JUST THINKIN'
“Just Thinkin’”
6 - 30 - 22
As I “kick-off” another season of “Just Thinkin’” … I am reminded of how hard it truly is becoming to be mention Jesus, or any of His teachings in our society today, let alone proclaim His truths and “live out loud” for Him with our lives.
But then again … I realize that this is the way it should be & is going to be.
Had the privilege to discuss this a bit (via text) with a brother of mine earlier today. Oh, the frustration we feel when we can’t even discuss everyday topics with people in society & not get “bashed” or “mocked” for what we believe. And hopefully … people are seeing that we stand for righteousness & goodness in & thru Jesus Christ.
Whether it be the topic of a child in the womb … or marriage being God ordained. Or, that marriage between one man & one woman is the healthiest atmosphere for a child or children to grow up in. And even … trying to stand on biological truths & evidence that one’s gender is determined in the womb & validated by the evidence of one’s body when born. As you know my friends … we are not only living in strange times - but more concerning is that these are morally corrupt times.
Again though … don’t be so surprised!
Scripture makes it very clear that these strange & morally corrupt times are written of - spoken of in our beautiful scriptures. Check it out for yourselves!
let us be reminded of what Paul wrote about in Romans 1:18-32.
How ‘bout the truth found in Proverbs 16:2. We as humans, tend to think our ways are best … our personal likes are what’s best. And in verse 17 … one who chooses the path of the upright, the good - right moral path avoids evil.
Now, if God is the ONE who has determined good & evil - right & wrong … then one who lives for & follows HIM is seeking the “most right”- “most moral” path. One who is not … can only choose in his/her own power based on his / her understanding of morality, right or wrong. Whew! There’s the problem!
We live in a society & world that is saturated by the “human” … limited understanding of morality, right or wrong. And we are reminded in HIS words in Revelation 22:12-15 … that those who have chosen daily life & followership of Jesus are blessed, in the fact that we have "… the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city." (heaven) But those who’ve chosen their own wisdom, morality, life choices & earthly kingdom … will be left outside of the “city” forever. “Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”
So in the meantime my friends, let’s:
- Stay strong in our LORD
- Wear, use & rely on the “armor” HE’s provided us while here on this earth
Ephesians 6:10-17
- Pray vs. 18
And, in the words & heart of David …
“The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.”
Psalm 119:110-112
Persecution will come!
Mockery will come!!
All kinds of things ... will come!!!
But we are of another citizenship … another world … another kingdom!
And it’s RULER
HAS OVERCOME THIS WORLD!!!!!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world?”
John 16:33 - JESUS
Love ‘ya church!
Pastor Brad