GOD IS ABOUT TO SPIT YOU OUT

Child of God, what have you been up to? You became a beloved child of God, and got placed in the family of God, the Church, by placing your faith in His Son, Jesus. What has happened so far, since you fell in love with Jesus? Are you allowing the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you, and are you following their lead, and allowing them to transform you into the image of God? That’s the only way you’re going to grow in your relationship with God. Like the Hymn-writer puts it, “There’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

God wants you to grow in your faith through feeding on His Word (see 1 Peter 2:2), seeking His face in prayer (see 1 Thessalonians 5:16), fellow-shipping with other believers (see Hebrews 10:25), and sharing your faith with others (see Philemon 5:6). Have you been doing those things, and do you see any difference as a result? As you obey the Word of God, transformation becomes evident in your life, but if you don’t, although you claim to be a Christian, your old nature is what others will see, and their response to you and your faith will bring shame to the name of the Lord and the Church. Listen, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you” (Romans 2:24 NLT).

God doesn’t coerce anyone into becoming a Christian; He just wants people to know: 1) He loves them; 2) they’re free to accept His love; and 3) the cost of choices they make. He is not willing that any should perish, but would rather they come to faith in Him (see 2 Peter 3:9). As a demonstration of what He wills for us, He rejoices over all who repent, and come into a personal relationship with Him (see Luke 15:10). You have chosen to be His child, great, but there are responsibilities that come with that choice. You can’t place faith in Him and continue to live to satisfy yourself and the devil. Doing so means one of two things, one—you never really believed, or two, you misunderstood God’s requirements. The Bible says, “We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT).

Also, the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT). Is your new life evident in any way? If you claim to be a child of God, but live like the devil’s, here’s what God says to you. “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold I will spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16 NLT).

If you are a Christian living in sin, and think nobody knows, well think again—God knows! He is displeased and is about to “spit” you out! Is that what you want? Make up your mind; serve only one Master, and serve Him faithfully. Joshua, the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, said to the Israelites, “Choose today whom you will serve. … But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15 NLT). Similarly, Elijah, the prophet, had the occasion to challenge the Israelites, because they frequently got sucked into idol-worship like their neighbors. He said to them, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God then follow him!” (1 Kings 18:21 NLT). In Matthew 6:24, Jesus said to the disciples, “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other.” Are you getting the point? Make up your mind, and stick with it; don’t claim to be a Christian, while living like the devil. Are you, or are you not a Christian?

Whomever you choose to serve has responsibilities for you in this life, and rewards in the future. Your option is between God and Satan. Compare the responsibilities and rewards of the two, and choose carefully, because your life depends on it!

  Being a Christian will not be an easy road to travel in your human strength. Jesus made it clear when He said: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT); “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NLT). Assuredly, the Christian life is not a walk in the park, it’s difficult, and sometimes leads to loss of life, but God provides the strength that enables those who lean on Him to be victorious in what they do in this life! What rewards does He promise at the end of this life? He promises eternal life with the Father in heaven, “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:2-3 NLT).

Now how about Satan, what does he require of you? In short, he wants you to do the exact opposite of what God requires. Listen, “Those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NLT).  What is his reward in the end? Being eternal-acquaintances in hell! Consider this, “Then the King will turn to those on his left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons’” (Matthew 25:41 NLT).

If you’re a Christian but not being obedient to the Word of God, you need to repent, and He will forgive you, and restore your relationship! Don't cause Him to spit you out! If you’ve never trusted Jesus for forgiveness, please do that! He loves you and does not want you to perish in hell, but He’ll not force you one way or the other. Time is running out; decide today!

EARNING RETURNS ON GOD'S RESOURCES

  

What does it mean to earn returns? To earn returns means to gain or receive profit on a committed capital (an investment). Usually, the capital and the gains earned belong to the individual who provided the capital. 

Although whatever we own belongs to God (we are simply stewards – see Psalm 24:1), we can legally and rightfully earn returns on it for ourselves. You might ask, “How in the world can anyone gain returns on what belongs to another person?” Well, in God’s economy, it is very simple. Spend God’s money and resources wisely and generously: don’t be stingy, and the returns will pile up for you in heaven (see Luke 18:22). What a brilliant idea! After all, earthly riches are temporary; we do not take our possessions in moving trucks with us when we die.

Paul says to the young preacher Timothy, “Command them (the rich) to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasures for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:18-19 NIV).   

In the parable of the shrewd manager, for instance (see Luke 16:1-9), the manager falsified debtors’ records that cost his employer lots of money. He came up with a scheme in preparation for his future, thinking these debtors would be kind to him when he was broke after being fired by his employer. But in our case as Christians, we don’t have to falsify anything; we have God’s permission to use all that He has entrusted to us for His glory and for our benefit (see Matthew 6:19-20).   

         

So Christian, what are you doing with what God has entrusted to you? Are you holding onto it tightly? Remember, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV). So let it go. It is not yours anyway; allow it to work for your future!

“How?” You  might ask. Meet the needs you see around you, give to God’s work, and Jesus’ response to you will be, “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 took 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” (Matthew 25:35-36 NIV). 

If we don’t invest what God has entrusted to us now, we cannot hope for any future returns. If you’d like to hear God say to you, “Well done good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master’s happiness” (Matthew 25:21 NIV), then do this: START TODAY PUTTING GOD’S RESOURCES TO WORK to benefit others!

Please leave a comment., Thank you!  

Copy 1-19-14, Pearl

Pearlkumi.com

GOD’S RECOMMENDATION FOR ENDURING SUFFERING

The Webster’s Concise Dictionary defines suffering as undergoing pain or
unpleasantness. Pain could be physical or emotional; it is common to both
Christians and non-Christians. Synonyms for suffering include misery, grief,
distress, and anguish.

Suffering is neither fun nor desirable, regardless of its source, and the average
person will do whatever it takes to get rid of it. If that is the case, why would
anyone want to endure pain, and what does it really mean to do so? Merriam-
Webster explains enduring suffering as undergoing suffering without giving in,
which of course is countercultural. Since it is so undesirable, enduring suffering
has to either be by choice or by default due to having no other options.

In which ways do we suffer as Christians? We suffer in three distinct ways: 1) we
suffer punishment or retribution when we break rules in society that come with
consequences (For example, driving beyond the stated speed limit could incur a
fine if caught); 2) we could suffer persecution at the hands of others for our
Christian faith-standing for what we believe to be right; and 3) we suffer when
God disciplines us for wrongdoing, in order to correct us and make us more like
Himself.

Right from the start, God knew His children would go through periods of suffering,
because we would be the target of His enemy, Satan. There’s no surprise there,
because he has been after us since the Garden of Eden, where God pronounced his
doom (Genesis 3:15). He goes around like a roaring lion seeking to devour us; he
is still tripping us up, he is behind our present sufferings. He’ll do anything to
cause us to doubt God, interest us in fighting each other, distracting us, and you
name it. Rightly Jesus warned us, “Here on earth you will have many trials and
sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT).

The kind of suffering Jesus was referring to above has nothing to do with suffering
for doing something wrong, because in that situation, we would have brought the
suffering on ourselves. His admonition has to do with instances when we are
persecuted for our faith. He said to the disciples, “If the world hates you, remember
that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged
to it, but you are no longer a part of the world. I chose you to come out of the
world so it hates you” (John 15:18-19 NLT).

For our benefit, as well as the benefit of Christians from the first century who were
facing so much persecution that they were considering giving up, the author of
Hebrews encourages us to focus our gaze on Jesus Christ. “And let us run with
endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT).

The author also calls our attention to the degree of suffering Jesus endured: “Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin” (Hebrews 12:3 NLT). But why did Jesus put up with all that suffering? Because He was looking forward to the prize: “Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame” (verse 3). The Scripture says, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree” (Galatians 3:13 NLT). This verse alone should have been a good reason not to die on a cross, but Jesus looked beyond the stigma of the cross to the joy of eternity with us!

As we see, Jesus’ focus was on the joy of accomplishing the purpose for which He came. He was looking forward to presenting us faultless to the Father, and that made the suffering worth it. So let us, like Jesus, set our focus on the prize that no one can take away from us—our eternal home with God, where there’ll be no more pain or suffering. There in heaven, the Scriptures tell us, He’ll wipe away all tears (see Revelation 7:17; 21:4). The assurance that we’re going to see God face to face, never again being separated from Him, should keep us pressing on when we go through hardships.

Are you suffering for your faith in any way? How have you been responding? Are you discouraged, thinking it’s not worth it? Please don’t throw in the towel; let me encourage you with the Scriptures. “When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:2-4 NLT).

In addition, let’s remember that the Holy Spirit is our comforter; call on Him 24/7, and He will gladly give you the courage, strength, and peace you need to endure. Don’t take your eyes off the prize—eternity with God, Jesus, the Church, and the angels. The moment we enter heaven, suffering, pain, and tears will be behind us. Let’s walk together, encouraging and praying for each other, one day at a time, until we see our Lord face to face! In addition to the prize, let’s also keep our eyes on Jesus, who as stated before, is the champion who initiates and perfects our faith (see Hebrews 12:2). Amen!

THE DANGERS OF MAKING ASSUMPTIONS

Assumption is defined as the acceptance that something is true, or is certain to happen, without proof. Needless to say, it’s risky when we assume and present false information as truth, based on what we think or feel. We need to be certain about information we choose to believe and share, by first verifying our facts, and then being patient--not rushing to accuse, judge, or condemn people.

What is at risk if our assumptions turn out to be wrong? When we make assumptions, we falsely accuse others, which can destroy their reputations, even if only temporarily, jeopardizing our own in the process. In fact, if what we say turns out to be false, whatever we say in the future could be taken with a grain of salt. So, before we jump to conclusions and accuse others, let’s research our facts and have proof, and even then be very unhurried to speak.

The Bible teaches this lesson in the story of Job, who was described this way: “blameless,--a man of complete integrity, feared God, and stayed away from evil” (see Job 1:1). If you are familiar with this story, you’ll remember that the devil was permitted to bring misfortune into Job’s life, to prove Job’s loyalty to God. He lost his ten children, property, and health, and, needless to say, he was heart-broken and in anguish. He tried to figure out why God would cause him such distress. As far as he knew, he had done nothing wrong to warrant that kind of punishment. Even his wife did not console him, she said to him: Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die” (Job 2:9 NLT). Wow!

Job’s three friends, who knew nothing about the conversation that took place between God and the devil prior to Job’s troubles, chided him (see Job 4:3-6), and then jumped to conclude that Job’s suffering was the result of sin in his life. “Stop and think!” Eliphaz, the first friend, said, “Do the innocent die? When have the upright been destroyed? My experience shows that those who plant trouble and cultivate evil will harvest the same. A breath of God destroys them” (Job 4:7-9 NLT). Sadly, his conclusion was partially based on his personal experience. If we are honest, we’ll admit that we all do occasionally jump to conclusions about issues we know nothing, or very little, about. God help us!

Job’s second friend Bildad’s assessment of the situation was this, “Your children must have sinned against him, so their punishment was well deserved. But if you pray to God and seek the favor of the Almighty, and if you are pure and live with integrity, he will surely rise up and restore your happy home” (Job 8:4-6 NLT). “WELL DESERVED.” Really? Talk about jumping to conclusions! As Bildad continued to ramble on, he said, “The hopes of the godless evaporate. Their confidence hangs by a thread. … The godless seem like a lush plant growing in the sunshine, its branches spreading across the garden… But look, God will not reject a person of integrity, nor will he lend a hand to the wicked” (Job 8:13-20 NLT). Unbelievable! This was like adding insult to injury!

Zophar, friend number three, finally chimed in. “Listen! God is doubtless punishing you far less than you deserve!” then he adds, “Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten with innocence” (Job 11:6 and 14 NLT). Such boldness!

Elihu, another character, younger than Job and his three friends, finally responded. He rebuked all four men. He was angry with Job for insisting he was innocent, instead of admitting wrongdoing, and admitting God was just in punishing him. He was angry with the three friends for making God appear to be wrong by their inability to answer Job’s arguments. Elihu’s assessment of the situation, however, was just as bad. One of his many accusations was: “Be on guard! Turn back from evil, for God sent this suffering to keep you from a life of evil” (36:21). 

When Job tried to defend himself, these friends would have none of it; they were 100% sure Job’s troubles were the result of his sin. These were friends who had come to comfort one of their own. No wonder Job referred to them as “miserable comforters” (see Job 16:2). He told them, “If it were me, I would encourage you. I would try to take away your grief” (Job 16:5 NLT); “Have mercy on me, my friends, have mercy on me” (19:21 NLT).

God finally entered the conversation, and challenged Job: “Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer me” (38:3). Then He rebuked Eliphaz: “I am angry with you and your two friends, for you have not spoken accurately about me as my servant Job has … My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer on your behalf. I will not treat you as you deserve” (42:7-8 NLT).

Let’s not jump to conclusions! If we choose to offer our opinion, it should be clear to our listeners that it’s strictly an opinion, and not necessarily facts. These four men really hurt Job with their ignorant statements, and by so doing displeased God. Let’s be careful, quick to hear, but slow to speak!

IT WILL BE ‘BUSINESS AS USUAL’ WHEN JESUS RETURNS

It is very easy to assume that life will continue the way we’ve known it and that nothing will ever change. This kind of attitude leads to complacency, and just as we’re enjoying it, things could change drastically, taking us by surprise.

Because situations can and do change unannounced, God warns us to watch and pray. Two incidences in history clearly explain this warning. The first is the story of Noah and the flood. The second is the story of Lot, Abraham’s nephew, who lived in Sodom.

Jesus used these stories to illustrate the coming of the Kingdom. The Pharisees asked Him, “When will the Kingdom of God come?” (Luke 17:20 NLT). Jesus explained that the Kingdom can’t be detected by visible signs (see verse 20). Then He explained His return to the disciples with this illustration: “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and the flood came and destroyed them all” (Luke 17:26 NLT). When we don’t watch and pray, bad things can happen to us and others.

Again, Jesus told them: “And the world will be as it was in the days of Lot. People went about their daily business—eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and building—until the morning Lot left Sodom. Then fire and burning Sulphur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. Yes, it will be business as usual right up to the day when the Son of Man is revealed” (Luke 17:28-30 NLT). This means his return will take many by surprise: don’t be one of those people!

Are you ready for Jesus’ return? Don’t let it take you by surprise. He is coming back any day now, as the Scriptures say: “The day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, ‘Everything is peaceful and secure,’ then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 NLT). The way to be ready is to make sure your name is recorded in the Book of Life by repenting of your sins and placing your faith in Jesus, who died in your place. In addition, you have to live according to His Word, the Bible, and live expectantly for His return. In this way, His return won’t take you by surprise. 

Don’t keep postponing putting your faith in Jesus, because when He shows up, it will be too late to repent; do it now while you have time, and have the assurance that your name is recorded in the Book of Life; “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved” (Romans 10:9-10 NLT).

The Scriptures also admonish those who have taken this step: “Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2 NLT). Transformation into the image of God is gradual, and it happens as we read and meditate on the Word of God and apply it to our lives: “Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy” (Ephesians 4:23-24 NLT). Call on Jesus today!

BELIEVING IS SEEING—EVIDENCE FOLLOWS OBEDIENCE

There’s an adage that says, “Seeing is believing.” Usually, we like to express belief after we’ve seen evidence that something is true or has been accomplished. But it does not work that way with God.

For example, one day, as Jesus went through a Samaritan village, ten lepers pleaded with Him to heal them of their leprosy (see Luke 17:11-13). Jesus’ response was a bit unusual; He said to them: “Go show yourselves to the priests” (V 14). Was that all He could say? One would expect Jesus to actually pronounce healing on them before sending them off to the priests, but He didn’t.

But why did He send them to the priests anyway? The priests had the responsibility of examining and diagnosing lepers, or individuals with serious skin diseases. Based on the priests’ findings, an individual was pronounced either ceremonially clean or unclean, which determined whether there would be a time of quarantine to prevent spread, or if the leper could return to the camp to get on with life (see the protocol, Leviticus 13).

The lepers might have wondered why Jesus didn’t pronounce healing on them before sending them off, but they didn’t question Him; they obeyed, and started on the trip to the priests. It was on their way to the priests that they actually received their healing, as the account says: “And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy” (V 14). In other words, they still had the leprosy when they left, so why would they head for the priests when they still had the disease? I’ll say, faith!!

What an amazing lesson: they didn’t wait for the evidence of healing before believing. They believed, trusted, and obeyed Jesus, and then the evidence followed. May God help us cultivate this kind of faith: faith that is not based on proof, but on the Word of God. May we believe before we see.

AS FOR GOD, HIS WAY IS PERFECT (Psalm 18:30 NIV)

Anything perfect cannot be improved upon! It is the best it can be and should be.

So God’s way lacks nothing! We cannot wish or request anything better.

God’s way is perfect, even He cannot improve upon it.

What is God’s way, and why is it perfect?  God’s way is love, because all His other attributes flow out of love.  His kindness, justice, mercy, you name it, they all flow out of love, and therefore His way is love and His love is perfect.  His love is just the thing you and I need!

His love is perfect, when I don’t understand my circumstances,

His love is perfect, when I make mistakes,

His love is perfect, when I hurt

His love is perfect, even when I face disappointments that lead to discouragement.

 His love is perfect, all the time, and under all circumstances.

His love is perfect in all He does, and in all He allows in my life.

He is working it all out for His glory and for my good.

This is a reminder that I am totally safe in His care.

As for God, His way is perfect,

I will trust and not be afraid in the coming year,

I will trust and not question His wisdom,

O, perfect love, such awesome comfort!