Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations, and repays to their face those who hate Him, by destroying them. He will not be slack with one who hates Him. He will repay him to his face.  Deuteronomy 7:9-10

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Heavenly Father, We thank you for how you never change and therefore, are just as worthy, trustworthy, faithful and true today as you always have been and always will be.  As we read this passage, it's hard for us to fathom how anyone could hate you, but we see how the world is blinded by Satan into esteeming worthless things  and carnal experiences, and focusing on themselves instead of you.  We want more than anything for everyone to come to repentance and faith.  We didn't save ourselves--you drew us to you in various ways and means until we came to know and love you.  Please use us to shine your light of truth on others so that they can perceive the deception around them and "wake up," seeking you while you may still be found.  Please fill us with your strength and wisdom to persevere through these difficult times when your holy name is being profaned, and good things are being defiled and evil things are being exalted.  Please help us to stand firm for the truth all the while remembering that our goal is to show your love in words and actions--not caving into the pressure to join in or accept sin, but not despising the lost for living in darkness either.  Our hearts break for those who don't know you, who refuse to enter the narrow door, Jesus, to receive salvation.  We cringe when we see them being led astray, putting their trust in themselves or the "wisdom" of the world.  Let us never grow weary of proclaiming your love and the only Way to be saved, until Jesus returns.  In His beautiful, glorious, exalted name we pray, Amen.

Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.  But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.  And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.  In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.  For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.  For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:1-6  

To the faithful You show Yourself faithful,
to the blameless You show yourself blameless,
to the pure You show Yourself pure,
but to the devious You show Yourself shrewd.
Psalm 18:25-26

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Heavenly Father, We read this passage and think of your beautiful, perfect, powerful attributes, we are so humbled at how you love us despite ourselves with our faults, flaws, shortcomings, mistakes and failures.  Please make us more like you every day, more useful for your service and fit for your marvelous kingdom.  We want to be faithful, blameless and pure.  We gladly submit to your will.  We have no interest in being devious or crafty to try to "outwit" our Lord and Sovereign God.  We know very well that you see and know all, even inside of our hearts.  Please search us and cleanse anything from our hearts that is not pleasing to you.  Please make us true reflections of your holy nature and righteous character.  We know that if we're not reflecting you, then we're not doing what we're here for--to serve you and help others to find you so that they can know and love you as we do.  Thank you for the unbelievably great privilege of being your very own possession, so utterly loved and cared for.  We pray that through the mighty, unfailing power of your Holy Spirit, we will be made worthy of your glorious kingdom.  We pray that by your strength, mercy, grace, wisdom and peace we will stand fast for the truth, always with your great love--that no matter what happens, your awesome name will be honored and lifted high.  In Jesus' only saving name, the one above all names on earth and in heaven, forever, Amen.

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23-24

But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”  Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.  So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.  Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.  And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,  correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,  and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:19-26

Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?  If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.  Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.  For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,”  and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” 1 Corinthians 3:16-20  

The person who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; the person who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.  And whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.  Anyone finding his life will lose it, and anyone losing his life because of Me will find it. Matthew 10:37-39  

For you know how, like a father with his children,  we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.  This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering—  since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you,  and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels  in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.  They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,  when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.  To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power,  so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:4-12  

Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—with the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with all that is good to do His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ. Glory belongs to Him forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21

stacked papers: Spring Whispers by Kristmess Designs

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the amazing miracle that we have been freed from our eternal death sentence, brought to new life by your regenerating Spirit and born again as your dear children because of the sacrifice of your precious Son.  Thank you that we are not left on our own to guess what pleases you or to do your will of our own power.  We have your Holy Word and your Holy Spirit to help us.  You equip us for every good work that you planned for us to do before time began--you know it all from beginning to end.  We consciously give you our whole will and take up yours.  We consciously die to our old selves and live to Christ, in Him, for your glory.  Please help us to remember that everything we do is for you and it doesn't matter if anyone knows or appreciates our efforts because you see and know.  You are worth any sacrifice on our part.  We love you more than we can express.  As the hymn goes, "take our lives and let them be, consecrated all to thee."  Please help us to live holy and set apart lives while we serve you with trembling and fear, loving the lost and our brothers and sisters, but not loving the wicked ways of this fallen world.  In the most highly exalted, revered and adored name of Jesus, our Savior, Redeemer, Ransomer, Beloved Bridegroom and Friend, Amen.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.  For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. Colossians 3:23-25

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.  For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.  But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.  But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.  As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,  knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. Titus 3:1-11  

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:4-10 

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.  Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Philippians 2:12-16  

Love the Lord, all His faithful people!
The Lord preserves those who are true to Him,
but the proud He pays back in full.
Psalm 31:23

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Heavenly Father, Thank you for your great faithfulness!  Thank you for all you do for us each and every day.  Thank you for finding us when we were lost and bringing us to yourself.  Please help us to remain true to you, to abide in Jesus, and to never take the credit for anything you've done.  Please help us to humbly submit to your will--we know that is how we have power to resist the devil and make him flee from us.  Please increase our desire to please you in all we do on a daily basis and transform us from within so that your will is truly what we want most and the blessings we seek are for your glory.  We love you and we want everyone to come to know and love you as we do.  Please use us to reach those who are still lost so that we can all rejoice together in your kingdom forever.  In Jesus' indescribably beautiful name, Amen.

What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?  And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. Matthew 18:12-13

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.  You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.  Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”?  But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:3-10  

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2

I called on Your name, O Lord,
from the depths of the pit;
You heard my plea, ‘Do not close
your ear to my cry for help!’
You came near when I called on You;
You said, ‘Do not fear!’
Lamentations 3:55-57

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Heavenly Father, Thank you for this new day, another chance to live for you, to reach those you love with the gospel, to be your hands and feet in this lost world, to receive forgiveness and be washed clean, to seek and do your will, to enjoy all you have given us, and to praise you.  Thank you for the incredible privilege of being able to come to you in prayer with requests that you will handle in the very best possible way (and even impossible sometimes, as only you can).  Thank you for revealing yourself to us through the Bible, all that you have created and by your Spirit.  To know you is to love you, and we're overcome with desire that the whole world should know and love you.  You alone are worthy of all that we can give.  You are our all in all and we worship you.  We want to shout it from the rooftops and wake up everyone who has become satisfied with the worthless things of this world instead of seeking fulfillment in you, the one who made us for himself.  We love you!  Please work out what is inside of our hearts for the world to see YOU.  Please let us never grow tired or discouraged, but to finish this course well, as our beloved Savior did when he went before us to show us the right way to serve you in perfect, selfless obedience.  Let us come home to you utterly spent, not having held back anything our ourselves, but having been completely used for your glory in our short time on earth.  We confess that we are just as unable to make that happen as if we tried to earn or deserve our salvation, but with your help, your wonderful gifts of the Spirit, and your provision of everything we will ever need, we put all of our hope and trust in you to make it so--all according to your perfect will, timing, power and love.  In Jesus' glorious, victorious, worthy and wonderful name, Amen.

All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold. In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her. With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king. Psalm 45:13-15

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Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. Acts 3:19-21

Jesus is returning to reign. Be ready.

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:25-28 

For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. Hebrews 2:5-10 

Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst Their bonds apart and cast away Their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten You. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your  heritage, and the ends of the earth your  possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. Psalm 2:1-12 

I will give praise in the great congregation because of You; I will fulfill my vows before those who fear You. The humble will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise Him. May your hearts live forever! All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. All the families of the nations will bow down before You, for kingship belongs to the LORD; He rules over the nations. All who prosper on earth will eat and bow down; all those who go down to the dust will kneel before Him—even the one who cannot preserve his life. Their descendants will serve Him; the next generation will be told about the Lord. They will come and tell a people yet to be born about his righteousness— what he has done. Psalm 22:25-31 

To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. A maskil of the sons of Korah; a love song. My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.  You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.  Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty!  In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!  Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; the peoples fall under you.  Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;  your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad; daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.  Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father’s house,  and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him.  The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people.  All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold.  In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her.  With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king.  In place of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth.  I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever. Psalm 45:1-17 

The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your  enemies your  footstool.” The LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your  enemies! Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your  power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your  youth will be your s. The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” The Lord is at your  right hand; He will shatter kings on the day of his wrath. He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; He will shatter chiefs over the wide earth. He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head. Psalm 110:1-7 

The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Binding his foal to the vine and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wine and his vesture in the blood of grapes. Genesis 49:10-11 

Your gates shall be open continually; day and night they shall not be shut, that people may bring to you the wealth of the nations, with their kings led in procession. For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; those nations shall be utterly laid waste. Isaiah 60:11-12

And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Revelation 21:21-27 

“Thus says the LORD of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities. The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts; I myself am going.’ Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” Zechariah 8:20-23 

It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it,  and many peoples shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.  He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. Isaiah 2:2-4

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6-7 

And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear Him, small and great.” Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” Revelation 19:4-9 

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. Revelation 19:11-16



"Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown." Revelation 3:10-11 

What do we have that we need to hold fast? We have knowledge of the truth, which has brought us to repentance and saving faith, through the powerful working of the Holy Spirit. We have love for our heavenly bridegroom and faithfulness to serve him until he returns for us. We hold fast to Jesus in the same way that a husband and wife hold fast to each other. We are one with him in Spirit the same way that the two (male and female) become one when they are married.

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:1-6

“Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.” John 14:21-24

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love." John 15:9-10 

He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Matthew 19:4-6 

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:15-20 

Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:37-39 

“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent." Revelation 3:19 

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Hebrews 12:3-8 

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a Lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:1-25 

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 1 Timothy 2:1-10 

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. Romans 1:18

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

stacked papers: English Country Garden by Kristmess Designs

So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. Romans 14:12-13

This is one of those passages that is frequently quoted out of context. Read the whole chapter for yourself, but the verses that precede those above are included below. Unfortunately, this part is also misapplied much of the time.

Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” Romans 14:10-11

The context here is not about SIN. It is about not judging your brother or sister in Christ if they do not want to eat meat or drink wine (for example). We are free to have a glass of wine (but not to excess, and not in front of someone who struggles with alcoholism) and eat meat (but there is nothing wrong with choosing not to, and we should not insist that anyone eat meat if they don’t want to).

Paul is exhorting us not to have divisions and arguments over things that do not pertain to salvation. If this were about tolerating sin, then Paul would be contradicting himself and other New Testament writers in MANY other passages where we are told that a born-again believer will NOT continue deliberately in sin. (1Cor. 15:34, Phil. 3:17-19, Rom. 6, 8, Eph. 4-5, Col. 3, Heb. 6:4-8, 10:26-31) However, we are not to commit sins and then judge others for doing the same things—we need to clean up our own act first instead of being hypocrites. The same rules apply to all believers. (Rom. 2, Matt. 7:3-5)

Transgressions by believers are to be handled gently with a goal of bringing the person back into obedience to Christ and fellowship with the congregation. However, if the person refuses to repent, then they ARE to be excluded so that they don't corrupt others and so that they don't receive false assurance that their behavior is acceptable to God. (2Cor. 2, 1Tim. 1:5, Matt. 18:15-17)

Why does Paul tell us to judge those inside? Because a little leaven leavens the whole lump! (1Cor. 5, 1Cor. 15:33, 2Cor. 6:14-7:1, 1Tim. 6:20-21, 2Pet. 2:19, Rom. 6:17-18) We want to be ready and faithfully waiting for Jesus to return, unashamed of what we have been doing and approving of when we stand before Him.(1John 2:28-29, Rom. 1:32, 2Pet. 3:14-18, 1Pet. 1:14-19, Rom. 16:19, Rom. 13:11-14, Rev. 3:19, Matt. 3:8, Rom. 2:4-11) The believers at Corinth got a foreshadow of this when Paul would write to them prior to visiting them. (1Cor 4:21, 2Cor. 12:20-13:2, 13:10)

We are to judge RIGHTLY, not to refrain from judging at all. (John 7:24) If we tolerate or even approve of sin (and let's not forget that pride is a sin of itself, let alone when it's pride OF practicing sin - 1John 2:16), then the church will be ignorant of what pleases God. The Church is washed by the precious blood of Jesus. (1Pet. 1:18-19) We are NOT meant to deliberately and repeatedly soil our garment (Rev. 3:4, Rom. 13:14, Isa. 61:10), forgetting that Jesus suffered and died for us because of the very sins that we were meant to GIVE UP after we became His treasured, spotless possession. (Eph. 5:2-32, 2Pet. 2:18-22, Rev. 19:7-8, 1Pet. 2:4-5, 9-12) We are meant to come back to Him with a sorrowful, repentant heart to be washed clean each time a transgression occurs, not revel in our sins. (2Cor. 7:8-10, 2Pet. 2:12-16, 1John 1:5-2:6, 1John 3:1-10, 1John 3:24, 1 Cor. 11:31-32)

In the passage at the top, "not casting a stumbling block or obstacle" in front of another believer is NOT saying that we need to accept their favorite sins and they need to accept ours. It's making sure not to sin against them by making them do something that they don't feel is right (even if it is permitted), because if they feel it's sin then to them it is sin if they do it anyway (Rom. 14:5, 23, like what to eat or not eat, whether to celebrate holidays, or perhaps whether we prefer hymns, contemporary worship music, or a mix of both?—we're NOT talking about idolatry, lying, stealing, greed, coveting, sexual immorality, murder, etc.) (Gal. 5:13-20, 1Cor. 6:9-10, Eph. 5:5-6, 1Cor. 13:4, 2Tim. 3:2-5, Rev. 21:8, 22:15) Neither are we to cast stumbling blocks that cause sin such as forcing or encouraging sexual immorality, teaching children to sin, teaching others to disobey God, etc. (Matt. 18:5-10, 19, Matt. 28:19-20)

Paul also cautions believers not to criticize the way other believers serve God. A house divided against itself cannot stand. (Matt. 12:25, also see Heb. 3:3-6) Again—not about ignoring sin. It's about how we are not all called to serve the same function in the Body of Christ. (1Cor. 12) No believer has ever been called to continue in sin or to celebrate the sin of others, but some were called to lead, some to encourage, some to teach, some to leave everything behind and become missionaries in foreign lands, etc. (Matt. 19:29) No believer is “better” than another (Gal. 2:6, 6:3), but faithful preachers and teachers are to receive more honor. (1Tim. 5:17) All are to be given proper respect as brothers and sisters in Christ. (Rom. 12:10, 1Cor. 12:26) Romans 12 also discusses the various functions of the Body of Christ and says in v. 9 "abhor (or hate) what is evil, hold fast (or cling) to what is good." (Also see 1Thess. 5:22, Rom. 16:19, 2Pet. 1:3-15.) All are to be a light wherever they are, which does not include living in darkness or encouraging others to do so. (Matt. 5:13-16, Eph. 5:1-17, Phil. 2:14-16)

It's a sign of the times that all of this needs to be said, and said often. We have lost touch with how great and holy is the God we believe in and belong to. He has NOT changed. The instructions to obey God in the New Testament are for believers—those who are SAVED—not for unbelievers—wouldn't that be salvation by works? We don't save ourselves by anything we do, but the fact remains that once we are saved, we WILL obey out of love and respect for our Savior. (Eph. 2:8-10, Titus 2:11-15, 3:3-8, 2Tim. 2:24-26, Gal. 6:1, Jam. 5:19-20, 2Tim. 2:19, 1Cor. 2:9) Some have changed the message in order to make a profit and receive approval from people who love to sin, but they are not doing anyone a favor (including themselves—God sees it all - Heb. 4:12-13, Rev. 2:23, 1Tim. 6:3-21, 2Pet. 2:12-22, Jude 1:10-19, Luke 16:10-15, Heb. 13:5, Gal. 6:7-8, 2Cor. 4:2)

This is a wake-up call. Anyone who loves the world and sin is NOT born of God. (Loving the world in this case is not the same as caring about the lost, but loving its dark, deceived ways. 1John 2:15-17) Good news: There's still time to repent and seek God while He may be found. (Isa. 55:6-9) Jesus' commandments are not burdensome for THOSE WHO LOVE HIM. (1John 5:3, 2Cor. 5:9-10, 14-15, John 14:15-26, John 15:1-10, John 12:26)

I'm telling you the truth—to know Him is to love Him. If you don't know Him, read your Bible, pray (He hears your very thoughts - Jer. 17:10), observe all that He has made in nature, including the marvelous design of the human body with all of its wonders. (Rom. 1:18-20) Ponder how such a great God would visit His creation in the form of a man at all, let alone for the purpose of dying a horrific death to rescue us from our enslavement to sin and its eternal punishment. (Isa. 52:13-53:12, Rom. 6:23 Rev. 20:11-15) How about the miracle of how He indwells those who believe and abide in Jesus? (God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit—one God. John 14:15-20, Rom. 8:9-11, 1Cor. 3:16, 2Cor. 1:21-22, 2Tim. 1:14, Jam. 4:5, 1John 4:13) For anyone who truly believes, the natural response is awe, gratitude, undivided devotion, and desire to please Him at any cost. Think about it. 👑

stacked papers: With a Bang by Kristmess Designs

The LORD is slow to anger and great in power,
and the LORD will by no means clear the guilty.
Nahum 1:3 a

kit by Kristmess Designs, heart shapes PSE12

Heavenly Father, We have all been the recipients of your amazing grace and mercy, your patience with us, your loving provision in all we need and so much more.  Please forgive us for all of the times that we took them for granted, failed to appreciate them, possibly not even noticing or perhaps taking the credit ourselves or giving it to another.  You alone are God.  There is no one like you, nor will there ever be, and we are so glad of that sure knowledge.  Your beauty, perfection, power, and wisdom, all matched with your great love, strike us with such awe that we are speechless.  Please fill our hearts and mouths with your praises and let our worship be acceptable in your sight.  Please fill us with your Spirit, enabling us to walk in a manner worthy of your Son, never bringing shame upon him or you by our words, deeds or thoughts.  We pray in the name of Jesus, our glorious, exalted Savior, Amen.

For He has not despised or abhorred
the affliction of the afflicted,
and He has not hidden His face from him,
but has heard, when he cried to Him.
Psalm 22:24

kits: Between the Headlines and Cutie Pie by Captivated Visions
template: GP All Stacked Up Challenge Template Mar. 2010 Captivated Visions

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your never-ending love and faithfulness, for your great power in providing for us and in maintaining all of your creation, for strengthening us to endure and stand firm, and for forgiving us for our weaknesses and failures.  We are keenly aware of our unworthiness of all you have done for us and give to us on a continual basis, which makes us even more grateful and amazed at the depths of your mercy and grace.  We love you more than ourselves, anyone and everything in our lives.  You are the prize we seek--your pleasure, honor and glory is our goal.  Please make it so despite our faults, for your sake.  We give you all that we have and all that we are.  In Jesus' beautiful, precious, beloved name, Amen.