“True Conversion – Making our Salvation Sure”

Note: Today's devotion was Inspired by a message I heard by Ray Comfort

The purpose of this teaching is NOT to scare you out of your salvation, but to help you have a clear presentation of the gospel and to give you an understanding that all who say they are “SAVED” may indeed not be saved, that’s why their lives have never changed. A life touched by Jesus is a changed life!

In all this I want the true believer to remember the keeping power of the LORD for His children.
John 10:28 (no one will snatch us out of His [God’s] hand)
Heb. 13:5 (I will NEVER leave you…)
Phil. 1:6 (…He has has begun a good work in you will complete it…)

Common Example: Someone said they were saved as a child, yet their lives never changed. Now they are living in the world with no intentions of changing, no conviction, no concern about their spiritual state . It can be false hope to think you are saved when you are not. I’m not judging you, God’s Word does!!!

1. The purpose of the law (10 Commandments) in sharing the Gospel

This brings me to the first area of neglect that I feel is so important in ministering to the lost about Christ (I’m not saying it is the only way – but it is a scripture-based method). We need to use the law (especially the 10 Commandments) to show people their need of Christ. James 2:10 says that no one keeps the law, thus, guilty of ALL.
Rom. 3:19 tells us the Law holds ALL accountable/guilty (see 10 Commandments – Exo. 20), even those who maybe haven’t heard the 10 commandments. ALL have the law in them (written on their hearts). Rom. 2:14,15

We want to see people come to a saving knowledge of Christ, but we haven’t shown them how very guilty they are before a Holy God. How can a man repent if he doesn’t know he is a sinner (guilty)?

Some have experienced a false salvation, as we see in Matt. 7:18-23
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the
will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have
cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you (in the Greek it means not even once – (thus, it is not talking about a backslider): depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Paul hadn’t know sin except the law. (Rom. 7:7) Earlier he said in Rom. 7:4 – “…Dead to the law through Christ.”

I believe without the preaching of the law (that shows us that we are guilty before a Holy God) we have produced a group of people, not just in the world, BUT IN THE CHURCH, who are not saved, but deceived into a false salvation; thus, our churches lack the fear of God (no reverence, no awe, no trembling before God).

My final thought on the LAW is found in Gal. 3:24-25 – The Law is our schoolmaster/tutor. It won’t save you but point you to your need for Christ.

I love the following quote:
“THE LAW CAN ONLY CHASE A MAN TO CALVARY, NO FURTHER” (law can’t save you!) – D.L. Moody

2. True salvation will bring forth repentance and be followed by good fruit

While salvation is not of works (Eph. 2:8,9 & Titus 3:5), the outcome of a true conversion will be repentance and fruit.

If there is no true repentance, then there is no true salvation – Acts 3:19, 26:20, Matt. 3:8

If there is no fruit , then there is no Salvation.
See – John 15:5, 16; Rom. 6:20-22
Rom. 7:4 – Dead to the law – married to another – Jesus Christ --->Fruit unto God

What is the fruit of a true believer (partial list, not all inclusive)?

1. Matt. 3:8, Acts 3:19 – Fruit of REPENTANCE.

2. Col. 1:10, Titus 2;11-14, 3:8 – Fruit of GOOD WORKS.

3. Heb. 13:15 – Fruit of THANKSGIVING.

4. Gal. 5:22,23 – Fruit of the SPIRIT (love, joy, peace…).

5. Phil. 1:11, James 3;17-18 – Fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS (which results because of Christ in one’s life).

End with this short story:
It is said that years back two Russian guards rushed into a prayer meeting and said, “if you’re NOT ready to die for Christ, then get out of here, and half the church left. ” They did this as they themselves were Christians and wanted to separate the true Christians from the false.

CONCLUSION:

Examine yourself to see if you are in the faith!!! If not, and this message has touched you, repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Then, get grounded in a good Bible believing church – let me know if you don’t know the churches in your area, I’ll help you find one.

In a few days I will send out another message (part two)on this subject . There is too much material to cover in one devotion.

Audio of this complete message as preached in Nigeria, Africa, is available at: www.sermon.net/biblefood “True Conversion – Making your Salvation Sure!”

In His Service,
Pastor Jim Mazzulla (jim@biblefood.org)
http://www.biblefood.org/

Comments are welcome!!!

Persecution and You - Are you claiming it!"

This is longer than usual but it’s been awhile since I have put out a devotion, and I believe this one has been put heavily on my heart for all of you. Please read! Thank you!

Mark. 10:29-30 We love “claiming” or saying the promises of God are for me. Well, today, I may be adding a promise that you more than likely haven’t been claiming. Now let’s look at our main scripture for today’s devotion: 29 So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother *or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, 30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. Mark 10:29-30
* “wife” taken out as it is NOT in the original Greek.

Persecution defined:
The act or practice of persecuting; especially, the infliction of loss, pain, or death for adherence to a particular creed or mode of worship. In the New Testament "persecuted" comes from the Gk. word dioko, which means: "to pursue" or "chase away." Over time it came to mean "to harass" or "treat in an evil manner."

Now let’s take a look at II Timothy 3:12: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12 Jesus promised us, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” (Jn. 15:20) Jesus did not promise us a rosy life. He promised us suffering. This is why he calls his followers to first “take up their cross” and then to “follow” Him.

In Matt. 16:24 “Jesus put the emphasis on self-denial and cross-bearing.”

Side Note: “I also believe our WORST day in Christ (as a Christian), is better than our BEST day without Christ (lost).”

As we look back into the Book of Acts we see the church was getting comfortable, even though they were told in Acts 1:8 (to take the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth. In Acts 8:1-4, persecution came and the church then spread to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, through the earth.

If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Matt. 16:24-25)

I’d like to share some personal experience along this line:
I went over to India in 2006 for 3 weeks (one week travel time) and preached 21-22 times while there. The people were so hungry. I preached my heart out. Then, in one of the last meetings, as we were driving approximately 1-1/2 hours across dirt in the dark to return to the pastor's compound who invited me to India, he let me know we were being followed by Hindu extremists who had been following us to some of our recent meetings, and wanted the meetings stopped. In America the persecution is there, but not at this level. As we were followed (and our van was not running well), I had to ask myself if these people pull us out of the van and beat us or threaten to kill us (or ME), am I going to be a coward and cry "Please don't hurt or kill me"? I thought about it very soberly and thought of how boldly I had preached the gospel over 20 times in India. So I prayed to the LORD that if we got pulled over and attacked that He would help me to not be a coward. The van, though not running very well, made it back to the compound safely, but it seemed like an eternity as we were followed the entire way. That was a real lesson to me about how deep does my Christianity goes! It was very sobering for an American whose level of persecution is when someone refuses a tract, laughs at you, etc. That being said, I will be going back in 2009 - PTL! I also have an evangelist friend in Pakistan, who has lived in Pakistan his entire life – His response to persecution - It's NO big deal it's part of life as a Christian. Think of the persecuted church in China - heavily persecuted, beaten, tortured, thrown in jail, and killed for their faith – Yet there are more true Christians there than anywhere in the world. We feel sorry for all the suffering that Christians around the world suffer (and we should), but while we feel bad, sad, and sorry for them, and are praying for them (and we should), they are praying for a true move of God in America. China has more than 15 million Christians in government-sanctioned churches, but as many as 100-130 million in unregistered congregations (these are the saved). Fifty or more Christians were arrested in January of this year after communist leaders viewed a new video, "The Cross: Jesus in China," produced by a California-based group, China Soul for Christ Foundation.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12

Footnote from Life Application Bible on verse 11-12: Jesus said to rejoice when we are persecuted.
Persecution can be good because:
1. It takes our eyes off earthly rewards.
2. It strips away superficial belief.
3. It strengthens the faith of those who endure.
4. Our attitude through it serves as an example to others who follow.

Not only does Jesus imply that persecution is coming but you're blessed as a result of it. The promise we have is that when you choose to live godly lives, we can expect persecution! “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep (life) to gain what he cannot lose (eternity).” Written by: Jim Elliot wrote that in his journal shortly before giving his life (martyred) on the mission field. He knew that the cost of the cause of Christ is everything you have. How about you, do you know real persecution? If not, why not? It's promised in Mark 10:30 and II Tim. 3:12 and was (and still should be) a normal part of the true church's everyday life. The persecuted church has always been a growing church.

Maybe what we in America need is some real persecution!

I encourage you to watch a short clip (2 min. 45 sec. on China persecution at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=4GwEHibmCCk&feature=related

And a touching longer clip (30 min.) on China Christians at: http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=cec3d9fd68600c58ee43c3d9fd68600c58ee43

To join BibleFood's FREE E-Devotional list go to:http://family-safe-mail.com/SubscribePages/BibleFood.html

ALSO this AUDIO devotion and many other SERMONS are available free (notes too) at:
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Channel Page: http://sermon.net/biblefood
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In His Service, Jim Mazzulla (jim@biblefood.org)
Comments are welcome :-)

Holy, Holy, Holy a neglected Bible truth"

A theme on my heart lately has been Holiness and Holy Spirit.

Holiness is up there as one of the most misunderstood subjects among Christians.

True Biblical holiness is not hardness, legalism, or mean-spirited people making everyone miserable with their own list of concocted standards.

God is a trinity of FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT.

Why not Father, Son and LOVE SPIRIT, GRACE SPIRIT, COMPASSION SPIRIT, ETC.

We must see he is the HOLY Spirit. God wants us to know He is the HOLY SPIRIT.

Holy is used in various forms over 650 times in the Bible.

The Greek noun hagiasmos, “holines,” “consecration,” or “sanctification,” [1] is from the root hagios which means holy or sacred.

Two ideas on Holiness:

One of the meanings of holiness is the idea of being "set apart". God is apart from us . . . He is in a class by Himself. "There is a profound difference between Him and those He has created. When the Bible speaks of holy objects or holy people or holy time, it refers to things that have been set apart, consecrated, or made different by the touch of God upon them. It was the nearness of the divine that made the ordinary suddenly extraordinary and the common, uncommon." [Sproul ibid.] Holiness means that God is transcendent (or unique and superior) in His greatness. (by R.C. Sproul)

The second aspect of holiness (and the one we generally think of first) is the idea of purity. God is good. He does what is right and never does what is wrong. God is unstained by, and uncompromising with sin. God does not "bend a little" when it comes to wrong-doing. God always acts in a righteous manner because His nature is holiness. He is both great and good.
(by R.C. Sproul)

Holiness is to be separated from sin AND, therefore, consecrated to God. Jerry Bridges

Isaiah 6:3 "And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory."

Revelation 4:8 "And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."

You will note what the angels sing is holy, holy, holy. It's not just Holy. It's not even Holy, Holy. They proclaim "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts".

Why holy 3 times ?

Similarly to our bold, italic, and underline, a Hebrew emphasis was repetition.
So the angels are not content with, “Holy!” And they are not even content with the emphasis of, “Holy! Holy!” They must say it three times—“Holy! Holy! Holy!” They take it to the third degree—the unmatched degree. No other attribute of God is praised like this. Not love or mercy or justice or sovereignty. Just Holy. RC Sproul

And they are affirming in this trihagion, this repetition of the word holy, the complete character of God. No scripture says, love, love, love, goodness, goodness, goodness, mercy, mercy, mercy, grace, grace, grace. While God is those things, never a thrice use of it when speaking of the consummate nature of God, He is holy, holy, holy.

CONCLUSIONS
Though our study and pursuit of holiness must never end, this devotion needs to come to a conclusion. So let me make several final observations.

First, it should be obvious, that there is no better way to use our time than to use it for God's glory. There is nothing better. There is no one greater than the Lord. He is our life, our hope, our joy. To run after and serve anything other than the Lord is foolishness. Look at your own heart and turn away from the trivial pursuits that so often occupy our energy.

Second, we need to take personal holiness seriously. We spend a good deal of our lives trifling with sin. I know I find myself battling with the unholy all the time. We push God off to the side when we feel He is getting in the way of our enjoyment or of our "entertainment".

Look, I know that taking holiness seriously means significant change in our lives. And like you . . . I resist it.

However, if we understand God's mercy and grace at all (even a little bit). If we have any sense of God's holiness (which is becoming more and more rare) we will want to purge all that is profane from our lives.

It is time to do a personal inventory and to make changes:

in your entertainment
your use of your time
the way you spend your money
the way you talk
the way you do your job
the way you treat others
the way you worship

Finally, we need to stop comparing ourselves to others and start measuring ourselves by the correct standard. When we measure our lives by God's standards we truly see ourselves.

Yes, it often hurts, and facing the truth is painful. We must accept responsibility for our own behavior. But the amazing thing about the gospel is that it tells us that because of what Christ has done on our behalf, if we admit our sin and turn to Him for mercy . . . we will find it. Our Holy God will cover us with the righteousness or goodness of Christ.

Indeed, God is great and He is good, and He is HOLY. Let us devote the rest of our lives to Him! AMEN!

Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing,
Jim (jim@biblefood.org)

Two great books on the subject of Holiness.
"The Holiness of God" and "The Pursuit of Holiness"
Available at http://www.amazon.com/ for $10.39 each

“Christianity or Churchianity - Which are You a Part of?”

Looking at the title, some may say, “What’s the difference?” That is exactly what concerns me. They THINK they are part of Christianity when, in truth, they are really only part of a church. Today, we are going to briefly look at both and make sure we are part of Christianity, and not just part of a church (churchianity). You can find people who are a part of churchianity in any denomination (including yours)!!!

This devotion has been inspired by the answer I have often heard when this subject comes up. I’ve heard this answer when I lived in the North and in the South. It is sometimes worded a little differently, but basically the same answer. The typical question I ask when I am told about a dying person or a serious situation in a person’s life, “ARE THEY SAVED?” The typical answer I get is, “Oh yes, he goes to church every week.” My question back to them is, “BUT IS HE SAVED?” Often the person I’m talking with thinks I’m nuts for asking, after all they just told me this person goes to church. I then explain that just because someone goes to church doesn’t make them a Christian anymore than swimming makes me a fish.

May you also understand there is a vast difference between a churchgoer and Christian. I believe EVERY Christian should be part of a church and not be in disobedience to the Word of God (Heb.10:25). To be a church, doesn’t mean you have to meet in a building with a steeple on it, it could mean that you are meeting in a home or storefront as a newly planted church. Christians should go to a local church, but just because you go to church doesn’t mean you are a Christian.

What is Churchianity? - It is when someone is a part of a church, may even be very active, sing in the choir, or be an elder or deacon in the church. He is likely proud of his church (and likely his denomination). He may have mastered all the “Christian lingo,” yet he has not ever personally accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

What is Christianity? - Christianity is made up of individuals who have come to a realization individually that they are a sinner in need of a Savior, who is Jesus Christ. They repent of their wretched sinful state before God, and accept the Death/Burial/Resurrection of Jesus on the cross to wash away their sins and to make them a new creation. They also give Jesus control of their lives as LORD and SAVIOR. Christians are followers of Christ (Christlike). That’s a basic overview of what makes one a Christian and, thus, part of Christianity.

Many today are saying, "I'm of this ministry" or "I'm of this denomination," sounding a lot like I Cor. 1:12,13 - "Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. v.13 - Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" To be a part of a ministry or denomination is fine (most of us are) UNLESS IT'S ABOVE JESUS IN YOUR LIFE. In that case, you are part of churchianity and NOT Christianity.

I would like to close with what I consider a very sobering passage of scripture. Matthew 7:21-23 - "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

A person can say the right thing, even say “LORD, LORD,” and yet NOT be SAVED (a Christian). Christianity involves obeying our Heavenly Father!

It says that MANY will say, we "prophesied," "cast out demons" and "did many wonderful works (i.e., miracles)" all "IN THY NAME." God’s answer to all this will be, "I NEVER KNEW YOU." Never in the Greek means "not even at any time." These were people who were NEVER saved! Sobering thought!!!

In closing:

I believe there are some out there reading this who have been part of churchianity (maybe all your life), but today God is calling you to receive Him as your Lord and Savior and become part of Christianity. Others of you who are reading this know people who are not true Christians, they may even go to church but they are not saved. I pray God will help you to minister Christ to them. We have a mission field in and outside of the Church walls, may the deception of churchianity be broken in lives of many church goers, so they can truly come to a true knowledge of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

If you are a Pastor/Minister, I urge you to do your part in breaking the power of churchianity over many that may be sitting in your own congregations.

We really are living in critical times, no time to waste!

Please take this message seriously,
and may we be used of God to make an
eternal difference for the Kingdom of God!

May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all,
Jim (jim@biblefood.org)

The Many Faces of God

“The Many Faces of God”

What does God look like to you?

What is your image when you think about God?

I believe that many of us have visual images and beliefs of God that are not Biblical.

We often refer to God as our heavenly Father – which is good and correct, but we often go wrong in our view of what our heavenly Father is like.

Some look at Him, as a constantly “disciplining God.” While He does have to correct us and discipline us (Hebrews 12:6-8), seeing Him too often in this way is not a balanced picture of God.

Seeing God as a constantly ANGRY, MEAN, MAD, and even a DISCIPLINING God (24/7) is not the picture I believe we should have of our heavenly Father.

I am not a psychologist or psychiatrist, but I do believe many people get their image of God from their example in an earthly father.

While I have a good dad, he wasn't perfect; and as much as I love and respect him, I believe it is good that my image of my heavenly Father is better than anything my natural father could have been to me.

Some people have had earthly fathers who abandoned them, abused them, mistreated them, were critical of them, etc., and as a result, some people see their heavenly Father the same.

We must base our beliefs of our heavenly Father from what the Bible tells us about Him.

In the Bible, JEHOVAH (LORD) means most likely the self-existent one (I am who I am or I am the One who is) and denotes God's personal name and His eternality. It is often used in relationship to God as redeemer and covenant keeper.

In this we see the different attributes and characteristics of the LORD revealed. The following are just some of those Old Testament Jehovah compound names:

Jehovah Jireh means “the LORD provides" (Genesis 22:14).

Jehovah Rapha means “the LORD who heals" (Exodus 15:26).

Jehovah Shalom means “the LORD is peace" lack of tension, conflict and strife in God (Judges 6:24).

Jehovah Nissi means “the LORD is my banner" or “God my Standard of Victory" and signifies that the battle is the Lord's (Exodus 17:15).

Jehovah Tsidkenu means “the LORD our righteousness," God is the source of our righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6).

Jehovah Raah means “the LORD our Shepherd" and denotes our Shepherd who tenderly leads us, loves us and will keep us safe (Psalm 23:1).

Jehovah Shammah means “the Lord is present,” God’s abiding presence. Thus he will not abandon you. He will stay, not to just visit (Ezekiel 48:35).

In the New Testament I would like to share a few scriptures that tell us what God is like in relation to us, who have accepted Jesus into our lives as SAVIOR and LORD.

Jesus is the image (Phil. 2:6 Col. 1:14-16) of our heavenly Father.

We can learn about our heavenly Father by LOOKING AT JESUS.

Oh, how Jesus (God) LOVES you and me (John 3:16)!

Our hearts should cry “ABBA” meaning father, or more closely “daddy (or “papa”).
It conveys, “tenderness, dependence, and a relationship free from fear or anxiety.”
God is that one perfect father – daddy! This has always ministered to my heart. (See Romans 8:15 and Galatians 4:6)

In conclusion, can you see God as a laughing God?

A few years ago, I saw a picture of Jesus laughing, and honestly I thought it was almost irreverent. I don’t feel that way now! I believe there can be healing in seeing God LAUGHING. I’m sure some of you just have a hard time picturing that. Let me help you by having you go a picture of Jesus laughing.

NOTE: Jesus Laughing is found on many sites, but it's official site is at: http://www.jesuslaughing.com/

How about a compassionate, crying Jesus?

I have always found this picture touching and just an incredible picture.
To see this picture go to my website:
http://www.biblefood.org/jesuswept.htm

How about a God who isn’t hurting us, but is PROTECTING us? You can see that on my website. Go tomy website: www.biblefood.org/psalms_91.htm (hands of God).
Praise the LORD many have been touched by this picture over the years.

I believe a picture speaks a THOUSAND words (or more) and these pictures WILL minister to many of you – AMEN for that!

But even these great pictures are pale images in the face of an eternal God who loves us even beyond anything we can even picture. It’s even beyond human comprehension – Such a wonderful, loving God!!!

For this devotion with MANY MORE TOUCHING PICS go to: http://www.biblefood.org/faceofgod.htm

Do you have a negative view of God?

If so, I pray that the LORD, through this devotion, and more importantly through the pages of the Bible, will open your eyes to see Him as the wonderful, loving God He really is!

In His Service,
Jim (jim@biblefood.org)

Also please let people know about our sites:
http://www.biblefood.org/
http://www.goproclaim.com/

Is It Right to Judge?

Main text: Matthew 7:1-5 & John 7:24

Jesus is instructing us against engaging in hypocritical judgment.

In Matthew, Jesus tells us "Do not judge, or you too will be judged…" Possibly the most misquoted scripture in the Bible. People pull this scripture out of context AND never quote the many other scriptures on scriptural judging.

Let's first look at Matthew 7:1-5.
Let's not stop at verse 1 but read on. This passage includes significant detail later in the verse, "FIRST take the plank out of your own eye, THEN you will see clearly to REMOVE the speck from your brother's eye."

In John’s Gospel, Jesus is more succinct. First, He tells us what is unacceptable and then He tells us what is acceptable. "…Stop judging by mere appearances (unacceptable), and make a right judgment (acceptable)" (John 7:24).

So you think we’re "NOT TO JUDGE"? Let's go on!

Jesus taught men to judge rightly, insisting they “judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24) and He praised a man who “rightly judged” (Luke 7:43).

Paul shamed the Corinthian Christians because no one among them was willing to “judge the smallest matters” (1Cor. 6:2). As the Apostle Paul wrote, “He who is spiritual judges all things” for “we have the mind of Christ” (1Cor. 2:15-16).

We must let God’s word JUDGE people and then, based on the WORD (BIBLE), we must then speak His Word in LOVE - ALWAYS IN LOVE).

Jesus taught men to judge rightly, insisting they “judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24) and He praised a man who “rightly judged” (Luke 7:43).
Paul shamed the Corinthian Christians because no one among them was willing to “judge the smallest matters” (1Cor. 6:2). As the Apostle wrote, “He who is spiritual judges all things” for “we have the mind of Christ” (1Cor. 2:15-16).

Now let's look at some things that the WORD OF GOD judges, and when we agree with the WORD, we are not really judging people, but God's Word is judging them.

1Cor.6:9 states: "Make no mistake about it: those who lead immoral lives, or worship idols, or who are adulterers, homosexuals of any kind, or thieves, exploiters, drunkards, gossips or embezzlers will NOT inherit the kingdom of heaven."

Gal.5:19-21 it states: "Immorality, impurity and shamelessness (sensuality), idol worship and magic, ambition, division, factious, and envy, drunkenness, orgies and the like. I again say to you what I have already said: those who do these things shall NOT inherit the kingdom of God."

Rev.21:8 it states: As for cowards, faithless, depraved, murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, liars, THEIR PLACE is the lake of burning sulfur(or lake of fire). This is the second death."

In all these sins it is not a one time incident that is repented of, but a way of life (repeated).

Judging is proper ONLY when done from a right heart (free of plank/2x4 plus in Christ’s LOVE) and based on God’s Word (Bible) as our standard.

So let's be bold enough (in LOVE) to judge sin as sin.

Based on the Holy Bible as our standard.

Have a Jesus blessed day!

Jim (jim@biblefood.org)

"Seeing the Big Picture" by Os Hillman

I didn't write this one but it was so good I wanted to share it with you all:

.."Everything is against me!" - Genesis 42:36

Eventually, Benjamin along with Jacob's other sons learned that their brother Joseph was second in command in Egypt. Joseph revealed his identity, and Jacob was reunited with his son whom he had not seen for more than 13 years. He had thought Joseph to be dead.

So often we believe our dreams are dead. There seems to be nothing left in our world to live for. Everything appears to be against us. During these times, God is doing His deepest behind-the-scenes work. During these times, God is performing a deeper work in each of us-a work that cannot be seen.

When clients began leaving my ad agency and it dried up for no apparent reason, it appeared "everything was against me." I could not see that God was orchestrating a whole new calling on my life. At the moment, it seemed like the worst thing in the world. It seemed that I had been a failure. But God said, "No." All the years before had been preparation for what God's ultimate calling would be. One of God's methods for directing His children's steps is through drying up resources: a job loss, a career change, or a disaster. In these times we are willing to listen more intently, and to seek God in ways we would not normally do. C.S. Lewis once wrote, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." [C.S.Lewis, The Problem of Pain, 93.]

In His Service,
Jim (jim@biblefood.org)
www.biblefood.org
www.goproclaim.com

"The Making Process of becoming His Vessel"

Today's devotion is taken from my sermon titled:
“The Joseph Process to Your Greater Purpose for God” - Genesis 41:1-46 - Recommended reading

Joseph spent another 2 years in prison forgotten [after giving Cupbearer his dream interpretation], a total of 13 years of ups and downs for the process to be completed in God’s plan for Joseph’s life.

This process will break down that deadly sin of human PRIDE – Prov. 16:18, I Cor. 10:12 A difference in PRIDE and CONFIDENCE IN CHRIST.

A.W. Tozer stated, "It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He [God] has hurt [or broken] him deeply".

A broken and contrite heart God will not despise – Psa. 51:17

This is a person who has come to the total awareness of their spiritual bankruptcy apart from Christ.

Looking at Joseph, I’m sure there were some Eygptians who questioned how this JEW got to the TOP so quickly in Eygpt. But they didn’t have the SLIGHTEST idea what had gone on in Joseph’s life in the 13 previous years leading up to God promoting him.

Today I want to relate Joseph’s life to what I’ve gone through over the years as they are so similar, and I believe will help you understand why I am so PASSIONATE with my vision to reaching the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ. I’ve been told at times to calm down. For the record, I am at peace in my heart. But the hour is short, the harvest is ripe, we need to get busy gathering in the Last of the last days’ harvest.

My background: I was saved in 1975 at age of 15, and then I had a vision/dream in my heart of my calling to ministry at age 16 (after reading “the Cross and the Swithblade”). I then went to Bible School [after finishing High School] and finished it by age of 21, then I took my first pastorate from the age of 22-27.

Then comes THE REST OF THE STORY.

I pastored in the 80’s, and loved the LORD, but I had some spiritual struggles. I also had not yet experienced the level of the breaking of the self-life that the LORD was going to require of me. I thought I was a good solid Christian, in the Word daily, almost daily running off alone to be with God. I pretty much felt I had my Christian life under control, I was in charge of my DESTINY, then it all collapsed in one day (24 hour period)! I literally lost everything in one day – Church, ministry, transportation (my car totaled), and also due to all that I needed to move out of my rental. I ended up having nothing! That was on August 8, 1987.

BOY, DOES THE TOP OF A MOUNTAIN LOOK FAR FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VALLEY.

Then I went through what I call those QUIET YEARS. I still remembered the vision of God’s call on my life at age 16 and here I am (in 1987) almost 12 years (1975) after God’s vision/dream and it’s ALL GONE!

I could hardly see the vision God gave me at 16. I felt like absolutely nothing was happening in my life, when in reality, God was establishing me, perfecting me, and refining me. NOT THE MOST FUN PROCESS!

Read: Job 23:10 – “…When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.”

Refining process = As Gold purified/tried by fire – Read 1 Peter 1:7 and 1 Peter 4:12

I believe trials serve to:
1. Remind us of our need of Christ.
2. Strengthen our faith.
3. Remove impurities.

Then in 1994 or 1995 the first sign of something as to my calling revived – God has me start a monthly men’s Bible Study with approx. 10-20 guys.

Also during that same time period (1994-1995) I go through the book “Experiencing God,” and then end up faciliting to approximately 10-12 people (I shepherded them with all my heart for those few months).

Then, in 1998 I was impressed of the LORD to start an online Bible Study called BIBLEFOOD/Go Proclaim Ministries (Weekly Devotional) started with, I think, 3 members and growing. That year we grew into the 100’s. I was so excited!!!

Then by 2000 growing into the 1000’s and today we have over 6,000 members of BibleFood. My heart as a pastor grew during this time as many wrote me for prayer and guidance.

Then in the winter of 2004/2005 the LORD said it’s time to sell the house and move into ministry where I can personally be involved in peoples’ lives, not just by the internet.

The door opened in the Spring of 2005 for a home missions/pastor position in Kane, PA. Where’s Kane??? Pennsylvania Isn’t it COLD in PA? Though I don’t like the cold weather, I believed (and still believe) God sent me to the little town of Kane, PA (known as the Icebox of Pennsylvania).

Now, as we move into 2006, the vision to reach the world, not only by internet but in person, swings open. I am invited to AFRICA (a dream of decades – It will happen in 2007), then Pakistan, then INDIA (going to India NEXT week).
See: www.goproclaim.com/india.htm

What has happened? What is going on?
God is bring me through THE JOSEPH PROCESS!

Just as Joseph had his testing period before God’s VISION was given to Joseph at age 17 was to come to pass some 13 years later (when he was 30 yrs. old). So the vision God gave me at 16 started to manifest in 1998 (23 years later) and further fulfillment in 2005 at age 46 (last year, some 30 years later), and now my first trip to a third world country this year, and prayerfully more to come.

Are all the valleys done, NOPE! But the valley times seem shorter.

NOW SO IMPORTANT – DON’T MISS THIS!

No matter what you have thought of yourself, REMEMBER THE WORDS OF I Cor. 1:26-29.

“For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: THAT NO FLESH SHOULD GLORY IN HIS PRESENCE.”

God has NOT chosen many WISE, MIGHTY, or NOBLE…but God has chosen the foolish, weak, base [insignificant], the despised.

WHY? So that NO person shall take pride in himself, but give God all the glory.

Then in I Cor. 4:7 – “For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”ALL that we have we received is from the LORD. Since we received it from the LORD, there is no reason to boast about what you have as if you achieved it yourself. It was all given to you by God.

2 Cor 3:5 – says, “…our sufficiency is of God.”


Why such a process?
Because God does not want POWERFUL PERFECTLY POLISHED vessels of the flesh (self-made men), but yielded vessels which HE CAN PERFECT.

I remember my days in the Joseph pits, and would rather stay broken and obedient to my LORD than end up in the pit again.

I KNOW I am what I am BY THE GRACE OF GOD.
I DO what I do BY THE GRACE OF GOD.

My prayer is:
LORD, may Jim never rise to ANY throne, may Jim NEVER forget the working of God in his life, may Jim ALWAYS seek to please his LORD and SAVIOR and not man.

This is what 17 years did for Joseph, it BROKE him and PREPARED him.
This is what 30+ years did for Jim – it has broken him and prepared him (I’m a slower learner than Joseph).


What about you?
Did God give you a vision in your heart of what HE wants to do with your life FOR HIM? YES! He has a purpose in your life for each of us to GLORIFY HIM in some way(s).


Have you lost that vision?
Let God make you into that YIELDED vessel He can use!

It may take you 5 years of preparation, or like Joseph 17 years of preparation, or like me 30+ years of preparation, or maybe more (though I hope not).

PLEASE don’t resist His hand in your life, yield to the LORD in your heart.

Cry out from your heart, “I only want YOUR will LORD for my life and nothing else”.

Then keep crying out from your heart until you actually mean it and are 100% yielded to the LORD.

PRAYER:
LORD, thank you for NEVER giving up on us, in the past, or in the PRESENT or in the future, and LORD help us to be YIELDED vessels that will give GLORY TO YOU WITH OUR LIVES! In Jesus Precious Name, Amen!

In His Service,
Jim (jim@biblefood.org)