Do I obey God or man?

We received our Census form in March. I opened it and was a bit taken back by all the information they were looking for. So I tossed it.

Recently- last week- I was reading in Romans. As I read Romans 13, the Lord convicted me of my decision to ignore the perceived intrusion by the "gov'ment" (To quote our "gov'ner")

Anyway- The Lord tells us in Romans 13 to submit to the authorities that are put in place. And that if we resist this authority, we are actually resisting the ordinances of God. (v2)

Sooo- then- I figured I needed to see about getting this info to the state, as to be in obedience to God. Well, our efficient government obliged by knocking on our door early this week. What timing. Yeah- I gave them most of the info they were looking for. And I did it with the knowledge that it's what the Lord would have me do.

If the government tells me I can no longer pray to the Lord Jesus, or that I can not tell others about Him; do I obey the government then also? Well- no. I can see clearly from scripture (see Daniel and many of the early apostles/disciples) that these demands cannot be obeyed. Lets look at Peter's reply to this request:

Acts 5:28-30 (King James Version)

28-Saying, Did not we straightly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

29-Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

God commands us to preach the gospel. God commands us to obey the governing authorities. So- As long as I'm not ordered by the government to disobey Christ, I need to continue submitting to the authority God put in place.

Chris

The Christian life- Narrow or broad?

1 Peter 4:12-14 (King James Version)

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.


2 Timothy 3:12 (King James Version)

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.


2 Corinthians 13:5 (King James Version)

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Quick points-

-The Christian walk/life is not white picket fences, it's a fiery trial- narrow road.
-If you choose the Christian life, you will be persecuted.
-I shouldn't think it to be odd, when I trust God and, in turn, receive persecution.
-If my life looks like the world, it's not the Chritian walk/life of the Bible.
-I should test my life against God's word, to see if I am a Christian.

We Are One (Voice of the Martyrs)

Priest Prophet Provider Protector

I also see this as a huge problem today. So many times I see marriages that do not give the picture of Christ and His church. Not to say that any of us are perfect in this, but do we reach for this? Is it your daily goal to "walk within your house with a perfect heart" (Psalm 101:2) God tells us that ALL things are possible with him. So God- working in us- CAN make us Godly fathers and mothers. Actually- according to God's word in Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 2:1-8; One must show these qualities to be qualified to be a Deacon, Shepherd, Overseer, Bishop, Preacher, etc. One of the biggest issues with the church in America today is that so many church leaders are not Godly fathers/husbands at home, so they don't have the ability to direct the affairs of the church. Pray with me- that we will open our eyes to God's truth, and that He would close our eyes to man's traditions. Let us simply trust God's word for what it is- TRUE- NEVERCHANGING- PURE- COMPLETE- ALL WE NEED FOR LIFE AND GODLINESS- SHARPER THAN ANY TWO EDGED SWORD- FOREVER.

Chris

What does Christ owe me?

The hired labourers in Matthew 20 agreed to wok all day for a penny. The householder who hired them went out at different times throughout that same day and hired more labourers. At the end of the day he paid the eleventh hour workers a penny. When the labourers whom had been working all day were to be paid; they expected more than the penny they agreed on. They received the penny they were promised, which was just. However they were upset that they- who worked longer and maybe even harder- were paid the same as someone who only worked for one hour. The housholder's answer to their selfishness: "Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?"

Christ has promised us eternal life, if only we will trust him for it. What more does he owe us? (what more COULD he give?) Well...he doesn't even owe us eternal life. All of us have sinned, and the wages of sin is death. Therefore if we are due anything, it's death. I'll do well to remember that I belong to God, and so does everything I see. Whatever God decides to do in my life or with any of this "stuff" here on earth, he is certainly just in his doing.

Another thing to consider- Christ suffered more than any of us ever have or will. He has the authority to grant salvation to a dying thief, and then give him the same reward as a lifelong faithful follower. Praise God! Because I could have been that thief.

This parable has stuck with me over the years. The Lord has used it on several occasions and for many different situations in my life. I encourage you to read it for yourself, and hear what God wants to share with you. Matthew 20: 1-16

Chris

First post

I've started this blog for one main reason: to share with others the wonderful things the Lord Jesus has done for Georgia and I. How he has saved us by His grace, opened our eyes to His precious promises, and taught us how to grow in our love for Him.

The title, "For the Lord giveth wisdom" comes from Proverbs 2:6- It reads "For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." Many years ago a dear brother, brother-in-law actually, challenged me with several verses. One that has stuck with me the most is Proverbs 3:5. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." The Lord must have been working on my heart for this, because it rang so true! That's it!! I had been trying to trust in the Lord, but in my own strength and with my own wisdom. I can't. You can't. To trust in the Lord means to put away ALL my empty thoughts of how to live, love, etc. Only then can I understand that "the Lord giveth wisdom".

Have you trusted the Lord Jesus for your eternal salvation? If so- can you also trust him to meet your daily needs? If His wisdom (A command from God's word) tells you that lying is an abomination (Proverbs 12:22), but your job requires "white" lies. Can you quit your job and trust in the creator of all things for daily food, clothes, a new job, a place to live? Our understanding might say - No- I can't quit my job. I have a family, bills, etc. However- if God calls us out of this, then we should TRUST Him completly to meet our needs, and then obey!

P.S. - to date- my senior year of English was 19 years ago. These blogs will contain MANY errors. I'm sorry. Georgia could proof these for me first, but I'm not likely to take the time for that.

Also- we may share some of our family life. Not so much who won what prizes, but anything we think might be of some encouragement. Family relationships help us understand even more about who God is. Everything from trusting God for children- to the husband/wife picture of Jesus and His church.

Chris