Occupied With the Things of Time

Lately I have been looking at what the end of days will be like. Are we in the last days? Are all the crazy things going on in this world a sign of the end times? 

There are many scriptures we could look at and a lot of prophecy to be fulfilled we could look at, but I want to focus on our daily lives and how that may look like. 

Luke 17:26-30

And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

In those days (days of Noah & days of Lot) they were eating, drinking, getting married, buying, selling, planting, building, and going about daily life. None of those things in themselves are sin and we do those things in our daily lives. But it is that they were so engrossed with these life events that they lost sight of eternal things. They valued the things of time more than the things of eternal value. 

Luke 21:34-36

“But be on guard, so that your hearts are not weighed down depressed and consumed with self-indulgence and the worldly worries of life, see that your minds are never clouded with the cares of this life (time) and then that day [when the Messiah returns] will not come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who live on the face of all the earth. But keep alert at all times [be attentive and ready]… 

Don’t give more value to the things of time than the things of eternity. Don’t lose sight of eternal values. Don’t allow your priorities get out of line and don’t give more attention to the things of time. 

In Matthew Jesus talked about the sower sowing the word. One he talked about the cares and worries of this world/time. 

Matthew 13:21-22

And the one on whom seed was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the worries (cares of this world) distractions of the world and the deceitfulness [the superficial pleasures and delight] of riches choke the word, and it yields no fruit.

Don’t be so occupied and distracted with the temporal things & getting so into them that you lose sight of Godly things/eternal things. 

Luke 17:32

This is a sad verse. Remember Lot’s wife. 

Gen. 19:26

But Lot’s wife, from behind him, [foolishly, longingly] looked [back toward Sodom in an act of disobedience], and she became a pillar of salt.

It wasn’t that she just looked back, but she longed for, was occupied with, and cared for the things that were temporal and the things of this life rather than the life God  was taking her to. 

Time, what time is it? Time, how long do we have? Time, it’s a small event compared to eternity. 

We are to occupy until he comes (Luke 19:13) But don’t lose sight of what we are to be occupied with. 

Cares of this life will choke out the good God is doing in you and through you. Don’t be overtaken by the cares if this life. 

Matthew 6:31-34

Take no thought of what we will eat or drink. Take no thought of tomorrow. But seek first the kingdom of God. (Keeping eternal things first) 

1 Peter 5:7

casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].

Throw your cares on Him. Those cares that are so cutting and distracting, which wound your soul and pierce your heart, trust Him!  

Cares of life become burdensome, they can torture and distract the mind & you can even become unfit for service. Then you labor under the burdens of anxious & excessive care. 

Matthew 6:25-27

The Cure for Anxiety“Therefore I tell you, stop being worried anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted) about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, as to what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the harvest] nor gather [the crops] into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by worrying can add one hour to [the length of] his life?

Heb. 12:2-3

…stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance active persistence the race that is set before us… (we do this with the help of The Holy Spirit)

…looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith , who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. Just consider meditate on Him…so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

2 Cor. 4:16-18

Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner is being [progressively] renewed day by day. For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]! So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting imperishable. 

In those days (days of Noah & days of Lot) and now in our days… 

So examine yourself to see if you are in the faith. 2 Cor. 13:5 

Luke 18:8 …I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Time is just a period on the line of eternity. Keep perspective, keep focused, keep eternity in view, and know the time is near. 

Romans 13:11-14

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Jesus died for your freedom. He died to reconcile you to the Father. He died to give you peace with God and the peace of God. So put on The Lord Jesus Christ!!!! He is coming back sooner than we think. Look up!!! Rejoice for your redemption is near!!! Choose this day, it’s high time, now is the acceptable time… 

From Lord Help Me to My Cup Runneth Over

This word is mainly for those who have been Christians For a while. When we first got said we prayed more prayers for the focus of God meeting our needs. This is a good thing. God wants us to call on him. 

As children we grow and learn to trust our heavenly father through his mercy, grace, compassion, provision,And so much more.

It Start With building our house, our lives, and our daily walk on the rock.

As in Matthew7:24-27 there are storms in life that come But we are saved pray and cry out to our rock (Jesus save us) who comes and meets our needs and keeps us study in the midst of the storm. The rain comes, the Floods come, The wind blows, and we stand strong knowing our Lord and Savior will never leave us nor forsake us.

Jesus calls and asks us to come to him and he will give us rest. Matthew 11:28-30. Come to him and call unto him and he will give you rest and make your burden light. This is the way of rest and in our lives in the mist of all The uneasy things in life. 

Vs. 29 Says learn of me… We seek him and we learned that he is merciful, kind, caring, and so much more. He wants you to know him and how he cares for you. 

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

1 Peter 5:7

Matthew 14:24-33

The ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves… (Beyond human capacity to do anything about the storm) BUT JESUS says “ Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid” The storms sometimes get bigger than we can ever imagine and out of control. But add the season of impossible times Jesus as in vs 29 days “come”, come where he is at, trust him he will provide provision to walk… Jesus was not offended by Peter’s fear- Jesus caught him and did not let him drown. Peter cried onto him, Lord save me & immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand and caught him. 

Pastor Carter Conlon talk about Living for the benefit of others. As we grow in the Lord there comes a point of overflow in our lives that turns the focus from our needs being met to helping others knowing Christ and being a distributor of hope to others and meeting their needs through the overflow of God‘s provision to us.  

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

John 10:10

AMP – I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].

Matthew Henry: Christ came to give life, something more, something better, life with advantage, life in abundance is eternal life, life without death or fear of death, Live and Much more.

2Cor. 9:8-11 God’s Grace is overflowing in your life so you can be a blessing to others. 

And may the Lord cause you to increase and excel and overflow in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you;

1 Thessalonians 3:12

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Acts 3:6

Peter gave away his overflow. Whether you have silver or gold is not the point. We are too live in the overflow and abundant life we have been given.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil; My cup overflows (runs over) Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord.

Psalm 23:5-6

I have more than enough for my needs and it overflows to others!

Yes God wants to meet our needs and wants us to live a life of full. But the real blessing comes when we moved beyond compassion and provision of God in our lives and allow God to direct and move us to lay down our lives to share what God has given us to others.  With the help of the Holy Spirit we can reach out to those who have been sat in our lives and be that witness. We share Jesus, the love of God, his mercy, his provisions, and so much more.

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

2 Corinthians 1:4

We know and have learned our heavenly father is our provider, our deliver, he has forgiven us and has brought us through many trials and tribulations. Now he wants us to be ambassadors of his grace. Distributors of his love, mercy, grace, and so much more. 

2 Cor. 5:17-18 ministers of reconciliation.

Pastor Carter Conlon: 

Paul and Silas found themselves in an inner prison, yet they chose to pray and worship (see Acts 16:25). Suddenly, there was a great earthquake that shook the prison’s foundations. All the prison doors were opened, and everyone’s bands were loosed! 

We can be sure that Paul and Silas were not simply praying, “Forgive us for our sins and give us our daily bread.” No! I believe they were crying out, “God, it’s midnight, and there is a need here that is much greater than we can handle. Friends have been set before us, and these friends are in prison-shackled and hopeless. You have entrusted us with this inner prison, so now You must give us the strength to make a difference. Put something within us that will cause heaven to move and hell to shake!”

How did God respond to their prayer? He put a song inside of them! As they began to worship God for answering the cry of their hearts, for the privilege of being thrust into that place of despair along with those who had no helper, suddenly everything began to shake and miracles started to happen! Even the Philippian jailor and his entire household surrendered their lives to Jesus!

This is living in the overflow. 

Life changes from all about us to sharing and looking out for others. This does not mean we don’t pray for ourselves and our needs but we have that full assurance that our God is faithful and hears us. 

Now we can live in The overflow and ask God for courage, compassion, and power to stop living for ourselves and start living for the benefit of others.

Let the love of God over flow to those around you. Share Jesus and see him change a life. Share compassion as he has compassion on you. Share the provisions that you have received that those around you will glorify God. Pray for boldness and open doors for God to allow you to go from Lord help me to, “Lord bring someone in my life today so I can share the abundant life you have given me”. You will start looking for opportunities to live out the overflow and see how much you have been blessed too. 

The Lie

What Satan said in the beginning, he is still saying today. This lie is used over and over again in different ways, but it all comes down to trying to get you to change what God said, change God’s character, and to change how you see and hear God.

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Genisus 3:4-5

First In verse one Satan changed “The Lord God said”, to God said. 

He cut God’s name in half. He took the lordship Eve’s hearing. The Lord God… Lord is the way of us surrendering to him as the Lord of our lives.

Lord represents one Who has authority, control or power over others, a master, a chief , or a ruler.

Eve took on what the serpent said in verse three, “God said… right off the bat she agreed with him. She allowed the voice of another to influence her view of God. 

We need to watch out for the ones who try and get us to remove the lordship of God in our lives. Once we allow that other things, other thoughts, and other ways will creep in.

Lord makes God personable to man. He wants to have a personal relationship with us. The enemy does not like this. 

The enemy changes who God is in the sight of Eve and her husband with her. The enemy will go after God’s character. 

The enemy’s tactics have not changed. 

You are of your father the devil, and it is your will to practice the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar and the father of lies and half-truths.

John 8:44

Not only does he lie, he speaks half truths. He leaves out parts of what God said so it seems right in the ears of the hearers, who only hear in part. 

Be careful what you hear. Is it the truth? Is it the whole truth? (Mark 4:24 take heed what you hear)

John 8:44 The enemies is murder and his method is lying. His goal is to take you out by lying to you. He wants to destroy your relationship with God. He wants to take away your intimacy with God.

Daily things come to us and our minds about God and who he is. There’s so many voices and lies about who God is and who is to you. If we are not careful about what we hear, who we listen to, and what we let in our lives we will be deceived.

We allow actors and actresses, musicians, politicians, those in our workplace, and so many others to voice their opinions and we take those opinions as gospel. We don’t honor God, pastors, and those godly people that are put into our lives share the good news of the gospel. We have believed “the lie”and made our own gods. 

If the enemy can get you to believe the lie then you will not believe God‘s promises for you.

Promises are only as good as the one making the promise. The enemy tries to get you to believe the lie about who God is and about what he said he would do.

Romans 1:23-25 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man.

Amp- Romans 1:23  and exchanged the glory and majesty and excellence of the immortal God for an image [worthless idols] in the shape of mortal man… in their likeness and likeness of animals, ones of their own choosing.

VS 25 because by choice they exchanged the truth of God for a lie. (“The lie”, the same one from the beginning)

Be careful of all the so-called truths that are on the Internet and social media and all the images of who God is. Images of other gods. Man-made gods. They exchange who God is  and make up their own rules.

“The lie” from Gen. 3… exchanging the truth of who God is.

The enemy comes in and messes up who God is and then the commands and truths he said don’t apply to you. You can make up the way you want to live and then sin abounds.

The great exchange backgrounds.

Jesus came to exchange us out of darkness into light. From death to life. He took our punishment for sin. Satan comes in and tries to exchange it back. That is where the lie comes in. Little by little he exchanges his lies for the truth of God.

Gen. 3 is a truth exchanger – God is not truthful, God is not Good, and God is not righteous. These are the lies the enemy uses.

Romans 1:6 leds Man to a unnatural passions, trusting in what they think and not the truth that comes from God.

1. God is not truthful- Gen. 1:3 indeed has God said? Questioning God… is his word true? Satan will always try to put doubt in and the lie. But God will continue to bring the truth to you over and over. He will never give up on you and we’ll do what he needs to do to bring his truth of love to you. Be in the Bible, so the truth you will believe and the lie you will rejected. 
2. God is not good- Gen. 3 –  you will not die, not eat if one tree… satan defined God on that one thing that God did not allow because he was protecting Eve. Satan tried to get her to see that as a bad thing. All the other trees were good for her. The best was good for her. Look at the whole garden. All the goodness of God. He supplies, he cares, and he is good. 

Satan does it today and tries to get you to focus on that one thing that might not be exactly like you think it should be, instead of 1000 other things that are good in your life. (Count your blessings one by one.) 

3. the lie – God is not righteous – you can make up your own laws. VS 4 … you surely will not die – questioning the judgment of God and the penalty of sin.

John 3:16 …so loved… whoever believes… there is a consequence to those who don’t believe. God punishes sin and those who do not walk with him, who chooses to walk in sin. He wants a relationship with us. (Heb.9:25) God is righteous.

God said to Adam & Eve that they would die if they eat of the tree. They died spiritually when they ate. They were separated from the intimacy they had with God. But good news God made a way to bring them back to him. By a sacrifice.

Ultimately Jesus came for us, to restore that relationship. To take us from Darkness to light. From Death to life. Jesus was punished that we might be forgiven. He was wounded that we might be healed. He was made a curse that we might receive the blessing. He endured shame and rejection that we might share in his glory and be accepted!

You must be born again to receive all that “the lie” took away from you.

God loves you and has a plan for you.

The Bible says, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, [Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly”—a complete life full of purpose (John 10:10).

But here’s the problem: man is sinful & separated from God,

We have all done, thought or said bad things, which the Bible calls “sin.” The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

The result of sin is death, spiritual separation from God (Romans 6:23).

The good news?

Jesus died in our place so we could have a relationship with God and be with Him forever.

“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

But it didn’t end with His death on the cross. He rose again and still lives!

“Christ died for our sins. … He was buried. … He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Jesus is the only way to God. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6).

We can’t earn salvation; we are saved by God’s grace when we have faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. All you have to do is believe you are a sinner, that Christ died for your sins, and ask His forgiveness. Then turn from your sins—that’s called repentance. Jesus Christ knows you and loves you. What matters to Him is the attitude of your heart, your honesty. We suggest praying the following prayer to accept Christ as your Savior:

“Dear God,

I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that you raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”

Listen & Hear: “What God Says”…

There are so many life voices in the world today. It seems that everybody has an opinion and their opinion is right. We have so many voices that are saying things daily and even minute by minute. We have TV, blogs, podcasts, videos, all kinds of social media, work, friends, family, and so much more biding for our attention and our soul. 

All of them want to influence us to be just like them. They want to Influence Us to base our decisions, our actions, and everything we do on what they say about us and our lives. 

Influence is the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others:

A compelling force is in the world today. One that leads astray many to destruction, depression, & despair. 

BUT GOD says:

Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers). But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night.

Psalm 1:1-2

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Ephesians 4:14

In today’s culture many say you figure it out, you are the boss, do your own thing, and make your own decisions. 

But God says: I will direct your paths & steps. 

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

Proverbs 3:5-6 

He gives us wisdom, direction, guidance, & so much more. 

The enemy said: you’re too tired… 

God says: I will give your rest & peace.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

The enemy says: It is impossible.

But God says: 

The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Luke 18:27

The enemy says: nobody loves you and you are alone. 

God says: 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Hebrews 13:5-6

The enemy says: you can’t do it.

God says: I can do all things through Christ… Phil. 4:13

The enemy says: you are a failure. 

God says: you are more than a conqueror…

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:37-39

The enemy says: you are rejected.

God says:  you are accepted and chosen. 

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Ephesians 1:4,6

The enemy says: no body likes you. 

God says: you are the apple of my eye. Psalm 17:8 & I love you with an everlasting love.

I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Jeremiah 31:3

The enemy says: nobody cares for you. 

God says: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

1 Peter 5:7

The enemy says: you are a victim. 

God says: you are victorious. 

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

1 John 5:4

O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.

Psalm 98:1

Blessed and greatly favored is the man whose strength is in You, In whose heart are the highways to Zion. They go from strength to strength [increasing in victorious power]; Each of them appears before God in Zion. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord bestows grace and favor and honor; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, How blessed and greatly favored is the man who trusts in You [believing in You, relying on You, and committing himself to You with confident hope and expectation].

Psalm 84:5,7,11-12

God says: 

I will supply all your needs. Phil 4:19

My Grace is sufficient. 2Cor. 12:9

I forgive you. Rom. 8:1, 1 John 1:9, 1 John 2:12, Col. 1:14

The enemy says: it is not worth it. 

God says: it will be worth it all. 

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us? He who did not spare [even] His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?

Romans 8:28,31-32

Hear His voice today. Be still and know…

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Psalm 46:10-11

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Revelation 3:20

He is calling unto you today. He desires fellowship with you. Hear His voice today. Quiet the enemy, the flesh, & the world that comes in with many voices. Surrender your life to Him today. 

A Divided Mind is a Divided Life Part 2

You have heard the saying, “Give me your undivided attention”. That is said when there is an important statement going to be said. 

In this day of so much information coming our way, we are divided more than ever.

Proverbs 4:20-22

20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

My son – hearing God’s voice is personal, intangible, & present in time. 

Personal: know His voice & hearing His voice. Not just relating to Him, but know Him. Our hearts open only to His voice only. We hear His voice. 

Intangible: can’t be touch. Not with touch, only with hearing ( not just with our ears but with our heart) Not a building, books, pews, or anything we can touch. 

Oh Lord give me a hearing heart.

Always present: present in time. Always now, not in the past or future. Now… a voice has no past or future… “I am”, He is… listen in the Now, live in the now, & hear in the now. He is a very present help…. 

Cultivate a hearing heart.

Attend unto His word. Attention & humility. 

Proverbs 4:02 Attend & incline = word

Proverbs 5:1 Attend & bow = wisdom 

Proverbs 22:17 Bow & apply = wisdom & knowledge 

Give Him our undivided attention and come to know Him. 

Time & quietness:

Psalm 46:10 be still – cease striving & know

Psalm 62:1 wait in silence- let you relax & know

Psalm 62:5 My soul wait in silence for God only

Attitude of attention & quietness:

Psalm 95:6-8 worship, bow down, kneel 

Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:

Psalm 10:17

The Lord will prepare my heart as I humble myself before Him. He will hear me as I do this. 

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord .

Psalm 27:13-14

God has goodness now in this life. It is not all reserved for heaven. 

Wait hon Him… He already Knows The future & will direct you if you can wait on Him & let Him lead you. 

Be of good courage: courage- the quality of mind or spirit that enables a per to face difficulty, danger, pain etc… without fear; bravery. 

And He shall strengthen thins. Heart ( which the issues of life come out of) 

Matthew Henry: David was encouraged to know God who will strengthen his heart, shall sustain his spirit, & then the spirit sustains the infirmity. 

In that strength- keep close to God & to do your part… wait on the Lord by faith, prayer, & a humble resignation to His will.

Be of Good courage; let your heart be fixed, trusting God & your mind stayed upon Him & then let none of these things move you. Those that wait upon The Lord have reason to be of good courage. 

Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Psalm 37:4

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Deuteronomy 6:5

Matthew Henry: 

Our desire must be towards Him, our delight in Him, our dependence upon Him & to Him we must be entirely devoted.

Love Him with a sincere love, not in word & tongue only , saying we love him, but our hearts are not with Him. 

Love Him with all our soul: mind, will, emotions – our minds wander, our will waivers, our emotions go up & down like a yo-yo.

Don’t let the business of the day steal your time with God. Don’t let the spirit of the world keep you in turmoil and anxiety. Remember what in this life really matters.

Francis Chan said, “Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.”

So don’t let the disease of a “divided attention”, “a divided mind”, & “a divided heart” move you, captivate you, and keep you in bondage to this world. God wants you to have peace with Him and His peace ruling your heart and lives. Be in the present, cast your cares on Him now, not worrying about the future, & letting the distraction of life pull you down and out. Slow down & rest in Him knowing He will guide you, lead you, protect you, keep you, & will never leave you or forsake you. 

A Divided Mind is a Divided Life

You have heard the saying, “Give me your undivided attention”. That is said when there is an important statement going to be said. 

In this day of so much information coming our way, we are divided more than ever.

Have you ever sat to read something and before you know it your mind has wondered to something else? Or have you been listening to someone talk and it reminded you of something else you may need to do?

It like when we are watching something and a few minutes later a commercial comes on and breaks the scene up and now you are thinking about that subject. Then the thing you were watching comes back on and then you are thinking of that. It’s broken up thoughts and broken up attention. 

Even as I write this my mind starts to wander onto other subjects. We have a world of opinion, ideas of how things should be, and so many activities going on we can’t sit still for even a few minutes.

Silence is something that even makes us uncomfortable. 

Our thoughts are broken up so we can’t even complete a project all the way though without interruption. 

Even as I went to my computer Bible gateway to get the scripture I am going to use next there on the screen was at least 3 advertisement along with the search button. A divided attention as I was looking for this scripture:

Proverbs 4:20-22

20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

Attend – to incline & bend down, pay attention to my words. Diligently listen to them. 

Give full attention to God’s word. 

In one of Derek Prince’s book he writes: “we have almost cultivated the practice of listening to two different things at one time. We suffer from a disease which could be called “divided attention”

The Bible tells us to take heed to what we hear and how we hear. 

Mark 4:24

24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear…

Luke 8:18

18 Take heed therefore how ye hear… 

Take heed: Take in consideration, pay attention to, please note, bear in mind, etc…

What we hear and how we hear it is important to our walk with God. 

You see most of us get sidetracked from what God is wanting to do in us and through us. We have a divided attention. Our attention span is short and our focus is divided. 

The enemy knows if he can get you to focus on your circumstances you will not succeed. Therefore he is always putting things in your path to distract you. 

Take heed what you hear & how you hear… 

Sometimes we hear things the way we want to. Partly because we only hear in part.  Distraction, opinions, & other things interfere. We only hear in part because we are only listening in part. Sometimes we have other things going on that we think are more important or are pressing in our lives. Our thoughts are divided and our focus is divided. 

We get sidetracked very easy. It is one of the devises of the enemy. 

Luke 8:14 (the cares of life choke the word you have heard.)

James 1:8 (Amp) a double-minded man, unstable and restless in all his ways [in everything he thinks, feels, or decides].

Undivided attention can lead to being double minded which is having in the mind opposite or opposing views. Also to be inconsistent and vacillating. 

I used to think multitasking was a good things. Sometimes it is but not where the word, prayer. & fellowship with God is concerned. 

Jesus would go alone into the mountain to be alone with His Father and pray. 

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Mark 1:35

But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray [in seclusion].

Luke 5:16

Proverbs 4:20-22

20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

We all want life & health, here is the answer. 

Matthew Henry:

The reason why we must thus make much of the words of wisdom is because they will be both food and physic to us, like the tree of life, Rev. 22:2; Ezek. 47:12. Those that seek and find them, find and keep them, shall find in them, (1.) Food: For they are life unto those that find them, Prov. 4:22. As the spiritual life was begun by the word as the instrument of it, so by the same word it is still nourished and maintained. We could not live without it; we may by faith live upon it. (2.) Physic. They are health to all their flesh, to the whole man, both body and soul; they help to keep both in good plight. They are health to all flesh, so the LXX. There is enough to cure all the diseases of this distempered world. They are a medicine to all their flesh (so the word is), to all their corruptions, for they are called flesh, to all their grievances, which are as thorns in the flesh. There is in the word of God a proper remedy for all our spiritual maladies.

2 Timothy 3:16-17Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

¹⁶ Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error anddiscipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action),

¹⁷ So that the man of God may be complete andproficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Matthew Henry:

If we consult the scripture, which was given by inspiration of God, and follow its directions, we shall be made men of God, perfect, and thoroughly furnished to every good work. [4.] There is no occasion for the writings of the philosopher, nor for rabbinical fables, nor popish legends, nor unwritten traditions, to make us perfect men of God, since the scripture answers all these ends and purposes. O that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them than ever! and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us.

I think he said it well, “love our bibles and keep them closer than ever” for in them you will find the issues of life and health.

 

 

 

 

An Attack From The Enemy: What If?

The enemy starts by giving us fear of our tomorrows. God wants us to trust Him with our tomorrows. He wants us to depend on Him and know that He has our back. 

Matthew 6:31-34

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

The enemy will cause us to have despair about tomorrow and what might happen. With all the crazy things going on in this world, he uses what we see and hear and tells us all these things will come upon us. For this reason many have lost hope, have anxiety and are in deep depression.  Anxiety is of the future and of the unknown. 

Matthew Henry:

That thoughtfulness for the morrow is one of those foolish and hurtful lusts, which those that will be rich fall into, and one of the many sorrows, wherewith they pierce themselves through. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. This present day has trouble enough attending it, we need not accumulate burdens by anticipating our trouble, nor borrow perplexities from to-morrow’s evils to add to those of this day. It is uncertain what to-morrow’s evils may be, but whatever they be, it is time enough to take thought about them when they come. 

The enemy wants us to focus on the What if….

What if the economy goes under? 

What if I don’t have a job?

What is going to happen to my children?

What if I can’t pay my mortgage?

What if I get sick?

God wants us to not be worried about tomorrow. He doesn’t want us to borrow what may or may not happen tomorrow and bring it in today. 

Matthew Henry:

That thoughtfulness for the morrow is needless; Let the morrow take thought for the things of itself. If wants and troubles be renewed with the day, there are aids and provisions renewed likewise; compassions, that are new every morning, Lam. 3:22, 23. The saints have a Friend that is their arm every morning, and gives out fresh supplies daily (Isa. 33:2), according as the business of every day requires (Ezra 3:4), and so he keeps his people in constant dependence upon him. Let us refer it therefore to the morrow’s strength, to do the morrow’s work, and bear the morrow’s burthen.

This does not mean that we don’t make plans and prepare for our future. We need to live today. Mind the things of today. Trust God for this very moment. Do the work of today and let tomorrow come and become today. 

We have an easier time giving God our past and not our future. We take our past to the Cross and are so glad that He has forgiving our past sin. But we are not quick to give Him our future. We make plans and ask Him to bless them. The enemy causes fear, uncertainty, and makes us focus on the what ifs of life. 

Instead of saying what if, Say God is…. 

God is my provider, my deliverer 

God is my Help – Psalms 54:4

God is my Rock, My Refuge, My salvation, – Psalms 62:7-8

Your Father knows what you have need of:

Matthew 6:8

Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Luke 12:27

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Luke 12:6-7

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

God will supply your needs. God is faithful. In time of suffering and pain He will never leave you or forsake you. Psalms 27:9, Hebrews 13:5

We don’t want to be ignorant of the future. He wants us to trust Him and know He will bring us through what ever tomorrow may bring. He will do what is best for us, even if we do not understand. God will give us grace through it all. He will take you through what ever tomorrow may bring. If we focus on tomorrow we will miss all the miracles and joys of today. He has good thoughts of you. He has good plans for you. He has grace sufficient for you. 

Psalm 34:8

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

His love is more powerful than the enemies lies. Trust him today!!! Know Him today!!! Today is the day of salvation. Today we are to seek Him. Today is the life we live. 

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