Ephesians 1:11-16
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worked all things after the counsel of his own will:
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
Greeting in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace, mercy and truth be multiplied unto yo his faithful saints. As we seek after the spirit of God and hold fast to the truth in the faith, Let us stand in the understanding of spiritual things that we know the Lord’s will and that he has prepared in inheritance for us in Him. He has ordained promises for us before the foundations of the world began. We are predestined with purpose and that purpose is in Christ according to his own glory and will. We must remember that when we are going through tests and trials that the Lord is allowing them to purify is like gold, that we may know him and walk in the unity of His Spirit. Remember when we first trusted him, He changes not. When Jesus Christ encountered us and revealed his Spirit to us, we trusted his word of truth. The He sealed us with his promise. These promised don’t go away because of circumstance. His word remains the same, whether we have a season that seems that we are in the mountains or whether we have a season that has us feel as though we are in the valley. Remember to keep covenant. Keep trusting his word. His spirit is there and passes all understanding. He will lead and guide us in the paths of all truths and righteousness. Because of His Spirit we are glorified with him. It is the pledge of our redemption and reason for all praise. The faith and testimony reveal to us through other believers helps motivate and help us to stand on our most holy faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of the Lord. Because of the testimony of Jesus, we have the spirit of prophesy and  we are all encouraged to endure hardness as good soldiers, stay the course, and finish the race. #believeonly #praisehim #watchandpray #confessyourfaults #encourage

​Jeremiah 15:15-21
O Lord, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.
I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, not rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.
Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? Wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail?
Therefore thus saith the Lord, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.
And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brazen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the Lord.
And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.
The prophet Jeremiah is pleading with the Lord. He has been obedient to speak the words unto the Lord’s chosen people and he is suffering great affliction even though he himself has surrendered completely.
The Lord has instructed Jeremiah to speak to a stiff-necked and rebellious people. Judgment cannot come without first warning and giving them the words of truth and holiness.
The prophet Jeremiah cries out to the Lord God to remember him. He has been a prisoner of warfare. He has been a servant of righteousness. He wants the Lord to remember his faithfulness…remember his diligence to obey his holy will. Remember my surrender! During the times of judgment, oftentimes, we are suffering as joint-heirs with Christ and speaking the truth to a rebellious and stiff-necked people is not popular. People attempt to size you up and try to rationalize all the reasoning and excuses as to why they should not trust the words you speak. Outwardly it seems like you’re outnumbered by adversaries. You’re surrounded by wickedness and demonic forces. The adversaries think they have an advantage because the sin and iniquity continues to abound; while the love of many waxes cold. Sometimes in the midst of judgment hour the righteous are affected just as well while the Lord shows himself God among his nations. I’m reminded of the prayer of Habakkuk which stated O’ Lord, I have heard thy speech (concerning judgment) and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of thy years, in the midst of thy years make known; in wrath remember mercy (Habakkuk 3:2).
Jeremiah pleads with the Lord yet the more, visit me, He says. When in the midst of affliction, the Lord is with his chosen. Whether we feel his presence, the Lord is moving by his Spirit. We greatly desire a visit from the Lord in the time of trouble. We want him as our Lord and savior and as our Father to say He loves us and that in spite of our faults, he is well pleased. Regardless of circumstance or situation the Lord wants his children to grow in his grace, prosper, and be in good health. Fir the Lord’s sake have we suffered rebuke. If we weren’t seeking the kingdom of God and all of his righteousness, we souldn;t be in such a suffering way. When we are being tried by fire, that adversary is often relentless and shoots fiery darts of words that almost seemingly penetrate our armor. Bu then the word was found, even the words that were hid in our heart. The word was found that was established from the beginning. When we have found the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, they are sweeter than the honey comb. We supp with Him and we find that the cares of the world are of no comparison. Because of thine hand upon us have we stood alone. We fear the Living God with a reverence. We know Him. I have been filled with indignation and refused to assemble with the mockers O’ Lord, thy indignation has become a burning passion within me for thy righteousness sake…a jealousy for thy word to be performed.
The Lord said to Jeremiah to perform his will and purpose completely. Reap my harvest. Sanctify thyself, and take the precious from the vile. Speak my word. Compel my people. Woe to them who call good evil and evil good. Return your heart to do the Lord’s will and purpose. Although you are a brazen wall and a hedge of protection to this people, they will come against you. Yet, I will be there to deliver you from this wicked and unto ward generation. You are my lively stones. Upon the rock have I built my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The Lord Jesus is our healing balm. You are the cure O’ Lord for every wound. Let not the waters fail O’ Lord. Pour upon us the rivers of living waters that ever flow. O’ Lord God as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, redeem your people. Deliver us from the flesh that has caused such a perpetual pain and prompted the kindling of thine indignation. Satisfy thy wrath with our everlasting surrender to do thy will. #ASK #SEEK #KNOCK #USETHEKEYS #WATCHANDPRAY

• A Godchaser   

- In First Peter chapter three we are told how to love life and see good days. The spiritual condition of children of God makes it possible for them to have this kind of life. The days are good when we bridle our tongue and speak the truth. "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain." (James 1:26) This loving life and seeing good days is representative of the life we would expect to live in our eternal state.
 
   Those that follow Christ are pursuing the course of happiness and security. If along this way you are called upon to suffer, then be a person that suffers for righteousness sake. To suffer for the cause of truth or a good conscience will always produce a positive result. "Christians have no reason to be afraid of the threats or rage of any of their enemies."
 
   In I Peter 3:10-15 we read of this life and good days. Let us observe:
 
   Do not repay evil, repeat evil or respect evil: Peter said, "He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit." (I Peter 3:10) Be careful with your tongue. Do not try to repay evil words  with evil words.  Do not  repeat evil.  "Refrain your tongue from evil." Do not respect evil by allowing yourself to participate in it.
 
   Refrain "your lips from speaking deceit." Those who would see good days must control their tongues. A tongue that is a controlled tongue is the key to a long and fruitful life. Good days will follow as we learn to bridle our tongue and to speak the truth in love.
 
   Treat sin like a deadly disease: We will avoid many troubles when we, as Christians, despise and loathe evil. We avoid sin not just because it is wrong, but because we hate it! Christians should treat sin as they would a deadly disease. Those that would love life and see good days must, "...turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it." (I Peter 3:11)
 
   The avoiding of evil and doing of good is the way to contentment and happiness both here and hereafter. David wrote, "Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it." (Psalms 34:14)
 
   Take hold of Jesus with both hands: Christians must let go of the world and take hold of Jesus with both hands. This is what it means to be righteous. Peter said, "the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (I Peter 3:12) Christians have been called to a righteous life. "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps." (I Peter 2:21)
 
   Jesus did no evil. He did not repeat evil. He did not repay evil. He knew people would not get by with wrong because, "the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him..." (II Chronicles 16:9) God looks upon Christians with good will.  He allows them to approach Him with their petitions.
 
   Confronting foes with committed faith: The best and surest way to find happiness is to confront your foes with a committed faith. Peter said, "And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?" (I Peter 3:13) "In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me." (Psalm 56:4) Much happiness is found when Christians: (1) Cherish friends, (2) Confront foes, and (3) Communicate faith.
 
   Our foes must be confronted with a patient and humble spirit. In order to find happiness Christians must be full of faith. A half-hearted faith will never be a fearless faith. True happiness is found only when one has a bulldog grip on what is good and right. “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.” (John 15:20)
 
   Faith is demonstrated by a willingness to suffer: To suffer for righteousness' sake is an honor and true happiness for Christians. Peter said, "But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." (I Peter 3:14) A willingness to suffer for the cause of Christ demonstrates the beauty of Jesus Himself.
 
   Suffering is not the natural outcome of righteousness. However, if suffering comes to the faithful child of God it means honor instead of disgrace, gain rather than loss. "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10) Christians have no reason to fear any enemy because; "the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
 
   Faith is defended by those that are ready to give an answer: Christians are challenged, changed and admonished to, "sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." (I Peter 3:15) Those that sanctify Christ or set Him aside as Lord must be ready to answer for their faith. The answer must be reasonable. There must be a reason for the hope within you. The answer must also be respectful. It is to be given with meek­ness and fear.
 
   Could you give an answer for your faith? Could you explain in simple, scriptural terms how to be saved? I challenge, charge, admonish and encourage you to learn God's plan of salvation by memory. Could you explain in simple, scriptural terms why we partake of the Lord's Supper every Sunday and only on Sunday? Could you explain in simple, scriptural terms why we have singing but no mechanical instruments? Could you explain in simple, scriptural terms why we do not call the preacher "Reverend?" Could you explain in simple, scriptural terms why there are no miracles today? Could you explain in simple, scriptural terms the history of the New Testament church? Could you explain in simple, scriptural terms how the church should be organized? We are to sanctify the Lord God in our hearts and be ready always to give a defense of our inner hope with meekness and fear. We must be knowledgeable enough about our faith to discuss it openly in a skillful way. The defense of our faith must always be with meekness and fear.
 
   Are you a Christian? To become a Christian you must, hear the gospel of Christ (John 6:44-45), believe in Jesus (Acts 8:37), repent of sins (Luke 13:5), confess Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized to wash away your sins. (Acts 22:16) After your baptism into Christ be a follower of that which is good. Christ "gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:14)

-OUR FRIENDS AT WALNUT STREET
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TO PLEASE GOD WE MUST LIVE IT, NOT JUST TALK IT
 
          It is easy to talk Christianity, but God expects more.  God expects action; Christian living.  Christian living involves both negative and positive principles.  “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:11-17) Observe the following:
 
     Christians must avoid fellowship with the works of darkness. "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.  For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light." (Ephesians 5:11-13) Christians must not practice works of darkness. They must also actively oppose these evil things. This is done through reproof of those things, avoiding involvement in them, refusing to consider their practice and taking no pleasure in the doing of them. Christians must cause God's light to shine because the light makes manifest or makes known works of darkness.
 
     Christians must avoid spiritual sleep. "Therefore He says: Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light." (Ephesians 5:14)  Those who sleep spiritually need to awaken. Those who are spiritually dead need to arise. Everyone needs to receive the light of Christ. God's purpose is to awaken man from spiritual death caused by sin to eternal life brought through Jesus Christ. Those who turn sinners from their ways are imitating God.  Let us go forth to awaken those who are spiritually sleeping and dead.
 
     Christians must walk in a wise way. "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise." (Ephesians 5:15) Some foolishly walk in sin. Others walk wisely. The life of those who would turn others to the light must be a godly life. It does no good and, in fact, does much harm for the unfaithful member of the church to try to defend Christ or His kingdom. To "walk circumspectly" is to walk in the right way; God's way.
 
     Christians must use their time wisely. "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:16) One preventative for sin and wrong doing is to fill your time with good things. Brethren, do good while it is in your hands to be able to do so. The time of opportunity passes quickly. Let us double our efforts to make wise use of our time in serving others and in evangelism. There are days that are evil because of great persecution. Our days are evil because of much sin. What are you doing with your time?
 
     Christians must understand the will of God. "Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:17) Christians should allow nothing, not even hard times, to make them ignorant of their duty to God.  Nothing should cause us to neglect our souls.  Knowing God's will and doing it, under every circumstance of life, is true wisdom.
 
     It is our duty to do more than just talk. We must LIVE the Christian life. To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of all sins (Acts 2:38), confess Jesus as Lord and Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved. (Mark 16:16) As a Christian, always be wise enough to do the will of God.

From our friends at Walnut Church of Christ

Colossians 1:11-14
Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear son, in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sin:
Paul prays that we might be strengthened in the inner man to be able to endure times such as these while yet still compelling others. Therefore, we also pray that you are strengthened with power of God to obey His will with all patience and longsuffering even as the Lord Jesus imparted to us all.  He has freely given, therefore, we ought to also freely give joyfully and wholeheartedly.
We do not cease from thanking God for his tender mercies and loving kindness, and for how he continues to shape, make and mold us on the potter’s wheel so that we are prepared as partakers of inheritance with the saints in the light. He consistently delivers us to overcome the powers of darkness equipping us also with weapons of warfare that are not carnal but mighty and powerful to the pulling down of strongholds. He quickens us by his spirit to his kingdom that is not observed with the naked eye and empowers us to be redeemed by the blood of the lamb through who we are forgiven all of our sins and transgressions. Having laid up such a hope of everlasting mercy with all wisdom and knowledge of Him, let us rejoice for the privilege of being chosen vessels to partake in such a covenant as this.
For him were all things created, that are in Heaven, that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created, by Him and for Him.
Therefore, do we glorify God for the revelation of our savior, the Son, Jesus Christ who is our lively hope, has given us much assurance of his faithfulness with purified love and comfort.
Remember the simplicity of these words with power when the adversary comes to stiff these seeds planted with the cares of this world. Remember, the hope laid up when the accuser comes to war with the saints and tells you everything you’re not and it will sound so true, but will be a lie. Hold fast to the truth that has been laid up and hid in your heart, that you faint not at the troubles and those things seen with the natural eye. Let us remain steadfast, unshakeable, unmovable, not giving in to the changes of the times, but we look toward a new Heaven and a new earth. As we seek afterHis holiness, let us surrender completely an give our whole selves and not quench th spirit or grieve the spirit. After waiting for Him for so long to come and supp and endow us with his presence, let us not be so hasty to leave his presence. Be sure to receive all that thespirit is willing to dispurse. #seekhim #beready #havefaith #watchandpray #greatexpectation
Till we all come into the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Eph 4:14)
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Ephesians 3:1-7
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you gentiles,
If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you ward.
How that by revelation he made known unto me the mysteries; (as I wrote afore in few words,
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ.)
Which in other ages was not made known unto the son of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit.
Paul shared a reminder that the Lord Jesus Christ is building us up together as a body fitly joined together for a habitation of the Holy Spirit. He said that because of the Lord’s will and purpose has he been made a prisoner unto God, for the sake of the gentiles who are the beloved of God. He raises a hypothetical and says that “if we have heard” that Jesus has made me his prisoner…if ye have heard that the Lord Jesus has dispensed his grace upon me…if ye have heard that he has revealed his mysteries through me…then believe that he has done these things for the furtherance of the gospel…that you too could be in the fold and know what is the length, breadth, depth and heights of the love that the Lord has dispensed to cover a multitude of sin and for the saving of the soul. His love reaches to save a wretch like you and me. These mysteries weren’t given to just anyone, but he chose a people unto himself that would do his will and abide in his love. We can't take for granted that he privileged us as his chosen before the foundations of the world. He foreknew and equipped us for these appointed times to shine as a light in the midst of darkness. Therefore, let us humble ourselves to receive and understand the mysteries have been given to us by the Holy Spirit and compel others to repent and turn to the Lord Jesus while they yet have a chance. #praisehim #surrender #repent #forgive #cleanhands #pureheart

​Romans 14:1-5
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? To his master he standeth or falleth.
Yea, He shall be holden up: For God is able to make him stand.
One man esteemeth one day above another:
Another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Greeting in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Grace and peace be multiplied. We must understand we are living in the end times/ last days where the Lord Jesus instructs the faithful to watch and to pray. The visionaries who have the visions of the Most High have been instructed; write the vision, make it plain. We know that people will continue to operate in the character of man and being lovers of themselves, unthankful, unholy and accusers of the brethren. These days I have seen those of the righteous sector quarrel over the most trivial things although the Lord Jesus has warned us that his Spirit is holy and is not divided. He says take hold of them that are weak in the faith. Meaning, they just need encouragement to overcome and elevate to the next level of faith in hope and love. Take hold of a brother or sister. Confess your faults one to another. Love each other. Fellowship one with another. Build each other up. Stand in the gap and help perfect that which may be lacking in the faith. However, we must also not over extend ourselves, but once we have been strengthened, we must stand on our own foundation of faith and not stiff the strength of others that have given their whole selves to love us through our circumstances and imparting an overcoming spirit within us. Take hold of the word and do the work of faith with signs following confirming the word of the Lord within us. #keeppraising #watchandpray #seekhim #believeonly #trusthim