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Monday, October
27, 2008
Just A Reminder
2 Peter 1:11-15 For so an entrance shall
be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ. (12) Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you
always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be
established in the present truth. (13) Yea, I think it meet, as long as I
am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; (14) Knowing
that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus
Christ hath shewed me. (15) Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able
after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. (KJV)
Sometimes just a simple reminder is all a
person may need to get them through a day, a struggle, or tough time they
are experiencing in their walk. You don’t need to try to impress someone
with your vast knowledge of the scriptures, but a rather a simple reminder
to get them back into the realm of the Spirit and remind them of the
victory we have in Christ. Also by sharing something simple, or what you
may perceive as simple, will spark a reminder of something that they may
have heard earlier in the day and this was just a confirmation to stir up
their spirit and give ear to the solution, and not be so focused on the
problem anymore. So don’t think that what the Lord has you share with
someone is trivial or meaningless, but rather remember that God’s word does
not return void, but accomplishes what is pleasing to Him.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Though I speak with
the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as
sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (2) And though I have the gift of
prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I
have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I
am nothing. (3) And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and
though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me
nothing. (KJV)
We have talked lately about the love of
God and our motives for speaking His word. As we see in the above verses with
some, their motive is more to build themselves up and not the congregation,
which in the end is of no use to the Lord or the people. Think of yourself
as someone the Lord is using to remind those around you of His presence and
what He has done on our behalf, and not what you think you need to do. The
more you can keep your mind renewed in the Spirit, the more you will walk
in that realm and not be pulled back into this fallen realm.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-4 For yourselves,
brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: (2) But
even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as
ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel
of God with much contention. (3) For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor
of uncleanness, nor in guile: (4) But as we were allowed of God to be put
in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God,
which trieth our hearts. (KJV)
As we see, Paul knew his calling and who
it was he needed to please and why he was called to the ministry. Many
forget it is God’s calling and ministry not theirs, even though they may
put their own names on them, that in itself tells you who is really in
charge. Those that preach from the motive of love will only say those
things that will build up and encourage the people, not their own ministry
creations that they have come up with. So do you desire to be used of God
and speak on His behalf? Then make sure it is with the motive of love and
keep it simple people, even if it is just a simple reminder to someone; and
even though they may have heard it before, then be that reminder.
1 Thessalonians 2:5-7 For neither at any
time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God
is witness: (6) Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of
others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. (7) But
we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: (KJV)
There are actually people, many I should
point out and remind you of, that use the ministry as a means of making
money, thus the term cloak or covering up their covetousness. These types
of individuals are known as hirelings, who if the price is right will say
whatever builds them up and not the Church. Those that God truly uses to
speak on His behalf are not concerned with what people think, but rather are
more concerned with what the Lord says and how He wishes to minister to His
people, despite the opposition. Even though you are not a pastor, prophet,
or any other person called to the five-fold ministry, you can still be a
reminder to those around you of the truth of God, and keep others stirred
up as well for the right reason.
Jude 1:3-6 Beloved, when I gave all
diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me
to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the
faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (4) For there are certain
men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this
condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into
lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (5)
I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that
the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward
destroyed them that believed not. (6) And the angels which kept not their
first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in
everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. (KJV)
The Bible says we should fight the good
fight of faith, like a prize fighter or contender to the title, not give up
or cave in without a fight. Again we notice the writer reminding the people
of something they knew at one time, but may have forgotten or overlooked,
and like with a fighter they were getting sucker punched. We are also
reminded that God’s people, even His own angels that at one time were in
good standing with the Lord, fell from their place in heaven and were separated
for eternity; so don’t take your calling for granted or think salvation is
a ticket to sin, otherwise you may find yourself on the outs as well.
Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren,
rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not
grievous, but for you it is safe. (KJV)
Williams New Testament translation
of Philippians 3:1
Finally, my brothers, continue to be glad
that you are in union with the Lord.
I am not tired of writing you the same things over and over: it
means your safety.
Again don’t think you need to have some
new and impressive doctrine to be used of the Lord, but sometimes our
purpose for sharing the Word is just a reminder of the grace that allowed
us access into the kingdom of God, and what it takes to remain in the
safety of His plan of salvation and not be deceived and fall from grace. So
keep reminding others of what the Lord has done for them, and it just may
get them a bit stirred up concerning their salvation.
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