Building a Consciousness of God
Jesus Christ came to show us how to relate to God. Such a relationship must start with the thought life. With that foundation, it can then extend into our words and actions.
Step one is to think about God in the same way as a humble child thinks about a loving parent. Step two is to continue step one until it becomes a constant conscious attitude. That is, you adopt no other attitude during your waking hours. Making this attitude permanent will give you a whole new self-perception. It is, in fact, a new identity.
Eventually, others will become aware of this new identity in which you operate. However, the person you must impress first and most with this attitude is yourself. If you adopt this attitude only when you pray, then prayer will be difficult for you and the attitude will not stick. This attitude must be more pervasive than prayer. It must be constant.
The cornerstone of all thought for a person without God is “I am.” The cornerstone of all thought for a person in relationship with God is “You are.” It appears that there are far more people in the world thinking “I am” than who are thinking “You are.” Don’t let this dissuade you.
Great buildings begin with good foundations and take time to complete. Building a consciousness of God is the most important building you’ll ever construct.
Bible notes on this post.
The purpose of this blog is to proclaim Jesus Christ to those who want to hear about Him without having to join a church – or anything else – but Him.
Turn Your Radio On
There is an old gospel song titled Turn Your Radio On. The lyrics should be readily available through any internet search (just search for “lyrics turn your radio on”). These lyrics speak of the voice of God going out all the time to those who listen for Him. Are you hearing God now?
Did you read the post here two or three days ago about God’s radio station? Have you been listening?
The person who does not listen to God is no better off than the person who cannot hear Him. There is no greater blessing in life than hearing God in your soul. Stop depriving yourself!
Bible notes on this post.
The purpose of this blog is to proclaim Jesus Christ to those who want to hear about Him without having to join a church – or anything else – but Him.
Why Should I Listen to Someone Who Criticizes Me?
Should you pay attention to someone who is criticizing you? Yes, and especially if the someone is God.
God criticizes us for our good. That is, He loves us enough to correct us.
His chastisements are not intended to improve His well being, but rather ours.
You’ve heard that God loves you? Good! It’s true; He does love you. But do not think that His love means He will never say anything critical to you. On the contrary, your behavior may call for very stiff correction from Him. Are you willing to listen?
If you don’t hear God talking to you about repentance, you’re probably not hearing Him at all.
Bible notes on this post.
The purpose of this blog is to proclaim Jesus Christ to those who want to hear about Him without having to join a church – or anything else – but Him.
Joshua Messiah Is Jesus Christ
We can hear words so often that we become hardened to them and forget what it’s like to have heard them for the first time. To recreate this feeling, it sometimes help to consider the same words from different vantage points.
For example, the name Jesus Christ can be just as accurately rendered as Joshua Messiah. This is because of the variety of languages involved in the preservation of the Bible. ”Joshua” is the translation of a Hebrew name into an English name. ”Jesus” is the translation of the same Hebrew name, but having gone through Greek as an intermediate step between Hebrew and English. The same goes for Messiah (which is directly translated from Hebrew to English) and Christ (which is the same word translated first from Hebrew into Greek and then Greek into English). Thus Joshua means Jesus just as Messiah means Christ.
When, in New Testament times, people first began hearing of Jesus of Nazareth, they were hearing of “Joshua” of Nazareth. Of course, among Jews this would call to mind the great leader who, upon succeeding Moses, led the people of God into the promised land. That Jesus was also “Messiah” spoke of His anointing, which would remind the people of their great king David and all that was revealed about God in his time. The name “Jesus Christ” invoked the great exploits of both Joshua and David.
Notice, therefore, that while the name “Jesus Christ” may only bring to our minds whatever experiences we have had with that name in our lifetimes, it would bring up rich histories for Jews who heard it in New Testament times as “Joshua Messiah.” Sometimes there’s much more to a name than we realize.
Bible notes on this post.
The purpose of this blog is to proclaim Jesus Christ to those who want to hear about Him without having to join a church – or anything else – but Him.
Listen to W – O – R – D Soul Radio!
If you live in the United States east of the Mississippi River you are accustomed to hearing radio call signs as four letters beginning with “W.” Thus, you can think of the word of God as the universe’s largest radio station sending forth its signal 24 hours a day.
This radio station – W.O.R.D. – broadcasts to your soul, filling it with truth and love from your Creator.
If the signal seems weak, it’s because you’ve gotten out of range. Range in this case has to do with your obedience to God’s known will. Are you doing those things God wants you to do? Then the signal of this radio station becomes stronger and stronger. If not, you eventually lose touch. In that event, repent and turn back to following your God. He wants you to have contact with Him continuously – not just once in a while.
Listen to God’s radio station 24/7 and let your heart be strong 24/7.
Bible notes on this post.
The purpose of this blog is to proclaim Jesus Christ to those who want to hear about Him without having to join a church – or anything else – but Him.
Do You Have a Hardened Heart?
God speaks to human hearts. If you have a hardened heart, then you will be “hard of hearing” where God is concerned.
Just because you have heard God in the past does not mean you can hear Him well today. As long as we live on this earth, we are subject to temptation. This is why Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount to live one day at a time.
Keep your heart open and tender toward God every single day. Also, be compassionate toward your fellow man. A heart that is hardened against people cannot be kept soft toward God.
Here’s one way to know if you have a hardened heart: Has it been a long time since you sensed Him speaking to you? If so, repent and He will begin speaking to your heart again.
Bible notes on this post.
The purpose of this blog is to proclaim Jesus Christ to those who want to hear about Him without having to join a church – or anything else – but Him.
Religion Is Corruptible but God Isn’t
Religion can be corrupted because religion is administered by human beings. Every human being is subject to temptation, and thus to being corrupted. Religious leaders can thus be corrupted by the same things (such as money, fame, power, and so on) that corrupt leaders of any other endeavor.
Because religion can be corrupted, God had to design a plan of redemption that did not depend on people to administer it. Therefore, the nation of Israel (with its temple, priests, and sacrifices) was merely a preliminary stage before the institution of the kingdom of God (the incorruptible administration of God Himself). Even the church we see in the New Testament was preliminary. It was the final stage of Israel before the kingdom of God came.
The kingdom of God is Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Therefore, if you want to have a proper relationship with God you do not need religion. You only need to embrace Jesus by faith. He is, of course, invisible, but you know His name and you can therefore call upon Him at any time. You can keep your mind focused on Him all day long as you serve Him with your life.
There was a time when God used human intermediaries (that is, biblical times), but those times are no more. You can relate to God directly. Therefore, the only one who can hurt your relationship with God is you. Don’t be your own worst enemy. Trust Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Live for Him!
Bible notes on this post.
The purpose of this blog is to proclaim Jesus Christ to those who want to hear about Him without having to join a church – or anything else – but Him.
A House Is Not a Home
You’ve probably heard the expression “A house is not a home.” Just because a structure exists does not necessarily mean that people actually live there, or enjoy the comforts of love that family can bring.
Our hearts were designed to be the home of the Almighty God. But if our hearts are devoid of His Spirit then our hearts are a house, but not a home as far as He is concerned.
Are you one of those people who tries to make room for God in your heart whenever you go to church? That’s not a home for God – it’s a hotel. And it’s a hotel that’s only open certain days at certain hours. How can that kind of heart be a home for Him?
If you make room in your thought life for Him, He will provide you more of His thoughts. And your inner monologue will become an inner dialogue. Then, the house of your heart will be a home for you and your God.
Bible notes on this post.
The purpose of this blog is to proclaim Jesus Christ to those who want to hear about Him without having to join a church – or anything else – but Him.
Jesus Polarizes
When you consider that some people forsook reputation and income to follow Jesus while others sought to crucify Him, you realize how polarizing a figure He really was.
The same dual effect is at work today whenever and wherever His name is mentioned. People either seem to love Him or hate Him.
On which side of the pole do you stand?
If you love Him, you’ll be hated, too. Are you willing to endure that? Do you love Him enough to withstand the hatred of Him that will come your way? If so, then you are worthy of Him.
Bible notes on this post.
The purpose of this blog is to proclaim Jesus Christ to those who want to hear about Him without having to join a church – or anything else – but Him.
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