Let your requests be known

The apostle Paul writes,

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  

This is good, and pleases God our Saviour,...” 1 Timothy 2:1-3.

As believers we are called to pray for everyone. Everyone from kings, and those in authority to our family, friends and neighbours.

Doing so for many may be hard. Especially when it comes to those in authority we disagree with or who seem evil. Still we are called to do so.

Paul understood what he was saying. He was living under one of the worst dictators the world has seen. Yet he still said pray for those in authority.

Paul believed in prayer. Prayer can and does change things. That why Paul tells us to pray. 

Do you pray for your government leaders? Do you pray for your family, friends and neighbours? If not why not?

Please think about it.

Spotless and blameless

  Spotless and blameless

The apostle Peter writes,

"But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.  2 Peter 3:13,14.

This is a call by the apostle Peter to all who believe in Christ Jesus. When Christ returns we need to do all that is humanly possible to “be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with God”

So here is my question to you. If you believe in Christ Jesus, were He to return today would He find you spotless, blameless and at peace with God?

Please think about it.

Let us

  Let us

In the book of Romans the apostle Paul writes,

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:19.

We live in uncertain times. Around the world terrorist groups attack, kill and destroy anyone who speaks out against them. Wars and rumours of wars are everywhere. Political unrest abounds.

It is into this world that we as Christians are called to make every effort to do what we can to bring about peace. 

The apostle Paul telling us,

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18.

So my question to you is, Are you doing what you can to live at peace with those around you?

Please think about it.

Respectfully

  Respectfully 

The apostle Peter writes,

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." 1 Peter 3:15,16.

This I believe is important advice for all who claim to be followers of Christ Jesus. We are to be prepared at all times to tell anyone who asks why we believe in our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus. 

Peter also makes it clear we are to do this “with gentleness and respect”. 

We must never be aggressive when presenting the Gospel massage. We should always respect the listener. 

I have always believed that we should say to a person “this is what I believe. It’s your decision whether or not you believe it."

How do you present the gospel message?

Do you present the gospel message in a way that is respectful to the one listening to you?

Please think about it.

A People of God

 A people of God

The apostle Peter writes,

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 

Dear friends,

 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:9-12.

This section of scripture resonates with me. You see for most of my adult life I have lived in a country that is not the one in which I was born. I am a landed immigrant legally allowed to live here. That being said I am an alien in the country in which I choose to live. 

I know that I must obey the laws of the land in which I live. Failure to do so would mean my being sent back to the land of my birth.

This is what Peter here is saying. As Christians. Believers in Christ Jesus. We are strangers in the country in which we live. As such we must obey the laws of that land. We must “abstain from sinful desires”.

We must live such good lives among the people of the country in which we live. So that even though they may accuse us of doing wrong. “They may see our good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us”.

If you claim to be a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus. Do you live a good life? When people see you do they see a good person. One who truly represents Christ? 

When people see you do they see Christ within you?

Please think about it.

In every situation

  In every situation

In the book of Philippians we read,

“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.

I think we all become anxious from time to time. Especially when we run into problems. 

    Problems are unfortunately part of life. And it’s easy to let those problems pull us away from God.

That is why we need to make God the most important part of our life. The one we turn to each morning, the one we pray to each night and the one we go to throughout the day. For in doing so we will find what Paul writes is true,

"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.

Do you take your requests to God daily?

        How important is God in your life?

Please think about it.

The Messiah

 The Messiah

Jesus said,

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

In the gospel of Matthew we read,

"...The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." 

"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."Matthew 26:63,64.

In the book of Acts when Peter stood before the elders and rulers Peter said,

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12.

The above verses from the New Testament show what the writers of the New Testament believed Jesus to be. These claims were controversial then and still are today.

C. S. Lewis wrote,

"I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept his claim to be God. 

That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. 

You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to." C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.

So who is Jesus to you?

Please think about it.

By the Grace of God

  By the Grace of God

The apostle Paul writes,

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8,9.

Writing to the Romans the apostle Paul states,

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”  Romans 3:23,24.

Christians believe that God in the form of His Son Christ Jesus, reached down to mankind offering each individual who believes Him the way to heaven.

We believe Christ paid the price for the sins of each one who would believe in Him. 

The apostle Paul writing,

"But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" Titus 3:4,5.

Jesus speaking of Himself said,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son". John 3:16-18.

Do you believe in God? Do you believe that God sent His one and Only Son into the world to pay the price for your sins? 

Have you accepted the saving Grace that come from God through Christ Jesus?

Please think about it.

Slow to anger

  Slow to anger

In the book of Nahum we read,

“The LORD is slow to anger and great in power,

and the LORD will by no means clear the guilty. 

His way is in the whirlwind and storm,

and the clouds are the dust of his feet.”

                                                                    Nahum 1:3

Nahum said it, “The LORD is slow to anger”. 

I firmly believe God gives everyone a chance to follow Him. Going to great lengths to show people the way to heaven.

Jesus speaking about Himself said,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16,17. 

The apostle Paul writes,

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: 

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." 

                                                                            Romans 5:8.

God has gone to extreme lengths in human terms to show how He loves each and every individual on this planet. 

C. S. Lewis writes,

"He died not for men, but for each man. 

If each man had been the only man made, 

He would have done no less." 

                                             C.S. Lewis.

That being said God has given us a warning Jesus saying,

“Whoever believes in him (Jesus) is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son". John 3:18

God has also given each individual a free will. Thus a person can choose to believe in God or not. 

Do you believe in God?

Please think about it.

A warning to all

 A warning to all

In the book of James we read,

"Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.  Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.  

Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.  

Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.  

You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.  

You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you." James 5:1-6

In Ecclesiastes we read,

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty of man. 

For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." Ecclesiastes12:13,14.

What is said above is not just for the wealthy but for all people. It is important especially if you claim to be a Christian, a true follower of Christ Jesus, that you deal honestly with those you interact with, be they a customer, some one who works for you or just some random person you deal with.

So are you dealing honestly with people? What will God say about your dealings when you stand before Him on judgement day?

Please think about it.

Dealing Honourably and Faithfully

  Dealing Honourably and Faithfully

Jesus told this story

"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  

At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 

"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried.  

In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  

So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.' 

"But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  

And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.' 

"He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house,  

for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 

"Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 

" ‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 

"He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.' " Luke 16:19-31

Here we have a warning to not just the rich but to all who have the ability to help the poor and less fortunate. Especially for those who believe in God. You need to care for those who are not as fortunate as you in life.

In the Talmud we read,

"When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not,    "Have you believed in God?"  Or "Have you prayed and observed the ritual?”  "He is asked: "have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?" The Talmud

So my question to you dear reader is, If you consider yourself a Christian or for that matter if you don’t consider yourself a Christian, do you deal honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow man?

Please think about it.

A Household of Love

 A Household of Love

In the book of Leviticus we read,

" ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest.  

Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 19: 9,10.

In the book of James we read,

"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.    If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:14-17.

In the Talmud we read,

“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, "Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?"  He answered, "God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love." The Talmud.

Do you do what you can to help the poor and those less fortunate in your community?

I know most of us don’t have thousands of dollars lying around that we can give to the poor. But we all have something we can give. Even if it’s just giving some spare change to a homeless person begging on the street corner. Other ways to give is by donating to a reputable charity. OR, by getting involved by volunteering with a local food bank or other groups that minister to the less fortunate.

If you’re not already, consider volunteering or giving (even if it’s just a few dollars) to a program that is helping the poor. Actions that will show that you are contributing to make the world around you “a household of love”.

Please think about it.

Receiving God's Mercy

  Receiving God’s Mercy

In the gospel of Luke, Luke quotes Mary the mother of Jesus saying,

"And Mary said:                                                                                                         

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, 

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. 

From now on all generations will call me blessed, 

for the Mighty One has done great things for me

holy is his name. 

His mercy extends to those who fear him, 

from generation to generation.” 

                                                      Luke 1:46-50.

Truly all generations of Christians are calling Mary blessed. What could be greater than God choosing her to bring forth His son Jesus.

Notable here is what Mary says about those who fear God. She states,

“His mercy extends to those who fear him, 

from generation to generation.”

 If you truly believe in God and His Son Christ Jesus then God’s mercy is shown to you. It is through the Mercy of God that comes from believing in Christ Jesus that saves us. The apostle Paul writing,

"But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" Titus 3:4,5.

Do you believe in God? 

Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?

Have you received God’s mercy?

Please think about it.

To all who believe in Him

  To all who believe in Him

The apostle Peter writes,

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade kept in heaven for you" 1Peter 1:3-4.

There are a lot of things in this world that we can loose. Our wealth, our possessions, our health, even our friends and family.

That being said, when we accept Christ as our Lord and Saviour we are given a “new birth into a living hope”. With this comes an inheritance that can never perish. One kept in heaven.

Jesus said,

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

Blaise Pascal wrote,

“Belief is a wise wager. Granted that faith cannot be proved, what harm will come to you if you gamble on its truth and it proves false? If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager, then, without hesitation, that He exists. Blaise Pascal.

Do you believe in God? 

Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God a Saviour to all who believe in Him?

Please think about it.

Take time to praise God

  Take time to praise God

The Psalmist writes,

Praise the LORD. 

Praise God in his sanctuary; 

praise him in his mighty heavens. 

Praise him for his acts of power; 

praise him for his surpassing greatness. 

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, 

praise him with the harp and lyre, 

praise him with tambourine and dancing, 

praise him with the strings and flute, 

praise him with the clash of cymbals,

 praise him with resounding cymbals. 

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. 

Praise the LORD. 

                                   Psalm 150

Here is something we as Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus should do every day. That is praise the Lord.

Why not take a few moments right now to praise God.

Please don’t just think about it. Do it!

Spotless, Blameless, at Peace

 Spotless, Blameless, at Peace,

    The apostle Peter writes,

“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.”  2 Peter 3:13,14.

In the book of Hebrews we read,

"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14.

As believers in Christ Jesus we are told to live as holy a life as we can. A life that is spotless, blameless, and at peace with God.

 The reward seeing the Lord. Entering heaven.

If you are a believer in Christ Jesus take sometime right now to assess your life. Asking yourself the question, “Am I doing my best to live a spotless blameless life that is at peace with God?”.

Please think about it.

Your first Priority

  Your first priority

Jesus said,

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

It is important that we seek the kingdom of God first. Seeking For by doing so we see what God requires of us. Additionally as we truly seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness our desires become what God desires. 

That being said, in order to truly seek God we must study the scriptures and pray with our whole heart for His guidance.

Is seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness first on your priority list?

Please think about it.

Clothe yourself in

  Clothe yourselves in

In the book of Colossians we read,

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

Here is what those who claim to be Christians. True followers of Christ Jesus should be showing to those around them. “Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, Patience”.

If you consider yourself t true Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus are these attributes what people see in you?

Please think about it.

Draw near to God

 Draw near to God

In the book of Hebrews we read,

"...let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.  

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:22,23.

Here is a truth from the book of Hebrews. We as believers in Christ Jesus need to “draw near to God with a sincere heart full of faith”.

God knows our hearts. He knows how sincere we are when we worship Him. Thus we need to look into our own heart and ask ourselves “how sincere am I when it comes to worshipping God?” 

Is my worship truly sincere or am I simply going through the motions? Intellectually acknowledging God. While not worshipping Him with all my heart and soul.

In the book of Deuteronomy we read,

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5.

Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:5 when asked,

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 

Jesus replied: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 

This is the first and greatest commandment." Matthew 22:36,37,38.

So my question to your dear reader is,

Do you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind?

Please think about it.

Guard your heart

  Guard your heart

In the book of Proverbs we read,

“Above all else, guard your heart, 

for everything you do flows from it.”

                                                       Proverbs 4:23:

Jesus said,

“But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’  

For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” Matthew 15: 18,19. 

As believers in Christ Jesus we need to guard our hearts. It’s easy living in this world to fill our hearts with sinful thoughts. To look upon the negative things of this world and express that negativity to those around us.

The key I believe to guarding our hearts is to draw near to God. 

The apostle Paul writing,

“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”2Timothy 2:22.

If you consider yourself a true follower of Christ Jesus, are you doing this?

Are you guarding your heart?

Please think about it.

Confession of sin

  Confession of sin

Jesus said, 

“..."Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."” Matthew 4:17.

I know many people say they are as good as most people. Better even than some. And it’s probably true. But the fact is we all sin. We all fall short of Gods ideal for our lives. 

The apostle Paul writing,

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  Romans 3:23,24.

The apostle John writes, 

"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.    If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” 1John 1:8-10.

The important thing here is to realize that although we sin. That by confessing our sins to God those sins will be forgiven. This is especially important for those who claim to be Christians, true followers of Christ Jesus.

Have you confessed you sins to God recently?

Please think about it.

A Changed Life

  A Changed life

The apostle Peter writes,

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.  1Peter 1:3-5.

As soon as we give our life to Christ, He gives us a new birth, a living hope, an inheritance that can never perish or fade. An inheritance that is kept in the one place no one can take it away from us, heaven.

When we accept Christ and learn more about Him. Putting more and more of his teachings into action in our life. Our old ways gradually fade away. While a new life and new lifestyle takes over. A new lifestyle that glorifies God. One that tells the world we belong to Christ Jesus.

If you are a true believer in Christ Jesus has your life changed since you accepted Him as your Lord and Saviour?

Please think about it.

Be Prepared to

   Be Prepared to

The apostle Peter writes,

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"1 Peter 3:15.

As believers in Christ Jesus we must always be aware that Christ should come first in our lives. Not only that but the people around us should see Christ is first in our life without us even telling them.

At the same time we must be prepared to give the reason we believe in Christ Jesus to anyone who asks. And we must do so while showing our respect to the person asking. We must never attempt to force our beliefs on anyone.

If you consider yourself a true believer in Christ Jesus, are you prepared to tell anyone who asks, why you believe in Him?

Please think about it.

Clothe yourself

  Clothe yourself

In the book of Colossians we read,

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12.

As Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus we are called to show

 compassion,

  kindness, 

humility

gentleness

Patience

When people see you are these the attributes they see?

Please think about it.

I remember you

  I remember you

The Psalmist states,

"On my bed I remember you; 

I think of you through the watches of the night. 

Because you are my help, 

I sing in the shadow of your wings. 

My soul clings to you; 

your right hand upholds me." 

                                                   Psalm 63:6-8.

If you consider yourself a believer in Christ Jesus, do you do what the psalmist is saying here?

Do you think of God night and day?

Is God your helper?

Do you sing to God?

Does your soul truly cling to God?

Do you remember God in good times and bad?

Please think about it.

Pray

  Pray 

In 1 Thessalonians we are told to,

“Pray continually”

                                1Thessalonians 5:17

As a Christian a follower of Christ Jesus must pray continually. While we must also set a quiet time aside to pray. We also need to lift up what is on our heart to God throughout the day. Sometimes it can be audible other times it can be silent. Other times it can be without words just simply reaching out to God.

I like this quote from Our Daily Bread devotional that states,

“It's possible to "pray continually" because Christ's Spirit unites our hearts to God's, continually assuring us of His love for us as His children”

If you are a believer in Christ Jesus do you pray continually?

Please think about it.

A warning from the scriptures

 A warning from the scriptures

The Psalmist writes,

"Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 

keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. 

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” 

                                                                                     Psalm 34:11-14.

Abba Hillel Silver wrote,

"Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society.  Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority." Abba Hillel Silver.

This is true. When men do not believe in God or do not fear His judgement society can fall into destruction.

We only have to look at Nazi Germany during and just before world war two. Their men who didn’t fear God or believe in Him brought about the slaughter of Millions of innocent men women and children. Not counting the millions of soldiers that died.

The same is true today. Today there are evil men both terrorist and political leaders and individuals that seek to imprison and murder those they disagree with.

To them and all who do not fear God be they individuals, political leaders, religious leaders or terrorist. The book of Ecclesiastes has a warning,

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty of man. 

For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." Ecclesiastes12:13,14.

Please think about it.

God in the flesh

 God in the flesh

In John’s gospel we read,

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  

He was with God in the beginning. 

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  

In him was life, and that life was the light of men....

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. " John 1:1-4,14.

Here John refers to Jesus as “the Word”. 

He makes it clear that Jesus was with God from the beginning and that all things were made by Him.

He goes on to say that The Word became flesh. Jesus became human.

This is a cornerstone belief about Jesus. He is God incarnate. God in the flesh. To my knowledge no other religion in the world claims their founder to be God incarnate.

If Jesus is not Devine then those who wrote the New Testament have created perhaps the greatest lie in human history.

Who do you think Jesus is?

Please think about it.

Your eternal resting place

 Your eternal resting place

In the book of Galatians we read,

"Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Galatians 3:6.

Do you believe in God?

The apostle Paul wrote,

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."  

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” Romans 10:9-13

Blaise Pascal wrote,

“Belief is a wise wager. Granted that faith cannot be proved, what harm will come to you if you gamble on its truth and it proves false? If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager, then, without hesitation, that He exists.” Blaise Pascal.

So I ask the question again, Do you believe in God?

Are you willing to risk your eternal resting place on what you believe?

Please think about it.

The Holy One of God

  The Holy one of God

In John’s gospel we read of this interaction between Jesus and His twelve disciples, 

"You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. 

Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.  

We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:67-69.

Jesus is the Holy One of God. This is what the disciples believed and they knew Jesus intimately. 

Speaking to Martha Jesus states,

"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;  and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

"Yes Lord" she told Him, "I believe you are the Christ the Son of God, who was to come into the world," John 11:25,26,27. 

Both Martha and Jesus’ disciples knew Jesus personally. As a result they could say beyond a doubt that Jesus is The Christ, the Son of God.

Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

The upward call

  The upward call.

The apostle Paul writes,

     “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:14.

Here Paul sets an example for us all. He presses toward “the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

As believers in Christ Jesus it is important to “press into God’s word”, the Bible. We must endeavour to do all we can to learn about the God, and Christ Jesus.  

The apostle Paul writing to Timothy wrote,

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2Timothy 2:15.

The only way we can handle the word of truth is by knowing what the scriptures say. That means not just reading the Bible but studying what it says.

Question, do you just read the Bible or do you study what it says?

Please think about it.

A Journey

 A Journey 

The Psalmist writes,

"Where can I go from your Spirit?  

Where can I flee from Your presence?  

If I go up to the heavens, 

You are there; 

if I make my bed in the depth,

 You are there. 

 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, 

if I settle on the far side of the sea, 

even there Your hand will guide me.  

Your right hand will hold me fast."

                                                                               Psalm 139:7-10

C. S. Lewis put it this way,

“We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade, the presence of God.” 

                                                                                                    C. S. Lewis.

Do you believe in God? Perhaps a better question is are you willing to risk your eternal resting place on what you believe?

From the moment we are born we start a journey toward eternity. I believe that throughout that journey God places sign posts directing us to him. All we have to do is read them correctly and do what they say. If we do not we are bound for destruction.

Please think about it.

Think of it this way

  Think of it this way

Jesus said,

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

Think of it this way

If you are

demonstrating against anyone. 

You are telling them 

they can demonstrate against you.

If you are 

speaking out and trying to restrict the rights of others 

given to them by the lawfully elected government.

You are telling others 

they can try to restrict your rights.

If you are 

imposing your morals however good they may be on others.

You are telling them 

they can impose their morals on you, even if they are not as good as yours.

If you are 

trying to impose your faith on others rather than presenting your faith.

You are telling others 

they can impose their faith on you.

If you are

judging others.

You are telling others 

they can judge you in the same way.

If you 

are telling the world you are a Christian

You should be telling the world 

I love you as God loves you,...

unconditionally.

Please think about it.

Keeping the Royal law

  Keeping the Royal law

In the book of James we read,

“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right.” James 2:8.

It is imperative that we as believers in Christ Jesus love our neighbour as we do ourselves.

Martin Luther King jr. the late American Civil rights activist said,

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”

                                                                                          Martin Luther King, Jr.

What he said is true. If we truly want to win souls for Christ we need to transform the enemies of Christ into friends.

If you consider yourself a true follower of Christ Jesus to you show unconditional love to those around you, friend and foe alike?

Please think about it.

You and those around you

  You and those around you

Jesus said, 

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

When I was young my parents told me to treat others the way wanted to be true. I didn’t know it at the time but it was just what Jesus said,

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

If we remember this one verse our lives will be transformed and those around us will see Jesus in our lives.

Question: Do you treat others the way you want to be treated? Does that extend even you those you dislike?

Please think about it.

Christian Principles for living #7

  Christian Principles for living #7 

Trust in the Lord

The writer of Proverbs tells us,

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart 

and lean not on your own understanding; 

in all your ways acknowledge him, 

and he will make your paths straight.”

                                               Proverbs 3:5,6.

If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus do you trust God completely? Is your faith squarely in Him. The writer of Hebrew tells us,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see.”  

                                                           Hebrews 11:1

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, 

because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists 

and 

that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” 

                                                                            Hebrews 11:6.

I have learned first hand that trusting in God really does work. 

Yes there have been times when I thought things would not work out. Still I committed the situation to God and left it there. Ultimately the situation did work out, although sometimes not in the way I thought it would work out.

The apostle Paul said,

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Romans 8:28.

And Paul should know he went through a lot for his faith yet it all worked out in the end. Even though he was ultimately martyred for his faith he had the opportunity to share that faith throughout the Roman empire. He stood before everyone from rulers to slave and told them of his faith before leaving this earth for heaven.

So the question becomes, if you consider yourself a believer in Christ Jesus do you put your trust fully in Him?

Please think about it.

Christian Principles #6

 Christian Principles #6

 Flee evil

The apostle Paul writing to Timothy states,

“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”  2 Timothy 2:22.

The Psalmist tells us,

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 

Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 

For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish” Psalm 1.

Do you flee evil?

As believers in Christ Jesus we should.

Sadly with all that is happening in the world around us it can be hard to flee evil. While we live in this world evil will always surround us. The key however is to draw close to God by studying the scriptures and praying for God’s guidance.

Question: Do you flee evil when you see it?

Please think about it. 

Christian principle for living #5

   Christian Principles for Living #5 

At Peace with God

The apostle Peter writing to Christians reminds believers that Jesus will one day return and this earth will pass away. That He will come quickly when we are least expecting it. Therefor we need to be at peace with God. Peter writes,

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.    That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.  

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.  2 Peter 3:10-14.

As believers we many times fall short of what God wants for our lives. It is however incumbent upon us as soon as we realize we have made a mistake to ask God’s forgiveness.

As believers we truly need to look at our lives from time to time and ask ourselves am I truly living a life that is glorifying God? 

Am I truly at peace with God? 

Please think about it.

Christian principles for living #4

 Christian Principles for living #4 

Live at Peace with those around you.

The apostle Paul wrote,

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  Romans 12:18.

The writer of Hebrews states,

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.

The Apostle Peter tells believers in Christ Jesus,

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 

Dear friends,

 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.

Believers in Christ Jesus are called to live a good and peaceful life. A life of holiness. 

As believers in Christ we need to take a look at the actions of Jesus and the apostles. They never spoke out against anyone outside their faith. They never protested for any reason. They did as far as was possible live at peace with those around them. They lived a life of love. 

In doing so they opened up doors to talk with other groups throughout the known world. As a result in just over a century, Christianity had spread throughout the known world.

These men and women respected all those they came in contact with. They lived peaceful loving lives.

As a result they stood in the Areopagus in Athens and spoke to the learned men and women there. They spoke with politicians, soldiers, tax collectors, and people of every strata of society from slaves to rulers.

This is what we in the twenty-first century church need to do. Are you?

Please think about it.

Christian principle #3 Christian attributes,

   Christian Principles #3 Christian attributes 

The Apostle Paul writing to believers in Christ Jesus tells us,

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22,23.

Here is a simple test for anyone calling themselves a believer in Christ Jesus. Now keep in mind believers in Christ are far from perfect. We are all human with human frailties and failings. 

That being said however as believers in Christ we should be striving to be Christ like. We should be trying to make the fruits of the spirit part of our daily life. 

Francis of Assisi wrote,

“The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

                                                                     Francis of Assisi.

If our lives are exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control, the sermon people will see in us is the Love of Jesus.

Question: When people see your life do they truly see the fruit of the Spirit of God?

Please think about it.

Christian principles to live by #2 deeds

 Christian Principles to live by #2 Deeds

James the half brother of Jesus states,

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  

If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 

But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 

You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” James 2:14-20.

There are many Christians who will tell you, you are saved by faith. That is true. However James here make it clear our faith needs to be accompanied by works. Good deeds.    If we indeed have true faith in Jesus, it well spur us on to good deeds. Simply believing in God should never be enough for the believer in Christ Jesus. We need to put our faith into action.

Jesus made this clear when he said,

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  

I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  

When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  

When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ 

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  

For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,  

I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ 

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ 

“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ 

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Matthew 25:34-46.

If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus are you putting your faith into action?

Please think about it.

Christian life Principle #1

 Christian life Principle #1

There are some very important precepts within Christianity that all true believers in Christ Jesus I believe must be following. The first is Love.

Jesus said when asked the question,

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  

This is the first and greatest commandment.  

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40

Earlier in Matthews gospel we hear Jesus taking this concept of love one step further. He said,

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,...” Matthew 5:43,44.

When it comes to Love the Apostle Paul made clear what Christian Love should be. He wrote,

“Love is patient, love is kind. 

It does not envy, it does not boast,

 it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love.”  

                                                    1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

What these Scriptures from the New Testament say needs no interpretation. They make clear that believers in Christ Jesus should love unconditionally, God, their neighbour, and even their enemy. And The should be praying for those who persecute them.

If you consider yourself a believer in Christ Jesus do you show this kind of Love to those around you?

Please think about it. 

What you're looking for

  What you’re looking for.

The apostle Paul states,

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  

People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God." 2 Timothy 3:1-4

My wife was the ultimate book worm. As I was looking through her library I came upon this book. Entitled "Essentials in Christian Faith" by John B. Harrington, published in 1958, could have been written yesterday. It opens with this quote from Paul Gallico in Esquire Magazine in 1948:

"A writer in a popular magazine has written the following words; 'We are all, if you will pardon the expression, Headed for Hell in a handbarrow. If, ever the people of the world stood in need of a spiritual revival, it is now. We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.'"

Harrington notes that Gallico makes no pretense of being "a religious man" noting that "...for him it is precisely religion in its organized forms which has in part caused the situation he deplores. He is careful to state that it is not "religion" for which he is looking. For in his opinion, religion throughout the history of our culture has advanced its control over human beings by the investment of bigotry and persecution. 

Yet, out of despair over the current human situation he says; ‘The voice for which my heavy spirit is yearning must reach us all... For if it is not heard, we are lost. Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position, some rewards founded on good will, selflessness, and the innate dignity of the human spirit...honour, humility, decency and courage."

Gallico was right when he wrote the article. And what he said describes what is happening in the world today. 

What Paul Gallico is longing for is a relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus stating,

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

It is a relationship that produces what the author of the book of Galatians states is,

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control...." Galatians 5:22, 23b.

This is a peace no “organized religion” can offer. It is a peace described in the book of Philippians as,

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

Do you have this kind of peace?

Please think about it.

By no means clear the guilty

 By no means clear the guilty

In the book of Ecclesiastes we read,

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty of man. 

For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." Ecclesiastes12:13,14.

We live in a society that is getting ever more sinful as the years go on. Many calling themselves Christians are blatantly lying, and following the lies of both political and religious leaders. 

The Prophet Nahum states,

"The LORD is slow to anger and great in power,

and the LORD will by no means clear the guilty...." 

                                                                            Nahum 1:3.

If we claim to be Christians, true followers of Christ Jesus. We must repent of our sins. Stop following the lies of political and religious leaders and turn to God.

If we don’t then we will see the full wrath of God when we ultimately pass into His presence.

Please think about it.

Do not forget

  Do not forget

In the book of Hebrews we read,

“Do not forget to do good and to share with others, 

for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

                                                                        Hebrews 13:16.

The late civil rights leader Martin Luther King jr. said,

“Life's most persistent and urgent question is,

 'What are you doing for others?'”

                                                               Martin Luther King, Jr.

The American evangelist Tony Campolo said,

"These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change." Tony Campolo.

So if you consider yourself a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus. What are you doing to help others?

Please think about it.

Could you give your wealth up?

  Could you give your wealth up?

The apostle Paul wrote,

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10.

Now there is nothing wrong with being wealthy. Scripture clearly states it is, the love of money that is the root of all kinds of evil.

Money has it’s place in our lives. But it should never be first place. It especially should never be put ahead of God in our lives.

Matthew’s gospel records this incident between a rich young man and Jesus. It states,

"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 

"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honor your father and mother,' and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.''" 

"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" 

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth." Matthew 19:16-22.

Would you be willing to give up all your wealth to serve Christ?

Please think about it.

A duty of the rich

  A duty of the rich

Jesus told this parable,

"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  

At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 

"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried.  

In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  

So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.' 

"But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  

And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.' 

"He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house,  

for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 

"Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 

" ‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 

"He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.' " Luke 16:19-31.

Here we see the consequences of not helping the poor. I think the rich man here may not of even thought that God would hold him accountable for his actions in this world. That’s if he even thought of God at all. He was too busy enjoying his wealth and all it could buy him.

Sadly for him he realized too late that not helping the poor had eternal consequences. 

This parable is one of many warnings that scripture gives to those who are blessed with an abundance of things in this world.

If you are blessed with abundance do you share some of it with the poor?

Please think about it. 

A Clear Warning

  A clear warning

In the book of James we read,

"Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.  Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.  

Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.  

Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.  

You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.  

You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you." James 5:1-6.

Here is a clear warning to those with wealth to teat the poor and those who work for them honestly and fairly.

Now there’s nothing wrong with being wealthy. Scripture states,

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10.

As true Christians. As true believers in Christ Jesus, we should not put money first in our life. Doing the work of the Lord should be first. Part of that work is providing what we can for the poor. That also means that if we are in business we need to give those who work for us a living wage. One that keeps the worker well above the poverty line.

If you are wealthy, if you are in business, do you do what you can for the poor? 

Do you provide a living wage and good working conditions to those who work for you?

Please think about it.