How many of you have been, as Paul has exorted,
“making the world envious of what you have, to come and find out how they can have that, too”?
How many of you, are doing your best to walk the knife edge life of a fervent Sunday-goer, and slothful Monday-doer?
I admit that I’m some kind of ‘doer’. It’s sad, but I can, and do accept that as my responsibility.
Wha’s ‘bout y’all?
When the thief on the cross spoke to Jesus and asked Him to remember him --the thief-- when Jesus comes into His kingdom, was that the result of faithing in Whom Jesus is according to God's sending Him for us and our salvation? Or was the thief hoping to get off of the cross by appealing in a twisted fashion to Jesus to rescue them from the Roman punishment?
The answer Jesus gave should tell you that FAITH came before the man asked of the Lord, and the Lord responded as He did because of the faith the man exhibited in Jesus, ON THE SPIRITUAL LEVEL, for both of them died that day on those Roman crosses.
Salvation came to the thief by his faith in Whom God sent for his salvation. The asking of Jesus came because the man had faith in Whom God sent. The newborns on the day of Pentecost were born from above that day because of the faith they had in their hearts that Jesus IS the One sent by God for them and for their salvation. At the Rapture, they will be leading those who are alive and remain, as ALL faithing in Christ are caught up together int he clouds to meet the Lord in the air. That thief will be there, you can count on it because God NEVER breaks a promise.
I’ve found that after I stopped fighting the Lord and have accepted his mastery over me, works come much easier. I’m no saint but I do make an honest effort every day to try to make the world better for those that I come in contact with. Sometimes it’s as simple as a smile to a stranger, holding a door, biting my tongue when feelings might be hurt even if what I was planning on saying is truthful.
Other works have been “larger” and required more effort, but I dare not seek attention for them.
I’ve also found that cleaning my mind and body spiritually has helped. I’ve broken bad habits of sexual based sins and have rejected everything in my life that is not of God. Movies, music, literature and humor that only serves to confuse and weaken faith have been cut out of mine and my family’s life.
Pray all day! When you see something beautiful, thank God. When you see something disturbing, ask God to shield you from it. He will always help you out. The most amazing thing I’ve noticed is that my sewer mouth has been much cleaner without even trying to clean it up, as the mouth speaks what the heart feels.
Sorry for being so long winded. I just want to emphasize that works and behavior follow naturally out of not only genuine faith but SUBMISSION.