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?”.

TAT 140 Phil. 3:12–13

On March 16, 2024   /   Maturing  

TAT 140 Phil. 3:12–13

I know some of you struggle with Phil. 3:12. So, lets put a few verses between Phil. 3:12 and 3:13 to clarify.

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of THAT for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. (Phil. 3:12)

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James. 1:2-4)

For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete. (2Co 13:9)

for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
(Eph. 4:12-13)

Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, (Heb 6:1)

grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (2 Pet. 3:18)

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, (Phi 3:13)

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TAT 139 Correlations

On March 15, 2024   /   Trials  

TAT 139 Correlations

We have all read a verse or a passage from the Bible which reminded us of another passage or verse. Whenever I read the opening line of the New Testament found in James 1:2–4 I automatically think about two other passages, 1 Peter 1:7 and 2 Corinthians 4:16–18. When I read them one after another they need no further explanation, clarification, or teaching. Those three passages are listed below in consecutive order and read thusly:

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

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TAT 138 Values

On March 8, 2024   /   Values  

TAT 138 Values

And another of the disciples said to him, “Lord permit me first to go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow me; and allow the dead to bury their own dead.” (Mat. 8:21–22)

That seems to be a pretty harsh statement from our Lord, especially since the burial/funeral ceremony was one of the most valued and respected activities in the Jewish religious society, much as it is in our society today. So what is going on and why would the Lord say such a brash thing? Let’s make some simple observations about this passage and perhaps it will bring some clarity.

The passage. Christ had given orders to depart to the other side of the sea. One of the disciples ask for permission to first go bury his father.

Some observations. To follow or not to follow. At this time in history, and in that disciples life, he had a choice, he could follow the Messiah and hear the Words of Life or he could participate in the good, approved of, activities of his society. Which activity the disciple chose is not stated.

Clarity. This appears to be a value system verse. The value of good, and proper, social behavior pitted against the value of an intimate relationship with the Messiah. Maybe the Lord was not being so brash after all.

The choices we make and the activities we take reveal what we value.

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TAT 137 son, daughter, or Son?

On March 4, 2024   /   Christian Values  

TAT 137 son, daughter, or Son?

In the beginning of the book of Job we find that Job had seven sons and three daughters. The sons would gather together and celebrate their birthdays and they would even invite their three sisters to the celebration. After the celebrations were over Job would offer sacrifices for them, just in case his sons had send and cursed God in their hearts. Obviously, Job held a special focus on his sons. At the end of the book of Job, Job once again had seven sons and three daughters. But, now Job’s three daughters are now mentioned by name. Job also gave them an inheritance along with their brothers! This was done at a time when women were barely recognized and had little or no legal rights. Why the change?

It is possible that because of his undeserved trial (Job 2:3) Job could identify and sympathize with people of low worldly degree. It is also highly probable that Job had a new value system, a spiritual value system; one that would be elaborated on thousands of years later.

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26)

Are you just a son? A daughter? Or a Son of God? Maybe we can at least shed a little light on that question by those in our lives with whom we identify and value?

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TAT 136 Mind, Ears and Feet

On February 28, 2024   /   Character, Maturing  

TAT 136 Mind, Ears and Feet

Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. (Rom. 12:16)

Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? (Jam 2:5)

I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
(3 Jn. 1:4)

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. (Jn. 14:21).

Without obedience to God it doesn’t matter what we think, hear and do.

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TAT 135 Important to God?

On February 26, 2024   /   Uncategorized  

TAT 135 Important to God?

The LORD himself twice said this about Job:

“. . . a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.”

And the LORD said that when Job was in two completely different situations. In the first situation Job was the richest man in the East. In the second situation he was the poorest man.

An old sage once said: “It’s important to know what is important to God.”

It does not matter whether you are a Solomon, or poor and begging for breadcrumbs. What is important to God is blamelessness, uprightness, and turning away from evil. And in both situations, about Job, the LORD also said “There is no one like him on the earth…”.

That is ………….. what is important to God.

 

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TAT 134 ALL ELSE

On February 25, 2024   /   Darkness & Light  

TAT 134 ALL ELSE

Every once in a while there seems to be a surge of information concerning Satan’s schemes, conspiracy theories, rumors of subversive organizations trying to do away with America and Christianity, and new sightings of extraterrestrials walking among us. It is possible to spend hundreds of hours listening to and researching all of this, maybe even a lifetime. After all “We need to know our enemy and his schemes.” But after we have heard it all, please remember, that one simple fact stands above ALL ELSE:

The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. (Eccl. 12:13)

Please be careful about the amount of time you spend studying information about Satan and his schemes. There is no end to it, the flesh loves it, and it can consume you.

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TAT 133 Three Questions

On February 23, 2024   /   Endurance, Maturing, Witnessing  

TAT 133 Three Questions

Some of you may remember the number one question that a Christian should have in their toolbox.

When trying to decide if a particular action or activity should be engaged in we need to ask ourselves this question:
#1. Who am I trying to please, me or the Lord Jesus Christ?

Lately I have overheard conversations and discussions concerning the political decisions taking place in Washington and the effect they will have. This brings up a second question we might want to have in our toolbox:
#2. If the government passes that bill into law or enacts that legislation will I still be able to be obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ in my daily life?

And the last question is one we should have written on the top of our toolbox.
#3. Have I truly dedicated myself to living for the Lord’s glory and His eternal goals for all creation?

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TAT 132 Peace

On February 22, 2024   /   Peace  

TAT 132 Peace

After Christ ascended and sat down at the right hand of God the Father He began to write letters to us. In the very first one He wrote His opening line was, and still is:
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of you faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete,, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2–4) Not what I would have written if I were trying to gain members and build a massive religious system. But that was the first thing He wrote back to us and it frames much, if not all, of the New Testament.

He also went on and wrote:
If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. (Jn. 15:18), and Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; (1 Pet. 4:12). God does not “pull” His punches, He lands them with full force. He tells us that the god of this world is not Jesus Christ (2 Cor.4:3–4). He tells us that the world hates us (John 15:18). He tells us that people will do bad things to us (Heb. 13:6). But He also tells us that we are not to fear all this suffering (Heb. 13:6). For those who are physically and earthly minded none of this suffering makes any sense.

If we don’t know God’s eternal plan and understand our present place in His eternal plan we will not understand our sufferings and might even become disappointed or even agitated with God. So let me remind us ONCE MORE of God’s eternal plan: For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself . . . I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. (Col. 1:19–20). God’s eternal plan is to bring His entire creation back under His rulership. That was, and is, God’s eternal goal and the eternal reason why He sent His Son to this earth (Col. 1:19–20)

Now, let me agitate you a little more with what’s on my heart and the reason I wrote this TAT.
Are you absolutely, positively, 100% sure God is in full control of His plan and that you are in your proper place in His eternal plan? If you are not sure – the simple question below will likely give you your answer.

Are you filled with the joy of knowing God and experiencing a life of perfect inner peace?

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TAT 131 The Inch

On February 22, 2024   /   End Times, Endurance  

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?”.

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