My Observations

He Dwells in the Heavens

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“Unto Thee lift I up mine eyes, O Thou that dwellest in the heavens.” Psalm 123:1 (KJV)

To the child of God who reads this verse it should be quite obvious who the subject is.  He dwells in the heavens.  There is only one.

It is to Him that the child directs his/her gaze.  It is to Him that the child of God places their trust, and receives comfort, peace, rest, and salvation.

Yes, the Holy One dwells in the heavens, and He also dwells in the hearts of His children.

Make sure today that He not only dwells in the heavens, but that He also dwells within your heart; and that He shows through.

In Distress

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“In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and He heard me. Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.” Psalm 120:1-2 (KJV)

We all experience distress.  Distress is defined as; “great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering; affliction; trouble.”  It had the same meaning to the Psalmist; probably David.

Being slandered, falsely accused; we have all had it happen one time or another.  If you have not; then you will.  It is not pleasant.  It can make you want to just curl up in a corner, and never see anyone again.  That is what the culprit who spreads it wants.

Christian, when it happens to you do as David.  Cry unto the LORD.  He will hear you.  Look the enemy, the liar, the culprit in the face; in the midst of others, and make them come clean.

The LORD will hear your cry.  He will deliver you.  Liars, slanderers, can never stand up to the truth.

One thing for certain; Christian, those things best not be coming out of your lips or mouth concerning someone else.  Be an encouragement even to those who might be  your foes, your enemies; but especially to those who are your friends.

In your distress cry unto the LORD.  In your distress praise the LORD.  In your distress stand your ground, and pray for those who offend you.

Mercy Endureth Forever

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“O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: because His mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 118:1 (KJV)

The LORD is worthy of our thanks.  He is good.  He is great.  He is awesome.  I looked out over the Grand Canyon in Arizona; and said, “That is awesome”, and wept at the spectacle of its beauty.  I then thought of how much greater God is; and wept at His greatness being even greater.

I am thankful that His mercy is forever, and that it endures the trials of life.  It endures my sins, my fears, my failures.  God’s mercy; the LORD’S mercy is forever.

You experienced it this morning.  You may not have thought about it, but you did.  Is your heart still beating?  If it is that is God’s mercy.  Are you still breathing?  That too is God’s mercy.  If you do not know Him He has given you another day, another chance to place your faith and trust in the work of His Son Jesus Christ.

Believe Him, and thank Him for His mercy; and His grace.

Not Unto Us…

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“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth’s sake.” Psalm 115:1 (KJV)

This Psalm is known to be a song read and sung during the Passover, remembering the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage.

For the Christian today this ought to be our prayer that God be glorified; not us.  We have a lot of glory seekers in the “Christian” realm; maybe we should say  the “Christian” kingdom; where Christianity is a religion, not a relationship with Christ.

In these United States of America God is no longer feared; but mocked, even by many professing themselves “Christian”.  It is no wonder God is mocked when men and women who proclaim themselves “Pastors”, “Christian” find themselves approving of what God disapproves; approving what God calls an abomination.

Let God be true, but every man a liar (Romans 3:4).

O my prayer is that God will show Himself strong in me (2 Chronicles 16:9); and that the name of Jesus Christ Son of God, and God the Son would be glorified over and above the chaotic mess this world is in; that our nation is in.  That our nations leaders either get right with God, repent of their sins or that God remove them in His way and time.  Not by any hand of man, woman or men; but by the hand, and power of God.

That the Body of Christ rise up in faith; and begin to speak the Word of God as it is Truth without any mixture of error.  We may live in dark times, but the light of Jesus Christ shines brightly in the dark.  Sin will be revealed.  Christians will be revealed by their stand on the truth of God’s Word.

Christian; stand today, and glorify Jesus Christ.  “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth’s sake.”

His Sanctuary; His Dominion

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“When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language; Judah was His sanctuary, and Israel His dominion.” Psalm 114:1-2 (KJV)

The Psalmist; probably not David, but another of a later time acknowledges GOD as the Ruler of the nation.

The LORD is the One who delivered Jacob [Israel] out of Egypt.  Judah is the sanctuary of God’s abiding.  It is from Judah which our Saviour Jesus the Christ came.  It is in Judah where Jerusalem is.

Israel the new name for Jacob is the place of God’s rule; and covers the entirety of the kingdom.

It is Christ Jesus who is the King.  It is within His people that He is abiding; His sanctuary.  Yet He has a plan for Israel.

Just as the LORD delivered Jacob out of Egypt; so too does He deliver sinners out of sin, and death.  He has sent His Son Jesus who died on the cross, was buried, and He rose from death, and forever lives.  Believe Him and live forever with Him.

W4CL – Righteousness

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“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad Him, saying, ‘I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, ‘Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then he suffered Him.”  Matthew 3:13-15 (KJV)

Coming to John the Baptist for baptism;  these are the first words of Jesus spoken in the Gospel of Matthew.  The baptism of Jesus was for the purpose of fulfilling the righteousness of God.  Jesus certainly did not need to be baptized; except for that purpose.  John recognized it and baptized Him.

Since the first words of Jesus recorded in Matthew were concerning righteousness; I would believe that righteousness is a very important part of Christian living.

Righteousness is doing the godly thing.  The right thing.  Thinking and acting Biblically in a corrupt world.  If you are living like the world; you are not living righteously.

W4CL – Restore

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“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galations 6:1 (KJV)

How many times have you without any fault of your own found yourself dealing with a sin?  You found yourself, deceived, believing wrongly, doing wrongly.  You were “overtaken in a fault”.  You have grieved over it.  Then a “Spiritual” brother/sister who is bearing all those fruit of the Spirit comes and ministers to your need.  By the love, compassion, and meekness you are restored to fellowship with God and the Body of Christ.

That is what it means to be a “Spiritual” Christian.  The spiritual Christian does not condemn the fallen brethren, but seeks to restore the one who is grieving in their sin.

The next time you see a brother/sister in Christ overtaken in a fault seek his/her  restoration.  You could find yourself in that situation sometime later.

For further study on Galations 6:1

Words for Christian Living – Arabia

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“For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: and profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.”  Galations 1:13-17 (KJV)

Arabia is situated to the Northeast of Africa as a peninsula.  Paul declares in Galations that this is the place to which he went following his call from Christ to follow Him.  He makes it clear that his first call was to get to know the Lord Jesus better.  He sought to learn of Him from Him, not the apostles, not what others had to say; but from Jesus alone.  There was nothing about Arabia that had any appeal to it.  He went to the wilderness.  This seems to be very similar to Jesus’s going into the wilderness “to be tempted/tested” (Matthew 4:1-11).

Every Christian needs to learn more about Jesus, from Jesus Himself.  The place to begin is with the Bible, God’s Word; and believe it, and live by it, as Jesus did, and continues doing.  Your Arabia may just be your quiet time each morning in prayer and in the reading of the Bible.  Make it daily, and at the same time each day.

It is most important that you hear what Jesus says of Himself.  Then when you hear things that are contrary to what you have learned from God and His Word you will know that it is false.

Spend some time each day in your Arabia.

Words for Christian Living – Edification

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“Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.”  2 Corinthians 13:10 (KJV)

A lot of times as a pastor, preacher of the gospel there will be times things within the Church, the local congregation you lead with strike up a hot response in your heart.  There are things that go on sometimes that ought to make us angry.  We see a family angry at another family; one member mad with another member; and they are casting insults at one another.  Maybe one member maligning another when the other being maligned is not guilty of much, or anything that is being charged.  It could be a member you know is in personal sin.  These things should cause some anger, with self-control [temperance] from the pastor, preacher.

In the above verse Paul has expressed that he should use “Sharpness”  or “Severe reproofs and censures… the exercise of the apostolic rod” (John Gill Commentary e-Sword).  You will note his words though “To edification”.  It should never be the intent of correction, reproof, rebuke to destroy; but to always edify.  To build up takes more effort than tearing down.  Sometimes tearing down is necessary, but the ultimate end is for “Edification”

Words for Christian Living – Sufficiency

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“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And He said unto me, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (KJV)

Some will notice that I used a portion of this Scripture; verse 9; a few days ago.  There is another word that is beneficial here for the Christian.  The word “Sufficiency”  one definition at dictionary.com is “adequate provision or supply, especially of wealth.”

Sufficiency in Christ is in matters of His supply, provision; and it is adequate.  Grace is sufficient through Christ; and all that goes with it.  According to Scripture; we are “Joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17) so all that is His is ours as well, even the suffering with Him.  We are also told by Scripture that “All things are under His feet” (1 Corinthians 15:25, 27;  Ephesians 1:22;  Hebrews 2:8).  All that the Christian needs is supplied by the cross of Jesus Christ.

Christ Himself is our wealth; our Sufficiency.

Words for Christian Living – Jealousy

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“Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.”  2 Corinthians 11:1-4 (KJV)

We would not in a normal sense think of “Jealousy” as being a good thing.  However, the apostle is dealing with a people who are not strong on the doctrine of Jesus Christ alone for salvation.  We are servants of the Jealous God (Exodus 20:5; 34:14;  Deuteronomy 4:24; 5:9; 6:15).  Jealousy from God should be expected.  He created all that is.  It is proper of Him to desire the worship and adoration of His creation.

Christians should be jealous for Him.  Christian pastors and preachers ought always “defend the faith” because there is not other to worship.  We ought to be jealous for God.

Contrary to what Oprah may have said concerning the jealousy of God.  He is still a jealous God.  He alone is worthy of worship, adoration and praise.  He alone is worthy of our jealousy for His worship.  When others proclaim “Another Jesus” which is not the Jesus who died on the cross, was buried and bodily arose from the grave; and is eternally seated at God the Fathers right hand; we must speak out vehemently against that “Jesus”.  That “Jesus” is not the Jesus of grace and mercy, but another of deception.

Christian, be “Jealous” for Christ Jesus.

Words for Christian Living – Commendation

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“But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.”  2 Corinthians 10:17-18 (KJV)

Most people are searching for commendation.  Some are satisfied with self-commendation; others desire the commendation of others.  Self-commendation is worthless; but then, so is the commendation of others for the purposes of eternity.

The word “Commendation” means… “Approval; Praise”.  It speaks well of a person when others approve her/him.  However, if someone with an evil heart speaks well of you…  What does that say?

The commendation from God, our Lord, is the better commendation.  Do not rest in peace with what others say of you.  You can rest, and be in peace with what God says of you, commending you.  You will not be commended by God with unrepented sin in your life.  He will commend you when sin is dealt with, and you are in fellowship with Him through the cross of His Son Jesus Christ.

Words for Christian Living – Grace

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“And He said unto me, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

The apostle Paul was being afflicted by what he called “a thorn in the flesh”, and he had prayed to be delivered from it; to be healed maybe of the physical affliction.  We are not told what it was, but we are told that the Lord’s answer is found above.

In the midst of affliction, our thorn in the flesh, whatever it is we can rest assured that God’s grace is sufficient for us.  In our weakness God is strong.  In our weakness, our illness, or disease God is glorified.  None of us like afflictions.  We can be like Paul, however and “Glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Remember the word “Grace”.  God’s grace is sufficient.

Words for Christian Living – Giving

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“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, ‘He hath dispersed abroad; He hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth for ever.’ Now He that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.”  2 Corinthians 9:6-11 (KJV)

Paul the apostle was sending a delegation to Corinth to pick up a promised donation to the Jerusalem Christians.  He sent this message to thank them for their generosity; and to encourage them in their giving.

For the Christian giving is not a dread; it is a blessing.  We are giving back to God recognizing our Blessers blessings.  Every Christian is a giver.  Every Christian should enjoy giving.

There are many places crying out for help, for money.  Where should the Christian give.  The main place should be to and through your local congregation.  “God loves a cheerful giver.”

Words for Christian Living – Rich

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“Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.”  2 Corinthians 8:7-9 (KJV)

That word “Rich” causes us to think of wealth in the material sense.  We hear the word “Rich” and we may have thoughts of what that might be like to live like the “Rich”.  Gold, silver, precious stones, Wall Street, big mansions, big ranches or farms; many houses and lands or expensive cars have absolutely nothing to do with the richness of which the above passage speaks.

The wealthiest Man who ever lived and walked among men gave up much wealth – the splendor and glories of heaven – and came down and walked among us, then gave His life that we all might be saved.  He gave up wealth, to become poor that those who hear His Word, and believes would become rich in the purest meaning of the word.

The riches of Christ cannot be taken away; they cannot be destroyed by moth or rust; they are incorruptible.  The riches and glory of heaven are yours through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God.

Words for Christian Living – A Strong Heart

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“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”  2 Corinthians 4:1-2 (KJV)

There are many people walking around in this world who have been told by their physicians that they have weak or failing hearts.  Some of us have had different types of surgery for their heart from stentz placed in arteries of their heart to what is called “Open heart” surgery.  The “Strong heart” of which I title this does not refer to the physical heart, but to the inner individual.

“…We faint not”  has much to do with having “A Strong Heart”.  The man or woman of God; every Christian; must be committed to being faithful to God and His Word.  That is what Paul the apostle is speaking of.  From the time we become a follower of Jesus Christ we “Renounce the hidden things of dishonesty”; these are the sins of our past.  We have repented, and our lives are changed.

It is a mark of the Christian, too, that we not use tricks, or deceit when it comes to the word of God.  One of the things that angers me is the way I see many a Christian leader using emotion to entice “worship”; then people walk away thinking they have been in the presence of God; they go out the doors of the Church or the stadium, and their lives are left unchanged.  Nothing wrong with emotion if it is not manipulated by deceit and the mishandling of God’s Word.  Be careful Christian that you do not let wrong handling of the word of God lead you astray.

The truth will be all the commendation one needs.  Know the truth.  Keep your heart for God strong.

Words for Christian Living – Be Brave, Be Strong

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“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity. I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) that ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.”  1 Corinthians 16:13-18 (KJV)

Most men do not like seeing themselves as cowards, nor be called one; and in today’s world neither do women.  It is easy to be a coward.  One who refuses to act with justice, or judgment when they see an injustice is a coward.  Sure there are times when the right thing to do is get the authorities (Police, or whom ever that authority may apply).  Yet there are times the injustice may require an immediate act.

Christians.  We cannot be cowards when it comes to our faith in Jesus Christ.  We cannot be mambe pambe professors in a world that is dark in sin, and rebellion against our GOD and Savior Jesus Christ.

In Paul the apostle’s words above we hear him say, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”  The word “Quit” is “Be brave”. In the day when the government of our nation is refusing to hear the Word of God, and turning on and against the writings of our God, and that of the founding fathers of our nation; it is time for men and women of Christ Jesus to stand without fear, favor or compromise of faith.

Just a note:  I love the United States of America; but I love my GOD and Savior even more.  What He says goes.  What He says is Law.  What He says will come to pass.  That is where I stand.  Try and stop it if you dare.

Jesus Christ died on the cross, shedding His life’s blood to purchase/redeem us; He was buried, and He rose bodily from the grave.  Trust Him as your Lord and Savior, and then you can live without fear.  You will live for Him and His glory.

 

Words for Christian Living – Why We Live

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“Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ: whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”  1 Corinthians 15:12-19 (KJV)

There are those who do not believe that life comes from death.  Think about this…  A farmer plants an old dried seed in the ground, and a few weeks, or months later a stalk comes forth out of the ground, and produces a harvest of corn or wheat or barley…  Life does come from death.

So how is it we can have such a hard time believing that God could raise His own dead, buried Son from death?  We live because the holy, Righteous, Son of God shed His blood on the cross of Calvary, was buried, and arose bodily from the grave.  He is alive forevermore.

God created human beings eternal beings.  The death of the body is a result of sin; transgression of God’s laws.  Yet, though the body dies the eternal being lives on, somewhere.  Hell’s fire is what we deserve.  However, God in His Holy, Righteous, Justice and Love sent His Son to die for our sins; taking the wrath that was mine and yours to bear; and bore it for us on His cross.  The bodily resurrection of Jesus is evidence of the truth of the words Jesus spoke while He lived and dwelt among us.  Trusting Jesus and His finished work on the cross is the only means of salvation.

Believe Him and live.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living – Use Words Wisely

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“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”  Matthew 7:6 (KJV)

When I was a teenage boy, and first got my driver’s license I was probably like a lot of other boys.  I liked to spin my wheels, smoke my tires, stir the dust when I was in the pasture; and such wasteful things as that.

It seems these days many Christians are good at “Spinning their wheels”, “Smoking their tires”, and “Stirring the dust” when it comes to “Debate” or discussing the issues.  Some of those issues; such as the Evolution/Creation debate is one I see as a waste of our time.

The atheist; the non-theists argues for evolution; and I for one can see their argument.  They do not believe in God, and evolution relieves them of any responsibility to the Higher Power.  Many atheist have their minds made up.  Prayerfully many Christians have our minds made up concerning Creation; I know I do.  There is nothing the evolutionist or atheist can say to change it.  I believe the Word of God, and without God or His Word there would be no Science or atheists.  If there was no God, there would be no argument.

The point I want to make is from the verse above.  As Christians we have a calling to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, contend for the faith; but once we have done that, and seeing an individual set on ignoring the Spirit of God, and His Word; we need to move on.  To continue in that “Debate” is fruitless.  Deliver the gospel of Jesus Christ, then leave it in God’s hands, pray for the individual and watch God work.

After all; do you think you are more persuasive than God’s Spirit?

-Tim A. Blankenship

 

Words for Christian Living – Speech that Edifies

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“Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.”  1 Corinthians 14:1-5 (KJV)

Someone once said, “It is better to be thought a fool; than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”

In Paul’s writing above he speaks of the spiritual gift of “Tongues” and “Prophecy”.  One of the things I have noticed is that many of  those who claim the “Gift of tongues” want to make it a requirement for the “Baptism of the Spirit”.  Now I am not going to get into that; just saying.  Those may have a bigger problem controlling the tongue, speaking for the glory of God, rather than cursing.

At any rate Paul says Prophesy or Preaching the Word of God for building up, calling for a decision, and comfort is something that will “Edify” the Church; while “Tongues” edifies self.  That is plenty clear to me.

As Christians our speech – the use of our tongues – is to glorify God, build up and encourage, strengthen – by calling for commitment, decision, and trust in the Lord – and comfort the Body of Christ.  Also see James 3:1-12.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living – Enduring Love

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“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;  beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”  1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (KJV)

This “Charity” is the love God has for us.  It is love that we as Christians are to have for one another, and others outside the Body of Christ.  How much does God love us?  Enough to give His only begotten Son to die on the cross to pay a debt that was mine and yours to pay.

The charity we show is not selfish; seeking something in return, but the glory of God.  If we will practice this love there would be more marriages that will endure the tests of time.  Practicing this love of God there would be less rejoicing in iniquity; and more rejoicing in the truth.  This love “Endures all things”; but that does not mean we do not pray for change.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living – Flee Temptation

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“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.  Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.” 1 Corinthians 10:13-14 (KJV)

For some reason there are professing Christians who are believing their temptations are who they are.  That temptation is your weakness not your strength.  Flee from every temptation.  Do not make your temptation your idol.

When you say your temptation is who you are; you are making your temptation your idol.  Flee the temptation – flee that idol; and flee to Christ.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living – All One Body

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“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.”  1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (KJV)

In our physical body we have had no choice about how we are made.  We may have been made with a weak heart, weak muscles, and even diseased in some way.  We all have body parts that are failing us in one way or another; especially as we age.  It is still our body, and it is one.

Just as we often have no choice with the parts of our physical body we have no choice with who makes up the Body of Christ – Christians.  Only God has made that choice by His grace.  In Jesus Christ we are all the Body of Christ on earth.  Each of us have a part in His Body.  Each is important.  Any one of us who hurts or causes hurt, hurts the whole Body.  Think of that the next time you are tempted to sin.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living – Show the Lord’s Death

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“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, ‘Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me.’ After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, ‘This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 11:23-27 (KJV)

The Lord’s Supper, or Communion as some refer to it is a special time for the Christian.  It is not a necessary for one’s salvation; that is a gift of God and received by the believer from the grace God gives.  Far too often however I fear that many of us participate flippantly, and do not consider its holy and special meaning.

Paul says we do it, each time we do it, to show the Lord’s death till He comes again.  That means every time we receive the Supper we ought to be reminded of the Lord’s death on the cross for our sins, remember His burial where all our guilt, sin, and condemnation was carried away; and be reminded of His bodily resurrection, because He is returning for His people.

Part of eating and drinking “Unworthily” would certainly be not being reminded that He is coming again.  Lift up your eyes.  He is coming soon.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Words for Christian Living – Our Examples

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.’ Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”  1 Corinthians 10:6-12 (KJV)

The Christian has many examples in Scripture to follow.  When there are so many who want to follow the example of our society or culture; let the Christian be the one who says, “I will follow Christ, and live my life for Him, and His glory.  No matter what this culture does I will live for Christ; be pure, clean, and glorify His name.”

Some of you need to repent of the life you have been living; make that turn around today, and make that decision today.

Join with me in making that your declaration, and life today.

-Tim A. Blankenship