Colossains Chapter 2

 Chapter 2

1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Alive in Christ

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Let No One Disqualify You

16 Therefore, let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

A Saint's Prayer Part three.

 Asking Forgiveness 

We are currently doing an in-depth study of Psalm 25, looking at it for what it is—a Saint’s Prayer. Don’t worry if you missed any; you can always go to the archives, and we will wrap it up in the end. Today we will be going through Psalm 25: 6-9. Let us pray.

Father, we come before you today with thanksgiving for all that you have given us, continue to give us, and your Word declares you always will. Blessings we cannot even count. As we enter into your Word today, we ask for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a spirit to receive your truth and revelations. Help us to understand you better, grow closer, and be strong in our faith through your Word. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen!

Psalm 25:6-7

“Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!.”

We all sin. Say “all.” This means me, you, them, and everyone else that ever has, or will, walk this earth, save one. His name is Jesus. Look here.

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9

This is one of those things that unbelievers LOVE to attempt to use to discredit or defect any judgment of sin. “Oh, it must be great to be sinnless.” “So you never sin, right?” “Well, you know what Jesus says, ‘He without sin cast the first stone.” No, this is not the truth. The truth is what? ALL have sinned.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23

There is that word again. All. Look at those passages again. King David is asking for forgiveness. Did he think he was sinless?

He is asking for forgiveness. We actually have an advantage over King David. We have Jesus. We have the Grace of God through Jesus Christ. We are forgiven, and our sins forgotten through grace.

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-- but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.” Romans 5:6-9

Jesus came and became the final sacrifice.

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

Now, does this fact mean we have a licence to sin? I mean, Jesus died and paid the price for all. And I have been taught once saved always saved, so all I have to do is say I accept Jesus, and I can live however I choose. Right? Wrong. Do not be taken in by false doctrine, no matter how great it may sound.

“For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.” Hebrews 6:4-6

If you have truly been saved, you will not continue to willfully sin. Repent means to turn away. To stop sinning and start following.

Back to David’s prayer.

“Good and upright [is] the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.”

Remember, we did nothing to receive salvation. We did nothing to even try to repent. We were in the middle of our sins when Jesus died on our behalf. Romans 3:21-25

“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.”

Wait. There is that word again. All. Say “all.”

“For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

We have been taught a lot; however, keep reading.

“and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.” Romans 3:21-25

We have Jesus. We are “justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Again, does this mean we do not sin? Of course not. However, it does mean God can and will discipline His children.

“And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard the discipline of the Lord lightly, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." Hebrews 12:5-6

We are not on our way to Hell anymore. But be careful. Like an earthly father who loves his children, God loves us. Does that mean we can do whatever? Of course not. Remember, David was what? "a man after God's own heart." David sought to align his life with God's commands and was quick to repent when he sinned. He demonstrated unwavering reliance on God rather than on his own strength.

While David is celebrated for his heart for God, he also faced moral failures, illustrating the complexity of his character. He lusted, coveted, committed adultery, and murder. Was it all ok with God? No. It cost David dearly. Do you think you can do whatever you want and all is ok because you said a prayer ten years ago, but never changed? Sorry, that is not the way it works.

Why did Jesus come to die?

“It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:26

Jesus is our redeemer. He is our Savior. He is our advocate, and HE is LORD. We have an in. We have a justification for the ability to walk into the Throne room of God boldly, and be “sinless” because Jesus covered the cost.

So to recap so far, Psalm 25

“To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame;
Let not my enemies exult over me.

Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;
They shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Make me know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth and teach me,
For you are the God of my salvation;
For you, I wait all day long.
Remember your mercy, O LORD,
and your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.

Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
According to your steadfast love, remember me,
For the sake of your goodness, O LORD!

Good and upright is the LORD;
Therefore, he instructs sinners in the way."

David first praises God. Then he asked for Truth, and discernment of Truth. He was seeking God. Asking God. Not man. He acknowledged he was a sinner and asked forgiveness for his sins. He even took the Word of God into account when he asked God to forgive his sins.

He knew that the Torah taught that forgiveness is based on sincere repentance rather than the mere absence of sin. It commands confession and repentance, indicating that acknowledging one's wrongdoings is essential for atonement.

Before Jesus, God's forgiveness is portrayed as a merciful act, but it is not unconditional; genuine remorse is required. The concept of atonement is central to Jewish teachings, focusing on the importance of recognizing and regretting one's actions.

As I said before, we have an advantage. We have Jesus.

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Colossians Chapter 1

 Chapter 1

Greeting

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The Preeminence of Christ

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Paul's Ministry to the Church

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

A Saints Prayer Part Two

Ask God, not Man

We are currently going through David’s prayer as depicted in Psalm 25. Last time we went through this.

"To you, O LORD, I lift my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous."

We talked about recognizing God as God and being in total control. We talked about praying for Truth and discernment of Truth. Today, we will pick up on Verse 4. Let us pray

Father, we come before you with thanksgiving and praise for all you have given us. We know that you are still in charge even though the world grows darker. Our faith is in you. As we re-enter your Word, we pray for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a spirit to receive what you want us to know. We ask and thank you for all in Jesus’ name, Amen.

OK, so we are in Psalm 25, start at verse 4

“Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.”

King David began his prayer, and you will see a trend, if you will, by recognizing God and His authority over all. He recognized that God's truth is far greater than man’s, and he prayed for discernment. Now he is asking god, as we just did, not in the same words, but for eyes to see. He prayed,

“Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.”

This is not a new prayer. Turn to Exodus 33:13

"Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me your ways, that I may know you to find favor in your sight. Consider, too, that this nation is your people."

Moses prayed this. King David prayed this. Look how King Solomon prayed this.

“And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day.”

Which is Solomon.

“And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people, whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude.”

King David has died, and Solomon is now in his place. He is very intimidated by this great responsibility and wants to do the best he can, so he asked God.

“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

If you know the story, God was impressed by this and made Solomon the wisest, richest, most powerful King in history. Now we can have a better understanding when we read Proverbs, like this one.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, 

and do not lean on your own understanding.

 In all your ways acknowledge him,

 and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

This is exactly what God did for Solomon, because Solomon did this.

God explained to Isaiah, and to us, this fact.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.: Isaiah 55:8-9

There is little to no way, no possibility, no capability, for our little human brain to even fully comprehend God, Truth, reality, or even ourselves. Why are we even here? What is God, and where did He come from? What truly awaits after? Forget about after, what about tomorrow? Later today?

What plans does God have for us? How should we go? Some have this false sense of entitlement to a nice, enriched, problem-free life because we accepted Jesus. Not only is this naive, but completely oppositeite of reality.

This is why Jesus told us this.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:33-34

We have no idea what tomorrow will bring.

“Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’-- yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.“ James 4:13-17

Again, we do not know what tomorrow will bring, how it will come, or how we should even respond to it. God does. Jesus does. God is already there waiting on you. But what if what comes is bad? “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

What if I lose my job, house, or a loved one? What happens if I find out bad news from a Doctor? What happens if???

STOP!

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

 Not everything in life is rosy. Not everything in life is easy. There is a storm coming. A storm just passed. Perhaps you are in a storm right now.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Remember this.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

That is a hard lesson for some. It truly is. With us alone, of course, we will not stand. We will buckle and bow to the trial or tribulation. We will be lost and confused. Not with God.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:2-5”

God knows what is ahead. God knows what we will face. God knows how we may better serve someone else. We go through our days at the speed of life, without slowing down to even take a look around. That does not serve God well. It does not benefit us well either. We miss so very many things.

So let's recap. So far, the Prayer Goes like this.

“To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.”

Next time, we will continue with this.

PART 3

Asking Forgiveness

“Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they [have been] ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.”

Along with the fact that we are forgiven, and our sins are forgotten through grace

“Good and upright [is] the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.”

Won’t you join us? Remember, if you miss anything or want to learn more, there is a VAST archive right here at TAG.

Remember, you should always ask God, not man. Oh, it is ok to ask an elder or Pastor something in the Word. It is ok to research and look up information. However, to be the most accurate and to cut down on misinformation, pray first. Let God give you the answers He wants you to know.

Then and only then, will you learn and fully understand that God has always been, is now, and will always be, in charge of, well, everything! Everything. Nothing catches God off guard. Nothing is too big for God. Ultimately, it is God you will answer to. Not a man. Not anything in creation. Not the devil. God alone.

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. May God bless and be with you always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Coming Right Up: A Conversation with Peter

 Next up here at TAG

Hey folks, if you have been with us here at TAG, {The Truth According to God} for the past 34 weeks, congratulations, you just read through the entire book of Deuteronomy. That's right, we wrapped up Deuteronomy last week.

Here is a reminder. Some people find it truly difficult, and some see it as nearly impossible, to read through the Word of God. They struggle to stay on target and find themselves falling away, failing to complete what they set out to do so badly. There are a few reasons for this.

1 - The Word of God is not natural. It is supernatural. It is alive. It is real and ever working in this world and in people's lives.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

We are natural, l and we crave the things of the flesh, which is the opposite of and even opposed to the things of God. Sometimes we pick up the Bible and try to read it with our carnal minds. This is a problem.

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:5-8

When you pick up this book (Holding up the Bible), you should pray about it. Ask God to give you eyes to see, and a spirit to receive His Word. Ask Him to give you the Holy Spirit to interpret and to understand what His Word is telling you. The word declares that God is willing to give wisdom and understanding to those who ask Him.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." James 1:5

2 - The Cares for this world.

“Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” Matthew 13:18-23

Again, when you read God's Word, you should pray to Him and ask for guidance and even time to do so. Set a routine. Get up an hour earlier. Go to bed an hour later. Skip that TV show. Miss that next newscast. Make it a priority to read God's Word, His guidance for your understanding, and never forget that God's Word is absolute and just. Therefore, if it says something that offends you or goes against what the world says, it is true. The world is wrong. It IS just that simple.

3 - Offensive content

To elaborate a bit more on the last topic, you may become offended at something you read in the Word. Abortion is murder. Psalm 139:13-18, Exodus 21:22-25, Homosexuality is sin, Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Ezekiel 16:48-51, {Think America} Romans 1: 18-32. Jesus IS the only way to Heaven? John 14:6, Matthew 7:21–27, John 6:63, He promised that those who believe in Him will have Eternal Life, John 3:14–15. He is the gate of the sheep, John 10:7; The Bread of Life, John 6:35; and the Resurrection, John 11:25.

It really is simple. It is in the Book. If the Bible tells you it is sin. It is a sin. It does not matter one iota what you may think about it. What Man says about it. What even the Courts say about it. It does not matter what world leaders, the news, or famous people say about it. If the world chooses to ignore the Word of God, it doesn't change sin to good. Rather, it heaps up the punishment that will eventually come. If you become offended at something you read, pray about it. Ask God why. Seriously, look in the mirror. God is always right and just. His Word is always right and just.

4 - Compassion for others.

Wait. What? Yup. Having a false sense of compassion for others can stop you from reading God's Word. Why? See above. I believe in God. I even believe in Jesus. However, my mother believes in Buddha, or that my best friend is gay, and believes in a loving God where all are welcome and encouraged to just be themselves. There is nothing wrong with that in my eyes. Or you may have something in your past, or know someone that you know the Bible will talk against. Well, I just do not believe that this or that is really sinning. I'm just going to live my life and let God sort it out in the end. That is simply judging the Bible based on what others have told you.

In today's society, Jesus would have detractors on every side. Pretty much like He did then. Jesus does not measure compassion in a merely temporal, circumstantial way. His measure of compassion is eternal and transcendent. His goal, His mission, His compassion, is rooted in something deeper than a feeling. It is based on holiness and goodness. Absolute righteousness. Try reading it for yourself and ask God to put it in proper context and help you to understand. It will change your life.

The Book of Colossians

The Book of Colossians is essentially a "Correction and Connection" letter written by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison. It’s short, punchy, and packs a massive theological punch, primarily focusing on one big idea: Jesus is enough.

Paul had never actually visited Colossae. The church there was likely started by his colleague, Epaphras. However, Paul heard that the believers were being swayed by "hollow and deceptive philosophy"—a mix of local mysticism, legalism, and the idea that you needed "secret knowledge" or extra rituals to truly reach God.

Back to what I was saying, if you have been here for the past 34 weeks, you read through the entire book of Deuteronomy. Congrats. We will be diving into the book of Colossians starting next week. One chapter a week. That's it. That's all. Not too tough if you choose you really want to do it. Remember, pray. Ask God to show you what He wants you to see as we go through Colossians together. 

Until next time. Be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus IS Lord!

A Saints Prayer

Hey folks, welcome. Today, we will be starting a new sermon series entitled  "A Saint's Prayer." We are going to spend the next few weeks in Psalm 25. This is a prayer, a song written by King David, and it is one that all Saints, including you, can pray. Did you know you were a Saint? You are. This prayer of David is definitely worth learning. 

Let us pray, Father. We are so thankful for your love and grace. We come before you today to learn from your Word. We know we cannot do that without your guidance. Please grant us eyes to see, ears to hear, and a spirit to receive your Word, Truth, and Revelation. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

If you have your Bibles, turn to Psalm 25. Again, this is a Psalm of David.

"Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause."

Now notice. The first thing he does is recognize that God is in charge. Although he is the King of Israel, he still states, “Do I lift my soul. O my God, I trust in thee.” Although he does not know it, he is following, if you will, the formula of the “Our Father” prayer that Jesus gave us. Acknowledge God about and before all things.

Then what is he asking for? Truth, and discernment of truth. Notice he is not praying for the world. He is praying for wisdom and discernment to know the truth from lies. Remember, the wisdom of this world is far different than the wisdom of God.

We are told this over and over in the Word.

“Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1 John 2:15-17

Since it is true, what is right and just? The world's point of view, or God’s Word? Is the truth relevant? Is it led by compassion and love or worldly things? Or is it the living Word of the one true God? How can you tell the difference? This. {Holding up the Bible}

If you want, turn to 1 John 4:1-6

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

This is more true today than ever. All these false churches popping up all over the place, that call sin good, and good sin, or better yet, teach that there is no sin.

“By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.”

Again, some of these churches and false prophets are convincing, compassionate, and some are often skilled in the Word. I just debated someone who is using the Word in one breath, quoting scriptures, and in the other rejecting scripture and claiming we must do this out of love. What he is doing is attempting to justify sin by using the Word of God.

You really cannot do that. Yet, if I were not skilled in the Word, and if I did not have the spirit of discernment, I may have fallen for the lies. Verse 4

“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore, they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.”

Ever wonder why some “good people,” some friends, maybe even some family, can even possibly believe some of the stuff out there? Some of the stuff the world is spouting? I do often. I think to myself, come on, you're smarter than that. HOW. How do you possibly buy into this, uh, stuff? But then I have to remember, they are not of God. Therefore, no matter how “good” they may be, they cannot nor will they listen to God.

“We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this, we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”

It really is this simple. Even if they seem “religious,” it does not mean they are right. Look at this passage in Romans 10: 2-3

“For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”

Sadly, this is where we seem to be today.

“In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” Matthew 15:9

And in 2 Corinthians 11:13

“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.”

Of course, 2 Timothy 4:3-5

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. But as for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

Again, some of these are very charismatic. They are very convincing. They tell people what they want to hear. What they want to believe. It sounds good. More importantly, what? FEELS good. Feels right. Feels justified.

If you do not have a solid foundation in this, {Holding up the Bible,} in the truth, you can and will fall for a lie. Remember, they are very skilled. But they will not last. Look at this warning.

“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them, the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed, they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.” 2 Peter 2:1-3

Know the truth, and it will set you free. Pray for discernment, and it will set you free from the snares of false teaching. Follow this simple truth.

“But even if an angel from heaven, or we, should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”

Pretty simple, but important enough to say it twice.

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:8-10

God is constant. God does not change. There are no variations. No grey areas. No compromising. No changing with the times. God is God, the Gospel is the Gospel. Truth is Truth. Lies are lies. Jesus IS LORD.

Here is another simple way to know the truth. Ask God. Not man. Join us next time as we continue Psalm 25: A Saint's Prayer.

Are you a Saint? Would you like to be? Simply "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9.

Say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be, no matter what you think of your worthiness, say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us pray.

Oh, heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus' sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent of my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. May God bless and be with you always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Book of Deuteronomy Chapter 34

Chapter 34 

The Death of Moses

1 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the Lord showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, 2 all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, 3 the Negeb, and the Plain, that is, the Valley of Jericho the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. 4 And the Lord said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, ‘I will give it to your offspring.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” 5 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord, 6 and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor; but no one knows the place of his burial to this day. 7 Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated. 8 And the people of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab for thirty days. Then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.

9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses. 10 And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, 11 none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, 12 and for all the mighty power and all the great deeds of terror that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.