God needs nothing built by human hands...

We know that God needs nothing built by human hands... He is everything and owns everything as the Creator of all things seen and unseen. But, being made in His image, we have a desire to create. But, in a fallen world we must be wise about that activity so as to not become prideful which is sinful. So, the Lord asks us to make it our goal to live a quiet life, minding our own business and working with our hands ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:11. We cannot think that by our own works we are saved, but by His!

God's Children an Elect few??

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children... And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ~ Romans 8:16-17. 

God's children are often thought of as His elect. Are God's Children a select few? Who are God's elect? Are they all those He created that somehow have prior knowledge of Him from the very beginning? Are they those who have always known who their Creator is and that death is a lie for those who want to be saved?

God so loved the world, He sent His son ~ John 3:16. Are the elect those who love the Lord with all their heart, soul mind and strength are His, right? Mark 12:30. 

There are some who say that God's elect are only certain people pre-selected by God. This view is monergism. Others say that man has a choice... a synergism view. 

What is true is that God sent His Son because God so loved the world. He is the Creator of Heaven and Earth, of all things seen and unseen ~ COL 1:16. All those that are His elect are those that He created.

Every created person whether or not they come to the realization of the truth of Jesus Christ does not negate the fact that God sent His Son because He so loved the world. God does not create a rock He cannot lift. 

Ah, but if God does not create a rock he cannot lift doesn't that mean that all His creation are His elect? God does not create anyone He cannot save. But that does not mean those He wants to save... want to be saved by Him.  
 
Are there those that may never declare Christ is Lord? It may seem that way to us as we observe and sadly judge... but, we cannot know they never will. And, there are those that may fall away too... rejecting the Creator. Many are called but few are chosen ~ Matthew 22:14. 

Those that are His elect always have been His elect. This does not mean that they will accept being His elect. "For many are invited, but few are chosen." ~ Matthew 22:14. God calls 'draws/elects/invites' many but few are chosen from those called/invited because only a few 'show' up to the wedding feast... party/banquet. Somehow they just didn't believe it was true when He called them.

Rest assured...  all who are drawn/called/invited are His and His forever and do not ever risk losing God's Grace/Love. If you heard His call and answered then you have been chosen. Be at peace that you are His elect... and know that You can never slip through the fingers of Jesus Christ... Rest in His Love and go forward that He holds you in the grip of His hands and will never let go of you.

Proverbs 31: A Wife of Noble Character...

The Wife of Noble Character

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

 

Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

 

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Lie Down in Green Pastures of Peace...

Yes, lie down in green pastures of peace... but how when this electronic age keeps His children (all those in Christ) from doing that as it has us 'wired' to the things of this world. The hours wasted in senseless engagement with the world and its numerous forms of social media. The fact is, what we really want (He really wants for us) is engagement with Him, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. How can He shower us with His Love and Peace if we don't even seek it?

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts [for ladies that means stop running after: age reducing cosmetics, vitamins and or energy drinks, youthful hairstyles and clothes, shoes, purses, jewelry]...Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love and peace [quiet]. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 

As Paul wrote to Timothy, in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious but they will reject the power that could make them godly. 2 Timothy 2:22-3:1-5.

We need to shed all those things which keep us from having a pure heart, one that loves God with all heart, soul, mind and strength! ~ Mark 12:30

2 Timothy 2:14-26...Instruments for Special Purpose!

Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.  

Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 

Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.  

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Free Indeed in Jesus Christ...

We are all free indeed in Jesus Christ and in this way each made an individual member of the same body. The same body! Not this kind of body of Christ or that kind of body of Christ. Which means that there cannot be different kinds of Jesus Christ. Unless we talk about the antichrist...

In order to have harmony, peace, joy and hope we must all come together in the body of Christ as the same... we believe in the Creator, the Lord God, our savior Jesus Christ, who lived, died, was buried and rose again. We have to agree that he is the same yesterday, today and will be forever ~ Hebrews 13:8.  

So, We cannot go around saying I believe in this God, that Jesus... like the 'red letter' Jesus. Or, I believe in Jesus the man who was a nice guy and he was never a Jewish rabbi, he did not die on the cross... or he is really from another planet, he was a Buddhist monk...Or, I can believe whatever I want, he is my Jesus.

We cannot fall into the darkness of relativism (I am me and you're you, and whatever makes you happy is ok) because in that, there is no body, and no unity in the body, no harmony, no peace, no joy and no hope in eternal life... We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead ~ 1 Peter 1:3.

Does that mean that you can have Jesus 'your' way... like at Burger King? No! That's right, There is no other God! He is the LORD, and there is no other. Besides Him, there is no God. He will strengthen you ~ Isaiah 45:5. In Him, we live, move and have our being ~ Acts 17:28.

We give Him and Him alone thanks and praise for He Jesus Christ is the Holy One, He alone is our God! Joshua 24:18. He who lived, died, was buried and rose again! He alone is the hope of the world, God who is Jesus Christ. Yes, His [Jesus Christ] name will be the hope of all the world." Matthew 12:21.