Wednesday, December 8, 2010

GREAT CHARACTER

Reflect on the character of people who have risen above attack. Smile and rock with Jeremy ELVIS Pearce, who sings HYMNS with his Christmas act. Consider the good King Hezekiah. Not unlike leaders or entertainers today, this king inherited a kingdom that had been given over to idolatry and wickedness. Hezekiah trusted in the LORD and his obedience to God's commands, he was a spark the LORD used to ignite reformation and revival in the land. We can look at the corruption and darkness of the world around us and be tempted to give in to despair, but this isn't how the godly are to respond. Let us look at the character of Hezekiah ~ WHO caused him to live joyfully, as pure as snow? ~ Above us all, is God and His plans are to prosper us. This King did not need to SEE to believe in God ~ he trusted in the LORD God because he believed in God's written word. Our belief in the God of the Bible is an absolute if our life is going to have any value or purpose to it. Whoever does not believe is under condemnation, but whoever believes is made a child of God with tremendous potential. Next, he held fast to God; which is to say he didn't vacillate and hesitate in his walk with the LORD, he was serious about the things of God. Thirdly, he didn't depart from following Him; when things got tough or didn't go his way, he didn't throw in the towel. Finally, he kept His commandments; Hezekiah obeyed the LORD in every area of his life. Obedience brings blessing and the smile of God; "he prospered wherever he went." Let us allow the indwelt Holy Spirit to direct us, to change us, to use us to glorify our Savior Jesus Christ. Let us celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and like the wise me, let us bring great tidings of JOY and the gift of song and praise for He is among us! Nehemiah 8:10 said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

1 comment:

  1. I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me (Psalm 119:30)

    Every person in this world operates and lives by some guiding principle that governs their life. WHO we associate with --- will either sharpen our faith, or dull it. Jesus said in proverbs "Associate with men of good character and you will grow. Spend time with bad morals and your character will decay." Living with poor principles is to NOT work hard, give our best, and live the lie that life is all about us; about doing the minimum while seeking more pleasure, happiness, and increased leisure. This CHOICE leads to destruction, in this life and in the life to come.

    The Lord Jesus says in His sermon on the Mount, "for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it (Matt 7:13). It is easier for some to believe a lie , because they do not want the sober reality of the truth. Those that reject the way of truth, choose bondage, and are slaves to their sinful passions and worldly philosophies all the days of their life.

    As believers in Jesus Christ, we make a daily CHOICE to pick up our cross, and OBEY our Father, and His way of truth . Gods commands, He judges, and He knows the motives and eventually gives the stubborn heart over to his selfish pleasures. Do you choose the word of God as the absolute authority over every detail of your life? Do you honor your body? Do you honor your parents? Do you choose to walk in the ways of the world that leads to despair? Do you choose to trust that because of His grace, that your daily choices to follow your heart, rather than His word will keep God at your side? Are you safe from hell? Jesus said, "If the Son shall set you free, you shall be free indeed', and again "you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free". Have you chosen to love God above all? What is the guiding principle of your life? Are you living a lie, or are you alive with the truth?

    TOBY WILL
    STOCKTON PD

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