What Are You Doing? :: By Nathele Graham

Published on: February 18, 2023 by RR10

I remember the angst of my teenage years. The questions with no answers. “Why was I ever born?” “Why am I unlovable?” “Is there any purpose for my life?” The sad thing is, I was a Christian, but as I cried to my mother, her answers didn’t help. They were the truth, but I wanted more. She reassured me that she loved me, but even more so told me that God loved me and had a purpose for me. At 16, that just sounded like nice words with no meaning. Now, at age 70, I look back and see my mother’s wisdom. She was right.

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Psalm 139:14).

Each one of us fits into God’s plan, and God has a purpose for everyone. When life gets tough or lonely, remember that you are indeed “… fearfully and wonderfully made.” You aren’t an accident or a freak of nature; you certainly didn’t originate from pond scum or any form of evolution. God created mankind in His own image.

Jeremiah was a young man who had a calling from God. He felt inadequate and questioned God’s choice in choosing him as a prophet. God told him, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5).

What has God called you to do? Maybe a wise prophet like Jeremiah, or maybe a Godly witness to your community. It’s OK to question. Jeremiah did. “Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! Behold I cannot speak for I am a child. But the LORD said unto me, Say not I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 1:6-8).

Jeremiah did go where God sent him and spoke God’s words. That’s what we all need to do. We need to take God’s message to a lost world. Will they mock you and laugh at you? Possibly, but that shouldn’t stop you. Your mission is to obey God and leave the results up to Him. “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:19).

Jesus said that to His disciples soon before He went to the cross. Thankfully, those men remembered His words and took the Gospel to the entire world. It’s only our human fear that stops us from sharing the Gospel.

What are you doing? Are you sitting back feeling pretty full of yourself because you’re saved and your neighbor isn’t? Quite often, we call to mind that precious promise in Ephesians “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Unfortunately, most Christians stop there. That’s called “one-verse theology.” Pick out a verse that suits you, and live by it. It’s true that we are saved by grace. We cannot do anything to save ourselves because Jesus Christ paid the price for our redemption. We can do nothing to earn it. We can show our gratitude to Him, though. Go back to your Bible and read on. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

You see, we are created to do good works even though we aren’t saved by those works. Grace is amazing, and it’s free. Yet, our gratitude should prompt us to live for Christ.

Jesus was God incarnate. His blood was pure and untainted by the sin that permeates our life. He had no sin of His own but willingly took the sin of the entire world upon Himself in order to give us the only way to live eternally with Him. That’s a lot that we have to be grateful for. Have you said, “Thank You”? Have you even tried to turn from your sin? “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

How do you go about becoming a living sacrifice? Start with Scripture. Learn God’s ways. Learn to discern the ways of God from the ways of the world, which is controlled by Satan. It’s a spiritual battle.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

The Holy Spirit is sealed inside of us from the moment we sincerely accept the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus for our salvation. He will guide us if we allow it. “Quench not the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19).

On our own, we can never be good enough to make it to Heaven. Only through the righteousness of Christ can we be good enough. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:11-14).

We need to give our best to the Lord because we belong to Him. That’s what “peculiar” means. We need to ask Him to show us our sins and help us to live a life that pleases Him. His grace is a blessing, but He wants more from us and for us. “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16).

The word “conversation” doesn’t mean the way you talk, although that is part of it. It’s from the Greek word “anastrophe” and means your manner of life, conduct, behavior, and deportment. The word “holy” is the Greek word “hagios” and doesn’t mean you run around with a halo and call yourself “saint.” God is holy and not a part of the worldly ways, and we are to be separated from the world, physically pure, morally blameless, and consecrated to God. We are to be like Him.

So, the question is, what are you doing? Are you resting peacefully in your salvation and not caring about others? Maybe you’re blending in with the crowd and not drawing any attention to the fact that you claim to be a Christian. As we look around at the world in which we live, we can see the moral decay of the entire world all around us. We need to be a light that shines in a dark place. Many people have never had anyone share the Gospel with them, and many others have rejected it. Christians need to wake up and understand that it’s up to us to share the Gospel. That means use words and speak to the lost.

I know too many who are ashamed to talk about Christ and believe the way to share is to do works and hope the recipient will understand the Gospel. Good works are beneficial, but putting a roof on a house never saved anybody. It’s the Gospel that has to be shared using words. Jesus gave the marching orders. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). If the Gospel is not shared, how can anybody hear the Good News of Jesus Christ?

Whatever you’re doing, be sure it’s directed by the Holy Spirit and that it glorifies God. If you’re doing all kinds of good things, but you take the credit, then your good works will be burned up like wood, hay, and stubble. Christians will face the judgment throne of Christ. It won’t be a judgment of “Heaven or Hell,” but ours will be a judgment of our works.

“Now if any man build upon the foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood hay, stubble; every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire” (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).

Our works won’t save us, but any works we do for our own glory will be burned up on the day of judgment. The things we’ve done for Christ will earn rewards which we will throw at Jesus’ feet out of humble gratitude for what He’s done for us. I want a crown so I can say, “Thank You, Jesus, for what You’ve done for me.”

I know I’m not doing enough, but I’m praying that I’ll hear the prompting of the Holy Spirit in my life. Are you listening for His voice, too?

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com
ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.rapture ready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

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God’s Inventory :: By Nathele Graham

Published on: February 11, 2023 by RR10

Children are such amazing people. Their minds are ready to learn how to cope with life. First, they learn that Mom and Dad take care of their needs. That teaches them about love. Then, before you know it, that child is walking and talking. That’s just the beginning. Pretty soon, they dazzle anyone who will listen with their ability to count to ten, then one hundred! Children are marvelous. God is even more amazing and marvelous. He counts things that humans deem as innumerable.

If you are ever able to get away from the city lights on a clear, moonless night, you will be awestruck at the stars you can see. It’s been said that you may see more than 10,000 stars under the right conditions. That’s just a small percentage of what astronomers say there are in the universe. In our own small galaxy, it’s estimated that there are 100 billion stars. Add to that the stars in other galaxies, and I don’t think I can count that high. God can.

“The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite” (Psalm 147:2-5).

God is great and all-knowing. The same God who knows every star, even the ones astronomers haven’t discovered yet, knows you. He knows everything about you. You are that important to Him. All of His creation is important to Him. He knows what’s happening in Africa, South America, the United States, England, Canada, and every nation you can name. He counts the stars, but he also cares about the birds and about you.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31).

God loves you and knows all about your sins and whether you’ve accepted or rejected salvation through Christ. He knows every sin you have ever committed, and He knows the ones you are going to commit. He knows the joy in your future, and He knows the grief you may be going through now. Don’t give up on life, but put your faith in Him.

Job faced some terrible times. He lost his fortune and his children, then his health was attacked. These troubles were all the work of Satan. To add insult to injury, he had some friends come for a visit, and they were less than kind. When Job defended himself to his visitors, his faith was clear. He understood that God knew all about him.

“Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps? If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit; let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity” (Job 31:4-6).

God does count your steps. He knows where you’re headed and whether your steps will lead you to destruction, by your own choice, or if your steps will lead you closer to Him. Be sure you’re following the path of righteousness that leads you to a closer walk with the Lord.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand” (Psalm 37:23-24).

Let God guide your steps.

Scripture is full of accounts of people who accomplished great things when they allowed God to guide them. Abram was one such person. He lived in a very pagan culture, and his family was into idolatry. God told him to leave it behind, and He made a promise.

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:1-3).

This is a lesson for all of us. We cannot serve God and pagan ways. We have to choose which path to follow. Abraham did indeed follow God’s path. He made some mistakes along the way, but God’s mercy was upon him. He had two sons. The oldest son, Ishmael, was conceived out of a lack of faith that God would provide a son, but the youngest son, Isaac, was the son that God promised. Through Isaac’s bloodline, the entire world is blessed.

The Jewish nation is from the line of Isaac, and the Messiah, Jesus Christ, was born from that line. If you haven’t accepted Christ for salvation, then you’ve chosen to reject God and forfeit many blessings. God knows His chosen people, and the book of Numbers is an inventory of the Tribes of Israel. Today, the Jewish people are scattered among the nations, but they are returning to their God-given land. There’s much fighting for the land of Israel, but God gave it to Abraham thousands of years ago. His promise of blessing those who bless Israel has never been rescinded.

The first chapter of the Gospel of John gives us much information about Jesus. Jesus was God incarnate and the Creator of everything.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:1-3).

In these verses, John refers to Jesus as “the Word.” Since Jesus created all things, that means He also created the angels. If someone tries to tell you that Jesus and Lucifer (Satan) are brothers, explain to them that they are wrong. Although humans cannot count the number of angels that were created, God knows.

“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels” (Hebrews 12:22).

Humans cannot number the angels, but God knows how many there are. That’s comforting.

Of all the things that are uncountable by people but well known to God is that the redeemed may be the most remarkable. These are the souls who have accepted the free gift of salvation only found in Jesus. If you haven’t accepted that gift yet, don’t wait. There is a day coming very quickly when all true believers in Christ will be taken to Heaven in the Rapture.

When will that happen? Only God knows, but Scripture tells us, “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (Romans 11:25).

The nation of Israel was blind to who Jesus was. He was, and is, their Messiah. The blindness will be lifted when every Gentile who will choose salvation has done so. God knows who will make that choice. That’s why it’s so important to share the Gospel with all of your family and friends. God is counting. Once all the Gentiles have come to faith in Jesus, the Rapture will take us all to Heaven. Those who have stubbornly refused Christ’s free gift will be left on earth. You don’t want anyone you love to be left here. Share the Gospel now.

Will there be a second chance for people who are left here after the Rapture? Well, you don’t want to take that chance. It will be very, very difficult to come to salvation at that time. God will ordain 144,000 Jewish men, 12,000 from each tribe of Israel. These men will ignite a revival; people from everywhere in the world will respond to their message. When the Apostle John saw those who had come to salvation, he was unable to count the number.

“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands” (Revelation 7:9).

That’s a great wonder. During the reign of the evil Anti-Christ, anyone who rejects him and embraces the true Christ faces the very real threat of being beheaded. They will have a different position in Heaven than those of us who will be taken in the Rapture. John had seen pre-Tribulation Raptured Christians before God’s throne. The multitude of Raptured Christians is represented by twenty-four elders.

“And round about the throne were four and twenty seats; and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold” (Revelation 4:4).

God knows if you’ve truly accepted Christ for salvation. If there’s any doubt in your mind, you need to settle that question right away. Have you accepted Christ in your mind but haven’t let Him into your heart? Are you still rebelling against Him by holding onto your favorite sin? Are you living with your girlfriend or boyfriend without the covenant of marriage? Maybe you’re a man but think you’re a woman, or a woman who thinks you’re a man. These sins are commonly accepted by the pagan society around us but are not pleasing to God. Remember that as a Christian, you are told to present yourself as a living sacrifice to God.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

God loves you and knows the number of hairs on your head. He loves you so much that He sent His Son to become the sacrifice that takes away your sin. Jesus went to the cross and suffered an agonizing death to purchase your salvation. Shouldn’t you be thankful? Shouldn’t you live to honor Him? God has you counted, but you need to be sure that you’re counted among the redeemed and not among those who have rejected the free gift of salvation only found through Christ. You have a choice.

God is still taking inventory, but one day soon, the time for counting will be over. Don’t wait. Accept Christ today, and be counted righteous through Him.