Things Above Thoughts

TAT 131 The Inch

In Revelation 13:11–18 we read of one who has worldwide control over all humanity. Without their approval no one can buy or sell anything! While they have control of the entire world they are also the enemy of God. How is it possible that such a person could obtain such control over this earth? Possibly because of fear!

Most of us believe that if someone put a gun to our head and said “deny Christ or I will shoot” we would not fear, we would say “pull the trigger.” But the greater problem, a lest fearful problem, is a problem of inches. Back in the early 1900s the government tried to implement a Social Security program which would require everyone to receive a specific, individual, number. It was met with such resistance the government had to first implement it as a voluntary program and stated, in writing, that the numbers would not be used for identification purposes. My Social Security card, obtained in the 60s, has, in writing, in capital letters, the statement “FOR SOCIAL SECURITY AND TAX PURPOSES – NOT FOR IDENTIFICATION.” The government has “inched” its way along to its present position with required Social Security and identification. Another example of “inching along” is realized in treaties the government made with some Native American tribes: “as long as the grass grows and the water flows.” Therefore it is true, it is not the gun we need to fear the most but the inch.

In this time of fear let us not establish a flimsy framework of control which can inch along into a worldwide system of control that can be used by a future antichrist.

On the bright side, it might be nearing the time for us to say – “just pull the trigger?”.

Run

On October 29, 2015   /   Christian Basics, Christian Values, Eternal, Goals, Victory  

Things Above Thought
TAT #30
Run to the Goal

Another day, another week, little by little time marches on toward eternity. Today it is our choice whether to march in time – either toward a timely death or toward an eternal inheritance.

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! God has given us a new birth because of his great mercy. We have been born into a new life that has a confidence which is alive because Jesus Christ has come back to life.  We have been born into a new life which has an inheritance that can’t be destroyed or corrupted and can’t fade away. That inheritance is kept in heaven for you,  since you are guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed at the end of time. (1 Peter 1:3-5 GWN)

I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 GWN)

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Strength

On October 29, 2015   /   Christian Basics, Strengthing, Suffering, Trials, Victory  

Things Above Thought
TAT # 29
Faithful

How in the world do I stay faithful to the biblical knowledge I already know?

We must continue to hold firmly to our declaration of faith. The one who made the promise is faithful. We must also consider how to encourage each other to show love and to do good things. We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some of you are doing. Instead, we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming. (Hebrews 10:23-25 GWN)

This is not a “Sunday Church” meeting this is a gathering of trusted believers for the encouraging and support of each other.

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Eternal Goals

On October 29, 2015   /   Christian Basics, Eternal, Goals, Kingdom, Victory  

Things Above Thought
TAT # 28
Eternal Goals

This is just a simple reminder:

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;  for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:20–21)

And by the way this is not a requests or a suggestion, He wants the eternal best for us (Hebrews 12: 10) therefore this is a command.

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Heavenly Placement

On October 29, 2015   /   Christian Basics, Christian Values, Eternal, God's Will, Reigning  

Things Above Thought
TAT # 27
Heavenly Placement

While our salvation was secured by Christ and His intercessory death, God has made available different heavenly positions and benefits for us:

And He said to her, “What do you wish?” she said to Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left.” . . . to sit on My right and on My left, this is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” (Matthew 20:20–23)

Notice that Christ did not say those positions do not exist but that His Father would fill those positions “for whom it has been prepared.” In so doing Christ acknowledged that special places do exist and they will be filled by certain people. That leaves us with the questions:

Do we exercise Biblical Faith for His eternal will or for our present benefit (Hebrews 11:1)?

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Heavenly Value

On October 29, 2015   /   Christian Basics, Christian Values, Eternal, Victory  

Things Above Thought
TAT #26
Heaven’s Value System

“So how’s your TRUE BANK ACCOUNT looking?” That was the last line of last week’s TAT. No one responded to the TAT – that silence was a first. So to follow that disturbing (?) TAT let me quote our coming heavenly, judgement:

According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I (Paul) laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But let each man (you) be careful how he (you) builds upon it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man (you) builds upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built upon it remains, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:1–15)

Yes, our salvation is secure but there is more – there are many ETERNAL REWARDS and they will be secured in this life! Remember Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, their lives were dedicated to God and their eyes were on Him not the fiery furnace. Because of that focus, when they faced the furnace they made great permanent deposits in their TRUE BANK ACCOUNT. Just as did the “others” of Hebrews 11:35b–38.

. . . and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated  (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.

Living to glorify God is not always profitable in this life but it is always profitable!

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Value

On October 28, 2015   /   Christian Basics, Christian Values, Eternal, Victory  

Things Above Thought
TAT #25
Treasure

Many of you have heard me say; “If your faith does not have a heavenly/spiritual perspective and eternal goals it is not the faith of the Bible.” The purpose of these TATs is to help us solidify a heavenly perspective and eternal goals. The next few TATs will be educational and hopefully a little challenging.

Heaven has a value system! Today, some “Christians” value money, power, and position, but their perspective of these are corrupted because of our old, sinful, nature. But it is possible to have a heavenly perspective on “money,” power, and position. Heaven has a value system, a power structure, and different positions available to us. Consider these:

Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (Matthew 19:21)

Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. (Luke 12:33)

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;  for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19–21; This is not a suggestion!)

Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? (Luke 16:11)

So how’s your ETERNAL BANK ACCOUNT looking?

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Endurance & Victory

On October 28, 2015   /   Christian Basics, Endurance, Sin, Victory  

Things Above Thought
TAT #24
Endurance & Victory

For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity. (Proverbs 24:16)

The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked. (Proverbs 24:16 NLT)

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No Fear

On October 28, 2015   /   Christian Basics, Darkness & Light, Satan, Trials, Victory  

Things Above Thoughts
TAT # 23
No Fear

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for You are with me (Psalm 23:4)

David did not fear anything evil had brought or could bring upon him because God was with him.

If we are not living with our eternal Lord Jesus Christ, then we are in fear for and of  “today’s self”. God has made daily eternal life available to us in which there is no fear of evil.

(Now if I can just get over my own stupidity. Back to His Word!)

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Songs

On October 28, 2015   /   Christian Basics, Darkness & Light, Satan, Suffering, Trials, Victory  

Things Above Thoughts
TAT #22
Songs

The information about the conflict between God and Satan is not new. Ever since this hidden information was revealed to Paul it has been readily available to us (Acts 26:18; Ephesians 3:9–10; 2 Corinthians 2:11). Our mothers and fathers even sang about it!

“For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe”
(A Mighty Fortress Is Our God)

“Though the wrong seems so oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.”
(This Is My Father’s World)

“The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for low, his doom is sure;”
(A Mighty Fortress Is Our God)

“Jesus who died shall be satisfied, and earth and heaven be one.”
(This Is My Father’s World)

“Sure I must fight, if I would reign; increase my courage, Lord”
(Am I a Soldier of the Cross?)

“Let earth adore, let angels minds inquirer no more”
(And Can It Be That I Should Gain)

“Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here’s my heart, O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above.”
(Come, Thou Fount)

Stay strong and keep singing, you are in good company (Hebrews 12:1)!

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Suffering

On October 28, 2015   /   Christian Basics, Christian Values, Endurance, Eternal, Suffering, Victory  

Things Above Thoughts
TAT #21
Suffering & Value

We all sin every once in a while but we have a loving Father:

And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons? “My son, do not scorn the Lord’s discipline or give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts.” (Hebrews 12:5–6 NET)

But He does so (disciplines us) for our benefit, that we may share His holiness. (Hebrews 12:10b)

His discipline reveals His love for us and His holiness is only valuable to us when heaven is our value.

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