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?”.

Prayer

On April 25, 2016   /   Christian Basics, Endurance, Goals, Heavenly Witness, Prayer  

How to pray? Make sure you know for what you are praying.

For what should we pray? For health? For safe travel? For a successful operation? For a good business decision?   For a new             whatever                  ? To handle money wisely? A good retirement? To be happy? To be safe? To have a nice house? To have a safe and happy family? That everybody else be godly so it will be “good” for me?

The purpose of this enlightenment is that through God’s spiritual family the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms. (Eph. 3:10 NET, clarification added)

And others experienced mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.  They were stoned, sawed apart, murdered with the sword; they went about in sheepskins and goatskins; they were destitute, afflicted, ill-treated  (the world was not worthy of them); they wandered in deserts and mountains and caves and openings in the earth.  And these all were commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised.  For God had provided something better for us, so that they would be made perfect together with us.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, (Heb. 11:36–12:1 NET)

Or should what we pray for be the strength to be obedient so that God’s wisdom and glory will be revealed no matter how it affects us?

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The Battle

On April 18, 2016   /   Endurance, Strengthing, Suffering, Trials, Victory  

Things Above Thought
TAT #79 The Battle

I need the battle. Without the battle there is no struggle. Without the struggle there can be inactivity and that can be confused with victory and peace.

When I’m in a period of inactivity I let my guard down and one of Satan’s flaming arrows finds its mark. The battle then returns but now I’m wounded and weak, down on one knee; facing the dirt not the heavens. What do I do?

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (Eph. 6:13)

Even when I’m wounded, weak, and down I will once again take up the full armor of God and stand firm against Satan’s attacks.

Let us not be inactive, it is now time to take up the full armor and prepare for the evil day – the battle is coming.

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Why?

On April 11, 2016   /   Endurance, Faith, Trials, Victory  

Things Above Thought
TAT #79 Why

Many are starting their weeks with a common question “Why?”.
Remember;

Fact #31. I must have a heavenly view of life and eternal goals before my earthly life will make any sense (The book of Job & Col. 3:1–2)

Fact #32. The logic of cause and effect, which only considers the physical realm and physical information, is incomplete and inaccurate because it does not consider the spiritual/heavenly information (Job chapters 3–37).

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All Numbered Facts are provided in the free pamphlet “A Glimmer of Light”; Go to “Publications/Free Publications/Glimmer of Light”.

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Matrix or Message?

On March 21, 2016   /   Christian Basics, Darkness & Light  

Things Above Thought
TAT #77 Matrix or Message?

“The deadliest Pharisaism today is not hypocrisy, but unconscious unreality.”
(Chambers, O. (1986). My utmost for his highest: Selections for the year. Grand Rapids, MI: Oswald Chambers Publications; Marshall Pickering. March 16th reading)

When our unconscious unreality sets in we truly believe what we have created is real and godly!
● In the garden the woman’s unconscious unreality was “nor shall you touch it” (Gen. 3:3).
● Some have an unconscious unreality standard by which they judge others (Mat. 7:1–2).
● Some have an unconscious unreality of salvation and godly living (Mat. 7:22–23).
● Pilate questioned: “What is truth?” and Job declared: “Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.” (John 18:38; Job 42:3 NASB, underline added)

The only thing that destroys unconscious unreality is conscious knowledge of God’s written Word and an obedient life to Christ based on that accurate biblical knowledge.

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32 NASB, underline added)

“ but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and  the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7 NASB)

“He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” (John 14:21 NASB, underline added)

Our unreal matrix or His real message? Choose this day which you will live in (Joshua 24:15).

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Obedience

On March 15, 2016   /   Faith, Strengthing, Suffering, Trials  

Things Above Thought
TAT #76 Obedience
“I begin to realize there is a distance between Jesus Christ and me; I can no longer be familiar with Him. He is ahead of me and He never turns round; I have no idea where He is going, and the goal has become strangely far off.” (Chambers, O. (1986). My utmost for his highest: Selections for the year. Grand Rapids, MI: Oswald Chambers Publications; Marshall Pickering.)
Fact #10 “My obedience to God may not always be understood on this earth but will always be understood and bring glory to God in the heavenly realm (Job1:1–38:1).”
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All “Facts” are provided in the pamphlet “A Glimmer of Light”; see “Publications/Free Publications/Glimmer of Light”.

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New Country

On February 22, 2016   /   Christian Basics, Faith, Goals  

Things Above Thought

TAT #75 The New Country

After watching all the political hoopla on TV I am more thankful than ever that I have dual citizenship. I don’t speak much about it but many years ago I applied for and received dual citizenship status. It has taken some time and some adjustment but America is no longer the country of my primary interest. I am now making plans to move to my primary country of interest. I don’t know how long the preparations will take but that is of little importance to me. I rejoice in the fact that my primary country of interest adheres to God’s laws and treats its citizens with honesty, love, and fairness. If I could afford to move today I would but I have to resolve my debts here before I can move.

My primary country of interest:

All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. . . . But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. (Heb. 11:13–16)

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, (Eph. 2:19)

My debts:

Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another . . . (Rom. 13:8)

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. . . . What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge . . . (1 Cor. 9:16–18)

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Your Greater Witness

On February 16, 2016   /   Christian Basics, Christian Values, Darkness & Light, Endurance, Faith, Heavenly Witness, Witnessing  

Things Above Thought
TAT #74

So you think your private life is private:

The LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.” (Job 1:8)

The purpose of this enlightenment is that through God’s spiritual family the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms. (Eph. 3:10 NET)

There are more watching than you know.

Fact #6 Among God’s saints, Godly truths and God’s character are being revealed to the rebellious angels in the physical realm (Job 1:8; Ephesians 3:10).

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Silent

On February 1, 2016   /   Endurance, Faith, Heavenly Witness, Suffering, Trials, Victory, Witnessing  

Things Above Thought
TAT #73

We are to have an answer ready for anyone who would ask about our hope (1 Pet. 3:15).
We are to always speak the truth (Eph. 4:25).
We are to speak the gospel (1 Thes. 2:4).
We are to exhort (2 Tim. 4:2).

BUT, there are times when we are to keep silent.
Job was victorious in his testing on what he did not speak (Job 1:11).
Job’s friends were a failure because they did speak (Job 42:7–8).

Fact #18 “Sometimes all I have to do to glorify God is to keep my mouth shut (Job 1:11).

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Suffering #6

On November 30, 2015   /   Character, Endurance, Strengthing, Suffering, Trials, Victory  

Things Above Thought
TAT #62
Suffering #6

Not everybody suffers the same but all suffering can have the same results!

1. Suffering because of sin. This suffering points out the need for repentance and after repentance I can glorify God and continue on toward perfection.
2. Suffering because of trials that God sends to test my faith. Because these are godly trials I can glorify God and continue on toward perfection.
3. Suffering because I am growing old and living in this world. This provides good opportunities to apply and grow in my faith to glorify God and continue on toward perfection.

Fact #9 All unjust sufferings on this earth pays huge benefits for all eternity (2 Corinthians 4:16–18; 1 Corinthians 3:8–15)

Fact #28 All suffering and trials can strengthen my faith (Job; James 1:2–4).

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Suffering #5

On November 23, 2015   /   Character, Christian Basics, Christian Values, Endurance, Goals, Suffering, Trials, Victory  

Things Above Thought
TAT #61
Suffering #5

Jesus Christ came and enable us to be obedient to Him. Can obedience bring happiness? Absolutely! Will it always bring happiness in this life? Absolutely not! (Just ask Job, John the Baptist, or Paul.) Is obedience better than happiness? Absolutely!

If our sole purpose of obedience is to make us happy now – who are we serving?

If we suffer in this life for His eternal glory we will be happy for all eternity.

Fact #27 Even when I’m hurting, questioning why, and wanting to die, it is still possible to be in the center of God’s will (Job1:21–22; 3:1–26; James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 1:6–7).

(The numbered facts above come from the pamphlet “A Glimmer of Light” found on the web site.)
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All TATs can be viewed at www.things-above.org (Click on “Blog”)

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