House in order

Today I have a visitor, my brother whom I have not seen since our late dad’s funeral. What is rather obvious is the rush or calm depending on a person’s personality to prepare for that visit. However there is no doubt that all that is out of place is rearranged and straighten, with the intention of leaving a good impression. As small as this point may be, it lives in all of us, which moves me onto the text I have been led to explore…

(1Timothy 4:1)  Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons --- AND --- “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) 

These two points which are great indicators of what we can possibly expect in even our lives. It would be foolish to overlook such a warming on the premise of supposition. Denial a natural reflex to self-reflection.

It is God who works in His children, it is His work that will be obvious in a believer’s life. However as much as we have the greatest of allies on our side, there is an enemy that goes about like a roaring lion seeking to devour, to halt that process. How does he do it? The Apostle Paul makes a very bold statement as one in the know; … “so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” (2Corinthians 2:11) - I surmise the greater your walk is filled with God’s light, the easier his devices will be to recognize. Sadly many of us are taken at will by his trickery. However this must change in a believer’s life, we have the greater in us that leads us toward His righteousness. “If God is for us who can be against us”. This is exactly the point that we must come to grips with…

Examine the scripture above as if the author is addressing you in particular and do not let refutation entice you reckoning. Denial can be supremely destructive and the pointing of fingers does more damage than good.

We have warnings here which God has given us so that we are not caught napping…

 “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times…” Here we have a prophecy of the apostasy of the latter times, and one wouldn’t need a degree to see the fruit of this statement in today’s world. The Bible has been shelved in many so called churches and humanism has taken its place, in fact I am not sure that my reckoning is accurate, mostly it was never the Word of God that attracted the masses but rather a cunning plan implemented by the devil. No different to a vaccination, just enough religion to keep one from being truly saved.

In the close of the forgoing chapter, the author sums up the mystery of godliness and in the beginning of this chapter the mystery of iniquity is summed up. It speaks of the spirit of antichrist. The question we need to be asking ourselves is whose voice are we listening too? What is shaping your life, people’s persuasions or the WORD OF GOD? It’s time for a serious reflection because the next point that the Lord Jesus Christ made himself is this; “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” The next two verses goes on to make very bold statements, but it could just save our lives if we give it special attention. “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.” (Matthew 7:22-23) – What fruit are we producing in our lives is the pressing question?

My life has been filled with so much rebellion that it actually sickens me to my stomach. Sure, there has been many wonderful times that the Lord has allowed my ministry to speak into the hearts of some, but the stints when I have served my our self-gratification, just hoping that maybe God wouldn’t mind the way I behaved because He could see my heart, denial living rampant in my life and dominating so many pathetic choices is a heavy burden I now carry, Forgive me Father God, I was wrong and sincerely seek out your forgiveness for my folly. I know I have found your forgiveness, but my race is not yet over and my prayer is that I end well, bringing glory to your holy name. There is still much work to be done. But by your grace I will not pass it by as acceptable.

What is left for us to do? We must all pursue God’s righteousness as the most important thing in our lives. These are the verses that has gripped my heart; “But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity. “Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” (2Timothy 2:19-21) – We must not be fooled into believing that we can live against God’s instructions and safely make it to heaven that would be a fool’s errand. It’s time for the Christian to take stock and examine themselves whilst seeking God’s grace to overcome whatever is needed to be fit for the Masters use.

All praise and honour belongs to our God, now and forever more, Amen and Amen!

Signing off

Tyrone