion that time is God’s way of showing the inhabitants of this world that we do not have very much of. We are given many examples that are in reference to the laps of time for various people of yesteryear for example in the time of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, the Egyptians in the time of Exodus, the Israelite's who turned on God in the time of Exodus, the Philistines in the time of David, and many other Empires that fell by the hands of God, and of course there are many other examples for us to read about that can only solidify the idea that time is not ours but God’s.

The most important notion that we have pertaining to time would be God’s holy mercy, the allowance that He gives the entire world; is the opportunity to reconcile back to His grace with the deliverance of His Son for the benefit of all (Ga.4:4-5)But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. What more is there to say about our borrowed time; with the inclination that we do in fact have ample time to salvage what little time we have here on the world.

So we have our hope that within this borrowed time we be able to give our Heavenly Father back His borrowed time when He so decides to come for all His children (Eph.1:10-11)That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one [sum up] all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: in whom also we have obtained an inheritance [we were made a heritage], being predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will.

Whether its time or borrowed time what does it really mean, and what affect does it really have on certain persons: meaning the two types of persons that exists in this world; the lost and the saved. To the saved it is for us to patiently wait for our Heavenly Father and not involve ourselves with what will be tomorrow (Jam.4:14)Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. As for the lost what is to be expected of their outcome: being so full of sin and disobedience, and contradict the word of God. Simply because they are killing time on their borrowed time.

As I have mentioned time and time again that time will be no more, and that the borrowed time that we are living in shall come to naught; is perhaps a lot closer than one thinks: this is declared by God with the assistance of the Holy Spirit through the Apostle John in the book of Revelations. Just as this book give detailed information on just how and what will happen in the end of time as we know it (Rev.10:6)And swear by Him that lives for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things that therein are, that there should be time no longer.

If you wish to consider time; consider this: when was the last time that you prayed and begged God for His mercy, and glorious forgiveness. In consideration, wouldn’t it be wise to do something about it before its to late. Always remember who you are and where you came from; but most importantly keep in mind that the kingdom of God is at hand!