He Who Has Ears, Let Him Hear

In Matthew 11:15, Jesus said, “who has ears to hear let him hear! What does it mean to hear the the teachings of Jesus?

What should we learn from Jesus‘s statement that those who have ears to hear should hear?

Listen carefully to Jesus’s Teachings

Those who have ears to hear must listen to the gospel of Jesus. The only way to be saying it’s a learn what the gospel says about salvation.

John 6:44-45 – “In order to come to Jesus each person must be taught. We met here and learn from the father.”

Romans 10:17 – “ so then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

God has never taught the condition of salvation to any lost sinner by a direct revelation from the Holy Spirit or by asking directly on the sinner’s heart apart from the word. God decreed that people burn the truth by big talk that inspired message of the gospel given by inspired men.

But some who hear the teaching will resist it.

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 – Some do not believe the truth, but have pleasure in and unrighteousness. The gospel is designed so that such people will reject the truth. Note that people rejected the gospel, not because it is not true and not because there is no adequate evidence for it but those of attitude problems in peoples hearts.

Other people attend church meetings but still you not listen. Instead they daydream or worse yet visit with their neighbors and distract others.

What is your attitude toward gospels truth? Will you reject it because you are to involved in things that please you? Where are you willing to listen and carefully consider, even when it contradicts your former ideas?

Understand with an honest heart

Having ears to hear also requires us to sincerely seek and understand the message.

Matthew 13:23 – In the parable of the sower, the good soil represents those who hear and understand the word and bring forth good fruit.

Yet some reject the gospel when they hear it so they do not understand.

Matthew 13:13-16 – Some hear but don’t understand because they close their ears and harden their hearts. Mini do not want to deny their own desires, change their way of living, or sacrifice their will to serve God. This will reject the teaching, and may not even understand it.

In which category are you?

Respond properly: Believe and obey

How many years to here also mean we must be willing to accept and obey the message.

2 Kings 17:13-15 – God rebuke Israel because they would not hear his law, but suffered and rejected his Statutes etc… They had Minto God’s word by the prophet, but simply did not obey.

Luke 11:28 – …What are those who hear the word of the Lord and keep it.,

Matthew 13-23 – The good soil refers to those who hear and understand a word and bear fruit (do the deed of the Lord).

Again, some people reject the message and refuse to obey.

Luke 6:46-49 – Those who hear and obey Jesus’s word or like a white builder, whose house survive the storm because it was built on a good foundation. Those who hear but don’t obey our building on the sand which will be washed away. Which one are you?

James 1:22-25 – If we do not do what the word says, we are like the man who looks in the mirror it does nothing about the problem he sees in his appearance. What good does it do look if we cannot correct the faults we find?

God created His word to produce understanding, faith, and obedience in the lives of those who have receptive hearts. But he also created each person with the power to choose. The gospel does not violate that power; It appeals to it. God designed the word to attract those who have open hearts but who repel those who are determined to continue in sin.

Revelation 3:20, Jesus died for us, and now He stands at the door of our hearts knocking. He asks you to receive Him and the salvation He offers. But He will never force His way in. You must make the choice to hear His voice and open the door. You do this by believing in Jesus, repainting your sins, turning away from them, confessing Jesus, and being baptized. Then you must continue to live a faithful life.

The choice is yours: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

How Strong Are You?

Great men and women don’t quit. They are overcomers. They ignore difficulties, resist tiredness, and fight opposition. They know negative events will come, so they prepare for them. Only the weak fail or quit when the going gets tough. That said, no one in the world can do it in their human form – that’s why we have God.

How great are you? How strong are you? If you are frustrated, defeated, thinking about giving up, or actually do give up at times, then you are weak. King Solomon encourages us to greater commitment and resolve by telling us that we can succeed.

No one likes adversity, which is affliction, difficulty, hardship, or danger. Which seems to be what everyone is dealing with today. And all people would choose to avoid it. It is easy for anyone to resent it. But it truly measures our strength and our faith toward God, adversity best proves godly integrity and perseverance.

Without adversity, how would we show faith or strength? We can talk about it but talk is cheap. We could believe we are strong, but that is even more deceitful. We could tell the Lord we would never deny Him, but until the trial is passed our words are in vain. The fact is it is adversity that exposes false professions of stony hearers, so take heed.

It’s a lie to think a believer’s life is without trouble (Job 5: 6-7). The advantage of a believer’s life is God’s promise to help with their difficulty. Psalm 34:19-20 reads “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him put of it all.” “For a just an falls seven times but rises again” (Proverbs 24:16).

It is also a lie to think that followers of Christ never faint all people have similar passions and faint sometimes. If we look at Psalms King David wrote about the times he was discouraged. And there were many. Even the Apostle Paul could be cast down, they never destroyed from their commitment and effectiveness. David and Paul taught us that we must rule our spirit and reject our feelings of defeat.

God brings adversity to provide our faith, as He did with Non. He will bring trouble to see how must we can rely on Him rather than ourselves. He will find our how we value Him compared to other than things in our lives. Do you worship Him only for a protective hedge, as satan said of Job (Job 1:9-11)? Will you still worship Him when too have lost everything?

We are headed through some rough times. Where will you find you strength?

God brings adversity to increase our strength, much like boot camp in the military. Faith is not built by prosperity, but rather by adversity, when we have God’s help. Because His purpose is our perfection, you should appreciate difficult times when they come. Wise men will rejoice in them very much (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4).

Out difficulties do not exceed those of others. They may be different, but God tries everyone with equal adversity. There should be great comfort just in realizing this important fact. Everyone is tested and tried. But will God nothing is impossible as long as we allow God to be our strength.

God gives grace – inward strength by His Spirit to endure trouble (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). When we allow God to be our strength we can rejoice in knowing our difficulties will glorify God.

What Does The Military Do?

They exist to serve the people, defend the nation, protect vital National interests and fulfill national military responsibilities. The military does more than simply fight for our freedoms.

Some examples include:

Rescue operations

Medical assistance in impoverished areas

Food and humanitarian relief

Security embassies and other locations

Policing in volatile areas

National disaster relief

Law enforcement

Piracy and drug interdiction

Many do not realize without the military all this above would not exist.

I’ve spoken to many people who hate our military or despise our soldiers who go to war. They do realize that without these men and women we would not have many of the luxuries we have now.

I love Ronald Reagan’s quote, “Freedom is a fragile thing and it’s never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by way of inheritance ; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes once once to a people.”

Sadly, we are so very close to losing our freedoms and the luxuries we are used to. And once it’s gone, we cannot get it back.

Choose To Stand On God’s Word

I’ve been driving myself crazy worrying about my Son. He’s been a financial mess for a month. He was owed a lot of money that the timing kept getting delayed. Finally I knew I had to choose to stand on God’s Word to release the Worry and anxiety I had over this situation. And today my son was payed the money that was owed to him. He can afford to eat, and pay his past due rent.

Have you ever experienced a moment when you really needed to hear from God? How about a time when you were so desperate for answers that you could literally SCREAM? “Why is this happening.” I’m sure we have all been there at some point in our lives. I have found that instead of stressing over a situation that God wants us to stand on His Word. Sometimes we tend to get so mixed up in the worldly things we forget there is a God who loves us.

Standing on God’s Word is a choice. It’s actually a wholehearted decision to trust Him at every turn… even when the doubt begins to creep in. I haven’t really thought of doubt as a sin until this situation with my son. But as soon as I let go of the anxiety and doubt over me. God really came through. Doubt is a faith killer. And Satan knows it. If Satan can keep you doubting and full of anxiety he is winning.That’s when you have to choose to stand on what God has said,

Waiting for answer or needing direction or just needing to hear a word from God concerning something in your life, listen for Jesus. The Bible tells us in John 10:26, “My sheep listen for my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” So as children of the King, you will need to be sensitive to His voice. And sometimes in order to hear His voice clearly, you will have to deliberately down out other voices.

This means drowning out the voices of other people in your life, friends, co-workers, and even family members and especially worldly wisdom. However, not only that, but at some point in order to clearly know what to do, you will need to lay down everyone’s opinion and words of advice to hone in on what Jesus is saying to you. Because you will have to weigh it all to the Word. (Knowing too many voices can cloud the right answer).

Many people don’t do this anymore, but I tell you fasting is a great way to hear from God. It seems like when you deny yourself something God’s voice comes rushing in. You will always want to check if what you hear rings true in the biby. Jesus told us to tell the spirits. If it’s not in the Word of God it probably wasn’t God who sent it,

Make the Word of God (Bible ) your lifeline. It’s your anchor of hope. You’re solid sustained. Your answer to any problem or decision you face. Your final authority. In every problem or situation you have in your life there is hope and a solution in the Bible. Choose it and stand on it. Because God will never fail you or abandon you. And you can stand on that.

7 Ways Believers Neglect Their Salvation

Hebrews 2:3 says “How shall we escape if we neglect so a great salvation.”

The word for Greek is to pay no attention to, or to make light of situation.

Many believers have made it a habit to neglect the basics of the faith, this operating in a dangerous assumption that their salvation is already a settled fact despite how they live. However this is not what the Bible teaches.

The following are 7 ways in which we can neglect our salvation:

1. Sporadic Church Attendance: When I first came to Christ in the late 80’s committed believers rarely missed Sunday Church. Now committed believers don’t think it’s a big deal if they only make it to church once a month. Or even thinking I can believe in God and not have to make the sacrifice to get out of bed and go to church. But that’s not what the Bible teaches. If we want to become closer to God we have to learn about Him and His ways. The lack of frequent fellowship and mutual admonition is connected to the hardening of one’s heart resulting in the neglect of one’s salvation (Hebrews 10:25).

2. No Accountability In Our Life: Hebrews admonishes us to exhort one another daily which means believers cannot merely attend church on Sundays and think that is enough (Hebrews 3:13), The early church met daily in the temple as well as house-to-house (Acts 2;46).

We all need close relationships with mature believers who will hold us accountable to biblical standards and encourage us to seek God and pursue our divine assignment. We neglect our salvation when we refuse to allow ourselves to be accountable to mature believers.

3. Allowing Ourselves To Be Led By Every New Trend: In the past several years, many sincere believers have been distracted by conspiracy theories such as QAnon, novel teachings, numerous failed prophetic declarations, and more. Peter instructed in the Bible that the Church needs to crave pure spiritual milk so they can grow (1 Peter 2:2), Satan tempts saints by leading them astray from their sincere devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3).

When we stop feeding on God’s Word, we hinder our spiritual growth. This is why Paul admonished Timothy to keep his faith sincere with a pure heart and to avoid speculations, conspiracy theories, myths, and anything that promotes questions rather than faith ( 2 Timothy 1:6). Unfortunately, many have wandered away from the truth because their focus was not on God and the gospel (1 Timothy 1:6).

When Covid hit there were many theories and no facts. Our focus on Christ was distracted. Satan was a work trying to put fear into our lives. Mainly because no one knew what to expect. My question is how many actually sat down and read their Bible daily, how many prayed that God would help them. Many were to busy stocking up on toilet paper and believing all the stories instead of focusing on the most important part -God.

We could be neglecting our salvation by continuing to chase every conspiracy theory and novel teaching. Meaning that which has not been taught in the Bible or has been cited as heretical in one of the major churches.

4. Not Participating Learning What Scripture Means: The Bible teaches us the importance of consistently sitting under the preaching and teaches of the Word of God. Paul said, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God,” meaning that our posture of continual learning under anointed teachers should never stop ( Romans 10:17).

When a believer stops getting fed by mature, reliable Shepard called to feed the flock of God, they neglect their salvation. Also, Peter said that we should be fed by our Shepherd (1 Peter 5:2). And he is not talking about listening to random preachers, but sitting under those called to disciple and speak into our life so we can align with our divine assignment. We neglect our salvation when we infrequently sit under our local church’s corporate teaching and preaching.

5. Not Pursuing Biblical Discipleship: Every person is called to be a disciple and to make disciples. Paul admonished Timothy to focus on pouring into faithful men who can teach others ( 2 Timothy 2:2). Jesus laid out a process of discipleship that included initiation into the body of Christ through water baptism followed by learning the teaching of faith (Matthew 28:19-20). Every person who converted in the early church (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 5:12- 6:3).

6: Not Pursuing God And Seeking His Kingdom First: Paul instructed Timothy to flee youthful lusts and to pursue faith, love and peace with those who called upon the Lord with a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22). As a shepherd since the mid 90’s (I accepted Christ as my Lord and savior in the late 80’s but it took me awhile to get moving). I have seen the non every one who is a church member seeks His kingdom with a pure heart. Jesus said the great commandment included loving God with all the heart and loving our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). When we refuse to seek His kingdom first, we neglect our salvation (Matthew 6:33).

7. Hardening Our Hearts Because Of Trials and Tribulations: Scripture makes it clear that God allows trials to test our faith so I can come forth as pure gold (1 Peter 1:7). Trials and tests can either make us better or make us bitter. According to the teachings of Jesus, those who harden their hearts because of worldly difficulties and distractions didn’t receive the Word with the right heart ( Mark 4:13-20).

When we harden our hearts instead of seeking God during challenging sessions of our life, we are neglecting our salvation.

If we lose our salvation we will go to hell. I urge you to examine your own heart with the list above. And get right with God. So many people think if they are a good person they will go to heaven. Sadly people have been led astray.

Every Action Has Consequences

One thing you can count on in this life is that all roads lead to individual development. No matter what our action or path we choose there will be a lesson.

Choosing Between Two Rights:

Life would be much easier to handle if all our decisions were between good and evil. It is really easy to differentiate the two. It’s always easy to know the difference between love and hate, or kindness and selfishness. What makes it difficult is when our choices are between tw rights.

Maybe your boss offers you a promotion at work but you have to move to a different state. Do you except the promotion or turn it down? Taking the promotion will give you more money but moving out of state will take you out of your comfort zone or away from family. Both are good choices . They are two rights.

Consequences Are Not Negative:

We never hear the word “consequences “ in positive terms. It’s usually used to describe some unintended event because of actions taken. The fact is that a consequence is nothing more than a result or effect resulting from a decision made or from an apparent condition. The consequences of stealing can be getting caught. The consequences of following a diet is losing weight. We should always think about the consequences before we make a choice.

However, there are other consequences that we don‘t expect when we act. With the dieting example. If you lose weight the result will be having to buy a new wardrobe because your clothes don’t fit anymore. Sometimes Anticipating consequences keep people frozen In inaction.

Postponing A Decision Is A Decision:

It’s easy to let the fear of the unknown causes us to delay in making a choice. But choosing to put off a decision has consequences also. Sometimes it makes the situation worse, especially if you do it out of fear.

The best approach I’ve found is to take in life is to understand every decision has a consequence – good or bad. This means that, no matter what you decide, there will be things you like and others you don’t. So, make sure you think through every decision and understand the consequences of the action your about to do. “If I do this, what can be the consequences?” Do you feel good about those consequences?

While no decision in life can guarantee everlasting success, joy, comfort, or happiness. You can understand the consequences of most of time if you stop and think things through first.

I find when I trust my instincts, I usually never let astray.

Financial Stress In Today’s Society

One of the most prevalent and enduring types of stress is financial stress. Managing money has been especially difficult with the relentless constraints over the last couple of years: the beginning of a recession, which is on,y going to get worse before it gets better. And then the supply shortages along with the cost of gas. We are at the highest inflation rate in 40 years. But, I’m sure many are reminded of this every time we go to the grocery store or the gas station..

With every one struggling I thought I would share a few tips for coping. While I can’t guarantee it will cure your stress. It may help a bit.

  • Try to create some extra sources of income. I have began to sell a few things around the house for a few extra bucks. Maybe if you are physically able help out someone with yard work etc…

I have to drive 75 miles to see a specialist, which puts a strain on my gas budget.

  • Try decluttering your budget. What can to do without? To add a few extra dollars to your budget.
  • Manage stress by exercising, mediation, walking, aromatherapy, expressing gratitude for the things you do have, and guided imagery. I use this technique often to just get my mind off things for a while. Another good one is massages, my husband and I give each other massages. Not only does it help to get relaxed, it can bring you closer.
  • Understand the debt cycle. One study found that you can pay off your debt quicker by paying off one account at a time, and starting with the lowest debts first. And pay the one with the highest interest first. I know it’s tough not to just grab for the credit cards (especially when we’re struggling) but the fact is we will be worse off if we do this,

It might be impossible to fix your financial problems overnight, but you can start planning for success right away. Remember, the stress you experience isn’t only a result of your financial situation- you can ease some of your anxiety by taking care of your.

Take Stock Of Your Finances:

Make a list of your financial struggles that most concern you. Take baby steps to tackle each problem one by one so you don’t overwhelm yourself.

Write down what you can start doing today or this week that can get you on track to financial stability. Try making a budget plan, one spending on the necessities for a week or a month.

You can start tracking your spending by keeping a daily or weekly list of what to spend your money on, and see where you can spend less.

If you are unable to pay your bills, try calling your bank, utility company, credit card company and explain your situation- oftentimes, they can set up a payment plan that works for you. Also, some banks for vehicle loans will allow you to do a skip a pay for a month. You will have to pay the interest on the loan but it will allow you save money for a month. Please remember the amount of the skip a pay will be added to your amount do. There is nothing free in this life. Everything has consequences.

Stay positive about your finances. always have hope, things will get better. Without hope we don’t have anything to live for.

May God Bless You