How to Not Be Deceived by Visions of This World

 

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

 

What are the greatest perils that we face? Is it terrorism, violence, financial loss, illness; natural disasters, or could it be something much subtler? Often our greatest peril as followers of Jesus Christ slips in hardly noticed at first, eases into our hearts and minds as we go about our day. We listen to all the voices of so many around us, urging us to compromise. They urge us to believe that the truth is “there is no truth” and all are right in their own thoughts; yet, are they not themselves urging us to believe in this alien truth. We see the world turning around us, urging us to believe that unless we lower our moral convictions we must be bigots or haters. Yet, the very ones proclaiming this hate rhetoric despise us for any convictions we might have. They say all should have the freedom to voice their thoughts and live their lives by what they believe; unless, perchance you stand on moral principles as taught in the scripture–then your voice should be silenced.

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How to Become a Really Effective Messenger of Truth

And the Lord’s servant must not be a man of strife: he must be kind to all, ready and able to teach: he must have patience and the ability gently to correct those who oppose his message. He must always bear in mind the possibility that God will give them a different outlook, and that they may come to know the truth. They may come to their senses and be rescued from the power of the devil by the servant of the Lord and set to work for God’s purposes. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 (PHILLIPS)

 

How do you stand for the truth of the gospel; yet, not allow yourself to be drawn into strife? Paul, sitting in a dungeon and awaiting his own execution for preaching the gospel; is urging Timothy to patiently, gently teach the truth to those who oppose the gospel. We are not to get drawn into angry discussions; nor, bitter disputes over the word. Yes, we are to be passionate as to the truth that there is no other way of salvation but through accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior; however, we are not to do so with anger or violence. We are to do just that through selfless acts of kindness, living a life that demonstrates our faith, and through cultivating our own ability to listen very closely to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Why is this so important? We must recognize that everyone we meet has an eternal soul that either will spend eternity in the presence of God or eternally in darkness. Paul said, “bear in mind the possibility that God will give them a different outlook, and that they may come to know the truth.”

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HOW TO STAND STRONG IN GRACE NO MATTER WHAT

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:1-4 (NKJV)

 

This life is filled with great trials and sorrows. Our hearts are torn by fears, rejections, illness, pain, death of those whom we love,  and even misunderstandings amongst those whom we have poured out our heart and soul to. Paul knew this all too well as he wrote this letter to Timothy. Many whom Paul had taught now turned their backs on him. How do you tell someone to march on teaching the gospel of Christ when you know for a certainty that will lead to pain, suffering, and great sorrow in this life? Where does that persevering strength come from when storms are swirling around us? Yet, Paul knew even now when his own execution was imminent; that there was no other mission of greater importance than this–to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to a world in need of a Savior.

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To Take a Stand for Truth

If a ruler hearkens to lies, all his servants are wicked. Proverbs 29:12

“Be fearless in your stand for truth and honesty. And may God use you to defend the innocent,” 2 Chronicles 19: 11 (TLB)

 

To Take a Stand for Truth

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

Sometimes in this life, we must be bold

As I watched a man who believes truth must be told

No eloquence found as he battled the lies

But at least he does care, at least he tries

To stand up against the evil without

Whose arrows of lies were meant to cause doubt

The media spins and twists them around

Until it is hard for truth to be found

Some try to say that it’s personal pride

That drives him to speak or be drawn aside

To speak very harsh with little remorse

Yet, as I watch and study this course

I see a man who must speak the truth

Although at times, he may sound uncouth

A man with a heart that really does care

A man unafraid to ask for our prayer

So, it is; I too must take a stand

Pray for this man and pray for our land

So I ask you to think as you cast your vote

To whom now would you rather devote

Your loyalty, trust. For your future you see

Depends upon this. One chance to be free

From those who make a career of lies

With political correctness as their disguise

Perhaps for the first time in my life, I have diligently watched the election process unfold. I use to watch the news; but, then I turned to listening to the actual speeches of both candidates. Certainly, I tuned in for the debate. I watched as a skilled politician gave her striking blow at the end to someone so caught off guard by a lie. Look back at his face, “What are you talking about?” A beauty queen, who by the very nature of her own occupational choice, was under contract to maintain her body. One, whom he chose to work with rather than to fire (which he could have). I am certain her runner up would gladly have taken her place. As I watched the week unfold, I realized that for Mr. Trump what was most important is that a lie was not left on the table. There are no tapes or collaboration that he ever said those words; but, Ms. Clinton knew that it would resonate with all the women who struggle with weight. So, very calculatingly she had solicited, trained, and prepped Ms. Machado with one idea–get in a final word at the debate that would be like a knife blade; even if a fabricated lie. She used our greatest insecurities to cut to the core, manipulating women without any regard of dignity. Then, I realized that over the last year; each time Mr. Trump had stuttered and stumbled it was because he could not leave a lie on the table without trying with all his might to reveal the truth. Meanwhile, Secretary Clinton has a lifelong history of lying. In fact, she is very skilled at doing so. She spoke about all of the USA having innate biases; perhaps, for once she is speaking the truth about herself. After all, she did call one fourth of the US  “a basket of deplorable irredeemable”  who should not be considered American. She did that not only at her fund raisers; but, also on an interview on Israeli TV. She referred to the Black youth as super predators. She referred to Bernie Sanders followers as a group of Baristas living in their parents’ basement” who were attracted to his “false promise” because they are “children of the Great Recession.” So, who has the innate biases?

So, my prayers are with Donald Trump. I must stand with someone who at least takes a stand for truth; even, if at times is not so politically correct and did not grow up on a debate stage.

[tweetthis]If a ruler hearkens to lies, all his servants are wicked. Proverbs 29:12[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”“Be fearless in your stand for truth & honesty.” 2 Chronicles 19: 11 (TLB)” username=”effiedarlene”]

photo courtesy of:  https://unsplash.com/@delfidelarua7

Living Bible (TLB)  The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post.  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

How To Pray with Certainty for Another’s Heart

Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless, I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:11-14

Sitting in a cold, wet dungeon while awaiting his execution, Paul had been deserted by many. Many shunned him and the ministry he had been called by God to preach. He had been sent into the gentile nations to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, the only hope of salvation. In the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the law had been fulfilled. The gospel message was man’s only hope of salvation. Light had truly come into the world; yet, most men shunned the light and rather chose darkness. Because of his preaching, because he had done what God commanded him to do; Paul now sat in this cold, damp dungeon cell with only the light that would pierce through the hole cut in the roof. Yet, from this prison cell; Paul considered himself God’s prisoner. Everything was God’s will being carried out.

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Inspiring Joy in Lifes Toughest Moments