The biblical definition of HAPPY! Are you happy? True Happiness is defined in Holy Writ.
Though the happiest of people on His earth, for His true remnant, Christ is the goal, knowing Him – not happiness.
There is no such thing as a happy person who is not born again of the One who made us all. Impossible. The LORD created you to know Him, to have a personal relationship with Him and this life will never work out right until that relationship is in place (John 17:3). Is today your day to do business with God? >> Making Peace with God Now.
We deceive no one except ourselves when we think there is any other refuge, joy, peace, love, safety, security outside of our Maker, Jesus Christ.
The word “happy” appears 28 times in Holy Scripture.
In summation, we can observe that God’s Word conveys that those whom He has chosen, those who choose Him and therefore live on His terms, are the happiest people on His planet.
“Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.” Psalms 144:15
“Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:” Psalms 146:5
“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” Proverbs 3:13
That doesn’t mean they don’t suffer conflict and afflictions of various sorts and yet, they are possessed with an eternal perspective, love, joy, contentment, peace, and contentment!
Those who love and obey God’s Word are full of divine peace.
“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalms 119:165
Those who endure, who remain in, who abide with Christ to the end, are “happy.”
“Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” James 5:11
Those who suffer as they serve the LORD are “happy.”
“But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;” 1 Peter 3:14
“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:14
Being Humble, Teachable, Correctable, and Pliable
“Behold, HAPPY is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.” Job 5:17-18
What we learn from this passage:
- “Happy is the man whom God correcteth”
- “despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty”
- “he maketh sore”
- “he…bindeth up”
- “he woundeth”
- “his hands make whole”
Humility is beautiful and may God bless you to wear and walk it well! James 4:6-10
Beware of the teaching and teachers who perpetrate a false happiness that does not align with the divinely-given ingredients of this passage.
“The man whom God correcteth…maketh sore…woundeth” is “happy” in the true sense – in God’s economy. Not the man who is entertained and told by false prophets that he is okay in his sin, but rather the one who endures the chastisement of the LORD and sound doctrine to his own hurt and wounding, that Christ, the Master Potter might “maketh sore” and “woundeth” then “bindeth up” and “make whole.”
Have you ever been wounded to health? As a child, were you spanked when you did wrong? If so, remember back to the sense of cleanness in your heart after the tears subsided. That is an example of being wounded to health.
In school, did you have art class? Have you ever worked with clay? If so you know how that there are many times when working with clay that you have to just start over. You have to crush the clay and ball it up and then begin rebuilding better. Isn’t this the picture the LORD painted for us? In order to form clay in the image the potter, the craftsman must add moisture, squeeze out the air pockets, reform, and reshape that clay.
“The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.” Jeremiah 18:1-6
What was written concerning Israel was “written for our learning” and “for our admonition.” (Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11)
The LORD our Potter works His work on the wheel of His molding. When He sees fit, He will mar in His fashioning and creative hands us, His clay. In this process He is making us “another vessel” as seems good to Him, the Master Potter. – “Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.”
God’s Word plainly informs us that “he (God) hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” (Eph. 1:3-4) Beloved, do not fall prey to the fairy tale messages of modern-day moral pansies who like Joel Osteen, teach a happy message that is yielded through the serving of self (as he supposes). Christ came and died to make us holy, not happy (Matt. 1:21; Jn. 1:29; 1 Tim. 1:15, etc.). Although happiness will be born out of a clean heart, holiness, being set apart to the LORD, holy is what God is after, not the fruit of it. Modern day beguilers, who wield great influence in this self-serving last day generation, are leading millions to eternal damnation. They purposely leave out biblical truth such as the guarantee of sufferings, tribulations, judgment for sin, fasting, eternal damnation, the holiness of God, and essential nature of personal holiness for all who will be His, etc. True believers are called to endure sound doctrine and suffering (Matt. 10:22; 24:10-13; 2 Tim. 3:12; 4:1-4; 1 Pet. 2:21; 4:1).
The joy of the LORD truly is our strength and yet such a priceless spiritual fruit is yielded only as we abide in Jesus (Neh. 8:10; Jn. 15; Gal. 5:22-23).
These deceivers weave the tapestry of a false, featherbed “Christianity” that is totally irreconcilable with the Holy Spirit-inspired words of Jesus and His holy apostles and prophets. – They “By good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” These men and their myths are to be marked and exploded with divine truth. See Romans 16:17-18; Jude 3-4. Paul told us that deceivers are “enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Phil. 3:17-21)
Beloved, is it not moral cowardess that causes people to migrate to such falsity? Don’t we want to get real and be authentic to the core – broken and contrite in heart and willing to suffer anything for Jesus’ precious name?
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be LOVERS OF THEIR OWN SELVES…LOVERS OF PLEASURES MORE THAN LOVERS OF GOD; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power (reign; rule; authority) thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5
The self-centered gospel is a false gospel that places the happiness of the individual above the glorification of the One who created and bled for us (Col. 2:18-19; 1 Tim. 6:15-16). The chaff run to hear their me-centered gurus tell them how much God wants to make them happy. Yet the one true God who gave us His Word, tells us differently. The happy god preached by the deceivers of our day is a false Christ (2 Cor. 11:2-4).
“I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” Isaiah 42:8
The plan of the true LORD and Savior is clear – it’s all about His glory and not about the temporal feelings and entertainment of those He has redeemed to conform to the image of Jesus Christ (Isa.42:8; Rom. 8:29; 1 Cor. 1:29, 31). He saved us to know Him and get to know Him better daily as we deny the self life and experience “the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” (Jn. 17:3; Phil. 3:10)
Those leaders true to the LORD will “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (2 Tim. 4:2-5)
Those who are Christ’s will obey Him and He blesses them to be full of His joy – no matter what season they may be in! (John 15:11; 16:22, etc.) Jesus’ disciples are known as they follow Him in giving their lives to Him and to others (Philippians 2:3-5)
“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:17
Humble, serving people are happy. Self-serving people are miserable.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
Loving and Obeying Divine Truth
Those who refuse to obey Christ by enduring sound doctrine and denying self instead of esteeming self, will be deluded by the pied pipers of this last hour. God Himself personally sends these people “strong delusion.” Why? – “BECAUSE they received not the love of the truth.”
“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they deceived not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
Here is a striking and telling e-mail we received from a true believer who loves God and His truth and seeks to help others in the same:
- “God’s Word is alive and healing!…I recently e-mailed the truth to a good friend and she doesn’t want to hear from me anymore. She said she won’t read anymore of my e-mails. She’s into Joel Osteen now and all she can do is think about herself – determined to move away and not caring if her husband comes with her or not. She told me she only wants to hear encouraging and uplifting things and if I continued to talk about sin, I would lose everyone in my life. I guess that is a real possibility. Speaking the truth in love is hard, but absolutely necessary. After finding out about the lie of OSAS (‘once saved always saved’) and the problems with the modern translations, I’m sad to see how many ‘Christians’ are not willing to seek the truth. I know it’s a spiritual battle, and as I seek God, he will heal the sadness I have in my heart. I am so grateful to know His truth and pray my friends and loved ones would heed to His warnings and obey.” L. S.
The false teachers feed the self-life instead of preaching what Jesus and His apostles declared as the truth – that one must deny the self-life in order to have His life (Lk. 9:23-24; Mk. 8:34-38; Jn. 12:24-25, 2 Cor. 4:10-11; 7:1; James 4:4; 1 Jn. 2:15-17). Either one is in his personal life denying, self or he is denying Christ.
Saints, do we want to be broken and put back together by the perfect hands of the Potter of our clay? Then we are blessed or happy in the true sense.
How “happy” do you think the followers of these false prophets and their messages are really going to be when they are led astray, die, and go directly into the flaming fires of eternal hell? What do you think they will be “happy” about then? How proud will they be of the smiling deceivers who led them down the wide road that led them to everlasting horror and conscious torment? How glad will they be for believing the lie of unconditional eternal security? Will they still be defending those false prophets then?
“Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:13-14
“And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 24:51
According to Jesus, our part is to simply “abide” in and with Him today and to “take no thought for the morrow” but rather to simply seek first His kingdom and righteousness (John 15:1-16; Matthew 6:33-34)
The LORD calls all those who will be His to be broken before Him – true joy will be one of the myriad of blessed benefits:
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Psalms 34:18
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalms 51:17
“But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isaiah 66:2
When I am truly broken before the LORD, I will tremble at His Word (Job 23:12; Ps. 119; Jer. 15:16).
Remember beloved, the LORD must break you to bless you! When He breaks us it is for our good and His glory and as He puts us back together, we are more whole. If you are going to go on with Him, you must be broken. There are no shortcuts. You must know that He is going to wound you to health. Be not surprised nor afraid. Ask Him to break you. Lay the clay of your life, your whole being and future, into the hands of the only perfect Potter. Pray like Christ: Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit. You are His special creation and He truly does love you too much to leave you as you are.
Prayer: Father, please break me to the core of my being! Break us, Your people, that You might make us whole in Your holy image. Jesus I have no hope without You! Please do a deep work in me Jesus! Break me, wound me, and make me whole my LORD, as you alone can do! You are the Potter and I am the clay and so very thankful that You created me and now saved and forgave me. Sobeit in Jesus’ name!
If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here okay: Born Again: What is It?
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Articles
How Do You Get Around the Idea That All Israel Shall be Saved? Steve Gregg [video]

“Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:” Romans 9:6
“The remnant shall be saved, not the race.” Steve Gregg
“If one reads Romans Chapters 9-11, he will see that all the way through, it was only a remnant that would truly believe.” unknown
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Articles
Bearing the Precious Seed of God’s Word [podcast]

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6
A harvest of blessed souls is going to be the result, the ministry produce, the fruit of all who bear and distribute, scatter the seed of the incorruptible Word of God into the hearts of men (1 Peter 1:23).
The LORD didn’t say “go explain who I am to other people.” No, He said “preach the word” and “preach the gospel” (2 Timothy 4:2; Mark 16:15).
Our cute little thoughts and sayings are not even within the same universe of power as the Word of God. Obey God. “Preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2). We can’t explain someone into salvation. No, only God can draw and convict the lost soul and He instructed us to simply communicate His Word to them.
Instead of doing just another little video of yourself or posting a nice little saying, trying to entice people to Christ, why not just post HIS Word – the KJB? You and I have no power to save anyone, not even yourself (John 6:44; 12:32). Only Jesus can do that and He told you to go preach His Gospel and not try to entertain people into His kingdom (Mark 16:15).
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it SHALL accomplish that which I please, and it SHALL prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
When this revelation (recorded for us in Isaiah 55:11) truly hits and settles in your heart, you will never be the same.
People need to hear from God, not us. Have you memorized Isaiah 55:11?
IF Jesus taught something and we’re not teaching it – it’s because we are not following Him correctly – on HIS stated terms (Matthew 28:18-20; John 8:47; 2 Timothy 3:16; 4:2-4, etc.). Are you following Jesus Christ or mere man? Do you preach Christ and His doctrines from HIS Word or are you just regurgitating the pitiful poisons of mere men?
We are still very wise in our own conceits. May the LORD bless us to true repentance with the fruit of allowing God to speak for Himself by simply giving people His Word in His love and wisdom (Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 4:2, etc.).
Leveling endless explanations of the faith is futility if the person communicating is not speaking God’s very Word! God’s words are all-powerful because He spoke them and He alone is ALL-mighty. The Source of God’s words is God Himself and so inherent in His words are His power, His presence, His conviction (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Revelation 1:8, etc.).
The Word of God must become the emphasis and not us, not our wonderful, skillful explanations of who God is. After all, have we forgotten that He is infinite and we finite? Are we not but dust? See Psalms 103:14. Regrettably, many in our day have been elevated in the church world for being able to render endless explanations in their international apologetics ministries. Most of these same men used very little if any Scripture which means they helped no one. Many of those in the “Christian” audiences that elevated these men simply wanted to see the arguments of the enemy of souls defeated and not to be grounded deeply in God’s Word for themselves. One such man was the late Ravi Zacharias.
The Words of the Divine vs the Dust
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1 Peter 1:23-25
The “incorruptible seed” is the Word of God, it’s power packed with divine energy. If we are but “dust” before the Almighty, does that not convey just how futile it is to attempt to explain God and His will? Shall we choose to trust the divine or the mere dust created by the divine?
“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.” Psalms 103:13-16
It’s not that we don’t speak our own words also in communicating to others in ministry, yet the substance of what we communicate in those moments is not our words but rather God’s words. He is divine and we are but dust.
In 1 Peter 1:23 Scripture informs us that people are “born again” by the “incorruptible seed” of the Word of God, not our explanation, not by our words.
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
It’s the Word that never returns back to God void, not our explanation. If you wish to be used of God powerfully, you must read, study, be resourceful with, and communicate HIS words.
When you encounter a person in darkness, don’t take it personally. No, rather, see it as an opportunity to kindly plant the seed of the Word of God in their heart – which never returns back to the LORD void but always accomplishes that which pleases Him (Isaiah 55:11). “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16).
The emphasis should not be on our ability to explain God but rather on his word and simply obeying him by preaching it. It’s the incorruptible seed that brings conviction of salvation not our words.
Did the LORD command His people to go explain to others who He is or to simply “preach the gospel”? Mark 16:15
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
When you read, when you are daily studying God’s Word, do so with the truth in mind that God wants you learning of Him for your own relationship with Him and also to help others.
“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” Philemon 6
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15
Our LORD Jesus studied and knew the Word well. Notice how the Son of God readily navigated through the Holy Scriptures to find the exact Scripture He wanted to communicate:
“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written…” Luke 4:17
Notice another prominent biblical example of how true elders of Christ, as they stand before one or many people, put full emphasis on God’s Words and not their own. They concentrate and put full priority in God’s Word and not their own explanations:
“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” Nehemiah 8:8
- “read in the book in the law of God distinctly”
- “gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”
Note how these godly elders read God’s Word to the people and then gave the sense of it. This speaks for itself and reveals to us just who is a godly elder and who isn’t. Rare is the man today, in this late hour, who reads Scripture upon Scripture to the people. Many are so busy giving you their explanation that they have no concern that you are hearing the actual, literal words of the LORD. Sad.
Regrettably lots of people brag about their pastor and how he (supposedly) preaches the Word. In most cases it’s obvious that they’re telegraphing that they trust him, the mere man, the pastor and have no life with Christ in His Word daily for themselves – which the LORD commands (2 Timothy 2:15). Hell is full of people who took men at their word instead of loving God enough to find out what He said in HIS Word for themselves firsthand. Sad. If you don’t love God enough to pour over His words, His instructions, His promises, and His doctrines and warnings for yourself, you are in utter need of true repentance and to seek His holy face continually (1 Chronicles 16:11).
“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:13-17
Preach the Word
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:1-4
The Parable of the Seed Growing
“And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. 28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. 29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Mark 4:26-29
Getting in on the Gospel action begins with a simple prayer, perhaps something like this …. LORD, please prepare and use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
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Apostasy
“Simple Concerning Evil” [podcast]

Holy Scripture uses the phrase “simple concerning evil.”
“For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple (innocent) concerning evil.” Romans 16:19
“But I would have you – Not only obedient, but discreet also. Wise with regard to that which is good – As knowing in this as possible. And simple with regard to that which is evil – As ignorant of this as possible.” John Wesley
Concerning Romans 16:19 Donald Stamps writes:
“God wants believers to be innocent (Gk. akeraios) in what is evil; this word means ‘unmixed’ or ‘pure,’ i.e., innocent like a child whose mind has not yet been exposed to evil or mixed with the values of the world (cf.1 Cor. 14:20). (1) This biblical principle is in direct opposition to the idea advocated by some that children of Christians should be exposed to sin, immorality, ungodliness, and the things of Satan in order to learn to confront temptation. Some suggest that children need not be guarded from ungodliness. However, according to biblical revelation, the philosophy is not only against God’s will for the believer, but also represents Satan’s own desire that everyone be exposed to the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 3:5). (2) Knowledge of evil, along with continual exposure to Satan’s ways, will lead many from the path of faith and obedience. Lot found this out to his deep sorrow, losing his entire family for this reason (Gen. 13:12-13; 19:1-38). Scripture warns that ‘evil communications’ (i.e., company) corrupt good manners (1 Cor. 15:33), and that ‘Jesus Christ … gave himself … that he might deliver us from this present evil world’ (Gal. 1:3-4). Those who advocate exposing innocent children to an ungodly environment and/or influence are in danger of violating Jesus’ warning in Matthew 18:6. (3) Believers should do all within their means and power to guard their children from being exposed to the deceitfulness and sin and the perverseness of this generation. To refuse to protect our children in this respect disregards the Holy Spirit’s desire that they be innocent and babes regarding what is evil.” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 1959
Spoil the innocence of a child or others and God will spoil, bring ruin to you.
“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6
“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.” 1 Corinthians 14:20
Concerning the fact and principle of offering children to Satan on the altar of Moloch, one source notes the following:
“Based on historical and biblical accounts, child sacrifice to Moloch was a Canaanite and Phoenician ritual, often described as offering children to a deity in a “tophet” (place of burning). Scholars interpret this act as a desperate attempt to appease a god associated with the underworld or to ensure divine favor in exchange for the ultimate sacrifice.
Why Children Were Offered to Moloch:
Appeasement of a Deity: Moloch (or Mlk) is identified by some scholars as an underworld deity or a Phoenician god linked to the underworld, requiring the ultimate sacrifice to ensure favor or safety.”
“Lot … Pitched His Tent Toward Sodom”
“Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. 13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” Genesis 13:12-13
Of the act of Lot pitching his tent toward Sodom, the late Donald Stamps wrote:
“PITCHED HIS TENT TOWARD SODOM. Lot’s great failure was that he loved personal gain more than he hated the wickedness of Sodom (v10-13). (1) If he had loved righteousness sufficiently (see Heb. 1:9), it would have caused him to remain separate from the wicked ways of sinful people. Instead he tolerated evil and chose to live in wicked Sodom (v13). Perhaps he reasoned that the material advantages, culture, and pleasures of Sodom outweighed the dangers, and that he was strong enough to remain faithful to God. Thus, he exposed himself and his family to the immorality, and ungodliness of Sodom, only to learn the bitter lesson that his family was not strong enough to resist its evil influences (Gen. 19:24-26; 30-38). (2) Parents must be careful not to place themselves or their children in a “Sodom,” lest they come to spiritual ruin as did the family of Lot.” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 27
“Although Lot was distressed by the filthy deeds he saw and heard (2 Pet. 2:7-8), he still was willing to tolerate the wickeness of Sodom for social and material advantages (13:12 note). This compromise brought tragedy to his family (v24). Likewise, believers today who expose their families to ungodly environments and evil influences for social or material gain are setting themselves up for family tragedies.” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 34
Gentlemen, if we lust for the things of this world, it will cause us to sacrifice God’s truth on the altar of our greed and cause needless destruction in our families.
Ephesians 5:1-17
“1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
“And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. 18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:17-19
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
Key to a pure, innocent heart…. is that the LORD Almighty is truly first in our lives, that we are truly one with Him—just as Jesus prayed in John 17. The futile god of self must be denounced, as well as the sin of spiritual adultery and idolatry.
“Keep thyself pure.” 1 Timothy 5:22
PRAYER: “LORD, right this moment, I release everything and everyone that I might be holding onto tighter than You….I will have no other god before You dear LORD…You Jesus Alone Are My LORD And Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” Marlene Austin
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