Category Christian Living

9 Reasons for GRATITUDE

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Are you grateful? As THANKSGIVING approaches, we’re reminded to be thankful. Have you tried to make a list of reasons to be grateful? May I suggest a 30 day challenge of being thankful. Here is my list for the first 9 days of November.

30 days of Thanksgiving.

What are you thankful for?

I’ll start…

Day 1

God’s Grace.

Titus 2:11-12 KJV

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Day 2.

I’m grateful for Rain.

Matthew 5:45 KJV

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

day 3.

I’m grateful for the ADVOCATE, Christ Jesus, who makes ATONEMENT.

1 John 2:1-5 KJV

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: [2] And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. [3] And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. [4] He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. [5] But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

day 4.

I’m grateful for TRANSPORTATION so we’re able to GO and peach the gospel.

Mark 16:15-16 KJV

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. [16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

day 5.

I’m grateful for INVOCATION (prayer).

1 John 5:14-15 KJV

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: [15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. (cf John 9:31)

day 6.

I’m grateful for THE TEMPLE of God, His body, the church.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 KJ21

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? [17] If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy. For the temple of God is holy, and ye are that temple. (1Peter 2:5)

day 7.

I’m grateful for the UNDERSTANDABLE Word of God.

Ephesians 3:3-4 KJ21

how by revelation He made known unto me the mystery (as I wrote before in a few words, [4] whereby when ye read this, ye may understand my knowledge of the mystery of Christ),

(cf. John 20:30-31; Rom 10:17)

day 8.

I’m grateful for my DEBT to God being paid by Christ, the Propitiation for my sins.

1 John 2:2-4 KJV

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. [3] And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. [4] He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Propitiation= 2434 hilasmós – properly, propitiation; an offering to appease (satisfy) an angry, offended party. 2434 (hilasmós) is only used twice (1Jn 2:2, 4:10) – both times of Christ’s atoning blood that appeases God’s wrath.

day 9.

I’m grateful for the ELECTION of the saints.

2 Peter 1:10 KJV

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and ELECTION sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

Biblical ELECTION is God choosing those who seek Him and obey the Gospel. (Heb 5:8-9; 2Thess 1:7-8). Biblical Election is NOT God randomly choosing individuals to be lost or saved.

He gave His Son to bring the means of salvation to any who will obey Him.

Why are you GRATEFUL?

How do we scripturally give God GLORY?

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GLORY meaning.

  1. To make GORGEOUS, GREAT. Eph 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
  2. LEADING above and beyond everyone and everything.
    1. John 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. (KJV)
    1. Re 15:4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
    1. Hear ye Him.
    1. Mt 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
  3. ORIGINAL, before everything. John 17:5; Col 1:17 used of Christ.
    1. Outstanding, above, before, first.
      1. Joh 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
  4. Rejoice. & REQUEST.  1Cor 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
    1. 2Co 10:17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
    1. Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
    1. 2Th 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
    1. REQUEST wishing. 2Cor 13:7; Jas 5:16
      1. Ac 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
      1. 2Co 13:7 ¶ Now I pray to God that ye do no evil;
      1. Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
      1. 3Jo 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
  5. YIELD to submit and die to Glorify God. (this point is key, Luke 6:46)
    1. 1Pe 4:11-16 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
      1. PAUL’S CHANGED LIFE. Ga 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. 24 And they glorified God in me.CF., those that don’t put God first. Ro 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
      Joh 21:19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.YOU LOVE. 1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:YOUR SUBMISSION TO THE GOSPEL. 2Cor 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
    1. YOU WERE BOUGHT, 1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

To give God GLORY is more than just boasting and praising Him.

GIVE HIM Praise, honor, & Preeminence in our lives. Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

LOVE Him above everyone and everything else. Matt 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

OBEY His commands. Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (2Cor 9:13)

REJOICE only in Him and not in ourselves. 1Cor 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. 2Cor 10:17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

YIELD to His word, His commands, His doctrine, and be willing to die for preaching it, keeping it, and living it.

Spencer is an evangelist for the church of Christ o Franklin & Juniper st in Borger, Texas.

How to spiritually DRESS

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How to DRESS as a Saint.

Decency & Demure (meek & lowly). Psalm 149:4; 1Peter 3:3-4; 1Tim 2:9-10

For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

Righteousness. Psalm 139:9; Job 29:14

Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.

Earnest Zeal. Rev 3:14-19

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Submission. 1Peter 3:1-7

For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

Salvation. Gal 3:27; Psalm 132:16; Matt 22:11

I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

8 Reasons to be GRATEFUL

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“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

(1Thess 5:18)

People talk a lot about what God wants for them, usually inaccurately. Paul wrote the above passage clearly stating at least one thing God wants for us to do, be GRATEFUL.

In these tumultuous times it’s sometimes difficult to find some reasons to be GRATEFUL. However, when we have a specific command, we need to figure out how to complete it.

If GRATEFUL we should, then GRATEFUL we could.

What follows in this article are just a few things from scripture for which we can give thanks. It need not be very hard, for God says, “Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” (Psalm 40:3)

Since every good gift comes from above, these are just a sampling of the perfect gifts from God. We could expand upon this list every day for the rest of our lives. (cf. James 1:17)

8 things for which I am GRATEFUL.

I’m grateful for God’s Grace. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,” (Titus 2:11). “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” (Titus 3:4-5).

I’m grateful for God’s Revealed word. “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:30-31). “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” 2Peter 1:3-4).

I’m grateful for Adoption. “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons and because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father” (Gal 4:4-6).

I’m grateful for Trying times. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2-4).

I’m grateful for Everything that Everyone gets. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17). “Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17). “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matt 5:45).

I’m grateful for Faithful Brethren. “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Phil 1:3-6)

I’m grateful for the ability to Understand God’s word, and to know wisdom. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:5-8).

I’m grateful for the Love of God for me, you, and all. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life” (Rom 5:8-10). “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (1John 4:9-11).

Spencer

Spencer is an evangelist for the church of Christ at Franklin & Juniper in Borger Texas.

Does anyone BOAST about us?

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2Thess 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

Does anyone BOAST about us?

Because our faith grows exceedingly? v3

Oppression we endure patiently. v4

Abounding love one toward another. v3

Suffering for the kingdom of God. v5

Tribulations from Troublers. v4

7 things to PROTECT, (final) our TREASURE in heaven

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“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

(Matt 6:19-21)

I hope you know by now that we’re talking about using our Physical means for a Spiritual end.

We’ve already spoken about MONEY, so now we conclude this series by focusing on our TREASURES in Heaven.

The Holy Spirit describes this ‘Treasure in Heaven’ in a couple of ways. Prize (Phil 3:14; 1Cor 9:24); Treasure (Matt 13:44); Crown (2Tim 4:8).

How shall we protect this treasure?

For many in the religious realm, the idea one needs to protect their TREASRUE in heaven is ridiculous. Fortunately, we have the scriptures to tell us the truth. Let’s look at how we might protect our CROWN.

First, whenever a command is given, it means we CAN COMPLY. Jesus said, “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matt 6:20). Paul wrote; “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2Tim 4:8). So, we LAY up a treasure in heaven, and can expect it if we LOVE His appearing.

Second, this treasure is only available after. While there are spiritual blessings here, and other good gifts (Eph 1:3; Jas 1:17), we shall RECEIVE the CROWN after this life. Note these passages (emph mine seb):

1Thess 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

2Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

1Pet 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Rev 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Third, we ought not to expect anything from the Lord if we’re unfaithful, doubtful and disobedient. Scripture teaches that the OBEDIENT shall receive a crown;

1Cor 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

2Tim 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

Next, the CROWN is compared to WINNING a PRIZE. “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14; 1Cor 9:24). Putting the previous point and this one together, In his letter to Timothy, Paul wrote, “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully” (2Tim 2:5).

Lastly, while no man can take away the crown that is laid up in heaven (cf. Matt 6:20), we can certainly lose our crown through NEGLECT, disobedience, or rebellion. Let’s read the rest of James 1:12-16, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren. (cf. John 10:28-29; Rom 8:38-39; Heb 2:1-3). Do you see it? In verse 12 is the crown promised, but verses 13-16 is the ability to lose it. Do you see why it’s so important to read an entire passage before drawing a conclusion from one verse?

Another thing. While no man can go to heaven and take your crown, men can deceive us and turn us away from Christ. It’s in this sense that Jesus told John to warn the church. “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Rev 3:11). Note also the warning by Paul, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Col 2:8; cf. 2Peter 2).

In closing out this series, let us be on guard and PROTECT those things we are charged to PROTECT. Life is serious business and not all fun and games. While there are things God has given us richly to enjoy, He also wants us to be ready at any given moment. We need to be READY against Rebellion, Enemies of Christ, Antagonists, Death, and You and I are responsible for ourselves.

Spencer

How to LIVE in this world

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Living in the world without becoming part of this world is difficult. Yet, we need to live among them so we can reach them. Paul said,

“I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world” (1Cor 5:9-10).

He also wrote, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Rom 12:18).

here are 4 ways we can LIVE in the world peacefully:

  1. LOVE Always. (Luke 6:27-36; cf; John 3:16; Rom 5:8-10)
  2. be INDEBTED to them to love, which requires being grateful. “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” (Rom 13:8)
  3. live VIRTUOUSLY among them. “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” (1Tim 2:1-8; cf. 1Peter 3:1-6; 2Pet 1:5-10; Romans 12:14-21)
  4. EXPECT less from people, Except Christ and Him crucified. “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (1Cor 1:2)

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Spencer is an evangelist for the church of Christ in Borger Texas.

let’s talk about how to FORGIVE

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FORGIVE.

FAILURE to Forgive will jeopardize our salvation. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matt 6:14-15).

OFFENDED party is the one that OFFERS the OPPORTUNITY. Without forgiveness, the repentant party has no opportunity to be restored. “Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt” (Matt 18:27).

RELEASE is the form of forgiveness you can practice when the offending party can’t (death or absence) or won’t ask for forgiveness. “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34; cf Acts 2:36-38).

GOD can forgive, will forgive, and practices forgiveness. “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee” (Mark 2:5).

IDOLATRY is a form of being unforgiving. You’re elevating self above God. “And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf” (Luke 15:28-30).

VENGEANCE is the Lords. We won’t forgive for the lack of justice. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom 12:19).

EXONERATION is what we need and the ultimate goal. “And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both” (Luke 7:42; cf Rom 5:8-10).

things we ought to PROTECT pt6: EYES

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“O Timothy! keep that which is committed to thy trust,” (1Tim 6:20).

We’ve been taking a closer look at the 7 things we ought to protect.

This next one is about protecting our eyes. Jesus said,

“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matt 5:28). In the Old Testament, JOB said, “I made a covenant with mineeyes; why then should I think upon a maid” (Job 31:1)?

Theeyes are said to be windows to the soul. I’m not sure about that, but I do know that the things of the heart defile a person. “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts…” (Mark 7:21-23).

Things enter our hearts through oureyes, and ears. So, let’s guard oureyes.

The EYES have it.

Pr 3:7 Be not wise in thine own EYES: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

 Pr 3:21My son, let not them depart from thine EYES: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

 Pr 4:21 Let them not depart from thine EYES; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

 Pr 4:25 Let thine EYES look right on, and let thine EYELIDS look straight before thee.

 Pr 5:21 For the ways of man are before the EYES of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

 Pr 6:4 Give not sleep to thine EYES, nor slumber to thine EYELIDS.

 Pr 6:13 He winketh with his EYES, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;

 Pr 6:25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her EYELIDS.

 Pr 7:2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine EYE.

 Pr 10:10 He that winketh with the EYE causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

 Pr 10:26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the EYES, so is the sluggard to them that send him.

 Pr 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own EYES: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

 Pr 15:3 The EYES of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

 Pr 15:30 he light of the EYES rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

 Pr 16:2All the ways of a man are clean in his own EYES; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

 Pr 16:30 He shutteth his EYES to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

 Pr 17:8 A gift is as a precious stone in the EYES of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

 Pr 17:24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the EYES of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

 Pr 20:8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his EYES.

 Pr 20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing EYE, the LORD hath made even both of them.

 Pr 20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine EYES, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

 Pr 21:2Every way of a man is right in his own EYES: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

 Pr 21:10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his EYES.

 Pr 22:9 He that hath a bountiful EYE shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

 Pr 22:12The EYES of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

 Pr 23:5 Wilt thou set thine EYES upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

 Pr 23:6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil EYE, neither desire thou his dainty meats:

 Pr 23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine EYES observe my ways.

 Pr 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of EYES?

 Pr 23:33 Thine EYES shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

 Pr 25:7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine EYES have seen.

 Pr 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the EYES of man are never satisfied.

 Pr 28:22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil EYE, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

 Pr 28:27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his EYES shall have many a curse.

 Pr 29:13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their EYES.

 Pr 30:12 There is a generation that are pure in their own EYES, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

 Pr 30:13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their EYES! and their  EYElids are lifted up.  Pr 30:17 The EYE that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

Things to protect pt5: TIME

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“O Timothy! keep that which is committed to thy trust,” (1Tim 6:20).

We’ve been taking a closer look at the 7 things we ought to protect.

This next one is about protecting our TIME. We won’t be talking about the extending of our lives, rather that we must act promptly because of the uncertainty of longevity. There’s a major reason to be concerned about TIME.

NOBODY knows how much time we have left before the Lord’s return, nor how long we will live.

“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matt 24:36).

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14).

Due to the certainty of this fact, we shall look at Paul’s discussion of time in the letter to the Ephesians. “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:15-16). He gives a list of 4 things the Saint does in Redeeming the TIME.

“Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph 5:17). The first thing Paul tells us to do in redeeming the time is to be wise, (to THINK, to Study) so we may know what God wants. This is so important because Jesus will be using His word at the judgment. “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48; cf. Matt 7:21-23; Luke 6:46). Since this is true, it’s imperative that we spend some time learning of Him through His word.

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18) The next thing is a don’t which is very much related to the first. Don’t get drunk, distracted, INTOXICATED with excesses. It’s impossible to do the first if we’re interfering with our minds ability to think. Other things that do the same are the myriad of distractions that occupy our time. The opposite of this “do not” is to “be filled with the Spirit” which points back to the first point. How is one filled with the Spirit? In as much as they are filled with the word delivered through inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Note what Paul wrote earlier through inspiration of the Holy Spirit; “How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Eph 3:3-4; cf. John 20:30-31;).

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph 5:19); Continuing on in the discussion of redeeming the time, Paul tells the Saint to MAKE MELODY in your heart to the Lord. In the letter to the Colossians he also says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col 3:16). Do you see a connection to the first part of redeeming the time? It’s about the word of Christ. In addition to knowing it ourselves, we are to teach it to other Saints. One way this is done is through song, in particular, during the time we gather together on the first day of the week. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb 10:25).

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph 5:20). At all times the Saint is to live their lives in EXPRESSING Thanks to God for EVERY THING. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1Thess 5:18). Joy is impossible without gratitude. It is essential for the Saints to remember; “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17). This knowing that all that desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution, and we’re to count it all joy when we face various temptations (cf. 2Tim 3:12; Jas 1:2-4). In the passage from James, he reconnects it to THINKING on God’s word, acquiring His wisdom. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (Jas 1:4; cf. Jas 3:17). Right back at the beginning of Redeeming the Time.

At no point have we concerned ourselves with extending our time, not that there’s anything wrong with that. The Saint is to primarily be concerned with redeeming the TIME because the days are evil. None of us wants to be caught off guard should the Lord return in our lifetime, nor be unprepared to face the Lord when our time on earth is over (cf. Luke 12:16-21).

Spencer