Be Hoopoe

It is good to always acknowledge the Lord God in the good as well as the bad times. We do not know the situations or conditions of others especially those of our neighbor.  Even when we are privy to much information, we are not given the timing or the judgement of others.  Thankfully we are given to know that all things will work according to the Law of God concerning all of us. We are to choose his ways for they are the path to life that leads to Christ who is the Way and the Truth and the Life.  We are In a time of great deceptions and with close communication and fellowship with the Lord and his spirit  we can be guided. 

The Letter of St. John clearly challenges our understanding of what faith is and how it operates in the believer. Faith is manifested in the life of a believer producing the fruits of maturity and actions. These actions provide tangible evidence of Christian friendship and relationship with God and man. 

There are times of distress and trouble in which many of the enemies of God and the opposers of Good are effective and victorious in their efforts. This may be the case in many of our situations and that those who are to receive justice, equity, and portions rightfully earned go without their due reward. Sometimes its is hard to understand why many of these things are allowed but we also must remember we all were given the gift of choice to do Good or to do Evil and each have a result. The laws of God are unmovable and will accomplish that which they were established to do in his timing. Once Mercy and Grace have been given opportunity to give us time to repent and restore to those we have harmed his law of mockery will be given its space to work to allow those to reap what they have sown some in this life, but all in the life to come!

In time of trial and temptations we all must make decision to who and to whom we will serve. The pressures of our world and those of people can often be overwhelming. These things can be fearful as we go in opposition to popular beliefs and political postures which we already know are contradictory to the word of God and his standards. Please be aware that this is not something new to the body in Christ.  You can find many groups through out history who have had to fight this battle and with many casualties. Nevertheless, they took the stand and fought the good fight of faith to the end and was able to defend the faith with complete integrity. We are not guaranteed victory without going to battle and commitment needed to be successful. Fight your good fight of faith and remember we are not asked what is impossible but what is possible through Christ Jesus. 

We are in times which our light must shine brightly in the places and corners in which we live and conduct our daily business and leisure activities. We are known by the fruit in which we produce and if that fruit is of Christ or of the world and world system. It is not a time in which we should be busy in comparison of the works of others but busy in the business of our Lord and Savior. One of our greatest testimonies to those we meet is the fruit of our relationship in Christ Jesus. When we are in relationship, we can produce the fruits of the Holy Spirit. These fruits make evident who we are and in whom we have our trust in. Whatever we do let us do it in simplicity of mind and in heart to the benefit of others and to the Glory of God in Christ.

Time and chance happens to all people. There are situations and circumstances that occur in our lives we have no control over. The rain falls on the Good and the Evil as well as the shining of the sun. Regardless of the weather in our lives we are constantly required to make decisions concerning how we will conduct ourselves and the path that we will take.  Our actions will align to our heart and mind which will reveal our true decision. It is easy to make speeches of faithfulness and commitment in good weather. However, it is in the overcast, fog, rain, hail, snow, wind, and storms our declarations are made visible. Let your YES be confirmed as a yes and let your NO be established as a no! Anything other than a firm decision followed by action which aligns leads to instability, self-deception, and sinfulness. 

We have been given freedom in Christ Jesus and are not in bondage to the Law. The liberty we have received in Christ Jesus allows us to have life and life more abundantly. Our freedom in Christ is not for the continuation in sinful and evil things but for the adoration of the Lord. Our liberty provides us many ways of displaying his grace, love, mercy, and acceptance of the nations. Those who are in the law continue to bring others under the restrictions of the law. Those who are in grace continue to bring others into the liberty of the law. These are opposing views and practices which have continued even in these last days. Each one of us at times must decide to walk and live in one of these conditions. Those who choose the bondage of the law will not experience the same level of relationship with Christ. In contract those who choose the liberty of the law will not experience the stagnation of relationship with Christ. Examine your condition and determine if this item of freedom is the issue. If you discover that it is pray and ask the Lord to help you break free of the social, mental, emotional, and spiritual chains that have tied you up. 

We are in times of great distress and uncertainty concerning our everyday Health, Safety, and Security. Many around us are not assured in many of their fundamental needs. When we are not assured in our position, situations and the condition of others can have substantial effects on our lives.  These are common and becoming more prevalent with those who are not secure in a relationship with Christ.  The Lord has not promised to remove us from the turbulence of this life, but he has promised to keep us in peace despite whatever is going on around us and with us.  There is Stability, Peace, Love, Joy, Hope, Friendship and Fellowship that comes with a solid relationship.

Oftentimes we are provided with evidence of the word and will of God which is undeniable. At this point in time, we must make a conscious decision to accept the truth that has been provided to us and supported by the scriptures and witnesses.  Often, we do not accept these things due to prior teachings and our religious doctrines we have held so firmly. As you move into a deeper relationship with Christ expect many of your current thoughts and ways to be revealed.  Be open to the Lord’s guidance as you walk into greater understanding and higher revelations of his word and will concerning you.  Always be willing to choose the things of God rather than the things of man, the customs of man, this world and world systems.  Let God’s word be true and every man a liar in your life.

Even in devastating times the Lord will not abandon us, but we must also understand that the God of Mercy, Grace, Peace, Love, Comfort and Salvation is also the God of Justice.  The evils of sin must be judged, and the blood of the innocent will be settled by his decrees. We are in evil times of the earth and so much has been done by mankind to destroy the things that he provided to us and for us.  We were given a great stewardship to nurture and care for all living creatures including our fellow people.  Consequences of our stewardship are being manifested and we have no one but ourselves to criticize.  A mature person learns from their errors and corrects their ways and relationships so that restoration may be provided.  Let us all be mature in the faith.