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"While it is daytime, we must do the work of Him who sent me (Jesus). Night is coming, when no one can work. While I (Jesus) am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:4) (My emphasis)
Duly Note: There is a sense of urgency in what Jesus is telling his disciples in the passage of scripture in The Holy Bible-- He tells them to "while it is daytime, we MUST do the WORK of Him (God) who sent me (Jesus). (My emphasis) Jesus also declares in this passage of scripture that "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world". Now please allow me to show you another scripture found in Matthew 5:13-16 (See Below)
"You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and it under a basket, but on a lampstand, ad it gives light to all who are in the house. Let Your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven". (Matthew 5:13-16)
So we see that the Bible refers to JESUS as "the light of the world" (John 9:4); and then we see how "Disciples/Christians of Christ" are referred to as "light of the world" and "salt of the earth". (Matthew 5:13-16)--however, notice that this aforementioned passage of scripture speaks of the importance of the "light" and the "salt"-- in short, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of our being "the light" by NOT hiding it under a basket - but let us BOLDLY shine brightly on the HILL (Mountain) for ALL to see (and that they will come to hear TRUTH that will set them free); and Jesus also warns about us (the salt) losing its flavor (demonstration of divine passion and the only thing that can satisfy the hunger in our souls); and if the salt (our godly passion for God's Truth) does lose its' flavor, then our testimony falls to the ground only to be discarded (ignored by men as the useless salt is trampled under their foot). ONLY SATAN IS THE ONE WHO IS ALWAYS UNDER OUR FEET BELOVED OF GOD.
I wanted to preface this blog with the aforementioned scriptures because I do have a strong urgency in my spirit that as long as it daylight--which I believe means that there is coming a time when Christians are NOT going to have the liberty of Free Speech and Freedom of Religion because Christianity, God, Jesus Christ and THE WORD are all defensive because the TRUTH contradicts their choice of sinful sexuality and lifestyle. Christians will begin to be seen as "The Resistance" to an "Progressive (Liberal) One World Government. Our preaching The Word of God will become "Hate Speech" and our sincere approach to "Deliverance Ministry" (casting out demons, and BOLDLY sharing our testimony of what we have now because of our acceptance of the free Gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ, Our Lord and King; and as we boldly unite in declaring God's Faithfulness and His Transformation Power in our lives.
Just as many individuals, including the religious leaders in those times when Jesus had his earthly ministry and taught TRUTH that set the captives free, AND, demonstrated the Reality and Power of God through the glorious display of miracles, signs and wonders. There were countless individuals who appeared before the kings and rulers of that day-- sharing how a man name Jesus healed them of blindness (John 9:1-12); casting out of demons (the Gerasenes Demoniac - Mark 5:1-20);
DULY NOTE: Matthew 10:7-8 (The Ministry of The Twelve)
Jesus gave final instructions to His Disciples--the same instructions that He is still speaking to us today: Jesus said, "As you go, preach this message: The kingdom of heaven os near. HEAL THE SICK. RAISE THE DEAD, CLEANSE THE LEPERS, DRIVE OUT DEMONS. Freely you have received, freely give". (My Emphasis)
Saints of God, I have shared all of these things so that you would be encouraged to no longer sit on Your God-given Gifts and Talents. God blessed you with those gifts (Natural and Spiritual) that you will use them to "advance the kingdom of God....and that He WOULD RECEIVE ALL THE GLORY, HONOR AND PRAISE! Some of you have been given incredible gifts from God and you have laid them on a shelf in some closet and there they sit - gathering dust and useless - wasting away! Am I being too harsh? I stand apologetic on this matter because if ever there was a time to picking those dusty gifts and talents up, it is now. I am praying that you would experience a REKINDLING....a FIERY RENEWED PASSION for the God-given/assigned Gifts (Natural and Spiritual) you thought you would never use again. Someone right now is saying "I am too old and surely God can't use me now---I have retired and I don't sing, play an instrument or really get "involved" with the local church anymore". Well, I am telling you, in The Name of Jesus Christ, and by the divine instruction of The Holy Spirit, that you rise up out of your Lazy Boy Chair and dust off those gifts that you stashed away in the attic; or in an old barn; or in a tool shed in the backyard. Do Not Hide "Your LIGHT under a basket beloved of God! And Use The SALT to bring Godly savor and flavor into someone's life today!
And by the way, with all due respect, WE NEVER RETIRE WITH THE CALL GOD HAS ON OUR LIVES WHILE WE ARE STILL HERE ON EARTH (We may slow down the pace as we get older, but we still press ONWARD and UPWARD in the things of God (AMEN?)-- Our assignment on earth may change the day JESUS, The Author and Finisher of Our Faith, says "It's Our Time To Go Home to God and His Kingdom". Although some of us will "depart from this world and enter God's Heavenly Kingdom", I also believe there will be plenty to do up in heaven as well- so The Reality of RETIREMENT (as much as it feels good for a season) is over folks!
In conclusion, I am always trying to "Work while it is still daylight" and I am always thinking of creative ways in which I am able to SPREAD THE TRUTH to those who are lost and wandering about with The Shepherd to guide them safely home. I am adamant about our need to utilize EVERY media resources and venues we can to spread The Gospel of Jesus Christ. In saying this, I am beginning a new YouTube Channel entitled: The Elephant In The Room at 1159. I won't give away much, but I will say that I will be discussing many issues that folks nowadays choose to ignore and call "The Elephant in the Room". I want to talk about hot topics in today's world (and The Church) in loving BOLDNESS and straight talk because it is 11:59 on heaven's Time Clock and it is counting down folks! So join with me in doing everything you can with EVERY gift and talent God has given you to display HIS GLORY IN THIS FINAL MOMENT. Please stop by my new YouTube Channel - The Elephant in The Room @ 1159. I appreciate all of our prayers and if you feel lead by The Holy Spirit to financial support this ministry "1159" (and counting down) I do have a new PayPal Account that will allow you to do so.
As always be blessed and be a blessing to someone else today in Jesus' Name! Love you guys and gals! Please keep your comments coming - it encourages me and lets me know I may be speaking inspiration into someone's life. Thank you all!
J.
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