Believers are called to

 Believers are called to

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8.

Here is what the believers in God are called to do.

Do justice,

Love Kindness,

Walk humbly with your God.

In the book of Proverbs we are called to.

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

 bind them around your neck, 

write them on the tablet of your heart. 

Then you will win favour and a good name

 in the sight of God and man."

                                                           Proverbs 3:3,4

The apostle Paul defines what Christian love is saying,

"Love is patient, love is kind.

 It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love."  

                                                      1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13

If you believe in God. If you believe in Christ Jesus are you doing what these scriptures a asking you to do?

Please think about it.

God's expectation

 God's expectation 

In the book of Micah we read,

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. 

And what does the LORD require of you? 

To act justly and to love mercy 

and to walk humbly with your God." 

                                                    Micah 6:8.

God could not have made things more simple than He does through the prophet Micah. Take a few moments to read that portion of scripture again.

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. 

And what does the LORD require of you? 

To act justly and to love mercy 

and to walk humbly with your God." 

                                                    Micah 6:8.

Please think about it.

What God requires of the believer

 What God Requires of the believer

In the book of Micah we read.

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8.

This is about as clear as it can be. The believer is required to...

Act justly.

Love Mercy.

Walk humbly with your God.

Do you do this?

Please think about it.

What the Lord requires of you

What the Lord requires of you

The Prophet Micah writes,

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

 And what does the Lord require of you? 

To act justly and to love mercy 

and to walk humbly with your God." 

                                                             Micah 6:8.

This is a duty of every believer in Christ Jesus. Every believer in God. 

  We are

to act justly, 

to love mercy, 

to walk humbly with God.

These attributes are what God desires in a believer.

Thus my question to you. If you consider yourself a believer in Christ are these attributes visible in your life?

Please think about it.

What God asks of the believer

 What God asks of the believer

In the book of Micah we read,

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8.

These words couldn’t be more direct. God is asking us to,

Act justly.

To Love mercy.

To walk humbly with God.

If you are a believer in Christ Jesus. Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Believers Principles for living #6 Flee evil

 Believers Principles for living #6 Flee evil

The apostle Paul writing to Timothy states,

“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”  2 Timothy 2:22.

The Psalmist tells us,

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 

Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 

For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish” Psalm 1.

Do you flee evil?

As believers in Christ Jesus we should.

Sadly with all that is happening in the world around us it can be hard to flee evil. While we live in this world evil will always surround us. The key however is to draw close to God by studying the scriptures and praying for God’s wisdom and guidance.

Question: Do you flee evil when you see it?

Please think about it. 

Dealing Honourably and Faithfully

 Dealing Honourably and Faithfully

Jesus told this story

"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  

At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 

"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried.  

In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  

So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.' 

"But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  

And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.' 

"He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house,  

for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 

"Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 

" ‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 

"He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.' " Luke 16:19-31

Here we have a warning to not just the rich but to all who have the ability to help the poor and less fortunate. Especially for those who believe in God. You need to care for those who are not as fortunate as you in life.

In the Talmud we read,

"When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not,    "Have you believed in God?"  Or "Have you prayed and observed the ritual?”  "He is asked: "have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?" The Talmud

So my question to you dear reader is, If you consider yourself a Christian or for that matter if you don’t consider yourself a Christian, do you deal honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow man?

Please think about it.

What the Lord requires of believers

 What the Lord requires of believers

The Prophet Micah states,

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8.

Micah here makes it clear what God requires of all who believe in him.

We are to...

do justice,

love kindness,

walk humbly with God.

If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus are these three halmarks of a believer part of your life?

Please think about it.

Justice, Kindness, Humility

  Justice, Kindness, Humility

In the book of Micah we read,

“He has told you, O man, what is good;

and what does the LORD require of you

but to do justice, and to love kindness,

and walk humbly with your God?” 

                                                 Micah 6:8.

This is what God requires of those who believe in Him. 

To be just in all our dealings with our fellow man.

To love Kindness. To show kindness to everyone we come in contact with.

To walk in humility before God and man.

If you consider yourself a Christian, a true follower of Christ Jesus, are these the qualities people see in you?

Please think about it.

Hate evil Cling to what is good

 Hate evil Cling to what is good

The apostle Paul writes,

"Love must be sincere. 

Hate what is evil; 

cling to what is good.”

                               Romans 12:9.

I live in Canada but I see what is happening in the United States and cringe. I see that people calling themselves Christians supporting people who are obviously doing evil. And sadly it is slipping over the border. 

Christians should be looking to God. Because God is the absolute judge of what constitutes good and evil.

The apostle Paul writes,

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18.

  Paul also wrote,

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  

This is good, and pleases God our Saviour" 1Timothy 2:1-3.

And remember this Paul wrote these words under the Emperor Nero who would eventually put him to death.

As Christians we are called to pray for our leaders not take sides in politics.

Someone has said “Mixing Politics and Religion is like mixing gasoline and water. The gasoline is unusable and the water undrinkable. 

We are called to call on God for wisdom. To live good lives. The apostle Peter stating, 

"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:11,12.

Sadly many calling themselves Christians are not following these words of Peter.

The late American Evangelist Billy Graham said,

"Those outside the church expect followers of Christ to live differently, yet today many in church are chasing after the world - not to win them, but to be like them." Billy Graham.

Those words are as true today as the were the day Billy Graham said them.

Thus the question becomes; If you consider yourself a Christian, are you truly following what is good or are you choosing to follow evil?

Please think about it.

What God asks of us

 What God asks of us

The Prophet Micah states,

“He (God) has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8.

If you consider yourself a Christian do you follow this command of God in all aspects of your life? Do the teachers, preachers, evangelist and politicians you support and listen to do what Micah is saying here?

Please think about it.

What The Lord requires

  What The Lord Requires?

The Prophet Micah writes,

"He has told you, O man, what is good;

and what does the LORD require of you

but to do justice and to love kindness

and to walk humbly with your God?" 

                                                                    Micah 6:8 (ESV)

So if you claim to be a Christians. A true follower of Christ Jesus are you following this admonition from the prophet Micah?

God makes it clear what is good. 

To do justice.

To love kindness.

To walk humbly with God.

Please think about it.

Walk humbly with God

  Walk humbly with God

The Prophet Micah wrote,

“He has told you, O man what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8.

This portion of scripture is directed at the individual. It is telling individuals what God requires of them. 

We are to;

1/ do justice

2/ love kindness,

3/ walk humbly with God.

In the book of Deuteronomy we read,

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."  Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Jesus when asked takes this statement a step further,

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 

Jesus replied: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 

This is the first and greatest commandment. 

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:36-40.

If we truly Love God. We will do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.

Are you?

Please think about it.

Micah's Admonition

Micah's Admonition 

The Prophet Micah wrote,

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8.

If you consider yourself a true believer in Christ Jesus are you doing what the prophet Micah is saying here?

Please think about it.

What God Requires

 What God requires

Micah the prophet states,

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8.

Micah’s statement is pretty strait forward. We as believers in God are to show mercy to all those around us. 

In the book of James we read,

"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" James 2:12,13.

Jesus said,

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."Matthew 7:1,2.

The key words from Jesus here are, 

“For in the same way you judge others, 

you will be judged, 

and with the measure you use, 

it will be measured to you.”

When we judge others. Others will judge us in much the same way. I also believe that when we stand before God He may at the very least ask us if we want to be judged in the same way we judge others. 

The Talmud while not a Christian book contains words of wisdom in line with Christian belief. One quote referring to when we stand before God states,

"When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, "Have you believed in God?"  Or "Have you prayed and observed the ritual? 

 "He is asked: "have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?" The Talmud.

While it is true Christians believe we are saved through the Grace of God through belief in Christ Jesus. It seems to me that people who truly have accepted Christ into their lives, their lives change to exhibiting what the apostle Paul calls the fruit of the spirit. Paul writing,

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control...." Galatians 5:22, 23b.

Question; If on the day you are judged by God He asks you,

"have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?" 

What will be your reply?

Please think about it.

Act Justly

  Act Justly

In the book of Micah we read,

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

The book of James states,

"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  

because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" James 2:12,13

Jesus tells us,

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7.

Jesus warns us,

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1,2.

All of this boils down to what Matthew records Jesus as saying when he says,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12.

If you truly believe the Bible is the word of God then the question becomes are you acting on these words?

If you are not then you may be responsible for turning people away from God. And possibly to a Christless eternity.

Please think about it.

What is Good

  What is good

The Prophet Micah writes,

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

 And what does the Lord require of you? 

To act justly and to love mercy 

and to walk humbly with your God." 

                                                             Micah 6:8.

This is a duty of every believer in Christ Jesus. Every believer in God. 

   We are

to act justly, 

to love mercy, 

to walk humbly with God.

These attributes are what God desires in a believer.

Thus my question to you. If you consider yourself a believer in Christ are these attributes visible in your life?

Please think about it.

Tremble for God is Just

Tremble for God is Just
Thomas Jefferson said of the United States,

“Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.” 

                                                                                       Thomas Jefferson.

This could be said about any nation. There is no such thing as a Christian nation. Many nations do have as part of their laws Judeo-Christian principles. There is however no nation on the face of the earth that can claim to be Christian.
Thomas Jefferson looking at the state of his nation in his day seen the state of the nation and “trembled” at where it was at. A nation far from God.
The same is true today not only for the United States but every nation on the face of the earth. Every nation and every person in those nations need to examine themselves and turn to God. The writer of Revelations warns,
“Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people.  
He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Revelations 14:6,7.
Centuries have come and gone since that warning was given to mankind. It is a tribute to God’s long suffering with mankind that He has waited so long.
The apostle Peter tells us,
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.  
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.” 2 Peter 3:8-10.
The American Evangelist Billy Graham said,
“The Bible says today is the accepted time, today is the day of salvation... But there will come a time when it will be too late for you.” Billy Graham.
Thus the question becomes are ready to stand before a holy God?
Please think about it.

To Account

To Account
The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
Jesus told this parable,
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  
At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  
So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,  
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 
“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” Luke 16:19-31.
These two passages of scripture one from the Old Testament and one from the new, are warnings to all people be they rich or poor. What is being said here is we will be held accountable for our actions. That I believe is doubly so if we claim to be followers of Christ Jesus.
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” James 2:14-20.
If we claim to be true believers in Christ Jesus then we are called to do all we can to help our fellow man.
I think even if you do not believe in Jesus, to help those in need is at the very least is the humane thing to do.
Thus my question for you the reader is, Do you do what you can to help your fellow man?  I say this because Ecclesiastes states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
Please think about it.

In View

In View
The writer of Proverbs states,

“For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, 

and he examines all his paths.” 

                                             Proverbs 5:21.

As I look around the world. I find there is a great deal of injustice in this world. I suppose it’s always been the same. The difference now is that in our multimedia world injustice is seen more easily.
Sadly in this world those who are unjust. Those who take advantage of other people or are deliberately evil quite often escape the judgement in this world. That being said anyone who is guilty of wrong doing will eventually stand trial before God.
The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes12:13,14.
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.  Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.  
Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.  
Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.  
You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.” James 5:1-6.
These are warnings anyone in power or has any kind of responsibility over others need to take seriously be they in government or in private industry. God will one day judge them fairly. Thus it comes down to how will God judge you?
If you are in government, if you are a politician, or in a place of power in private industry are you treating those under you fairly?
Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12.
Are you doing this?
Would you want to be treated in the same way you are treating others?
Please think about it.