Anger and More

As we continue the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus refers to a commandment in the Old Law about murder. He sets a new standard here. 

Matthew 5:21-26 NIV

[21]  “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ [22] But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. 

He is saying that everyone knows you're not supposed to murder anyone. But he takes it a step further by saying do not even be angry with people. This is in harmony with what James would write years later.

James 1:19-20 NIV

[19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [20] because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Do not let anger be in your life because it does not "produce the righteousness God desires." Other versions say, "the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God."

So, while the Old Law says do not murder, Jesus says do not even get angry with anyone. Why? Because anger is a tiny little seed that can grow into so many things such as hate, rage, malice, slander, gossip, vengence, bitterness, jealousy, wrath, and various other negative things that can potentially explode into actual murder. Look at Cain and Able where the first murder took place. 

Genesis 4:1-8 NIV

[1] Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” [2] Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. [3] In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. [4] And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, [5] but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. [6] Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? [7] If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” [8] Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

See? It started with Cain getting very angry that his offering was not accepted and Abel's was. Then his anger turned into jealousy, and grew out of control, and then Cain murdered Abel. 

So, Jesus is saying do not even let the seed of anger get planted in your heart. Because it can grow ultimately into the worst thing which is murder. So, negativity, anger, losing our temper, etc. are seeds that can explode into horrible things like murder. Do not let any of those take root in you.

He furthers this thought in the following verses:

"Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell."

Now, here, "Raca," is a term of contempt, which is the same as calling someone a bad name, as well as calling someone a "fool." Here Jesus is saying do not even call anyone a bad name. 

He is saying do not let any of these negative behaviors take root in you, because they can grow and spiral out of control. It all starts with that tiny little seed of anger. 

[23]  “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, [24] leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. [25]  “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. [26] Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Here He says if you have offended someone, go make things right with them. Resolve conflict quickly, or it can grow into worse things.

Remember, we are God's children, and He works through us so others can be saved too. So, anger cannot be a part of our lives. It cannot be in our spirit, or allowed to grow there, because it totally defeats God's purpose for our lives. Our purpose: Love God and love people, so they can be saved too.

Romans 13:10 NIV

[10] Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Being angry, losing your temper, and a host of other negative things do not serve any purpose at all for us. So, do not let those seeds take root in your spirit.

No Anger!!

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Jesus Teaches About the Old Law

Here Jesus talks about the Old Testament:

Matthew 5:17-20 NIV

[17]  “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. [18] For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. [19] Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. [20] For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

First of all, Jesus fulfilled everything in the Old Law and the Prophets.We live by faith. We put our faith and hope in God as we are in Christ. We are under HIS direct supervision, not the Old Law as Paul explains in Galatians:

Galatians 3:15-25 NIV

[15] Brothers and sisters, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. [16] The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ. [17] What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. [18] For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise. [19] Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator. [20] A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one. [21] Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. [22] But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. [23] Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. [24] So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. [25] Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.

Romans 7:1-6 NIV

[1] Do you not know, brothers and sisters—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law has authority over someone only as long as that person lives? [2] For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. [3] So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man. [4] So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. [5] For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. [6] But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

So why is the Old Law still around if we live by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ?

The Old Testament teaches us what sin is.

Romans 7:7 NIV

[7] What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 

The Old Testament teaches us what sin is. Although we are in Christ now and not under the Old Law. We live by faith and not the "written code." 

Jesus is teaching here that the Old Testament would always be important as it tells us what sin is. So we still teach from it to show people what sin is. 

So, we live by faith in Christ Jesus and His finished work. We live under God's grace, while the Old Testament teaches us what sin is.

"We are not under the Law, but under grace."

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

PS-The remainder of His Sermon on the Mount He talks about things in the Old Law and sets a new standard for us to live by. Stay tuned....

Salt and Light

Continuing the teachings of Jesus, we are still in the Sermon on the Mount. After the Beattitudes, we see salt and light. As God's children, that's what we are to those around us. 

Matthew 5:13-16 NIV

[13]  “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. [14]  “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 

When you salt your food, you are enhancing or bringing out the flavor of the food. When you are around people, the "salt" of who you are as God's child, should make their lives better. Just like real salt enhances the food. Our "salt" should make people's lives better. Allow the Holy Spirit to bear His fruit through us,

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

and we will always be "salty" and profitable to those around us. We will always contribute to people's lives in a good way.

Next, being God's children, we are "the light of the world." Light cannot be darkness, darkness cannot be light. Light removes darkness when the light is turned on. As God's children, our light should replace the darkness that is in people's lives. God's love should shoot through us into people's lives in "word and deed," by the Holy Spirit within us. Where our "light" shines, where God's love comes out of us, darkness leaves. The darkness of people's lives should leave when we show up. Again, this is making people's lives better, just like our salt does.

By the love God has "poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit," we should make people's lives better when they are around us. Pour love into their lives. Salt their lives with your love. Shine the light of love into their lives. With your words and actions of love, make the darkness of their lives go away!!

Then they will know God is real and they will praise Him for it. They will "glorify the Father in heaven."

We can change people's lives for the better. Be that "salt and light" in their world by your love for them, which is displayed in our words and actions. We can do this by the Holy Spirit that is in us.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Wrapping Up the Beattitudes

Today we close out this study of the teaching and commands of Jesus with the last two Beattitudes.

Matthew 5:10-12 NIV

[10] Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. [12] Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Simply? Don't worry about it when people don't like you because you are a born again, child of God. Great is our reward in heaven!! They hated Jesus. They ridiculed Jesus. They talked bad about Jesus. They mocked, scoffed, and made fun of Jesus. This is saying they will do it to us also. They did it to Jesus. They did it to the prophets before Jesus, and they will do it to us too.

No worries. Let them do whatever. We belong to Jesus.

Romans 14:8 NIV

[8] If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

If God is for us, who can be against us? Let people do what they do, nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:31-39 NIV

[31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? [33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. [34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Whatever happens, just keep on being who God has made all of us who believe, which is a child of God. 

1 John 3:1 NIV

[1] See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

No matter what anyone says or does, they cannot take that away from us. We are children of God forever. Nothing can change that or take that away from us. We belong to Jesus forever!! 

John 10:27-30 NIV

[27] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. [30] I and the Father are one.”

Always cling to that hope!! The hope held out in the gospel!!

Colossians 1:22-23 NIV

[22] But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— [23] if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

So, be prepared and love people. Show the love of Jesus and let them do what they will do. 

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

"Blessed Are the Peacemakers,..."

 As we continue our study of the Beattitudes in Matthew, we continue with the subject of peace.

Matthew 5:9 NIV

[9]  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

In this verse, the Holy Spirit showed me something that I have never noticed before. Here it says "peaceMAKER," NOT peaceKEEPER.

As children of God, it says we will be happy when we MAKE peace, not just keep the peace.

We resolve conflicts in relationships, in interactions with others. We work to resolve disputes and arguments and all kinds of troubles and difficulties that we encounter. We work to make peace wherever we go. 

I always thought this meant to keep the peace, to avoid conflict. No. It means to make peace in the midst of all kinds of conflict that we find ourselves in the middle of. Then, people will know we are children of God. So cool!!

One key verse here that summarizes this is at the end of Romans 12:

Romans 12:21 NIV

[21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

See? Overcome evil, such as conflict, strife, anger, fights, brawling, slandering, arguing with goodness. This makes peaceful interactions with others. This brings peace. 

So, while we want to avoid conflict, sometimes we can't, and therefore have to resolve conflict and diffuse a situation and MAKE peace. Be a peaceMAKER. So cool.

With the Holy Spirit bearing His fruit of peace through us, we can do this. As we walk in the Spirit, we can MAKE peace wherever we go. We CAN overcome evil with good.

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

As Jesus says here, we'll be happy if we do so, and people will know we are God's children.

Let's look at some scriptures now:

James 3:17-18 NIV

[17] But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Psalms 37:37 NIV

[37] Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.

This is so awesome dear readers:

Titus 3:1-8 NIV

[1] Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, [2] to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. [3] At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. [4] But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, [5] he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, [6] whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, [7] so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. [8] This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV

[3] You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. [4] Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

John 14:26-27 NIV

[26] But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. [27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Colossians 3:15 NIV

[15] Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Romans 15:13 NIV

[13] May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 3:1-2 NIV

[1] My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, [2] for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.

Hebrews 12:14 NIV

[14] Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Romans 12:18 NIV

[18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 

See? If you want to be happy, MAKE peace wherever you go.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

"Blessed Are the Pure In Heart,..."

Continuing our study, we proceed to the next Beattitude in verse 8:

Matthew 5:8 NIV

[8] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

This says we will be happy if we stay "pure in heart," and when we do that we will experience God in our very lives. 

How do we do that? How do we keep ourselves pure? By not sinning like everyone else does. By not participating in all the things of the world. By not thinking and acting like everyone else in the world. We should get rid of all worldy things and influences in our lives. Don't just live like everyone else, but live for God and what He desires for our lives. Follow Jesus every day!!

Get rid of anything that hinders our walk with God. Don't conform to "the patterns of this world," which is how everyone else does things in the world around you. Walk by the Holy Spirit's guidance in our spirit. Keep our minds set on "things above and not earthly things." Think on good things. Keep our eyes on Jesus and how He lived and do likewise. Follow Jesus and noone else!! So cool!!!!

Look at these great passages that instruct us:

1 Timothy 5:22b. NIV

[22]...and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

James 1:21-22 NIV

[21] Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. [22] Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 

Galatians 5:16 NIV

[16] So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

[1] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, [2] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Colossians 3:1-3 NIV

[1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. [3] For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 

Philippians 4:8 NIV

[8] Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 

Romans 12:2a NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...

Why do any of this as Christians? Because we are the Church. We belong to Jesus now. We represent Jesus in the world around us. He will use us, and work through our lives to save those around us. He works through us, by the Holy Spirit inside us, so other people can be born again too, and go to heaven too. 

So, all His commands and teachings are for that purpose, and to give us the "abundant" life He promised. So awesome!! 

Love you dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

PS- Today marks my 200th blog entry since I started this on Sept.11th, 2024. So cool!!

"Blessed Are the Merciful,..."

Continuing our study of the teachings and commands of Jesus, as a foundation for our lives, we look at the next Beattitude in Matthew 5.

Matthew 5:7 NIV

[7]  Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

What is mercy? 

Webster's dictionary defines it as "compassion, leniency, or restraint shown especially to an offender or to one subject to the power of another." Or "2. Compassionate treatment of those in distress."

My reference Bible defines it as, "a form of love, especially directed toward the needy or unworthy."

Okay, cutting through such formal definitions, mercy is showing love to anyone regardless of if we think they deserve it or not.

Simplify it even more, it is being nice to someone no matter what happens. 

God shows us mercy everyday even though we don't deserve it and here Jesus is saying to do the same thing to those we encounter in life. Mercy receives mercy. "Give and it will be given unto you."

Luke 6:38 NIV

[38] Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Look at God's promise to us:

Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV

[22] It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, Because his compassions fail not. [23] They are new every morning: Great is thy faithfulness.

If He does this for us each day, how could we not do it for those around us? Give mercy to everyone, everyday, no matter what. This shows the love of God that is "poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit," and that is in us by the Holy Spirit.

Do you remember the movie "Roadhouse" with Patrick Swayze? Mercy is like the one line he said while training his employees at the bar. "If someone does this or that...BE NICE. If they did this or that, or said this or that...BE NICE." So cool. That is exactly what mercy is. I love that line in that movie.

So, mercy is similar to grace, giving people what they don't deserve or are unworthy of. Be nice, be kind, be compassionate....love everyone, no matter who they are or what they've done or not done, whether we think they deserve it or not. Why? Because God gives us this exact mercy every day too.

Let's look at scriptures:

Deuteronomy 4:31 NIV

[31] For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath.

Psalms 86:5 NIV

[5] You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.

Job 33:14-30 NIV

[14] For God does speak—now one way, now another— though no one perceives it. [15] In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they slumber in their beds, [16] he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings, [17] to turn them from wrongdoing and keep them from pride, [18] to preserve them from the pit, their lives from perishing by the sword. [19] “Or someone may be chastened on a bed of pain with constant distress in their bones, [20] so that their body finds food repulsive and their soul loathes the choicest meal. [21] Their flesh wastes away to nothing, and their bones, once hidden, now stick out. [22] They draw near to the pit, and their life to the messengers of death. [23] Yet if there is an angel at their side, a messenger, one out of a thousand, sent to tell them how to be upright, [24] and he is gracious to that person and says to God, ‘Spare them from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom for them— [25] let their flesh be renewed like a child’s; let them be restored as in the days of their youth’— [26] then that person can pray to God and find favor with him, they will see God’s face and shout for joy; he will restore them to full well-being. [27] And they will go to others and say, ‘I have sinned, I have perverted what is right, but I did not get what I deserved. [28] God has delivered me from going down to the pit, and I shall live to enjoy the light of life.’ [29] “God does all these things to a person— twice, even three times— [30] to turn them back from the pit, that the light of life may shine on them.

Job 37:23 NIV

[23] The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress.

Psalms 36:5-6 NIV

[5] Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. [6] Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.

Luke 1:50 NIV

[50] His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

Luke 6:36 NIV

[36] Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Titus 3:4-7 NIV

[4] But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, [5] he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, [6] whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, [7] so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 

We see here that since God has shown and shows His great mercy to us, we should be merciful too, to all people. So great.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

"Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst For Righteousness,..."

In today's study, we continue with the Beattitudes of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 5:6 NIV

[6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Let me start by saying with the invention of the Internet, social media, and cell phones, people waste so much time. Have you noticed how addicted people are to their cell phones? I see it all the time. Their "hunger and thirst" is misplaced. Anyone at anytime, Christians or not, can't get off their cell phones. I certainly will not change anything and people do what they do, but let me give you something to think about.

As Christians, what does the Bible say about how we use our time?

Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV

[15] Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Other versions say, "Redeem the time for the days are evil."

We only have so much time on this Earth, time we can never get back. Why waste it on things that do not matter from an eternal perspective?

Eternal perspective is things that will have an eternal impact, not a temporary one. Why do things that won't matter in a hundred years or a thousand years? Why waste time on a cell phone for example? Paul talks about this...

1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV

[23] “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 

See? He is saying don't waste time on things that are not beneficial or constructive. Okay, so how should Christians "redeem the time?" By making the most of every opportunity to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is the main function of the Church, to spread the gospel so others can be saved. 

Here Jesus is saying we will be happy when we "hunger and thirst" for spiritual matters, for God, and Him. We will be satisfied and "filled" because God will never let us down. He satisfies the desires of the heart, the longings of our souls. When we hunger and thirst for Him, when we pursue Him, then we will be satisfied with our lives. We will be happy. Through talking to Him in prayer and listening to Him as we study the Bible, we develop the eternal relationship with Him that He wants for us. At least that is what I am experiencing. 

So, turn off your phone or device. Stop wasting time, and spend time with God. Then He will use us to make an eternal impact in people's lives. Do what is beneficial, constructive, and eternal. Look here....

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV

[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. [12] Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. [13] You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Job 11:13-19 NIV

[13] “Yet if you devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him, [14] if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, [15] then, free of fault, you will lift up your face; you will stand firm and without fear. [16] You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. [17] Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. [18] You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. [19] You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor.

Hosea 10:12 NIV

[12] Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.

Amos 5:4 NIV

[4] This is what the Lord says to Israel: “Seek me and live;

Zephaniah 2:3 NIV

[3] Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.

Matthew 6:33 NIV

[33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

[7] “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

James 4:8 NIV

[8] Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 

Psalms 105:4 NIV

[4] Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

Isaiah 55:6-7 NIV

[6] Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. [7] Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

See? Seek God. Hunger and thirst for building your relationship with Him, and you will be satisfied. This brings our happiness. Pursue Him and He will pursue you. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. 

Love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Then love all people as we love ourselves.

Love you dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

"Blessed Are the Meek,..."

As we continue our study of the teachings and commands of Jesus, we move to the next Beattitude:

Matthew 5:5 NIV

[5]  Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

What is Jesus teaching us here?

First of all what does it mean to be "meek?"

Webster defines it as "having or showing a quiet and gentle nature."

My reference Bible defines it "to be gentle."

Some have described it as "strength under control." All of these are accurate. Meekness is having a nice, gentle personality. Some have mistaken it to mean to be a "doormat" or a "wimp," to let people walk all over you. It doesn't mean that at all. It means you are gentle with people. You are nice, considerate, well-mannered with people. You treat people nicely with dignity and respect. All of this can be done as we keep our strength under control. I am a United States Marine Corps Veteran. Yet, I am a gentle person. I am a nice person. I keep myself, my strength under control with all people. See what I mean? 

When we do this, Jesus says we will "inherit the earth." What does that mean? It means when we are gentle with people, they will want to be around us. It means we will get along with people. We'll be people who can make friends and can have good relationships. People will gravitate towards us and want be around us. Thus, we'll "inherit the earth."

So, here He is saying we will be happy if we have a gentle spirit and people will want to be around us as a result.

Hard to do? Not at all. This is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. We have it in our spirit already by the Holy Spirit who lives inside us. So, we walk by the Holy Spirit's leading and He produces our gentleness in us.

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Now, let's see what else the Bible says about this:

Matthew 5:39-42 NIV

[39] But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. [40] And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. [41] If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. [42] Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Many people have trouble with that one. However, this is similar to what is said in the Bible when it says, "agree with your adversary quickly." We don't want trouble, so we act to resolve conflict quickly. We do whatever we can to calm people down and make a peaceful situation, being gentle with them.

Galatians 6:1 NIV

[1] Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV

[2] Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. [3] Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Titus 3:1-2 NIV

[1] Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, [2] to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

James 1:19-20 NIV

[19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [20] because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 

James 3:17-18 NIV

[17] But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Psalms 37:11 NIV

[11] But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.

Psalms 147:6 NIV

[6] The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.

Psalms 149:4 NIV

[4] For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.

Then, if all that doesn't do it for you, just look at how Jesus lived while He was on Earth. He was always loving and gentle. Go and live like He lived.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

"Blessed Are Those Who Mourn..."

Continuing in Matthew 5 we read in verse 4:

Matthew 5:4 NIV

[4]  Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

From my last blog entry, we learned that "blessed" means happy. 

So how can we be happy when we "mourn?" What does that mean?

In this context, "mourn" means to repent, be repentant, or be contrite, or have contrition.

You might be thinking, "Uh...Jeff that doesn't help at all." Well, let me unpack those terms before we move on. 

Repentant- means feeling sorrow for a wrong one has done.

Contrite- means feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for improper or objectionable behavior, actions, etc.

In my reference Bible, repentance means to have a change of heart and mind from sin toward God.

In a nut shell this means to turn from sin, or a sinful lifestyle, and turn to God. Stop living in sin and live for God. Then this will make us happy and then God will comfort us.

He will never leave us or forsake us. He will always guide us by the Holy Spirit inside us. He will always love us. He will teach us and show us how to live by the Holy Spirit inside us. He will always be merciful to us. He will always be faithful to us. His grace will always be enough for us in whatever we face each day. He will always protect us and keep us in His care.

In this verse, Jesus is telling us that we will be happy when we turn from a worldly, sinful lifestyle and turn to God. Then we'll be comforted. When you turn to Him, He'll never let you down. 

Nothing in the world, sin or otherwise, brings happiness like God does. He brings lasting happiness that things on the Earth just does not. So turn away from all these things, and turn to God to find true and lasting happiness. If you are not a Christian, be born again today. How? Read my blog entry "Do You Have The Gift?" Turn from a sinful, worldly lifestyle and turn to God and you'll find real, lasting happiness and comfort.

Psalms 34:18-19 NIV

[18] The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. [19] The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

Psalms 51:17 NIV

[17] My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

Isaiah 57:15 NIV

[15] For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Isaiah 66:2 NIV

[2] Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.

Isaiah 55:6-7 NIV

[6] Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. [7] Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

Ezekiel 18:21-23 NIV

[21] “But if a wicked person turns away from all the sins they have committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, that person will surely live; they will not die. [22] None of the offenses they have committed will be remembered against them. Because of the righteous things they have done, they will live. [23] Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?

Acts 2:38 NIV

[38] Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Acts 3:19 NIV

[19] Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 

Simply? Turn from sin and turn to God, and He will comfort you.

Again, if you are not a Christian, please read my previous blog entry, "Do You Have This Gift?" So you can be born again!!

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

"Blessed Are The Poor in Spirit"

Hi my friends! I will start today in Matthew 5 with the most famous sermon Jesus taught, the "Sermon on the Mount." I will start with the "Beattitudes." Let's look at the first one and expand out all over the Bible today.

Matthew 5:3 NIV

[3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

First of all, "blessed" here means happy. So we'll have a happy life if we are "poor in spirit." So, what does "poor in spirit" mean? It means having a humble spirit before God and all people. It is not thinking lowly or badly about yourself, but thinking correctly about yourself. Being humble means you don't think you are better than everybody else, and you do not exalt yourself above anybody else. You exclude pride, arrogance, and conceitedness from your spirit.

As Christians, we are to walk humbly before God and all mankind. Be available to all people you encounter. Never exclude anyone from your life. Be willing to interact with anyone you come across. Why? So they can be saved too. Remember, that's the main purpose of the Church. God working through us so others can be saved too. 

Having said that, be cautious in friendships and being close companions with just anyone. Use wisdom. Be smart about it. Here's some verses about friends and close companions; people we "yoke" ourselves to. 

Proverbs 12:26 NIV

[26] The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV

[33] Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 NIV

[14] Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? [15] What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? [16] What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” [17] Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” [18] And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

Paul is saying here to make friends and close companions with other Christians and not just anyone. 

However, be humble enough to interact with anyone, so that God can use us for them to be saved too. 

Be "poor in spirit" or humble all the time and this will give us a happy life.

Now let's pour over the scriptures about being a humble person.

Proverbs 3:34 NIV

[34] He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.

Proverbs 11:2 NIV

[2] When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 15:33 NIV

[33] Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 16:19 NIV

[19] Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

Proverbs 22:4 NIV

[4] Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 29:23 NIV

[23] Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.

Isaiah 57:15 NIV

[15] For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Micah 6:8 NIV

[8] He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Matthew 18:3-4 NIV

[3] And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. [4] Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 20:25-28 NIV

[25] Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. [26] Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, [27] and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 23:11-12 NIV

[11] The greatest among you will be your servant. [12] For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Mark 9:35 NIV

[35] Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

Mark 10:43-45 NIV

[43] Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, [44] and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. [45] For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Luke 9:47-48 NIV

[47] Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. [48] Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”

Luke 14:11 NIV

[11] For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Luke 18:9-14 NIV

[9] To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: [10] “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ [13] “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ [14] “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Luke 22:24-26 NIV

[24] A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. [25] Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. [26] But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.

John 13:1-17 NIV

[1] It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. [2] The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. [3] Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; [4] so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. [5] After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. [6] He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” [7] Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” [8] “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” [9] “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” [10] Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” [11] For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. [12] When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. [13] “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. [14] Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. [15] I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. [16] Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. [17] Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Romans 12:3 NIV

[3] For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

Romans 12:10 NIV

[10] Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:16 NIV

[16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

1 Corinthians 1:28-31 NIV

[28] God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, [29] so that no one may boast before him. [30] It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. [31] Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Philippians 2:3-8 NIV

[3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. [5] In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; [7] rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. [8] And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross.

Colossians 3:12 NIV

[12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

1 Timothy 6:17 NIV

[17] Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

James 4:10 NIV

[10] Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

1 Peter 5:5-7 NIV

[5] In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” [6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. [7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

So good. Thank you Jesus for your teaching!!

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Jesus Tempted

Continuing in the temptations of Jesus in Matthew 4, the second temptation, Satan wanted Jesus to throw himself off the highest point on the temple, and see if God would send His angels to save him. 

Matthew 4:5-7 NIV

[5] Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. [6] “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” [7] Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.4.5-7.NIV

What can we learn here? In the first temptation and this one, Satan tries to get Jesus to doubt who he is. He says,"IF you are the Son of God..." He does that to us today..."If you were really a Christian then you..." or "Are you really a Christian? Look at how you act?" Again, he throws thoughts at us hoping they will stick in our minds and give him a foothold in our minds. Ignore it all. He is the great accuser and liar. Don't listen to any of it, lies or accusations. 

Jesus answered him with scripture, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test." He wasn't about to jump off the highest point of the temple and test God to see if the angels would save Him. He is the Son of God, so He did not have to prove who he was to Satan. We don't have to either. We are born again children of God forever, end of story. That's who God says we are, so that's who we are. Period. Never let Satan question who you are in your thoughts. 

Satan knows the scriptures too. He paraphrased Psalms 91:11-12 here. It doesn't matter what he knows. He will distort and twist the truth. So again, ignore it all when he throws thoughts at you. Jesus ignored his questions and answered with scripture. If you don't know scriptures just yet, then just ignore him. It says, "Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." When you don't listen to him, he always goes away. 

The last temptation, Satan wanted to give Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would bow down and worship him. Ridiculous. Promising the world, delivering nothing. Lies, lies, and more lies. The world wasn't Satan's to give first of all. Next, Jesus is the Son of God. Why would He bow down and worship Satan? Duh. Lol. Just abunch of nonsense. 

Matthew 4:8-11 NIV

[8] Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. [9] “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” [10] Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” [11] Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.4.8-11.NIV

Again, Jesus quoted scripture. Satan finally gave up and went away.

So, we learn here how to get Satan off our backs, so to speak. We resist him by ignoring him or answering him with scripture. Don't listen to any of it. Never let anything he throws at us take root in our hearts. Resist all his thoughts he throws at you and "he will flee from you." 

Jesus provides THE example on how to handle the dark forces out there, be it Satan himself or his demons. 

So, have confidence now when the attack comes. We are God's children. He will fight for us. Just submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.

What a great start to learning the teachings and commands of Jesus.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Jesus Always Teaches

Dear readers, let's start looking into the teachings and commands of Jesus, starting in Matthew 4. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, he replied 3 times to Satan with the Word. The first lesson we learn here is that we have to know the Word well enough to say it back to Satan and his minions when they throw thoughts at us. We have to ignore the "fiery darts" or thoughts they throw at us and remember what God's Word says about whatever they throw at us. 

For example: "You're not worth anything."

Answer back what God's Word says about you, "Yes I am, I am "fearfully and wonderfully made." Then disregard the lie from the dark forces.

Another example: "You're losing your mind."

Answer: "He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and a sound mind." Or "we have the mind of Christ."

See? When they attack with thoughts, we counter-attack with the truth of God's Word. We use God's Word just like Jesus did in the wilderness. God's Word is truth. God cannot lie, so we should build our lives on the truth of His Word.

Having said that, we have to know God's Word in order to use it when the attack comes. So you want to spend a lot of time in God's Word learning these things. There is no substitute for just staying in the Bible, learning these things. Learning the Word brings peace and happiness too. For example:

Psalms 121:7-8 NIV

[7] The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; [8] the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

See? Just off the top of my head. This verse is a comfort, knowing God is right here with us, watching our "coming and going" all the time. He is right here with us. We trust Him at His Word, believe what He says, and it comforts.

So, a great lesson from Jesus right off the bat is using scripture to fight off the dark forces that attack us in our minds. However, if you don't have scripture to fight with, remember, Satan and his minions cannot tell the truth. Everything they say are lies. So, if you don't know the scripture to fight with, think just the opposite.

For example: "Go ahead and drink alcohol. It won't cause any trouble." LIE.

Answer: "I won't drink."

In the temptations of Jesus, Jesus shows us to depend on the Word of God as we live out our lives. We feed our spirits with the Word, just like we feed our bodies with food. That's what he told Satan.

Matthew 4:4 NIV

[4] Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

So to start, He shows the value of reading and staying in the Bible. It feeds our spirit and fills us with the truth, and gives us what we need to stand against Satan's lies when they come to us as thoughts.

Reading and retaining the Bible is how God transforms our spirits. If you've read through the entire Bible already, keep reading it. Over and over again. This is renewing your mind everyday. You are "transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Romans 12:2a NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...

Never think you know it all. Never think you've already read this or that. You are renewing your mind every time you read something again. You are reminding yourself of what God has shown you. Never think, "I already know that," or "I've read that a thousand times already." That's a person's pride talking. Paul advises the same way...

1 Corinthians 8:2 NIV

[2] Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know.

We will always learn from the Word. We'll never know it all. So, stay humble, stay hungry for the Word, and keep reading the Word.

Spend time in the Bible everyday to feed your spirit. Just like you eat everyday to feed your body, read the Bible everyday to feed your spirit. 

So, that's a great start to learning the commands and teachings of Jesus. Make reading the Bible the top priority in your life and you'll be blessed by it.

Matthew 5:6 NIV

[6]  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Love you all dear readers,

Jecfrey Post

We Are Not the Vine. Jesus Is.

As I start John 15, we learn some awesome things here.

John 15:1-8 NIV

[1]  “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. [2] He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 

[3] You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 

[4] Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 

[5]  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 

[6] If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 

[7] If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. [8] This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 

Ok first of all, if you are born-again by the Spirit of God, then you are children of God, and in this passage we are all abunch of "branches." 

Jesus is the Vine. He is the Head of the Church, and we are all members of His Church, the family of God, the kingdom of God.

We are all branches that are attached to Jesus, the Vine. Fruit that is made on all the branches, is made by Jesus, the vine. The branches do not make the fruit, we don't make the fruit, Jesus does. He produces the fruit on us, His branches, by the Holy Spirit that lives in each one of us.

The Holy Spirit produces this fruit in our lives, in our spirit. Thus it is called the "fruit of the Spirit." What kind of fruit is it? Fruit that will last forever. Fruit that benefits those we influence. It's not for us, but for those around us. They eat this fruit, we don't. It is so they will know God exists and will glorify Him. So, God will draw them to Himself, and they will be saved just like we were. 

Hebrews 11:6 NIV

[6] And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Matthew 5:16 NIV

[16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

What is the fruit? It is made by the Holy Spirit. So, it is called the "fruit of the Spirit."

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

This is the fruit He makes within us for others to eat and experience. Why does Jesus make this fruit in us by the Holy Spirit? So others will be saved too.

That's the whole purpose of the Church. We are here to be used by Jesus, so that others can be saved, and added to His family, and go to heaven too. He works through us, the Church, the branches, to bear His fruit of the Spirit in us, so that others will know we are His disciples, and will want to be saved too.

Jesus is the Vine. We are the branches. Remain in Him and let His words remain in you. How do we remain in Him? In Christ?

Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV

[13] And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

We were included in Christ when we were born again and the Holy Spirit came into us at that time. He is the deposit into us that shows we are in Christ. The Holy Spirit is the seal on us that we are in Christ automatically by our believing in Jesus. This seal never ends, is never broken, guaranteeing our inheritance which is to come. The Holy Spirit is in us forever. We remain in Christ forever, because the Holy Spirit remains in us.

Being in Christ, let Him bear His fruit in your life by the Holy Spirit inside you, so others can be saved too.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

How We Love Jesus.

As I continue studying the book of John, in Chapter 14 and selections from 15, we learn how to love our Lord Jesus Christ. I must admit that He is very "black and white" with this topic, very little gray areas. If we love Him we'll do this or that. If we don't love him we won't do this or that. He is very straightforward in the text. I love how our Lord Jesus never makes you wonder what He is saying. 

At the start of the new year, this will definitely give us all something to look into and spend time with. If one needs direction on what to pursue this year, this is it! This will lay the foundation for us to stand on everyday. Jesus is the Rock we stand on. He is the "anchor for our souls." So let's look.

Now on with the text:

John 14:15 NIV

[15]  “If you love me, keep my commands. 

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.14.15.NIV

John 14:21 NIV

[21] Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.14.21.NIV

John 14:23-24 NIV

[23] Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. [24] Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.14.23-24.NIV

John 15:9-10 NIV

[9] “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. [10] If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.15.9-10.NIV

So we see here that Jesus tells us to obey his commands and teachings as all he has said comes from the Father, and that's how we show Him that we love Him. That's how we love Jesus.

Is that an impossible task? Nope. We have help from the Holy Spirit that lives inside each one of us:

John 14:26 NIV

[26] But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.14.26.NIV

So, if you are going to show Jesus that you love Him by obeying His commands and teachings, you have to learn what those commands and teachings are. You can start off this year making that your goal. Learn all the commands and teachings of Jesus. All these are found in the first four books of the New Testament which are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Start reading at Matthew and take notes. Write down every command or every teaching He gives and you'll be well on your way. Then start applying what you learn to your life. This makes Jesus the foundation of our lives. We show him we love him by building our lives on His words. Then all other scripture branches out from His words.

I have been doing this since April 28th, 2024. So, get ready, this will take awhile. What an awesome goal to start in 2026!! I hope you will make it your ambition to pursue this. I hope you learn every single, solitary command and teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and implement them into your everyday life.

There is no time schedule, no pressure. Do this as you see fit and God will bless you for it. He will add more truth to the truth you learn as you go. 

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6.

Don't forget, you are not alone. The Holy Spirit will guide you and help you along the way.

As they say in sports, "LET'S GO!!!"

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post