Living in a Foreign World 9

 Victory is Ours 

We will wrap up this sermon series with this comforting fact, so many children of God easily forget. Victory is ours. The battle is won. Yeshua paid the price. You just have to accept it. As He said on The Cross,

“It is finished!” John 19:30

The price is paid. We owe nothing. He told us this.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

“It is finished” Blood Sacrifices are over.

“It is finished” The price has been paid.

“It is finished” Sin and death are defeated.

“It is finished” Separation from God is repaired.

“It is finished” “I have overcome the world.”

Yeshua, or Jesus as in your translation, said He would not leave us alone but grant us His Peace. He even told us this so we could easily understand it.

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”

Who is that? The Holy Spirit.

“And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.”

Who is the “Ruler of this world?" Satan.

"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

Now you have to get this. Understand it. Digest it. Make you yours.

“All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” John 16:7-15

As a child of God, God Himself lives inside you. He that Jesus sent, lives inside you. Yeshua? Lives inside you. He has overcome the world so that,

"But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

And

"For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." 1 John 5:4

This is why we read things like this.

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

And here,

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37

Victory isn't achieved through our might but through God's strength working in us. We are called to rely on Him and trust in His power. The walk, as a child of God, will have challenges. However, we can persevere through them knowing God's love gives us the ultimate victory. I know we have discussed this before. But read Romans 8:38-39

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Yeshua our Lord.”

NOTHING! NOTHING! If you have to, reread it. If death can no longer have its grip on you, and when you come to the time when your time here on earth is up, you will be with our Lord, what do you have to fear? NOTHING!

“No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17

However, we are also told that trials and tribulations will come. Hate and persecution will come. Bad things do happen to good People. Your walk as a child of God, will NOT be, all sunflowers and ice cream. Why? One of the most obvious reasons is 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.” James 1:2-4

Paul said this in His second letter to Timothy

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearance.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

There is an end here on earth. We will have victory in the end. Remember, victory is secured. It's a journey, not a destination. By relying on God's strength and following His path, we can experience His victory in our daily lives. Look what Yeshua tried to teach us about treasures.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

We have the victory. We have the grace of God in our lives. Nothing can separate us from God. We are now children of God,

“And if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” Romans 8:17

No matter what you may go through while you are here, always remember, never forget, there will come a time when all you hear, see, taste, and touch will be gone. You will stand before God and Yeshua. Look here.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Imagine that. God, the Creator of the universe, wiping the tears from your eyes. This is why James warned us that trials and tribulations should be counted as “joy.” This is why Paul tells us this.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18

Again, victory is secured. It's a journey, not a destination. By relying on God's strength and following His path, we can experience His victory in our daily lives, and in the life to come, eternal life with God Himself.

What is it here on this earth that you believe can compare to that? There is truly nothing. This is why Yeshua asked us this question.

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?” Mark 8:36-37

NOTHING! What do you truly believe is worth an eternity in Hell for? An eternity of suffering and pain? What is it that is worth it? What is worth setting yourself on fire and living with the pain forever? Seriously. I’m asking. What?

No matter what you may be going through. No matter how heavy your cross may be to bear. No matter what trials and tribulations you may have. Yeshua Himself is waiting for His perfect time to call you home. Have NO FEAR! Have faith in God. Simply believe His Word. Be the child of God God is calling you to be. Know that the victory is secured.

Are you a child of God? If you have not already done so, you need to ask Yeshua into your life, then say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be, 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 Yeshua's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent 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!"

That's it. It is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Yeshua, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

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

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

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

Book of 1 Samuel, Chapter 4

 Chapter 4

The Philistines Capture the Ark

1 And the word of Samuel came to all Israel.

Now Israel went out to battle against the Philistines. They encamped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines encamped at Aphek. 2 The Philistines drew up in line against Israel, and when the battle spread, Israel was defeated before the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men on the field of battle. 3 And when the people came to the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the Lord defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord here from Shiloh, that it may come among us and save us from the power of our enemies.” 4 So the people sent to Shiloh and brought from there the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts, who is enthroned on the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

5 As soon as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel gave a mighty shout, so that the earth resounded. 6 And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shouting, they said, “What does this great shouting in the camp of the Hebrews mean?” And when they learned that the ark of the Lord had come to the camp, 7 the Philistines were afraid, for they said, “A god has come into the camp.” And they said, “Woe to us! For nothing like this has happened before. 8 Woe to us! Who can deliver us from the power of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with every sort of plague in the wilderness. 9 Take courage, and be men, O Philistines, lest you become slaves to the Hebrews as they have been to you; be men and fight.”

10 So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and they fled, every man to his home. And there was a very great slaughter, for thirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel fell. 11 And the ark of God was captured, and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died.

The Death of Eli

12 A man of Benjamin ran from the battle line and came to Shiloh the same day, with his clothes torn and with dirt on his head. 13 When he arrived, Eli was sitting on his seat by the road watching, for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city and told the news, all the city cried out. 14 When Eli heard the sound of the outcry, he said, “What is this uproar?” Then the man hurried and came and told Eli. 15 Now Eli was ninety-eight years old and his eyes were set so that he could not see. 16 And the man said to Eli, “I am he who has come from the battle; I fled from the battle today.” And he said, “How did it go, my son?” 17 He who brought the news answered and said, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has also been a great defeat among the people. Your two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been captured.” 18 As soon as he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell over backward from his seat by the side of the gate, and his neck was broken and he died, for the man was old and heavy. He had judged Israel forty years.

19 Now his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant, about to give birth. And when she heard the news that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed and gave birth, for her pains came upon her. 20 And about the time of her death the women attending her said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you have borne a son.” But she did not answer or pay attention. 21 And she named the child Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel!” because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband. 22 And she said, “The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured.”

Living in a Foreign World 8

 Finding Peace in chaos.

We are currently discussing how we live, in this world, as children of God, when it is not our world anymore. We are to be in the world but no longer of it. We have already discussed these topics.

We are not of the world. {We are a citizen of Heaven}

We answer to a higher authority {God over Man no matter what cost}

Religion is not salvation. {Relationship, not Religion}

Laying a solid foundation for our kids. {Living, Teaching, Praying.}

We no longer speak their language. {We speak a heavenly language.}

Being a Peacemaker.

What about us? How do we possibly find peace for and in our lives in the chaos of this sinful foreign world in which we live? This is what we will be talking about today.

A good starting point is to remember what Yeshua, or Jesus as translated in our Bibles, said to us before He was crucified.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

That’s great, right? But what does that mean? Then we read this.

“let him turn away from evil and do good;

let him seek peace and pursue it.” 1 Peter 3:11

Or things like this.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Psalm 23:5

Picture that. You are surrounded at all times by your enemies. Those that want you dead, simply because you exist. Think Israel. You are no longer a citizen of this world. You are a citizen of Heaven. You no longer answer to this world or anyone in it. You now answer to your Father. You should not even be speaking their language. You have a new tongue.

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For

“Whoever desires to love life

and see good days,

let him keep his tongue from evil

and his lips from speaking deceit;

let him turn away from evil and do good;

let him seek peace and pursue it.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

and his ears are open to their prayer.

But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 8-17

This is why it is imperative to seek out a home church. A local, or not-so-local if needed. Be with same-minded children of God. You cannot do it on your own. Most of the time, it’s not about you anyway. So be with your family. Those who will pray with and for you. Those that will laugh with you, cry with you. Comfort and lift you if needed. People who are your people. Fellow citizens of Heaven. People that speak your language.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Let me ask you this. If you are living in the world, speaking the world’s language, doing the world's things, and acting the same as those in this crazy and foreign land of sin, if people of this world love you as one of their own, then how do you think you escape the sins and confusion of this crazy world. No, I'm sorry to inform you, but you can’t. You will, however, find chaos and confusion. Sin, and eventually death and judgment.

You will never have true peace. It doesn't matter how much free time you have, how wealthy you are, or how much respect and love you receive from others in this world. You will never find true peace because this world has no true peace. Only sin and death. Do not be fooled by, nor give into, “the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches.” Do not be afraid “when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word.” You do not have to. Why? Because the one who already went through it, and overcame it, is now in you. He is now your comforter and your advocate. Yeshua Himself stands before any accuser and anyone trying to collect on your sins, and He is the one who is saying, “It is finished.” “I paid the price for him.” “I paid the price for her.” ”My blood was shed for them.” “Their debt is paid.” “They are mine.”

"Take a look at one of my favorite chapters in the book of Romans, Romans 8. Start at verse 31. It's a bit long, but I want you to read it with me. Don't just read it, but also highlight it, underline it, and commit it to memory. Absorb it. Digest it. Do whatever you need to do to make it a part of you and let it live in you. Are you ready?"

“ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

"For your sake, we are being killed all the day long;

we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39

Why are you worried about this world and those in it? We answer to a higher authority. Yeshua, or Jesus, even told us who to fear.

"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!” Luke 12:4-5

This passage from the Bible tells us that God's love for us is so great that he has even counted the hairs on our heads. Try counting your own hairs one day if you're bored. God did this out of His unconditional, sacrificial, and pure love. That's how much your Heavenly Father, who is also the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the End, The Creator of all that is, was, or ever will be, loves you.

You know, I just saw where some people, “Christians” have taken offense to calling God “Daddy.” It seems like they feel it is disrespectful, or just not appropriate to call God “Daddy.” Turn to Romans 8 again. Start at Romans 8:13

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” Romans 8:13-17

What does Abba Father mean? “Abba" is always followed by the word Father in Scripture, and the phrase is found in three places. Mark 14:36, Jesus called God His Father as “Abba, Father” during His prayer in Gethsemane. In Romans 8:15, Which we just read, “Abba, Father” is mentioned concerning the Spirit’s work of adoption that makes us God’s children and heirs with Christ. In Galatians 4:6, again in the context of adoption, the Spirit in our hearts cries out, “Abba, Father.” Together, the terms Abba and Father doubly emphasize the fatherhood of God. It means an affectionate and intimate relationship with a loving Father who knows us better than we know ourselves and loves us so much He is our Daddy.

There is nothing disrespectful or offensive to calling God your Daddy. He loves you. He created you and gave you life. He loves you so much that He laid down His Godhood and came to earth to be mocked, tortured, and put to death, for you. Not because you are good, or perfect, but because you were sinful and dead. Living in the middle of your sins.

Remember Yeshua said this.

“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11

He wants you to have the life He planned for you to have. An abundant life. No, I’m not going to fall into a false teaching of the “Prosperity Gospel.” That is not what Yeshua was saying. He was talking about a life of peace, fullness, and a close family relationship of Agape love, between you, The Holy Spirit, The Son or The Word of God in the flesh that takes away your sin and death sentence, and God the Father who says He is now our Daddy.

How can you find peace in this foreign, sinful, and chaotic world? Spend time getting to know your Heavenly Father. Pray, read His Word, and listen to what He tells you. Only when you have a clear and concise understanding of who you are as a child of God, who He is as God, and what His plans are for you and your life, will you find true peace, regardless of the chaos happening all around you at all times.

Do you know the Love of God? If you have not already done so, you need to ask Yeshua into your life, then say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be, 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 Yeshua's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent 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!"

That's it. It is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Yeshua, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

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

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

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

Book of 1 Samuel, Chapter 3

 Chapter 3

The Lord Calls Samuel

3 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.

2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was.

4 Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” 5 and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down.

6 And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.

8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” 11 Then the Lord said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. 12 On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 13 And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. 14 Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.”

15 Samuel lay until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. 16 But Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” And he said, “Here I am.” 17 And Eli said, “What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.” 18 So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is the Lord. Let him do what seems good to him.”

19 And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord. 21 And the Lord appeared again at Shiloh, for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord.

Living in a Foreign World 7

 We speak a Heavenly Language.

This is one of the reasons that so many people do not like us, and or, do not understand us. You are now a child of God. You are now a citizen of Heaven. You are no longer of this world of flesh and sin, but a citizen of Heaven, and the language of Heaven is righteous and pure.

Part of the problem lies here.. Those who are not of God cannot hear God’s words. Do not believe me? Turn to John 8. Start at verse 41.

“You are doing the work your father did." They said to him, "We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father--even God."

Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my words.”

Now remember, these are the “holy folks”, the synagogue's leaders. These are the Priests of Yeshua’s time. He went on to say this. Verse 44

“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me.

Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God." John 8:41-47

Yeshua explains that this is why He speaks in parables.

“This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:

'"You will indeed hear but never understand,

and you will indeed see but never perceive."

For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears, they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.'” Matthew 13:13-15

Have you ever tried to talk to someone about God? Some people you see their whole face change. Some you see stare at you like you are speaking a foreign language. That's because you are. Sadly, some get straight-up mad. Look how those “holy folks” responded to Him when He called them the children of the devil.

“Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, 'He is our God.' But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word.

Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad." So the Jews said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?"

Now stop here for a second. Here is a clear case of where Yeshua, or Jesus, does indeed call Himself God. Read on.

“Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."

When Moses asked God what His name was, God said “I am” Look here, Exodus 3:14

“God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’

Notice Yeshua did not say “Before Abraham was, I was.” Or “I’m older than Abraham.” No, He said, “I am I am.” I am God. Why else do you think they wanted to kill Him?

“So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.”

You see, we live in a world of sin. Those that live in the flesh love the things of the flesh. They are happy. They feel good. They are comfortable. They have been told their whole lives that they are right and good. Then you come along and start speaking about what the world has declared as foolishness.

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18

Why? Why can people not understand that God made it all-inclusive? That He made it so simple. That He does not want anyone. Say “anyone.” Anyone to perish and go to Hell but that all shall come to repentance and be saved. Why are some people so offended by this?

“And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: "The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

"'Go to these people, and say, "You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.

For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears, they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.

Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen." Acts 28:25-28

Romans 1 talks about how people have no excuse, they continue to not only sin but to take pride in their sins so He gave them up and over to their sins. We read this in 2 Corinthians 4:4

“In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Who? God? Nope. Read that again. “The god,” little g. “The god of this world” Who is that? Yes, “The god of this world" is the devil himself. Satan. Who is very real and wants to keep as many from God, the REAL God, as he can.

Does this mean we should just remain silent and not share The Gospel with people? No, of course not. Turn to Romans 10. Starting at verse 8.

“But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Yeshua {Your translation says Jesus} is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

For with the heart, one believes and is justified, and with the mouth, one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

However? How can they do this if they do not know that there is a way to God?

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”

This is where you come in. Remember that great commission? This is the work of the Father. This is the whole reason Yeshua came to Earth, to begin with. The whole reason that He shared the Gospel and told us we need to.

“And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" Romans 10:8-15

Yes. Many will never understand what you say. Yes. Some will hate you for saying it. Yes. Even some of the people you love most, family, friends, whoever may come to hate you just because you are saying it. But again.

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”

This is why we were told to go forth and spread the Gospel to all nations and all tongues. I do want you to notice this. At the same time, we are to do this, it is not our responsibility to ensure that people accept it. See how Yeshua, or Jesus, told His disciples that He sent out to deal with those who did not accept them or the Message.

“And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them." Luke 9:5

Did He say slap them upside the head with the Bible? No. Did He say get in their face and yell and scream? No. Did He even argue with them? No. He said, “Leave.” Move on. Some people will receive you and He who sends you. Some people will be drawn to God. The people who will not receive or even hear you? From dust, they came and to dust they will go and in front of God they will kneel. What is it that you can do to them that could even be remotely compared to them falling into the hands of a God that they rejected? I will submit it to you. NOTHING. No need to get angry, frustrated, or even upset. We all have free will. Everyone has the choice to accept the Son and the Gospel and live, or to reject both and face judgment, just as you do. Each person must make their own decision.

As a child of God, you now have so much power in your tongue. You can both bless and or curse. God calls us to bless. Speak your Heavenly language and attempt to lead people to Christ. 

Do you know the Love of God? If you have not already done so, you need to ask Yeshua into your life, then say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be, 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 Yeshua's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent 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!"

That's it. It is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Yeshua, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

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

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

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

WARNING, WARNING, WARNING

 Warning

Hey folks,

I want you to pay attention to this warning. A new trend is out there on social media. Some people on Instagram, Facebook, TicToc, Etc. are click-baiting “Christians” to get clicks, reads, and comments. The more they get, the more rank and “influence” they get and in some cases the more money they get.

I know I know me too. I understand that you want to correct errors in people posting the Gospels or things of the Bible. I know that when you hear something that is simply not true, you have, in many cases, an honest and sincere desire to educate, not only the person posting but those who are reading all this nonsense as well.

I know, the first thought I have when I read these things is wait, what about the hundreds of people commenting, or the thousands of people reading? I want to correct the misinformation that is out there. I have, and I know some of you as well, have this desire to make sure that The Truth is out there so people will not fall for a lie.

After all, we read things like this.

"Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,
but those who deal faithfully are his delight." Proverbs 12:22

We are encouraged to be honest and truthful.

"Speaking the truth in love, we will grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ." Ephesians 4:15

In some cases, we are even instructed to correct the lies and false information.

"As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may command certain people to stop teaching false doctrines and to pay attention to sound doctrine." 1 Timothy 1:3-4

So when we come across something like this, “You do not need Jesus to be saved. Prove me wrong.” or something like this, “The Bible is just a book written by men filled with contradictions and lies. You do not need the Bible to get to know God.” We want to instantly engage with the people posting it and have an honest conversation in the attempt to educate, not only them but also those reading such incorrect information.

Here lies the problem. I have been fully convinced that they do not care. They do not even believe in most cases. However, they want as many “Christians” to respond in their comment section so they get more followers and comments. This helps them to climb the social media ladder. To be a better "influencer."

Like I said. I understand. I have fallen for this myself quite a few times. Some of the things I have seen are so stupid I had to say something. Things like “Jesus never said He is God. prove me wrong.” or things like “The Bible says nothing about sin. All you have to do is accept Jesus and you will go to heaven. Everyone goes to Heaven. Don’t worry, just be you and believe in God and He will welcome you into Heaven.” I even saw something to the effect, “There are many gods, and one God over the others and so any religion you believe in is just fine.”

You look at comments like this, see 400 or more people are commenting on it and you get righteously indignant. You may even see comments agreeing with the poster and also spewing lies and misinformation. Why? Because people like us, honest children of God want to have compassion and want to set The Truth right.

Here is the truth about them. They do not care. They do not want to be told The Truth. They simply want your comment to bring up their status. They have discovered that there are a lot of well-meaning, truly dedicated, and in some cases, overzealous “Christians” out there who will jump on their posts in a second when they post something false. So they do.

I can hear some of you now. “What if they are honestly asking?” Look here.

“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,” 2 Timothy 4:3

Sadly some of our churches have become like this. Let alone social media. We were warned that these times were coming.

“The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, so that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12

Of course Romans 1.

“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, and malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, and ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but approve of those who practice them.” Romans 1:28-32

We are living in these times right now. People are leaning on the wisdom of the world and attempting to twist the wisdom of God for their pleasure and profit. Do not fall for it. Do not become a pawn to be used by someone who has no real desire to learn the Truth.

Look what Yeshua said here.

"Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” Matthew 7:6

Engaging in this type of behavior can rob you of your peace. Not them. They only want the clicks and comments. They laugh when one of us gets upset. I know,

“The righteous hates falsehood,

but the wicked brings shame and disgrace." Proverbs 13:5

This is true. But they bring “shame and disgrace” to themselves. Not to you. Not to the Word of God. Not to God Himself.

What if they are truly seeking The Truth? Well, if you think that someone sincerely is seeking The Truth, tell them to read the Bible. Tell them to join a local church that is teaching The Truth. Share with them this.

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

Tell them to pray. Ask God for themselves. They are not going to do any of that if they do not care. If they do, you just give them the best advice you can. Leave it between them and God. Remember this.

“Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:6-10

Be careful child of God. Do not fall for the tricks, lies, and deceit. If you feel someone is honestly seeking The Truth, show them how to find it of course. However, if you read something completely outrageous and or completely ridiculous, there is a good chance it is simply an attempt to use you, and God, for self-gain. Stay away from these people. They will answer for it to God Himself.

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:36-37

And here.

“For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.” Matthew 16:27

You do not have to do anything. If you honestly think that someone is posting an honest question, you could always private message them and share The Truth with them privately. One-on-one. This way you are no longer just a number and just a click, but you are giving them an actual chance to hear The Truth.

If you want more ideas, want to chat, ask questions, or just say “hi” the Email is truthbygod1@gmail.com.

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

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

Book of 1 Samuel, Chapter 2

 Chapter 2

Hannah's Prayer

1 And Hannah prayed and said,

“My heart exults in the Lord;

    my horn is exalted in the Lord.

My mouth derides my enemies,

    because I rejoice in your salvation.

2 “There is none holy like the Lord:

    for there is none besides you;

    there is no rock like our God.

3 Talk no more so very proudly,

    let not arrogance come from your mouth;

for the Lord is a God of knowledge,

    and by him actions are weighed.

4 The bows of the mighty are broken,

    but the feeble bind on strength.

5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,

    but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger.

The barren has borne seven,

    but she who has many children is forlorn.

6 The Lord kills and brings to life;

    he brings down to Sheol and raises up.

7 The Lord makes poor and makes rich;

    he brings low and he exalts.

8 He raises up the poor from the dust;

    he lifts the needy from the ash heap

to make them sit with princes

    and inherit a seat of honor.

For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's,

    and on them, he has set the world.

9 “He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,

    but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness,

    for not by might shall a man prevail.

10 The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces;

    against them, he will thunder in heaven.

The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;

    he will give strength to his king

    and exalt the horn of his anointed.”

11 Then Elkanah went home to Ramah. And the boy was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli the priest.

Eli's Worthless Sons

12 Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the Lord. 13 The custom of the priests with the people was that when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant would come, while the meat was boiling, with a three-pronged fork in his hand, 14 and he would thrust it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or pot. All that the fork brought up the priest would take for himself. This is what they did at Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there. 15 Moreover, before the fat was burned, the priest's servant would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give meat for the priest to roast, for he will not accept boiled meat from you but only raw.” 16 And if the man said to him, “Let them burn the fat first, and then take as much as you wish,” he would say, “No, you must give it now, and if not, I will take it by force.” 17 Thus the sin of the young men was very great in the sight of the Lord, for the men treated the offering of the Lord with contempt.

18 Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy clothed with a linen ephod. 19 And his mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. 20 Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, “May the Lord give you children by this woman for the petition she asked of the Lord.” So then they would return to their home.

21 Indeed the Lord visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel grew in the presence of the Lord.

Eli Rebukes His Sons

22 Now Eli was very old, and he kept hearing all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 23 And he said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all these people. 24 No, my sons; it is no good report that I hear the people of the Lord spreading abroad. 25 If someone sins against a man, God will mediate for him, but if someone sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the Lord to put them to death.

26 Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man.

The Lord Rejects Eli's Household

27 And there came a man of God to Eli and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Did I indeed reveal myself to the house of your father when they were in Egypt subject to the house of Pharaoh? 28 Did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up to my altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? I gave to the house of your father all my offerings by fire from the people of Israel. 29 Why then do you scorn my sacrifices and my offerings that I commanded for my dwelling, and honor your sons above me by fattening yourselves on the choicest parts of every offering of my people Israel?’ 30 Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever,’ but now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 31 Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father's house so that there will not be an old man in your house. 32 Then in distress, you will look with envious eye on all the prosperity that shall be bestowed on Israel, and there shall not be an old man in your house forever. 33 The only one of you whom I shall not cut off from my altar shall be spared to weep his eyes out to grieve his heart, and all the descendants[d] of your house shall die by the sword of men. 34 And this that shall come upon your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, shall be the sign to you: both of them shall die on the same day. 35 And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. And I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed forever. 36 And everyone who is left in your house shall come to implore him for a piece of silver or a loaf of bread and shall say, “Please put me in one of the priest's places, that I may eat a morsel of bread.”’

Living in a Foreign World 6

 Being a Peacemaker

We are currently discussing how to live in this foreign world and not be a part of it. One of the things God wants us to be as His children are peacemakers. In His famous “Sermon on the Mount,” Yeshua, or as translated, Jesus said this.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9

Before Jesus left us He said this.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

What does it mean? We are tasked with this.

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Romans 12:18

And here?

“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” Romans 14:19

What does all this mean and how do we do this in the crazy and sinful world in which we live?

Focus on what you can control. While the outcome might be beyond your influence, you can control your actions and reactions. The Bible emphasizes this.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.." Philippians 4:6-7

Focus on responding with peace, even if the situation is tense. Remember the world reacts to and adheres to the wisdom of the world. We do not. We have better wisdom.

“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

Look here, what does it say?

“And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:13-18

Practice empathy and understanding. Try to see things from the perspective of others involved. The Bible tells us to,

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.." Philippians 2:3

Understanding different viewpoints can foster compassion and reduce hostility. However, this does not include accepting, or most definitely not, glorifying sin. Rather, if you understand how they see their lives and their sin, you can better help them with the truth.

Plant seeds of peace. Even small gestures can contribute to a more peaceful atmosphere. This could involve showing kindness to someone on the opposing side, offering encouragement, or simply listening without judgment. We do not always have to assault people with the Truth. As they perceive thumping them in the head with the Bible, sometimes it is wiser to remain silent and listen. I know that is a whole other sermon, but I think you get the point.

Be a role model for peace. How you conduct yourself matters. By acting with respect, patience, and a calm demeanor, you can inspire others to do the same. The Bible instructs us to do this.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;" Philippians 4:4-5

Remember, you may be the only “Jesus” that some people will ever see. What do they see?

And finally, Pray for peace. A prayer is a powerful tool. Even if you can't control the outcome, you can surrender the situation to a higher power and ask for peace to prevail. The Bible is full of verses about the power of prayer.

What does the world see when it sees you? A child of God? A form of Jesus? Sadly, this is far more common. Does the world see one of its own? Are you going to church on Sunday and leaving the building only to get drunk at the neighborhood BBQ? Are you Praising Jesus and cursing your fellow man? Look what James tries to teach us about our tongue in James 3.

“With it, we bless our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and saltwater? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.” James 3:9-12

We must become more like Yeshua, like Jesus. We have to become more like our Father. We are His children and no longer belong to the world. Why should we continue to act like the world?

The ministry of Jesus: Jesus's teachings and actions throughout the Gospels promote peace, love, and forgiveness. We can look at examples like the “Sermon on the Mount” where Jesus teaches conflict resolution.

Finally, we can bring the concept of peacemaking into our own lives. How can we actively pursue peace in our relationships, communities, and world?

Here are some questions to think about.

How can we identify our own biases that might hinder peacemaking? If you are hating on someone or a group, then how can you bring love to them? Again, there is a big difference between loving them and accepting the sin.

What are some practical steps we can take to resolve conflict peacefully? Learn from Jesus. Read His words. Follow His examples.

How can we promote peace in situations where we have no control over the outcome? Start with you.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

Of course, this all starts with your adoption.

Say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be, 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 Yeshua's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent 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 Yeshua, Amen!"

That's it. It is that simple. Now tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Yeshua, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

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

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

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

Book of 1 Samuel, Chapter 1

 Chapter 1 

The Birth of Samuel

1 There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. 2 He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other was Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

3 Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. 4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. 6 And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her because the Lord had closed her womb. 7 So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. 8 And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”

9 After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. 10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. 11 And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”

12 As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. 14 And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” 15 But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. 16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.” 17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” 18 And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.

19 They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. 20 And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the Lord.”

Samuel Given to the Lord

21 The man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the Lord the yearly sacrifice and to pay his vow. 22 But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, so that he may appear in the presence of the Lord and dwell there forever.” 23 Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him; only, may the Lord establish his word.” So the woman remained and nursed her son until she weaned him. 24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. And the child was young. 25 Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. 27 For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. 28 Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.”

And he worshiped the Lord there.

Living in a Foreign World 5

 Laying a solid foundation for our kids.

Today we will be building a house on rock. We will be creating a foundation of faith for children. How do we do this? We should start the way we, as children of God, should start anything with Prayer. Even if you are not a new parent with a young child, which would be the best time, you can still start with prayer. Ask God to open your hearts and free your minds to receive wisdom from above that you can then pass on to your children.

How do we do this? This, laying of a foundation in God for our children to follow?

The Cornerstone: Yeshua, or Jesus Christ of course.

Age-appropriate stories about Jesus’s life, love, and teachings can introduce children to him as their foundation.

The Bricks: God's Word

Bible stories, age-appropriate devotionals, and memorizing scripture verses can make God’s word a part of their daily lives.

The Mortar: Prayer

First, explain to them that Jesus, if you want to teach them His real name is Yeshua, we translated it as Jesus, but HE is all they need. Start with something simple like this.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” John 3:16-18

Teach them what Jesus Himself taught us.

“Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Jesus HAS to be the cornerstone. He even called Himself this.

“Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures:

"'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;

this was the Lord's doing,

and it is marvelous in our eyes?” Matthew 21:42

The Word tells us plainly, that we must teach our children the Word of God. We need to teach them the Ten Commandments as an example.

"You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." Deuteronomy 6:7

About the ways of God.

"Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD." Psalm 34:11

God calls for Parents to correct them when needed. Yes, that includes Corporal punishment.

"Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,

but the rod of discipline drives it far from him." Proverbs 22:15

Proverbs 29:15

"The rod and reproof give wisdom,

but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother."

You see, true education should always be from the home. We live in crazy and confusing times. Parents, you are raising your children. They will go out into the world and learn things about the world. They must have a strong foundation so that they are not led astray. So that they will not be led into sins.

"Train up a child in the way he should go;

even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

You can even teach them that God also disciplines those He loves.

“My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline

or be weary of his reproof,

for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,

as a father the son in whom he delights.” Proverbs 3:11-12

This is not to say that it is okay to beat your child. It is not saying that it is okay for husbands to abuse their wives. God IS Love. God wants us to love our families the way God loves us. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Teach them how to pray. Explain the “Our Father Prayer.”

"Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Matthew 6:9-13

After this manner pray. "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name." You are to recognize God. Acknowledge He is the God of gods, Lord of lords. Honor his Godliness. Do not just use him as a symbol or an icon of religion. Recognize that He is God. That you are talking to him as you would your earthly father.

"Your kingdom comes, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." In other words, recognize that God's will is the most important. Not what you feel like. Or the way you think things should be, but God's will. All is His, both here and in Heaven. He has a plan and a purpose for you and your life.

"Give us this day our daily bread," Meet our daily needs. Ask God, of whom Jesus just told us "Your Father knoweth what things ye need before ye ask him." So just ask Him. He already has a plan. He doesn't need your help.

"Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Ask for forgiveness of your daily sins. Yes, you still sin daily. Ask Him to forgive you. While you ask Him to forgive you, forgive anyone in your life who may need forgiveness. If they ask for it or not. Remember what Jesus said while dying on the Cross?

"And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments." Luke 23:34

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Help us to recognize the snares of the devil. Especially today. Show them that the sad truth is, that sometimes the devil will use compassion and a false love to glorify sin. Teach us the ways we should go. Be with us and keep us safe. Not only from the world but in some cases, from ourselves as well.

This is the “Our Father Prayer” explained. Not just praying in vain repetitions, but following the pattern of prayer that Jesus taught us.

Pray together. Have Bible studies in your home. Go to church. Explain why something is a sin or something is right and good with the Bible. Lead by example. Remember, your kids will see what you do before they will hear what you say. Teach them it is NEVER ok to accept sin. Most definitely not celebrate it. Teach them that although we live in this foreign and crazy world, we are not a part of it. Our home is in Heaven and this is where we will go one day to be with God Himself. Our Abba Father.

Have you been adopted? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be, 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 Yeshua's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent 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 Yeshua, Amen!"

That's it. It is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Yeshua, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

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

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

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