ENDING the PREOCCUPATION with SELF

 

Psalm 119:37

King James Version

37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; 

and quicken thou me in thy way.

Enough with self.

Who one is.

How one looks.

How rich you are.

How loved you are

How many people like you.

How accomplished you are.

All is vanity.

King Solomon knew it.

Ecclesiastes 1:1-2

King James Version

1 The words of the Preacher, 

the son of David, 

king in Jerusalem.

2 Vanity of vanities, 

saith the Preacher, 

vanity of vanities; 

all is vanity.

All that matters is GOD now.

John the Baptist knew it.

John 3:30

King James Version

30 He must increase, 

but I must decrease.

The LORD JESUS knew it.

John 12:49-50

King James Version

49 For I have not spoken of myself; 

but the Father which sent me, 

he gave me a commandment, 

what I should say, 

and what I should speak.

50 And I know that his commandment 

is life everlasting: 

whatsoever I speak therefore, 

even as the Father said unto me, 

so I speak.

GOD is ALL that MATTERS.

Self, is as nothing.

Our life is but a vapor.

Self is flesh.

The body will decay.

We will all grow old.

We will all die.

At a time, appointed by GOD.

James 4:14

King James Version

14 Whereas ye know not 

what shall be on the morrow. 

For what is your life? 

It is even a vapour, 

that appeareth for a little time, 

and then vanisheth away.

Only JESUS could give you the peace, and happiness, you seek.

His WORD is the ONLY TRUE SUBSTANCE.

Without which, we're all abominations.

Engrossed with self.

With fame, fortune, face.

Creating envy, pride, greed, malice, competition among people.

Even murderous rage, in others.

What a fruitless exercise.

So very unworthy of GOD, the FATHER.

Sez who that God cares how you look?

Or how much you have?

Or how accomplished you are?

Or how important you are in the world?

That doesn't matter to God.

He only cares you SEEK Him.

Psalm 14:2

King James Version

2 The Lord looked down from heaven 

upon the children of men, 

to see if there were any 

that did understand, 

and seek God.

That you BELIEVE in His Son.

Matthew 17:5

King James Version

5 While he yet spake, 

behold, 

a bright cloud overshadowed them: 

and behold a voice out of the cloud, 

which said, 

This is my beloved Son, 

in whom I am well pleased; 

hear ye him.

That you LOVE each other.

John 13:34

King James Version

34 A new commandment I give unto you, 

That ye love one another; 

as I have loved you, 

that ye also love one another.

GOD created us in THEIR own image.

Genesis 1:26

King James Version

26 And God said, 

Let us make man in our image, 

after our likeness: 

and let them have dominion 

over the fish of the sea, 

and over the fowl of the air, 

and over the cattle, 

and over all the earth, 

and over every creeping thing 

that creepeth upon the earth.

Genesis 1:27

King James Version

27 So God created man in his own image, 

in the image of God created he him; 

male and female created he them.

So, why are you trying to fix your face?

Why are you trying to fix your gender?

Why do you try to outdo each other?

Why are you not content with self?

Why do you modify what God gave you?

Can GOD make mistakes?

Stop feeding the ego.

It will never be fed enough.

Egos belong to the enemy of CHRIST.

That's why he fell.

You belong to GOD, don't you?

It's time to make a stand.

Enough obsessing with self.

STOP all that foolishness.

The time is at hand.

Related material:

It's all vanity

CAPTIVE silly women

WHAT does the BIBLE say about philosophy?

The RAPTURE

END times

Image: Pinterest

Updated 14 August 2022

It's SO NOT COOL to SPY on people

 

Ecclesiastes 7:29

King James Version

29 Lo, 

this only have I found, 

that God hath made man upright; 

but they have sought out many inventions.

Does anyone have any privacy these days?

Nope.

Hardly.

Everything's up for grabs.

Sold to the highest bidder.

Personal information stolen, bank accounts hacked, industries hacked.

Malice everywhere.

People turn whistleblowers when they can't stomach it anymore.

At great risk of their lives, and those they care about.

And yet, they are compelled to make a stand.

We've all become voyeurs.

Spying on everyone.

Tracking everyone.

Checking what the Joneses are up to.

Nothing can be held sacred for the individual anymore.

And yet, we're all children of GOD.

Ephesians 4:4-6

King James Version

4 There is one body,

 and one Spirit, 

even as ye are called 

in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord, 

one faith, 

one baptism,

6 One God and Father of all, 

who is above all, 

and through all, 

and in you all.

Galatians 3:26-28

King James Version

26 For ye are all the children of God 

by faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ 

have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, 

there is neither bond nor free, 

there is neither male nor female: 

for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

But you're not Christian, you'd say.

Much less born again.

Precisely.

If you were, you would not invent anything that would spy on others, whether for malice, or for industry.

Has the world turned so neurotic, we don't trust each other anymore?

Better yet, don't we trust GOD?

That He knows what He's doing?

That all have been prophesied?

That everything's in the hand of GOD?

Or do we believe in GOD, at all?

If we don't, there's obviously a problem.

Why do we spy on people, track them, or hunt them like animals?

To what end?

To what extent?

For what purpose?

World domination?

Why do we create fear in others?

Why can't we make them breathe easy, for a change?

Life's pretty hard enough, as it is.

Others, barely able to make a living.

Most, confused by what's happening in the world.

Many, fearful for themselves, their families, their futures.

Don't we have enough concerns, and anxieties on our mind?

Are the resources of the world really not enough, for everyone?

How much does the rich man need?

Can he bring all that where we're all going?

Life is but a vapor.

James 4:14

King James Version

14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. 

For what is your life? 

It is even a vapour, 

that appeareth for a little time, 

and then vanisheth away.

We were born with nothing.

We leave this world with nothing.

Job 1:21

King James Version

21 And said, 

Naked came I out of my mother's womb, 

and naked shall I return thither: 

the Lord gave, 

and the Lord hath taken away; 

blessed be the name of the Lord.

Oh, and let's not forget that JESUS can return anytime.

To have His faithful, both dead, and living, meet Him up in the air.

ANY MOMENT GOD CHOOSES.

Mark 13:32

King James Version

32 But of that day and that hour 

knoweth no man, 

no, 

not the angels which are in heaven, 

neither the Son, 

but the Father.

We call that the RAPTURE.

If you are born again, born of water, and of the Spirit, you'd be preparing for that event, and walking in the SPIRIT.

Galatians 5:16-17

King James Version

16 This I say then, 

Walk in the Spirit, 

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, 

and the Spirit against the flesh: 

and these are contrary the one to the other: 

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

You'll reap FRUITS of the SPIRIT.

Galatians 5:22-23

King James Version

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, 

joy, 

peace, 

longsuffering, 

gentleness, 

goodness, 

faith,

23 Meekness, 

temperance: 

against such there is no law.

You'd be a man of faith, trusting GOD alone.

Mark 11:22-24

King James Version

22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, 

Have faith in God.

23 For verily I say unto you, 

That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, 

Be thou removed, 

and be thou cast into the sea; 

and shall not doubt in his heart, 

but shall believe that those things which he saith 

shall come to pass; 

he shall have whatsoever he saith.

24 Therefore I say unto you, 

What things soever ye desire, 

when ye pray, 

believe that ye receive them, 

and ye shall have them.

You will not worry what another man's thinking, doing, saying, or planning.

The only thing that will matter is your personal relationship with JESUS.

Colossians 3:1-2

King James Version

3 If ye then be risen with Christ, 

seek those things which are above, 

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, 

not on things on the earth.

You will look kindly upon each other, praying to JESUS, what the LORD's will is, that you may fulfill it.

You will study Scripture, and live by it.

All you need to know to live, love, and serve, can be found in the Bible.

The WORD of GOD is the most BEAUTIFUL thing in the world.

The one that saves our soul.

And causes no harm to others.

Forget about spying.

All that neurotic activity belongs to the enemy of CHRIST.

The one who continually lusts for power.

The one the LORD witnessed falling from heaven.

Luke 10:18

King James Version

18 And he said unto them, 

I beheld Satan as lightning 

fall from heaven.

Who do you serve?

Updated 26 January 2022

Man's greed MUST STOP

 

FACING the croc:

James 5:1-6

King James Version

5 Go to now, 

ye rich men, 

weep and howl for your miseries 

that shall come upon you.

2 Your riches are corrupted, 

and your garments are motheaten.

3 Your gold and silver is cankered; 

and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, 

and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. 

Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

4 Behold, 

the hire of the labourers 

who have reaped down your fields, 

which is of you kept back by fraud, 

crieth: 

and the cries of them which have reaped 

are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, 

and been wanton; 

ye have nourished your hearts, 

as in a day of slaughter.

6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; 

and he doth not resist you.

Man has a pet.

He calls it a crocodile.

The kind that can never be fed enough.

The kind with razor-sharp teeth.

The kind that pretends to sleep -- but with its mouth open.

Man brings this pet everywhere.

To his home, at social gatherings, and especially in the workplace.

This pet devours all competition.

With its mouth, or its tail, all are demolished.

What it lacks in length of claws, it makes up for its huge, wide, gaping jaws.

Those in the know, realize man and his pet serve a different god.

Of course, you're not supposed to know that.

So, deals are sweetened.

You are kept asleep.

Uninformed.

Deceived.

They make you bite a tiny chunk, but there are more chunks to bite.

For a price.

Until man sells his soul to the devil.

For there's the mortgage, the kids' education, his wife needs to impress the neighbors, he needs to dress for success, he needs to be accepted in top cliques.

There's that golf club membership he's eyeing.

And that pool, which looks enticing.

Those kids simply have to end up in ivy-league schools.

The world set the standards for success.

And you bit into it.

You get seduced in shady deals.

Your ignorance, or innocence, is too inviting.

Your greed is even more inviting.

"What you don't know, can't possibly hurt you."

What a lie.

That needs to be amended.

"What you don't know, will definitely destroy you."

And possibly all you care for.

For, if they can't get to you, they'll get to those you care for.

Programming.

Propaganda.

Bit by bit.

Inch by inch.

Infiltration.

Manipulation.

Deception.

There's that D word again.

Taking so many forms.

As much as your imaginative mind can wrap on.

Except, there are many innocents.

Who have no idea the scheme.

The legendary greed.

The enemy behind it all.

We've all been there.

We know what we speak of.

We were taught to parrot, "What's in it for me?"

When, in truth, what's in it for the marketer, the producer, the investors, the proponents, the supporters, the lenders, the supposedly "thought" (less) leaders.

Ideas abound.

How to separate man, from his money.

Oldest game in the world?

All other professions follow it.

Where before, it was gold.

Even diamonds.

It became notes.

It became digital.

Always out of reach for God's favored poor.

The more you can't see it, the more dangerous it is.

For, in the twinkling of an eye, all can be frozen.

All can be withheld.

All can disappear.

It's digital, right?

It's really a war of the spirit.

What demons call ether.

But I serve a different SPIRIT.

And the LORD's Turf, only those of God can tread.

With Spirit, ALL is KNOWN.

All have been prophesied.

Hebrews 4:13

King James Version

13 Neither is there any creature 

that is not manifest in his sight: 

but all things are naked and opened 

unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

The devil's really on a roll.

He's on his last roll, that's why.

In the meantime, the LORD watches closely.

Watching who are His.

Waking up His anointed.

Warning the rest.

He is the loving shepherd, who cares for that one lost sheep missing.

He will scour the countryside, for that one, lost sheep.

Even if it be in the croc's mouth.

Like what happened to the reluctant prophet, God can have croc vomit us out.

Especially if we are His.

Luke 21:18

King James Version

18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish.

Why the greed?

The world has enough food, to feed the hungry.

The world has enough materials, to house the poor.

The world has enough cloth, to clothe the freezing.

The croc doesn't need clothes.

He'd look funny with designer duds.

All he has is that mouth.

A wide, gaping mouth.

That can never be fed enough.

On the day of GOD's choosing, that mouth will forever be shut.

And thrown in that bottomless pit.

Would you go along?

I hope not.

SPIRIT hopes not.

The LORD JESUS hopes not.

Does the Lord's life mean something to you?

For He bought you for a price.

 1 Corinthians 6:20

King James Version

20 For ye are bought with a price: 

therefore glorify God in your body, 

and in your spirit, 

which are God's.

You are not meant to end up in those jaws.

1 Peter 5:8

King James Version

8 Be sober, 

be vigilant; 

because your adversary the devil, 

as a roaring lion, 

walketh about,

 seeking whom he may devour:

You are meant to be with GOD.

James 5:7-8

King James Version

7 Be patient therefore, 

brethren, 

unto the coming of the Lord. 

Behold, 

the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, 

and hath long patience for it, 

until he receive the early and latter rain.

8 Be ye also patient; 

stablish your hearts: 

for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

Drop all ideas of greed.

Hebrews 13:5

King James Version

5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; 

and be content with such things as ye have: 

for he hath said, 

I will never leave thee, 

nor forsake thee.

In  God's world, there's plenty for everyone.

Deuteronomy 28:1-6

King James Version

28 And it shall come to pass, 

if thou shalt hearken diligently 

unto the voice of the Lord thy God, 

to observe and to do all his commandments 

which I command thee this day, 

that the Lord thy God will set thee on high 

above all nations of the earth:

2 And all these blessings shall come on thee,

and overtake thee, 

if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.

3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, 

and blessed shalt thou be in the field.

4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, 

and the fruit of thy ground, 

and the fruit of thy cattle,

 the increase of thy kine, 

and the flocks of thy sheep.

5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.

6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, 

and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

For the TRUE faithful?

GOD suffices.

Psalm 119:97

King James Version

97 O how love I thy law! 

it is my meditation all the day.

Image: All-free-download

Updated 4 July 2022

FUTILE Rebellion Against GOD

 

prophet SAMUEL to Saul:

1 Samuel 15:23

King James Version

23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, 

and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. 

Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, 

he hath also rejected thee from being king.

Rebellion is precisely that -- rejecting the "word of the Lord".

We don't take His WORD seriously.

Everything the world is, the WORD isn't.

We continue to test the Lord's wrath.

We throw His love in His face.

We forget to be grateful.

We remain proud.

Why do we plot against God, as if that will ever see fruition?

Psalm 2:1-3

King James Version

2 Why do the heathen rage, 

and the people imagine a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, 

and the rulers take counsel together, 

against the Lord, 

and against his anointed, saying,

3 Let us break their bands asunder, 

and cast away their cords from us.

Why don't we accept His Son, JESUS, who gave up His life so we may have eternal life with the Father?

Why do we serve so many gods, and refuse to serve GOD alone?

Why do we continue to sin, and thus, rebel?

Why do we challenge God's authority?

Don't we know, we are as nothing, in size, might, stature, and glory compared to the Creator?

Isaiah 40:22

King James Version

22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, 

and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; 

that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, 

and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:

But the Lord God knows how to deal with His perpetually rebellious people, only too well:

Psalm 2:4-5

King James Version

4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: 

the Lord shall have them in derision.

5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, 

and vex them in his sore displeasure.

For He had already set His Son, JESUS, as rightful Heir and King:

Psalm 2:6-9

King James Version

6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

7 I will declare the decree: 

the Lord hath said unto me, 

Thou art my Son; 

this day have I begotten thee.

8 Ask of me, 

and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, 

and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; 

thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

God continues to warn us.

But how many care to listen, repent, and believe in Jesus?

Scripture says there are SIX things God asks the heathen of the world to do:

1. Be wise.

2. Be instructed.

Psalm 2:10

King James Version

10 Be wise now therefore, 

O ye kings: 

be instructed, 

ye judges of the earth.

3. Serve the Lord with fear.

4. Rejoice with trembling.

Psalm 2:11

King James Version

11 Serve the Lord with fear, 

and rejoice with trembling.

5. Kiss the Son.

6. Put our trust in Jesus.

Psalm 2:12

King James Version

12 Kiss the Son, 

lest he be angry, 

and ye perish from the way, 

when his wrath is kindled but a little. 

Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Rebellion against God is futile.

It will be meted out.

The Bible says so.

Proverbs 17:11

King James Version

11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion: 

therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

When, oh when, will we ever learn?

CAN'T buy your WAY to HEAVEN

 

JESUS was specific:

Mark 10:23

King James Version

23 And Jesus looked round about, 

and saith unto his disciples, 

How hardly shall they that have riches 

enter into the kingdom of God!

What chance do we have of going to heaven?

Does money count for anything?

Or helping others with the money you have?

How about philantrophy, charity, tithing, supporting scholars, feeding the poor, building homes for the homeless, building churches, holding concerts for the poor?

Let Scripture answer the questions you may have:

Is it wrong to be rich?

Matthew 6:24

King James Version

24 No man can serve two masters: 

for either he will hate the one, 

and love the other; 

or else he will hold to the one, 

and despise the other. 

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

What if you think you're a good person?

Mark 10:18

King James Version

18 And Jesus said unto him, 

Why callest thou me good? 

there is none good but one, 

that is, God.

Can our good works get us there?

Ephesians 2:8-9

King James Version

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; 

and that not of yourselves: 

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, 

lest any man should boast.

What if we've followed all of God's commandments?

Mark 10:20-21

King James Version

20 And he answered and said unto him, 

Master, 

all these have I observed from my youth.

21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, 

and said unto him, 

One thing thou lackest: 

go thy way, 

sell whatsoever thou hast, 

and give to the poor, 

and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: 

and come, 

take up the cross, 

and follow me.

Is it okay to have ambition?

Hebrews 13:5

King James Version

5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; 

and be content with such things as ye have: 

for he hath said, 

I will never leave thee, 

nor forsake thee.

But what if you're cut out to be rich, or to be a leader?

Proverbs 16:18

King James Version

18 Pride goeth before destruction, 

and an haughty spirit before a fall.

What if you want to be famous?

Exodus 20:3

King James Version

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

But what if you were born into wealth?

Mark 10:25

King James Version

25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, 

than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Is it wrong to receive praise for your talents?

1 Corinthians 10:31

King James Version

31 Whether therefore ye eat, 

or drink, 

or whatsoever ye do, 

do all to the glory of God.

By now, I can hear the sighs reverberate around the room.

But the laws of God are pure, precise, and perfect:

We are not to love the world.

1 John 2:15

King James Version

15 Love not the world, 

neither the things that are in the world. 

If any man love the world, 

the love of the Father is not in him.

Believers know the world belongs to the wicked one.

1 John 5:19

King James Version

19 And we know that we are of God, 

and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

Instead, Jesus commanded we lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven.

Matthew 6:19-20

King James Version

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, 

where moth and rust doth corrupt, 

and where thieves break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, 

where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, 

and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

We are only to focus on the will of God.

Romans 12:2

King James Version

2 And be not conformed to this world: 

but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, 

that ye may prove what is that good, 

and acceptable, 

and perfect, 

will of God.

The whole life, and ministry of Jesus, showed perfect obedience to the will of the Father.

We are to do the same.

The disciples of Jesus had a legitimate question:

Mark 10:26

King James Version

26 And they were astonished out of measure, 

saying among themselves, 

Who then can be saved?

To which, Jesus answered:

Mark 10:27

King James Version

27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, 

With men it is impossible, 

but not with God: 

for with God all things are possible.

We can do all things, through Jesus.

Philippians 4:13

King James Version

13 I can do all things through Christ 

which strengtheneth me.

Lastly, the Bible puts life, and wealth, in perspective:

Job 1:21

King James Version

21 And said, 

Naked came I out of my mother's womb, 

and naked shall I return thither: 

the Lord gave, 

and the Lord hath taken away; 

blessed be the name of the Lord.

1 Timothy 6:7

King James Version

7 For we brought nothing into this world, 

and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

James 4:14

King James Version

14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. 

For what is your life? 

It is even a vapour, 

that appeareth for a little time, 

and then vanisheth away.

There is no buying our way into heaven.

Man's wealth means nothing to the Lord.

Power, position, and prestige mean nothing as well.

Jesus reminded us:

Mark 10:31

King James Version

31 But many that are first shall be last; 

and the last first.

Our only hope is in Jesus.

Colossians 3:1-2

King James Version

3 If ye then be risen with Christ, 

seek those things which are above, 

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, 

not on things on the earth.

Let the Holy Spirit of God teach you everything about the Lord, and everything you do will be right, in the eyes of God.

You just have to make a stand who you serve.

Your life and future will hinge upon that.

Related material:

CITIZENSHIP in HEAVEN

VERSES on HEAVEN

BORN AGAIN articles

SALVATION

Updated 14 October 2022