Honest God Truth

 “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, But all things should be done decently and in order.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14‬:‭33‬, ‭40‬ ‭ESV‬‬ There is a line between the frozen chosen and the free moving of the spirit.  God is orderly and precise yet gives us emotion and delight to show our love for him.  The Holy Spirit guides and motives our worship to the Lord Jesus and we must humbly come to him when we gather to worship.   The joy of being in the presence of the God of the universe is exciting but humbly in submissive reverence.  Lord help us know how to praise you today.  Amen

 “Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14‬:‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Mature thinking is when you put others interest before your own.  We need to grow in our knowledge of God's ways and that is always denying ourselves and taking up our cross and follow Jesus.  Evil ways ate selfish ones and don't glorify Jesus.  Lord help us to grow in your grace and love others.  Amen

 “And he went there to Naioth in Ramah. And the Spirit of God came upon him also, and as he went he prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭19‬:‭23‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The Lord is in control of all things.  Even when Saul hate sin in his heart against David he was powerless in God's view.  Saul may of had plans to kill David but it never worked for God had other plans for David.  Lord teach us to trust you in all times.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen. 

 “Saul was even more afraid of David. So Saul was David’s enemy continually.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭18‬:‭29‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Saul is a man that feared man more than fearing God.  Therefore his thinking and behavior was foolish.  The fear of God is wisdom and the fear of man is foolish.  Lord teach us to fear and obey you so we can receive your love and mercy instead of your justice and wrath.  All praise to you Jesus.  Amen

 “Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬ As we are born into this world and become living creatures we also are born again when we by faith in Jesus receive the Holy Spirit.  Without the Holy Spirit we are not a part of the family of God.  If we know that Jesus is our Lord and Savior then we know that we have been given, by God, the Holy Spirit and we can praise and worship him in Spirit and in truth.  All praise to you Lord God.  Amen

 “And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭17‬:‭54‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The Bible tells stories that are fantastic and could be make believe but this is never the case.  The history of the Bible shows physical evidence of the truth of scripture.  The armor of Goliath would have been tangible evidence of the event that took place showing generations to come how the Lord saves his people is miraculous ways.   Lord Jesus thank you for giving us Scriptures so we may know you and believe.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen 

 “for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭19‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We ask why the church has so many difficult factions with different beliefs and opinions?  This verse says so that genuine faith is reviewed.  Strife often is not worth it to those who don't know the love of Jesus.  If the situation isn't fun non believers bail out.  Lord help us to live by faith in your love for us even during difficult times.  Amen

 “Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭9‬-‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God has purpose for all things and Scripture gives us some understanding of his perfect plan.  Every creature has their role to play and they all have value and honor when we humbly obey the Lord.  In these verses Paul is giving insight on how to glorify God in his church.  It shows dependence on God and each other.  We are interacting in a great play that gives the Lord Jesus glory and honor.  We will never go wrong if we humble ourselves to God and then to each other and rejoice that we are part of the family of God.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen

 “Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the tip of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I will die.”” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭14‬:‭43‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Jonathon was a great man of faith and wisdom.  His trust in the Lord came from believing in God's commandments and that produced wisdom.  Saul had neither faith or wisdom and his lack of belief caused him to act unwise and almost cost Jonathon his life.  His faith in God's righteousness allowed him to be willing to die if his actions went against Saul's foolish oaths.  This demonstrate how a man of faith lived.  Lord help us to be like Jonathon.  Praise you Jesus. Amen

 “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬, ‭31‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The definition of idolatry is worshipping (desiring) anything other than God.  It may be a good thing but never greater or more important than Jesus.  Loving your neighbor is very good but not if you put your neighbor above God.  How do you know if you made your neighbor an idol?  Do you think and spend more time pleasing them than God?  The thing that occupies you the most becomes an idol.  Lord help us to keep you first in our heart so we can love others with your love, strength, and wisdom and not make them an idol.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen

 “And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.”” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭14‬:‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Jonathon was a great man of faith for he trusted in the Lord.  God works in individuals to accomplish his will.  Other believers can see God working in other believers to follow them.  Jonathon's armor bearer trusted him and later so did David.  God gave Jonathon the faith his father Saul lacked.  Lord give us the faith to trust and obey you.  Amen

 “So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭26‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Paul's goal in his life was to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by sharing his gospel so that others may glorify Jesus by trusting, loving and living as witnesses to his love.  Our goal should be the same that in all things we glorify Jesus.  Lord let us not box like beating the air but to do all things to reveal to the world that you are glorious.  Amen

 “If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The gospel of Jesus Christ turns the selfish world upside down.  Instead of working for self pleasure Jesus came as a selfless servant not demanding obedience but being obedient to the cross because of his love for us.  Believers have the power to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Jesus.  Lord help us to trust you enough to love others more than ourselves.  Amen

“Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Paul is being very instructive in loving your neighbor by thinking and reacting to the needs of others over your own.  This is the greatest testimony of true belief in Jesus as your Lord, Savior, and God.  If you know that all things are yours in Christ Jesus then this truth frees you up to think of others before of thinking for yourself.  Jesus did that for us on the cross and throughout Christian history believers have been doing the same thing, lying down their desires for the need of others.  Lord Jesus please increase our faith so we don't have to think of our needs first and trust in your love will take care of us.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen

 “And the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬ ‭ESV The Holy Spirit is in us believers.  What is its purpose but to glorify God.  How does that look but to be holy and righteous and full of love.  When we experience unholiness, unrighteousness and hate we should respond with strong reaction in our heart against it.  God hates sin and we should also hate it in our life and throughout our community. Lord help us to hate sin and love righteousness.  Amen

 “When he turned his back to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart. And all these signs came to pass that day.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Jesus said we must be born again to enter into the kingdom of God.  God has to change our hearts from selfishness to honoring God and loving others.  Saul was given a new heart to serve God and his people.  Lord Jesus gives us a new heart when we believe on him.  Lord thank you for giving us your Holy Spirit so we may glorify you.  Amen 

 “You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭23‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Our behavior is important as believers in Jesus Christ.  We are to be holy in all ways because Jesus loved us and died for our sins.  This was a price that has no compared measure and should keep us humbly choosing to glorify Jesus.  Our goal is to love God and keep his commandments. We are his chosen children therefore rejoice!   Amen

 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We were blessed the day we were conceived in our mother's womb and became a human being.  We were blessed when God choose us to believe in his Son Jesus and give us his Holy Spirit.  Our human bodies have become the temple of God and we must live holy lives glorifying the Lord Jesus with our minds and our bodies.  Praise you Lord God.  Amen

 “To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ If we are believers in Jesus we have all things and we will live forever with him in heaven. Then why to we fight to protect our possessions or our dignity.  We should be willing to suffer the loss all things for we have all things in Jesus.  Lord help us to be like you.  Amen

 “and watch. If it goes up on the way to its own land, to Beth-shemesh, then it is he who has done us this great harm, but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that struck us; it happened to us by coincidence.”” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Mankind have always had the choice to believe that God is in control or chance which is nothing.  Chance or coincidence is not a power but lack of belief in God's power and work in the world.  Give God the glory by praising him for all things or experience his wrath for denying his honor.  Lord Jesus thank you for opening our eyes to your love and power in our world.  Amen

 “For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The words of the Lord produces results and are not just ideas.  The gospel is good news because it changes lives from death to life.  If the Lord lives in our life we will overcome darkness with the light of the truth that Jesus is Lord over all and light is powerful to change the world.  Lord let us be powerful in and for you today.  Amen

 “The men who did not die were struck with tumors, and the cry of the city went up to heaven.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The God of Israel is the God of all and if he is not for us he is against us.  Our response to the Lord Jesus is either blessings and forgiveness or wrath.  We as believers in the gospel have received the need that God loves us and died for us.  It is our goal and privilege to share that truth with everyone we meet.  Lord us use for your glory.  Amen

 “Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We must realize that God judges all things and that ignorance is not an excuse for bad behavior.  We must seek a pure heart through prayer and scripture then let our conscience help us determine right from wrong.  May we strive to please the Lord in all things.  Lord you are sovereign and yet we choose everyday.  Lord help us to choose to glorify your name today.  Amen

 “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Serving the Lord is a privilege and a blessing because you know you are being used by him.  God chooses who he pleases to serve him and if you are one of his servants then you are truly blessed.  But be aware that it is the Lord's decision to use you and give you the skills to serve him.  Not you giving to the Lord because he needs you.  Lord help us to be humble, serving the King instead of being prideful. Praise you Jesus.  Amen 

 “Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the Lord. Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man.” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬, ‭26‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Ever since Cain and Abel there are people who love and obey the Lord and others who hate and dishonor the Lord.  It seems there is only two choices.  The Lord blesses or curses, loves or hates and both our choices and God's will are involved.  Oh Lord help us to love and obey you that your will be done.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen

 “But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The secrets of God have been revealed in the Son of God the Lord Jesus Christ.  We who have eyes to see and hearts to revive his love are truly blessed.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen

 “so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The gospel of Jesus Christ need not be presented flashy and crafty for that is man made coverings that only hide the truth and love of God.  What is always evident when the news of Jesus's  life, death, and resurrection is shared is that it has power to change the heart of those who have been chosen.  Our joy is seeing the Lord work in us and through us if we trust his promises.  Lord Jesus may we glorify you today.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen

 “And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭30‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God gives us the faith to believe in Jesus who becomes our wisdom to know that our righteousness, sanctification and our redemption are all in him.  What amazing grace God has give us to believe on the Lord Jesus.  Therefore our boasting is all in Christ.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen

 “but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The gospel of Jesus is foolish to those who think they have to earn righteousness.  And it is lacking to those who desire healing and power.  To those who's eyes our open to its truth it is the power of God until salvation.  Lord open our eyes so we can see your beauty, wonder and joy.  Amen 

 “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The power of the cross is that Jesus the Savior of the world died for the sins of all who believe he is the Christ.  That act of Jesus gives eternal life for all who believe.  Nothing else is needed or is of most importance.  We who believe in and on Jesus are supremely blessed.  Amen

 “And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭21‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We receive the Holy Spirit when we believe in Jesus which allows us to love the Father because he sent Jesus to save us.  What happens next is we have love for other believers who love God.  We are a part of a supernatural family that have love in our heart.  It is a wonderful thing that God has done for and to us.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen

 “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Fear shows that we don't love God the way we should.  God is totally in control of all things and if he loves us because of Jesus then he will never take that love away.  Therefore we have nothing to fear for his love is always for Jesus.  We should honor and worship and glorify the Lord Jesus for his perfect love for us.  Amen

 “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Know and believe are to separate things for we need both to realize that God abides in us.  Many people know about Jesus but do not believer he is the Son of God who died for their sins.  Many people believe in a God but don't know who he is like the temple of the unknown God in Athens.  Belief will not give them the presence of the Holy Spirit because only by knowing and believing that God the Father sent Jesus to save us.  Then when Jesus rose from the dead did the Holy Spirit come to all who know and believe on him.  Therefore we believers can love like God because we have God dwelling in us!  Lord help us to love more like you today.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen

 “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬ ‭ESV‬‬ How do you know God (Holy Spirit) abides (lives) in you?  This question is of upmost importance for knowledge of the truth will set you free to live eternally.  Do you confess with your mouth that Jesus is the Son of God who came from God to die for your sins? And do you confess with your person that you have the Holy Spirit living in you by bearing his fruit?  Do you have love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, faithfulness and self control that come out of your life?   Only God and you know the answers to these questions.  If you realize that you are not able to say yes all or most of the time you are blessed because none of us meet the goal but only those who are in the process of being sanctified realize they fall short.  Lord help us to grow in your love today by humbly submitting to the Holy Spirit leading us and producing fruit in our liv...

 “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬ When the Father sent his Son Jesus into the world it was the greatest act of love the world ever received.  Without Jesus coming to us we would be dead on our sins and not have the gift of eternal life with God.  When we realize that God loves you and gives you the ability, through the gospel, to abide with him forever, you have experienced eternal love and life.  Praise you God for your love to me.  Amen