But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. 1 Corinthians 8:3

kit: Into the Pumpkin Patch by Createwings Designs (retired)

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 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 14:15-24

“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 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 15:8-10

You might enjoy reading my devotional, "Beautiful." You can view and/or download it in magazine style pdf (48 mb) here, or text w/highlighting format pdf (.5 mb) here. You are also invited to visit my other blog, aimed at helping the Bride of Christ be prepared for His return, here.

And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. 2 Peter 1:15

kit: What a Hoot by Kristmess Designs

full passage:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. 2 Peter 1:2-15

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 2 Peter 1:12

kit: Let's Face It by Kristmess Designs, template by Lindsay Jane

full passage:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. 2 Peter 1:2-15

For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:11

kits: Maize Maze and No Crow Zone by Kristmess Designs

Notice from the full passage below that we are to practice these qualities BECAUSE our former sins were forgiven, not in order to be saved. We are to do this because we HAVE knowledge of Christ and it is HIS power in us that enables us to do these things. (2Pet. 1:3, 1Pet. 1:14-19, Phil. 2:12-16) As John said, whoever says they know Jesus and are born of God, and yet walks the same wicked way that they did before receiving the gift of faith, is a liar.  It's not about slipping (and getting back up), it's about what we make a practice of. (1John 3:8-10, 2:3-6, Col. 3:5-7, 1Cor. 6:9-10, Rev. 3:4-6, 21:7-8, 22:14-15) Believers' bodies are the temple of God and we must not intentionally defile it with ungodly behavior. (Titus 3:3-8, 1Cor. 6:17-20, 1Thess. 4:3-6, 7-8, Eph. 5:5-12, 1Cor. 3:16-17, Rom. 12:1-2, 1Pet. 4:3-5, 1John 3:24)

full passage:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. 2 Peter 1:2-15

The Holy Spirit within a person produces GOOD fruit. (Gal. 5:16-25, Titus 2:11-15, John 15:1-17, Rom. 7:4-6, Col. 1:10, Rom. 6:20-23) Whoever refuses to obey Jesus does not love Him (John 14:15-26, 24) and claiming to be "unable" to resist temptation to sin is in essence blaming God for their disobedience to Him, since He is our Helper IF we are His (and therefore have His Spirit). (1John 5:18, John 14:15-20, 23, 26, Rom. 8:9, 2Cor. 13:5) However, just as God doesn't force anyone to believe, neither does He force anyone to OBEY. We do so because we love Him, knowing all of the wonderful things He has done and being grateful for them - showing respect for His almighty power and perfect nature. (2Cor. 5:14-15, 1John 5:3, 1Pet. 1:8-9, 1Cor. 2:9, Jam. 1:12)

Our "work" is to STOP rebelling against Him and allow Him to LEAD us in the right way. (Rom. 8:13-19, 4:12, Eph. 2:8-10, Rom. 13:14, Isa. 30:21, Ezek. 33:31, Mark 8:34-38) Whoever is a slave to sin is not FREE, and will not remain in the house forever. (Heb. 3:5-6, 12-14, Heb. 10:26-31) Jesus came to set us free FROM sin, not TO sin. (Rom. 6, John 8:34-36, 2Pet. 2:18-22) Whoever humbles themselves will receive sufficient grace to overcome by His power. When we became children of God by believing in Jesus, we humbled ourselves and admitted we were sinners in need of salvation, and that our way could not save us. (John 1:12-13, 3:16-18, 36, 1John 2:23,  2John 1:9) We must continue in a state of humility toward God and His ways. (Jam. 4:4-10, 1Pet. 5:6-11, 4:12-19, John 15:18-21, Heb. 13:12-16, 12:5-17, Zeph. 3:11-13, Isa. 55:8-9, 29:16, Psa. 50:16-23) That's why it's referred to as a walk, race, fight, battle, etc. (Matt. 7:13-27, 10:37-39, Eph. 4:1, 17-24, 6:10-20, 1Thess. 2:12, Phil. 1:27-30, Heb. 12:1-4, 1Cor. 9:24-10:13 - especially notice how the beginning of that passage is connected with the end, 1Cor. 10:13.)

The fact is that none of us has the ability to overcome - only Jesus HAS overcome, and thus those who ABIDE in Him and He in them overcome by HIS power. (John 16:33, 17:26) We can study the many corrective instructions to the churches given by Jesus in Rev. 2-3 to find out what pleases Him. (Eph. 5:15-17, 8-12, Rom. 12:2, 8:7-8, 1Cor. 2:14, Heb. 5:14, Mark 3:35, Heb. 10:36, 1Pet. 2:15-16, 4:1-5) The Bible is a precious gift from God revealing His heart to us - let's appreciate that and read it!  Let's embrace Paul's words of advice below.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11 (Also see Col. 3, 1John 2:15-17, 2Pet. 3:14-18.)

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:8-21 (Also see Rom. 8:16-17)

**Note: Please see my article "Wild Beasts" for information about what it is NOT to be an overcomer, which is to be perfect of our own power or by someone else enforcing THEIR power over us. That would not be genuine love, whereas, we will all stand before God to give account for ourselves. (Rom. 14:12, 2:6-11, Gal. 6:4-10, Heb. 4:12-13, Rev. 22:12, 11:18) God is a tester of hearts. (Prov. 17:3, Psa. 7:9-11, 26:2-3, 119:2, 111, 139:23-24, Jer. 17:10, 1Chron. 28:9, Zeph. 1:12, 1Thess. 2:4, Rom. 8:27, Rev. 2:21-23) Remember, any sin can be forgiven and washed away if we will just confess it to God and repent. (1John 1:9)

JESUS is the Head of the Church. (Eph. 1:22-23, 5:23, Col. 1:15-20, 1Tim. 2:5-6) Those who have been called by Him to lead are NOT given authority to add picky details to His instructions and take away freedoms (having nothing to do with sin - Rom. 14, Col. 2:8, 16-23, Jam. 2:12-13). (1Cor. 4:6, 2John 1:9-11, Prov. 30:6, Rev. 22:18-19) They will give an answer for whether they led with a servant heart (Matt. 20:25-28, 1Pet. 5:1-5), spoke the whole truth (Acts 20:26-32, Jam. 3:1, 1Tim. 6:20-21, 2Tim. 2:14-16, 3:1-5, 4:1-5, Titus 3:9-11), kept themselves from the love of money (Matt. 6:24, 1Tim. 6:5-10, Heb. 13:5, 1Pet. 5:2, Acts 20:33-35, Psa. 119:36), set a godly example for the flock (1Tim. 4:6-16, Titus 2:7-8, 1Pet. 5:3, 1Thess. 2:5), were willing to suffer for Jesus' sake (2Tim. 2:3-7, Acts 5:41, Phil. 1:29-30), etc. We must all follow these same rules, but we are not all called to lead. (Rom. 12:6-8, 1Cor. 12:4-28) Those leaders who fit the description of the wicked servant Jesus described will regret it. (Matt. 24:45-47, 48-51, Luke 12:41-44, 45-48)

Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 2 Peter 1:10

kit: Rustic Summer by WendyP Designs

full passage:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. 2 Peter 1:2-15

For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 2 Peter 1:9

kit: Pumpkin Kisses by Kristmess, template (modified) by Eudora Designs

full passage:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. 2 Peter 1:2-15

The LORD your God will clear away these nations before you little by little. You may not make an end of them at once, lest the wild beasts grow too numerous for you. Deuteronomy 7:22

kits: Cabin in the Woods by Kristmess Designs (available at GingerScraps), Winter Woodland collab by Scrap Orchard Designers (store closed)

full passage:

If you say in your heart, ‘These nations are greater than I. How can I dispossess them?’ you shall not be afraid of them but you shall remember what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt, the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs, the wonders, the mighty hand, and the outstretched arm, by which the LORD your God brought you out. So will the LORD your God do to all the peoples of whom you are afraid. Moreover, the LORD your God will send hornets among them, until those who are left and hide themselves from you are destroyed. You shall not be in dread of them, for the LORD your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God. The LORD your God will clear away these nations before you little by little. You may not make an end of them at once, lest the wild beasts grow too numerous for you. But the LORD your God will give them over to you and throw them into great confusion, until they are destroyed. And he will give their kings into your hand, and you shall make their name perish from under heaven. No one shall be able to stand against you until you have destroyed them. The carved images of their gods you shall burn with fire. You shall not covet the silver or the gold that is on them or take it for yourselves, lest you be ensnared by it, for it is an abomination to the LORD your God. And you shall not bring an abominable thing into your house and become devoted to destruction like it. You shall utterly detest and abhor it, for it is devoted to destruction. Deuteronomy 7:17-26 (Also see 1John 2:15-17)

I have heard people criticize God for being "brutal" against these evil people without even understanding why they were destroyed by our holy, righteous God. So let's review why the people were going to be driven out of the land God was giving to His people. (Psa. 24:1-2) In Lev. 18:6-23, we learn that the sort of things they were doing that God detested included incest, adultery, homosexuality, bestiality and sacrificing children to false gods.

“Do not make yourselves unclean by any of these things, for by all these the nations I am driving out before you have become unclean, and the land became unclean, so that I punished its iniquity, and the land vomited out its inhabitants. But you shall keep my statutes and my rules and do none of these abominations, either the native or the stranger who sojourns among you (for the people of the land, who were before you, did all of these abominations, so that the land became unclean), lest the land vomit you out when you make it unclean, as it vomited out the nation that was before you. For everyone who does any of these abominations, the persons who do them shall be cut off from among their people. So keep my charge never to practice any of these abominable customs that were practiced before you, and never to make yourselves unclean by them: I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 18:24-30

Remember, the promised land was a foreshadow of the kingdom of God. He still hates the same things now as he hated then. He doesn't "change with the times." (Mal. 3:6, Heb. 13:8) If He did, we couldn't be sure of His promises. But He made a way for us (believing Gentiles who are being grafted into Israel by entering into the New Covenant, forming the Church along with believing Jews in this age - Rom. 11:17-25, 1Cor. 11:25-26, Matt. 9:17, Heb. 8:13, Eph. 2:11-22, Heb. 11:39-40, Gal. 3:28-29, Rom. 2:28-29) to be cleansed through the blood of His only begotten Son, Jesus. Once having been cleansed, we are to refrain from doing those same things that the heathens and pagans were doing in the promised land before they were driven out. (1Cor. 6:9-20, 1Thess. 4:3-8) (These restrictions are in addition to obeying the "law of Christ." Mark 12:28-34, Rom. 13:8-14, Jam. 2:12)

Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. Acts 15:19-20

Not only that, but the Israelites entering the promised land were not to FEAR those who were being dispossessed of the land, even though some of them were giants. (Num. 13:32-33, Josh. 1:9) We're in a situation these days where the inhabitants of the land we live in are embracing evil, but we're not supposed to go along with it, or fear those who hate us for refusing to do so. (1John 5:18-19, 4:5, John 15:19, 1Cor. 15:33-34, 1Pet. 4:3-5, Phil. 1:27-30, Matt. 10:28, 5:10-12, Luke 6:22-23) Jesus will be cleansing the land of all who cause sin when He takes His great power and begins to reign. (Matt. 13:40-43, 47-50, Rev. 11:17-18, Psa. 2, 50:16-23, Zeph. 3:11-13, Joel 3:13-17, Isa. 57:21)

Whoever can't accept God's terms can't enter into the kingdom of God. Only those who are born again will enter in, and those who ARE born again will NOT continue living in sin as they did before. (John 3:3-8 1John 3:4-10, Titus 3:3-8) Those who are abiding IN Jesus (and thus belong to Him) bear GOOD fruit (John 15:1-10, Gal. 5:13-25, Titus 2:11-15, Rom. 8:9, 13-23) The Bible says that those who never even hear the Gospel are better off than those who heard it, accepted it and then returned to wallowing in the mud of their sins instead of desiring the holiness offered by the blood of Jesus. (1John 1:9, Rev. 3:4-6, 2Pet. 2:20-22, Jude 1:23, 2Tim. 2:22-26, Jam. 5:19-20, Gal. 6:1)

Jesus said that most would NOT persevere in following Him until the end. (Matt. 13:18-23, 7:13-29, John 6:63-71, 1John 2:19) The foolish virgins in the parable let their lamps go OUT and couldn't see their way to the bridegroom when he arrived. (Matt. 25:1-13, Psa. 119:105, 111:10) The eye is the lamp of the body. (Luke 11:34) As the children's song goes, "be careful little eyes, what you see." (The same goes for hearing. Luke 8:16-18) Inheriting the kingdom of God is reserved for those who LOVE Him more than the world or anything in it, including than their sin. (Deut. 7:9, John 14:15, 15:10, Jam. 1:12, 2:5, 1Cor. 2:9, 2Tim. 4:8, Matt. 10:37-38, Rev. 2-3, Rev. 21:7-8)

"Washed their robes" in Rev. 22:14-15 does not mean washed, but then took them OFF or drug them through the mud, ignoring the Holy Spirit when He tried to get them to return to Jesus, who would have forgiven and cleansed them had they only heeded the prompting of the Holy Spirit to repent and asked (1John 1:9, Eph. 4:30, 1Thess. 5:19, Matt. 22:11-14) - had they not been deceived into thinking that you can love Him and the world, enjoy sin now and the kingdom later. (Eph. 4:17-24, 2Pet. 1:9-11, 1Pet 4:3-5, Heb. 3:12-14) When the Scriptures refer to "such WERE some of you" and "former manner of life" that MEANS something. It's not imaginary. (1Cor. 6:11, 1Pet. 1:14-19, Eph. 2:1-3, 5:3-17, 1Thess. 4:3-8, Rom. 6:15-23, 12:1-2, Col. 3:5-7, Titus 3:3) Those who have been set free FROM SIN will behave differently than they did when they were slaves to it. (John 8:34, Rom. 8:13-14, 2Pet. 2:18-22, Gal. 5:24, Rom. 13:14)

It's NOT about perfectly keeping a set of regulations to "earn your way" (which is impossible!) People who make up a detailed set of rules for others to follow love power like the Pharisees did. (Matt. 23, 7:1-6, Rom. 2:1-11, Luke 6:24-49, 11:42-54, Matt. 20:25-29, 1Pet. 5:3, 3:7, Eph. 6:4, Rom. 14, Col. 2:16-23) They like to pronounce judgments on people to make themselves feel important, but our aim is LOVE and restoration to fellowship. (1Cor. 4:4-5, 1Tim. 1:5, Eph. 4:15-16, 1John 1:5-10) Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6) God is Spirit and desires to be worshiped in truth and spirit, from the heart of each soul who LOVES Him. (John 4:23-24, Rom. 6:17-23, Mark 7:6-9) If the fear of punishment were enough to deter people from evil, there would be no need for jails, would there? (1John 4:18, 1Thess. 5:22) No, it's love that keeps someone faithful. That love comes from God and works its way out through those who are saved. (1John 4:8-13, Jam. 1:17-27, 13-16, Phil. 2:12-16, 2Cor. 5:14-15, 2Tim. 2:3-7, 1Cor. 16:22, 1Pet. 1:8-9, also notice what precedes it in 1Pet. 1:6-7.)

We're to examine OURSELVES in the light of the Scriptures (the normal Bible, not an edited version published to support a particular set of beliefs, to "spin" the truth to fit them). We who believe are being TESTED to see what we're made of. Is our true character pure gold or silver, or mostly dross? Will we allow our Savior to purify us through trial? (Rev. 3:18-19, 1Pet. 1:6-7, Jam. 1:2-3, 12, Rev. 3:10-13, Jer. 6:27-30, Isa. 48:10-11) Do we want to give God our BEST or leftovers? Do we BELIEVE it when we read that God considers those who love the world (not in the context of saving them, but their fallen ways) to be His enemies? (Jam. 4:4-7, 1John 2:15-17, John 15:18-21, 1John 3:12-13, 4:5-6) He gives grace (including mercy and the power to resist temptation) to the humble. (1Pet. 5:6-11, Isa. 2:10-19, Rev. 6:15-17)

There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, Proverbs 6:16-23 (Also see Matt. 18:7-9.)

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 4:4-10

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:13

We're told not to harden our hearts, but instead we should yield to God (not just for a moment, but steadfastly, by dying to self and living to Christ day by day, by the power of the Spirit who dwells in those who are born again). (Heb. 3:12-14, 5-6, 7-11, 6:11-12, 10:23-31, Rev. 2:25-27, 3:11, Matt. 16:24-27, 2Cor. 4:7-11, 1Pet. 2:21, Heb. 13:13, John 3:3-8, Eph. 2:22, 2Tim. 1:13-14, 1Thess. 4:7-8, 1Cor. 3:16-17, Rom. 8:9-11, Gal. 5:16-25) He didn't force us to believe, and He doesn't force us to obey Him. If He were going to do that, then He wouldn't have given angels free will, either, and Eve would not and could not have been tempted by Satan. We make our own choice, using His GIFT of free will. He DRAWS us, not DRAGS us. (John 6:65-71) He doesn't cast us out or LOSE us (John 6:37-39), but we are free to go if we insist upon it (but not until we have "succeeded" in putting out the lamp of faith by prolonged, persistent quenching the Spirit, such that we no longer hear Him, the Giver of faith and thus, no longer believe - Rom. 10:17, Heb. 3:12-14, Eph. 2:8-10).

God could have made robots if He wanted to, but that wasn't what He did, in His sovereignty, according to HIS will (not according to what He "has" to do by OUR definition of sovereignty). Robots do not love. They can be programmed to simulate love, but it's not genuine. Although that would have saved God a LOT of pain and anguish, He is always true to His nature--He  IS truth. (Gen. 6:5-6, Isa. 52:13-53:12, John 14:6, Rev. 19:11-16,  Rom. 3:1-8, 2Tim. 2:11-13) We choose who we will BELIEVE, follow and serve. (Josh. 24:15, John 10:27, Gen. 3, John 8:44) Will we listen to and love (and therefore obey) God (John 14:15-26, 15:8-10, 1John 5:3, 3:24) or will we listen to people God warned us about telling us what we love hearing--that Jesus died so that we would be free to revel in the filth of the world now and enter the kingdom later (no repentance required ever at any time)? (Luke 6:43-49) Paul explained what our attitude should be in Phil. 3:8-21.

Will we follow Jesus on the narrow, difficult path, or deceivers on the broad, easy path? (Matt. 7:13-27, 2Tim. 3:12-17, 2Pet. 3:14-18) Some will enter "as through the fire" with loss of reward, but some who fully expected to enter in will be told "I don't know you." (1Cor. 3:10-20, Matt. 25:11-13, 7:21-23, Luke 13:24-30) They SAID they believed with their mouths, but their hearts proved them to be liars. (Rom. 10:10, Mark 7:20-23, 1John 1:5-2:6, 1John 3:8-10) Is it worth taking that kind of chance to "live it up" now? Did the prodigal son think it was worth it that he spent his inheritance on worthless living? (Luke 15:11-32) Did Esau regret selling his firstborn inheritance to his brother for a bowl of soup? (Gen. 25:29-34, 27:34-38, Heb. 12:16-17, 22-29) Those with the "faith of Abraham" act upon it like those in the "giants of faith hall of fame" in Heb. 11 (also see Jam. 2:18-26 - "walking in the steps of faith of Abraham" requires taking steps like he did - Rom. 4:12 - empty words are not enough). (Matt. 3:7-12)

These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.” 2 Peter 2:17-22

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. Hebrews 10:26-39

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears. Hebrews 12:14-17

See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:25-29

Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. Hebrews 3:12-14 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. Hebrews 3:12-14

God is not putting this up for discussion. He is God and we are not. Grace is NOT a license to "sin boldly." It's how God provides us with HIS power to overcome our old sinful flesh for the remainder of the time we live in it after coming to the knowledge of the truth (after being washed clean and forgiven because of Jesus' one sacrifice). (Rom. 6, 7:4-6, 8:5-19, Col. 3:2-11, 23-25, Heb. 9:24-26, 10:26-27, 1Pet. 4:1-5) He protects those who abide (willingly, faithfully) in Him from the evil one. (John 15:1-17, 1John 5:18) We put on HIS armor and overcome by HIS power. (Eph. 6:10-20) When He returns, it will be to JUDGE the disobedient. (Heb. 9:27-28, 4:12-13, Rom. 14:12, 2Cor. 5:10, 1Pet. 4:17-19, Eph. 5:6, Rev. 22:12)

Who has first given to me, that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is mine. Job 41:11

You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, “He did not make me”; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He has no understanding”? Isaiah 29:16

But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Romans 9:20

Do you thus repay the LORD, you foolish and senseless people? Is not he your father, who created you, who made you and established you? Deuteronomy 32:6

See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand. For I lift up my hand to heaven and swear, As I live forever, if I sharpen my flashing sword and my hand takes hold on judgment, I will take vengeance on my adversaries and will repay those who hate me. Deuteronomy 32:39-41

O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth! Rise up, O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve! O LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked exult? They pour out their arrogant words; all the evildoers boast. They crush your people, O LORD, and afflict your heritage. They kill the widow and the sojourner, and murder the fatherless; and they say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive.” Understand, O dullest of the people! Fools, when will you be wise? He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see? He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke? He who teaches man knowledge—the LORD—knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath. Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD, and whom you teach out of your law, to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked. For the LORD will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it. Who rises up for me against the wicked? Who stands up for me against evildoers? If the LORD had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. Can wicked rulers be allied with you, those who frame injustice by statute? They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge. He will bring back on them their iniquity and wipe them out for their wickedness; the LORD our God will wipe them out. Psalm 94:1-23

He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, so will he repay, wrath to his adversaries, repayment to his enemies; to the coastlands he will render repayment. So they shall fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come like a rushing stream, which the wind of the LORD drives. “And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 59:17-20

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

kit: 2YSUR Bundle by Kristmess Designs, banner: Oh the Places by Connie Prince

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. Romans 15:1-2

kit: Oh the Places by Connie Prince

continuing:

For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:3-7

As often happens with chapter breaks, the continuation of a thought has been interrupted in the above passage (Rom. 15:1-7). The entire previous chapter (Rom. 14, but there were no chapters in the original letter/epistle) discusses what Paul means by "weakness." He does NOT mean that we should be tolerant of the deliberate sins of professed believers (which would contradict everything Paul said in 1Cor. 5), but that we should "build them up" (believers with weak faith as to the freedoms he just discussed) according to the true knowledge of Christ. (Col. 1:9-10, Eph. 4:15-32, 2Pet. 1:3-15, 3:17-18, Titus 2:11-15)

Jesus will judge those who transgress their fellow believers by either forcing them or encouraging them to sin. (Gal. 6:1, Jude 1:17-23, Jam. 5:19-20, 1Pet. 4:1-5, Heb. 4:12-13, Rom. 2:6-11, Matt. 18:15-17) Having pure faith "like a child" does not mean immature thinking, but innocence as to evil. (Matt. 18:1-4, Rom. 16:19, 1Cor. 14:20, 13:11, Heb. 5:12-14) Like children, we trust our Father is always right and knows best, rather than needing to have all of the answers. We don't need to see with our eyes what our Father is doing at every moment to believe that He is good, but we rest in our faith and knowledge of Him. (John 20:29, Rom. 8:28, Heb. 11:1, 1Pet. 2:19-25)

Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

If we read the previous chapter (Rom. 14), we can see that those who are strong in faith should not insist upon exercising every freedom they have in Christ when around those who are weak if it will cause the weaker brother to be grieved or to stumble in some way. (Rom. 14:5-6, 14-15, 20-21) The examples Paul gave were things like whether to consider one day more special than another or what we eat and drink. He also discussed these freedoms in Col. 2:16-23. He doesn't mean we're "free" to do things he previously told us were NOT fitting for believers, such as commit sexual immorality. (1Cor. 6:9-20, Rom. 6, 8:13-14) As he regularly reminds believers, we're free of the law with its rituals (such as circumcision, special days and eating restrictions). (Gal. 5:6-26, Acts. 15:10-11, 19-20)

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:26-31

But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. 1 Peter 4:15-19

ALL can be forgiven and washed away upon confession to God (1John 1:9), but without repentance it's like trying to wash the mud from a pig WHILE it's rolling in a mud puddle. (2Pet. 2:22) Those who truly believe in their hearts are born of God and have His Spirit in them, enabling them to love Him more than their sin and this fallen world. (John 14:15-26, 15:8-10, 3:3-8, 1John 3:1-10, 1John 2:1-6, 15-17) God's children are meant to behave as such, appreciating what their freedom FROM sin cost. (1Pet. 1:14-19, Isa. 52:13-53:12, Rom. 6, 7:4-6, Heb. 12, John 1:12-13, Rev. 21:7-8) We don't obey out of fear of eternal punishment, but out of love, gratitude and respect/reverence. (1John 4:18, 2Cor. 5:14-15, 1John 5:3)

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

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11

kits: Artbox 2 and Artbox Canvas by Holliewood Studios, some elements from Like an Artist, The World is Mine, Crazy by MDesigns (retired)