Doing God's Will Isn't Easy( 1 Peter 3:17 )

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

1 Peter 3:17

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You know I don't know where people get this whacked and weird idea come to Christ and life is a bed of roses. Like all the sudden life get's easy and you never go through any rough times at all. Sadly this is being preached in some pulpits and I'm here to share the truth straight from the Truth, God's Word. Often times when I think about the Christian life I think of what Christ said in His sermon on the mount, that narrow is the way and strait is gate( Matthew 7:14 ). This simply puts there is one way(John 14:6 ) to heaven and that is through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. There is one way to live and that is by God's Word. This doesn't say that life gets really easy and we have no problems. No sometimes we will have problems and as James put it count it all joy realizing that through it works out our faith through growth( James 1:2-4).

I love how the Apostle Peter puts it here for it is better. Notice were not suffering because we are bad people or cause we did anything wrong. In fact we can take joy in the suffering. I know that may at times be hard to swallow and deal with believe me been there, but God will give you the grace to endure. One thing I've learned and God does have to remind me of here and there is don't take it personally for they hated me(talking about Jesus) first and they treat you ill and hate you for His name sake( John 15:18 ). So my advice and believe there are times God has to even remind me, don't take it personally.

Brothers and sisters when you suffer I would encourage you instead of whining to God, pray for His strength. Seek His will in this situation and friends when going through trials the Lord will either get you out of it or get you through it. Either way He will be with you every step of the way. Remember whether good times or bad, be sure to glorify God. I love how the Apostle Paul put it for me to live is Christ, my death a gain( Philippians 1:21 ). In my words from this verse in my life and in my death Christ will be glorified. If that means by me going through mocking, beating, or suffering through outcast so be it. I will glorify God not based on what I get,but for who He is.

Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><

Blessed Is The One Whom God Corrects ( Psalm 94:12 )

Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;

Psalm 94:12

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You know I bet you would never see this as a bumper sticker. Reason being I think it's not popular to admit for some reason that we Christians aren't perfect. I saw this button on here last night and it summed it up well, 0% perfect, 100% forgiven. See I don't walk around thinking I'm better than anybody in fact I'm grateful He saved me. Friends I do believe some or a lot of people get the idea come to Christ and instantly you become the perfect person. No, wrong I know I am not going to be perfect this side of heaven. Still knowing that motivates me to press forward wanting to be like Jesus. Abandoning who I was, another words as the Apostle Paul put it dying daily( 1 Corinthians 15:31 ) to be like Jesus, my Lord and Savior.

So when this verse says blessed is the man whom thou chastenest first off to clear up the what chastenest means, it means to correct. So here the psalmist is saying blessed is the man whom the Lord corrects. Friends the Lord will correct those whom He loves. Think about it God is our heavenly Father and as a father must correct his children when they do wrong would not you expect the same from Him? The best part is God doesn't act out in any wrong way, but out of love. It may not feel comfortable,but He is correcting us for our good and His glory.

You know I've had these moments where God has had to set me straight and my first response is thank you God.Despite how uncomfortable it has felt in the sense that I knew I was wrong, I was glad to know He loved me. See friends to let a child continue on doing as they please and not correct is to not showing love. Beautiful how even in correction we can see yet another depth to His beautiful love.

Notice He teaches out of the law, what law you say? The ten commandments. Now while the law is used for converting sinners( Psalm 19:7 ), it is for a reminder to us who love Him. For those who love Him obey His commandments ( John 14:15 ). It doesn't mean we will get it perfect,but He will guide, correct, and preserve us till the end. As it is written trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all ways acknowledge Him and He will guide you( Proverbs 3:5-6 ).

Brothers and sisters remember God is our heavenly Father and there are times we need correction. See this as yet another way He shows us love. I love how He keeps up on track and through correction continues molding us. For He is the potter and we are the clay( Isaiah 64:8 ).


Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><

Real Peace ( Philippians 4:6-7 )

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

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How often is it people only pray when things really get bad? I mean they wait it seems to the last moment. In this passage I love how the Apostle Paul writes be careful for nothing, but in everything. Another words instead of waiting till things really get bad or only praying about bad situations, pray about everything. I mean doesn't it make sense that we would want God involved in all aspects of our lives. What has become and continues to get beautiful is my prayer life. Even though I know He knows my needs I still make my requests to God. Some would ask why? Well, it is trust. Trusting that He will handle it and that I know He is concerned with every aspect of my life, not just the big issues of my life. Beautiful isn't it to know the same God who created this world is concerned about the individual. God loves His own and will take care of them. Now this doesn't by no means life is all lollipops and sunshine. Sometimes life will be tough, but praise God He will be with us every step of the way.

Another thing I love in this verse is that it states when you come in prayer to God about your requests that you come with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is not as most when they see it think more about eating some turkey and spending time with the family or getting a deal at a store. No thanksgiving is showing gratitude. Granted the origin of the holiday thanksgiving was the pilgrims being thankful, sadly I believe our modern celebration is just another day on the calendar. Instead when we go to God in prayer we should be thanking Him for all the things He has done for us; past,present, and to come. Thanking Him for His goodness and honestly the list really could go on. The truth is prayer is not about making a wish of hey God I want this, this and this. Instead be real with God and bring to Him your needs, not your wants. Believe me there is a difference.

The next verse is such a beautiful passage in scripture. A peace that passes all understanding. Amazing is the peace we have from our Lord Jesus Christ. It was this very peace that got me through last year with my grandmother being in and out of the hospital and her nearly dying. When your going through trials and despite how you should feel the peace you feel is indescribable, except you could say your soul is at rest despite how crazy the situation your going through. The world can't give you this peace, not in their self help books, their Dr. Phils, Oprahs, or any other material or human way. This peace comes alone through our Lord Jesus Christ. I love how he writes it shall keep your heart and mind. Friends today people will say follow your heart or trust in your intellect. This peace shall keep them both at rest so that you may walk in truth not guided by them,but by the Word. Like I spoke on the other night we can not trust our hearts or mind they will lead us astray, but instead we must lead them by being lead by God's Word. With His peace through His truth we can be assured that we are not walking on our own whims or thoughts, but instead trusting in our Shepherd to lead us by still waters( Psalm 23:2 ).

Brothers and sisters I encourage you to make your requests known to the Father. Be thankful for what He has, is and continues to do in your life. Above all ask that His will be done. God knows our very needs far above what we do. So go before Him with confidence bringing before Him needs, not wants. That may sound harsh, but friends think about it does what you want outside your need going to bring His name glory?

Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><

Not Our Will, But HIS Will Be Done ( Luke 22:42 )

Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

Luke 22:42

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Friends what still to this amazes me is these words were the words of encouragement I remember God gave me while my grandmother was sick in the hospital last year in November. I know I've spoken about this before,but I can't help,but talk about the goodness of the Lord. Through praying His will in this very tough time in my life really changed my prayer life and not just my prayer life, but me as well. Friends what is amazing is that is what prayer can and will do. Granted God does hear us and does answer prayers. I'm not taking anything from that. Friends believe me I still have my grandmother which is doing much better thanks to God. Thanks to His healing touch she is doing much better. What I'm saying is this God through this trial strengthen my faith. Through it, a greater dependence on Him developed and honestly that is beautiful. I'm not saying I never did,but instead of it pulling me from Him, it drew me closer to Him.

So often we hear Christ is the standard,but how many seek to follow that standard in our prayer life? How many when we pray about something pray like Christ did your will be done? Friends this doesn't its wrong to ask for healing or pray for your brothers and sister who are going through trials. What this means is that you ask for God's will in that circumstance. You know this make me think of the Apostle Paul who inquired of Christ something three times. What was the response he got. We read in 2 Corinthians 12:9, " For my grace is sufficient". That is Jesus speaking to Paul saying my grace is sufficient. Sometimes friends we may have trials or storms we won't get around,but instead He will get us through. I was talking with a brother about this last month I think and it was about a medical condition I have. I can't remember how I said it exactly ,but I do remember that for me Christ's grace is sufficient. The way I look at it, I may be healed or may not, if not maybe I will or maybe I won't. Still I love God for who He is, not for what He does.

Friends the beauty I've found in praying His will is that I know He knows my very needs much better than I do. I place my trust in God who knows the future. It may not be easy or comfortable, but I promise it will change you. I know it has me. Look to Christ as He is our standard, He taught us to pray and therefore we should pray as He did. Be encouraged brothers and sisters.

Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><

Show Me Your Ways ( Psalm 25:4-5 )

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

Psalm 25:4-5

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God is the only one who can guide us. We must seek His guidance and direction in all things. I love how David writes shew me thy ways. First off he is saying show me Your ways God. Another words when we need guidance in our lives we should say God show me Your way in how I should approach this. Too often we we want to take our approach to how we should handle a situation and then want God to fix our mess. Doesn't that just seem a little backwards? Now granted we may get in situations and need His help, but first and foremost we need to be seeking His guidance, His directions, and as David wrote shew me thy ways O Lord.

Next David continues with teach me thy paths. It is not enough that we know His ways,but that He instructs us.How does He do that? He instructs us by His Word. Friends I've spoken about this before that God is my schoolmaster. He teaches me daily and I'm glad to learn daily. I realize that I don't ever get to a point where I have it figured out and can say I can walk on my own. Instead I know that everyday I depend on God to help me get through by leading me. As you can see the end of verse 4 and the beginning of verse 5 link together. They link together in that how He leads us and teaches us is in His truth which is His Word. Friends I can't rely on my mind or my heart to guide me. One my heart is deceitful above all things( Jeremiah 17:9 ). I can't rely on my mind to lead for there is a way that seems right to man and that leads to death( Proverbs 14:12 ). So it is quite obvious we must be lead by God's Word and use His Word to lead our hearts and minds as well.

Friends as Christians we must totally rely on God to guide us. For this guidance we need to be lead by His Word which is the truth just as David wrote lead me in thy truth. This doesn't mean getting alll legalistic and say do I need God's guidance about eating the corn first or the broccoli, but seeking His guidance in our lives and seeking His will for our lives.I do love how David wrote in verse 5 on thee do I wait all the day. Another words friends when you are approaching big decisions seek God's face and if it takes all day for a response wait. Don't just give God 5 minutes or a few seconds, wait till you hear from God. Just as David wrote He is the one who gave us our salvation and why is it we can't wait? Why can't we just wait to hear from Him? Shouldn't waiting on a response from God be important to us and vital as the food we eat? As it is written man can not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from God( Deuteronomy 8:3 ).

Brothers and sisters I encourage you let the Lord be your guide in all that you do. He will never lead you astray and will always be with you every step of the way. Be encouraged to know even when the journey gets rough that He will provide comfort even in those times. In fact I love how the Apostle Paul put it the joy we can even find in our suffering( Colossians 1:24 ). Not that we look forward to getting hurt, but that we endure for Christ's sake. This pain is for God's glory despite how difficult it may seem, it works for our good. Once again my brothers and sisters be encouraged and seek God for His guidance.


Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><

He Who Began It, Will Finish It!( Philippians 1:6 )

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:


Philippians 1:6

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I love the use of the language the Apostle Paul uses here when he says being confident of this very thing. The very thing he is talking of is the sustaining power of Christ. Friends if the work is truly of Christ, He will finish it. Does this mean we will be perfect this side of heaven? No, but that in no means give us an excuse to live how we want,but instead motivates us to live a life pleasing to Him who saved us. Brothers and sisters what I read in this verse is knowing that despite my short comings God will finish the work in my life. What I'm saying is this do you remember the day God saved you? Do you remember the person you were? Well, fast forward to now? Do you see where you've come not based on your abilities,but because He who began a good work is continuing to work on you. See friends I know I'm a finite human who makes mistakes, is lacking in areas, and is dependent on God. The beauty in this is God is above my failures, my areas of lacking, and continues to refine me.

What I find beautiful is this work is continuous and I learn and grow daily. I was talking to a brother the other day and told him that when I'm 90 God willing I'll still be learning. Friends we don't get to a point in our walk with God where we have it figured out and then can say hey look at me. Instead we are constantly learning, encouraging and growing. What I find is so awesome is that through my trials and even in my short comings I can encourage someone else. Remember this when you make mistakes don't think you surprised God. He knows, in fact He knew before it happened remember He is God. Instead of getting wrapped up in the fact you made the mistake, come to God asking forgiveness and seeking His face on how to respond. Guess what He still speaks.

Brothers and sisters be encouraged to know that He who saved you will finish the work which He began. When God says something He means it. Once again I will say I love how it is written being confident. Another words there is great assurance. Friends the very author of our salvation is the one who begins this work and I'm sure He will finish it. Be encouraged and move forward knowing our victory was won on Calvary's cross by our risen Saviour and mighty King. How beautiful it is to know that He who began a good work will finish it. Thank you Jesus!

Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><

I Preach Christ Jesus My Lord ( 2 Corinthians 4:5 )

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

2 Corinthians 4:5

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To be a Christian, is first and foremost to realize it is not about you. If that surprises anyone please email me and I'll fill you in. I love how despite all that Paul has been through and believe me has which he talks about in chapter 6 of 2 Corinthians is he showing humility and showing we are servants of Christ. Now granted most people hear the word servant and go wow that word sounds kinds outdated or no way, not me. Well, as a dear brother and I were talking about yesterday there are only two masters. Those who are lost are servants of unrighteousness therefore servants of sin. This can come in a varying forms, but irregardless they are subject to sin. I know cause in my past I was a slave/servant how ever you want to put to alcohol. Praise God in august of 2007 the Lord helped me put it down and continues to fight it. Friends let me share this with you I know the very reason I can walk in a convenience store or grocery store and fight the temptation is because of Jesus Christ. Does this say John is perfect? No this says I make it everyday based on the strength of Him who saved me. Us who are believers are servants of Christ or as the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 6:18, servants of righteousness. In this case we serve God with all that we are. Granted this doesn't by any means, mean we are perfect,but it means our greatest desire is godliness in that we desire the things of God and to grow in holiness, for as it is written "be holy for I am holy"(Leviticus 19:2,20:7, 1 Peter 1:16 ) . I love this analogy I heard from a pastor, growing up they owned a farm and he talked about how a time when it snowed how he tried to follow his dad's footsteps. Now granted as a small boy like he said he couldn't get it perfect,but he sought to be just like his dad. The same goes for us, Christ set the standard and granted we are not going to get it perfect that in no means gives us room to just do as we please. If we stumble, make a mistake instead of giving up, we ask for forgiveness and press on. Friends I think sometimes people get the idea you come to Christ and things get easy. I'm here to be honest with you and tell it may not be easy,but it is well worth it. Jesus didn't promise an easy road( Matthew 7:14 ),but He did say He won't leave us nor forsake us( Hebrews 13:5 ).

When I share these words of encouragement here online I preach,proclaim Jesus, not me for I am just John. I can't save you for as it written salvation is of the Lord ( Jonah 2:9 ).Be encouraged brothers and sisters to continue sharing Him with anyone and everyone. Remember it is good news for in the gospel is the power of salvation( Romans 1:16 ). So friends I encourage you whenever a man shares the gospel be sure He preaches that Jesus Christ is Lord. As I spoke on the other night prove all things, this even includes people. Let the Lord guide your heart and mind through His Word.

Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><

To God Belongs The Glory ( Psalm 115:1 )

Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.

Psalms 115:1

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To God be all the glory! Not because of what He can give,but because of His mercy and His truth. You know so many times I've heard people, granted they probably are not Christians say thank God. Course sometimes I've been very tempted to ask to which god are you thanking. They might get insulted,but sadly our society is so busy giving glory and praise to everything,but God. They have made their own gods and give them praise and maybe sometimes give thanks or something resembling praise to the living God. Don't believe me look around how materialistic our society is and just see how many gods there are in America, false gods. So sick the idolatry!

One thing of many things God continues to reveal to me is how great and marvelous He is. As I continue to see how majestic He is and just how much He has done and continues to do in my life alone I can't stop with giving Him praise for all of it is due to Him. Not to mention I've seen things He has done in other brothers and sisters lives. Then just yesterday I was in such awe how through the reading of His Word He encouraged me, friends for that I felt He deserved praise. I can't tell you how awesome it was to get up from reading God's Word and to have a smile on my face. If that isn't worthy of praise then you tell me what is?

Friends I will give God glory up until my last breathe. This means in good times and bad. God deserves my praise for He is the reason I have a job, He is the reason I breathe, He is the reason I can even get through every single day. So even if things are not going as I planned still God will get the glory for I know that in it all His will, will be done and that through it He will help me through the storm.

Brothers and sisters I encourage you to give Him your praise for it is all to do to Him. For He created the heavens and the earth. Just remember as I said even on bad days God is right there, just give Him the glory and I promise He will see you through it. For the Lord is close to those of broken heart( Psalm 34:18 ). I know this first hand as I was in the hospital with my grandmother and yes I know of I've spoken of this before, but know this God is faithful. I share this with others as encouragement that God is there and if not for His I would not have made it through. He was my strength and through it I grew closer to God. Today my grandmother is doing well, in fact now she is doing better than when she went in. Granted she doesn't leave the house, but at least she is getting around the house on her own. Praise be to God for that. Give God the glory, remember for every blessing He pours out turn in back to praise. Remember this life isn't about us, but all about Him.

Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><

Be A Man! ( Ephesians 5:25 )

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Ephesians 5:25

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You know I believe I've said this before, but I love how God has taught me and continues to teach me. See one thing I had so twisted and messed up is my perception and take on love. Worse off is how a family should work. My idea before Christ before Christ opened my eyes came from television and hollywood and believe me wrong and yes twisted. Friends the tv dads I have seen and remember don't exactly show me men willing to give themselves for their wives in fact most of them would more than likely put her in the way of harm. Friends sadly men have been made out to be fools and well, plainly not men. Praise God for Him opening my eyes and renewing my mind and my spirit. Praise God for showing me daily how to be a man through His Word.

Brothers while in this context in this passage it is talking about man who is married we who are single need to prepare by honoring other women. You may say now how does this prepare me for being a father someday. Friends if you can't learn to treat younger women as sisters with purity meaning you treat them with dignity and respect or by respecting the older women by honoring them( 1 Timothy 5:2 ) than how do you ever feel your going to be the head of your house. These acts giving honor to the older women, treating the younger women with purity, can't you see how they will they will translate into your married life. If you can't do it now then how do you expect to do it then.

You know I used to get real down about being single. In fact I'll be quite honest there are some tough days even now, but the great thing is daily I can see God using this time to prepare me and use me. See one thing people so often do and I've been guilty in the past of doing is looking at this time of singleness with gloom. Friends don't do that, look on it with joy. In addition I also want to say just because your single don't use this as an excuse not to be a man. Use this time God has given you to grow in Him. Granted you don't ever stop growing and learning, but use this time wisely. Don't waste it saying poor me. Use this time to get to know God and see how He wants to use you.

Feast on His Word and understand what it means when if by God's grace you do get married to love your wife as Christ also loved the church. Friends I can't begin to even put into words how God has dramatically shown me what love is. I thought I knew what it was before I knew Him, but then I met Him and then wow. Everyday I learn it runs so much deeper than I ever thought. If you really want to know love, get to know the very author of love, get to know God.

Brothers I send this as encouragement and a reminder that as Christ gave Himself for the church, so should men have this same kind of love for their wives. A deep love, a sacrificing love and this doesn't start when you get married it starts long before you get to the altar. Start today, don't wait be a man. Be the man who God calls you to be.

Good day and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><

Realize Your A Fool And Then Become Wise ( 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 )

Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;

And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

1 Corinthians 3:18-23
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It never ceases to amaze me how those who don't believe in God can find a Christian ignorant. Don't believe me? I've heard this from people with degrees and I'm thinking just one thing are you serious ? The one thing I have heard common among them is that we get suckered into this religious thing. Every time I hear that it just makes me laugh and reminds me of something the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans when he writes claiming to be wise they became fools( Romans 1:22 ). Need I say more? Friends I'm not saying having a degree or attaining knowledge is bad, but to glory in that knowledge above God is vain. To seriously think you can obtain a great knowledge of things of this world and know more than God is absurd and plainly arrogant. Like I will stress again I'm not discouraging learning in fact I am currently in college myself and believing learning is a good thing. The thing is we must understand that all understanding and truth comes from God and through it give Him the glory.

For example like I said I currently in college pursuing a bachelor's degree in Biology and through this knowledge I can give God glory. One way is it is amazing how diverse each animal is and how He designed them. How He gave them certain functions and certain systems to live just amazes me. When I get my diploma in 2011 I will be able to thank God. Like I've told other brothers and sisters the path He has me on at first seemed odd,but I know He has a purpose for me. He is using this time to teach me lessons, to grow, and use me in ways I may not see now,but look back and say wow. See sometimes God uses us and we may not see it then,but look back and say man that is awesome.

Another thing I'd like to point out is how people in this world get wrapped up in how much they know and how they can handle things. Then when something bad happens they turn to God, but my question is, is why is it only when things are going bad? Why is it they think they need Him sometimes ? Friends I know for me personally I need Him everyday from the time I get up till I lay down. In fact I go to bed with Him on my thoughts, why? Cause in Him I find rest. I may not be wise in things of this world as the "culturally cool" are,but who cares ? I am instead getting nourished in God's Word. I am instead being taught by God for He is my schoolmaster. So what if I don't know the latest car lingo or trends in society, I seek to know God deeper and deeper.

I spoke on this the other night, we should be pursuing God with all our hearts, all our souls, and all our strength. By this we need to be getting deeper in His Word. Don't just skim it or read a little. Get in and get to know Him. I encourage you seek true wisdom and true knowledge through reading His Word. So what if the world calls you weird, guess what the disciples where considered weird. Why ? They were devoted to preaching and teaching the words of Jesus. Believe me they met opposition read the book of Acts ,but still they served God with all that they were. They didn't let mocking or persecuting stop them. They continued all the way to death. So why I ask are we letting being considered weird or strange stop us? Friends when I say weird to the world they see us weird, to God He sees holy, same person two different views. Be willing to step out and be holy for He calls us to be holy.

Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><

Being Made Free, Became Servants Of Righteousness ( Romans 6:18 )

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Romans 6:18

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You know one of many things God has revealed to me is that I was a servant of sin. Before coming to Christ I would never have come out and said it,but I was. See that is thing sinners won't raise their hands and say yes I serve sin, but whether they want to admit it or not they are a servant of it. Let me give some examples and you see what I mean. Think about the man who does drugs and just can't quit. You ask him why don't you quit and his response is I can't. Another example is someone who lives to feed their sexual appetite. Sadly our society sees that as just "enjoying the most" out of life. To me I see it as God sees it and that is sin. See friends this person just as the man who is addicted to drugs have something in common they are serving their desires. They are not seeking to bring God glory in their actions.

So then when we meet Jesus those of us who are saved we then as the Apostle Paul writes here become servants of righteousness. We no longer seek to serve our flesh,but instead seek to please God in all that we do. You know its amazing,but I think if I told someone I was a servant of Christ they might get the wrong idea. See people's mindset of servant is not the right picture. See we serve Christ with a willingness knowing what He has done for us. As it states first we have been set free from sin. As it is written the wages of sin are death( Romans 6:23 ). Friends when I think of the very fact that He saved me, on that alone I am grateful. I am grateful to know that I am spared the second death and have been granted eternal life. So as servants of righteousness, remembering how grateful we are and what our calling is we need to seek His will through His Word and in communion with Him daily in prayer. Friends this doesn't we are perfect by any means. Sure were going to make mistakes,but here is the great thing through growth and correction(from God) we will learn. That is discipleship growing daily to be more and more like Him. Granted we won't be perfect this side of heaven, but that in no way should discourage us, but instead should encourage us to run this race with patience longing to see Him waiting for us at home in Heaven.

Friends be encouraged to serve God with all that you are. Be glad to be a servant of righteousness and that you no longer serve sin. Praise God for Him setting you free and making you dead to sin, but alive to Him( Romans 6:11 ). I know that you may struggle and war with your flesh,but know this that as long as you walk in the spirit you will not fulfill these desires( Galatians 5:16 ). I send this as encouragement to you my brothers and sisters.

Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><

Pursue God By Getting In Deep ( 2 Timothy 2:15 )

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

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You know just from the very first word you see the seriousness. What I mean is we as Christians need to be as I heard it put a man or woman of the text. We need to get in and get deep. Notice it doesn't start with read a little or skim through, but it says study. When you prepare for a test, that you need to pass would you barely look over the material? No! Sadly and I do say there are Christians going to church taking the college approach to knowing their bible. What do I mean by this. They are just getting by. They maybe read it when they are at church and who knows maybe a few times outside of church,but how many times more than that.Friends this can not be the approach we take. Granted God didn't say you need to read your bible this many times a day or for this many hours. The question then I ask is why is it people can't spend more time in His Word? Why can't they spend more time getting deep and getting to know God through His Word.

Believe me every bit is profitable for us to read. You know what everything thing you need is in there. How can we share the good news if we don't know it? How can we reach the lost if we aren't being obedient? Does it not say in this verse study to show thyself approved unto God? Friends whether your a pastor rightly dividing God's Word or a witness for God sharing His Word to others you should be in the Word. Studying God's Word is not limited to those in ministry.

When the Apostle Paul writes in this verse that we shouldn't be ashamed this goes hand in hand with studying. Friends when they ask for what do we hope we should have answer and not just Jesus loves me. Yes I know He loves, but so much deeper. I have hope in knowing that when my life ends that I have been passed from death into life( John 5:24 ) through the atoning blood of Jesus( John 3:16 ). Praise God I can share with them, that by grace through faith I have been saved and can only give praise to Him who saved me for I have nothing in myself to boast in( Ephesians 2:8-9).

Last I'd like to cover what it says at the end of the verse by rightly dividing the Word. Sadly I will say there are men in pulpits who are not doing this. Instead what they are doing is interpreting the scripture to fit how they want it. Friends when a man who is standing in a pulpit and not being faithful to delivering God's Word as it is he is doing a disservice. I venture to say if they are putting their own twist or just making it to tickle the ears of the congregation this is just adding to apostasy.

Friends a pastor's job is to rightly divide God's Word and since none of us(the pastor included) are perfect it should help us in our walk with God. So by a pastor not dividing God's Word rightly this is sad to say,but the people would have been better off not being there. This is why and friends know I say this with love, as I said the other night prove all things( 1 Thessalonians 5:21 ). This includes people and not to mention I believe it was the Apostle John who said to test the spirits( 1 John 4:1 ).

Brothers and sisters be encouraged to get deep in God's Word. Don't say I don't have time, instead make time. Believe me I can't tell you how much I love what God shows me through His Word. Even if I only get to read a chapter or two, to me that means a lot. God still speaks, we just need to listen and get deep. So once again I encourage you get deep.

Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><

Prove All Things, That Means Everything! ( 1 Thessalonians 5:21 )

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

1 Thessalonians 5:21

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Prove all things, this means everything. This doesn't mean some things or a couple of things,but it includes every aspect of our lives. It really does amaze me how people can go to church on Sunday then watch or read such garbage. What I mean by garbage is stuff that in no means gives God glory,but somehow they feel they are mature enough to either watch it or it isn't too bad. Friends when the Apostle Paul wrote prove all things, he meant for us to test everything by God's Word. This means everything should be filtered by God's Word. Here is food for thought could you bring your bible with you in that movie? If the answer to that question is no then friends I urge you to not watch it. The bible is very clear when it says to guard our hearts( Proverbs 4:23 ). Whether people realize it or not, but what we watch does effect us and why I ask would you be wasting your time with such garbage. I will tell you personally since God has convicted me of this it may have limited what I watch, but it has in no way limited my joy. For friends I find my joy in God. So people may say your not cool cause you don't want to go see this or read that. I don't care, the Lord calls me to be holy for He is holy( ,Leviticus 19:2,1 Peter 1:16). Being holy is living a life separated and no I'm not perfect,but everyday I seek out to be like the one who saved me. I seek out to not be conformed to this world and instead deny myself, take up my cross, and follow Him.

I love then what the Apostle Paul says in this verse as well hold fast to that what is good. So when we prove all things and find those that are good we hold fast to them that are good. To hold fast is to adhere to. Friends we know what is good through His Word. So what I can's understand is how there are those who call themselves Christians not adhering to what the Word clearly states. They are basically following some of the rules and if something doesn't fit in or feel good to them they just omit it. How they do this just doesn't make sense. God desire obedience and they feel somehow they can do what they want and everything is fine is not making any sense. God didn't give us all this grace so we could sin all we want. The Apostle Paul covered this in Romans chapter 6. My suggestion and I say this with love is to go back and reread it.

Friends be encouraged and know I speak to you in love. Be encouraged that as you walk with the Lord that you prove all things by His Word. This may not always be comfortable, but friends live a life pleasing to Him.Remember we were created to glorify Him.Let His desires become yours.


Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><

Be Ready With Grace & Seasoned With Salt In Speech ( Colossians 4:6 )

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Colossians 4:6
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When speaking to those who have not come to the knowledge of Christ as Lord and Savior we should always speak with grace. By speaking with grace we show the mercy of sharing the great news, the best news about our Savior. As it is written blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy( Matthew 5:7 ). Ever heard the cliche of someone coming in scaring people into believing and sadly it sounds more like theater than evangelism. You don't have to yell and make a scene, just give them the reality of the Word and what it says. As it is written the law is perfect for converting a sinner( Psalm 19:7 ). I know personally and I thank God for Him changing me from the inside out and renewing me( Romans 12:2 ) and giving me a new heart( Ezekiel 11:19 ), one that desires Him and to please Him in all that I do.

In addition to our speech being filled with grace it must also be seasoned. As Jesus clearly said in His sermon on the mount we are to be the light and the salt( Matthew 5:13,16 ). To be seasoned is to have an effect on society as to preserve the good in society. Our very lives have an impact by the way we live for Him. You know it is amazing the effect you have on others. I'm not perfect,but by exhibiting my dependence on Christ has impacted others.

In the last part of the verse it says know how ye ought to answer every man. Now this doesn't mean you will have every answer. Granted sometimes you will have some awesome answers and that is great,but sometimes the best and most honest answer is I don't know. Friends a canned answer is not real and personally to me doesn't help anyone. Instead if someone ask you something and you don't know be real with them, but ask them if you can get back to them on by getting information on their question. Don't be afraid of not knowing something. Believe it or not your human. I think too often we want to have the answer.

Friends when you go out to witness don't worry about the words to say. God will provide exactly what you need to say. Granted you may not have all the answers and sometimes your response may be I don't know. Instead of being discouraged by it, use it as a further witnessing opportunity and ask if you can research their question more to give them an answer. Then ask if they would like to get a cup of coffee or hang out and talk more once you have gotten an answer. Granted this may or may not present itself don't be afraid, be bold, for we have not been given a spirit of timidity, but one of peace and power( 2 Timothy 1:7 ). Do remember to speak with grace , but make sure it is seasoned with truth, the Truth.

Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><

Are You Living A Life That Pleases God ? ( Colossians 1:10 )

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Colossians 1:10
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Are you living a life that is pleasing to God? Is your very walk worthy of whom called you? You know and this is just covering the first part of this verse. We need to be living everyday to please God in how we act and speak. What amazes me is there are people who call themselves Christians,but their walk is showing themselves otherwise. Friends the scriptures are very clear and state we shall know them by their fruits( Matthew 7:16 ). I know I'm not perfect,but I seek to please God in everything I do, everything from washing the dishes to even helping my mom with my grandmother. I know those seem like rather ordinary things,but its not about what we do...it's that we do it all for God's glory. As it is written do all things heartily unto the Lord( Colossians 3:23 ). I've learned through these simple acts to develop more of a servant's heart.

The apostle Paul concludes this verse with increasing in knowledge of God. Part of our walk with God and pleasing Him is we should be growing in knowledge in His Word. Remember as the scriptures say we need to study to show ourselves approved unto God( 2 Timothy 2:15 ). Friends daily we need to be in His Word growing daily. There isn't a certain amount,but I guarantee the longer you walk with Him the more you will desire and the more you will read. I know for me I can't get enough. The other day I couldn't go to bed without reading a few Psalms. Amazingly day by I am understanding more what David wrote in Psalm 42:1, about how his soul desire God as the deer panting after the brook. As you grow in spiritual maturity your hunger for the Word will grow too.


Friends our very lives should be to please God. We were created to worship and to glorify Him. Make every effort to seek to please Him. Even when times are rough give Him the glory. I've found that when the storms of life come and you praise Him, it amazing how much louder the praise in the calm becomes. Remember praise shall continually be on our lips( Psalm 51:15 ).

Good night and God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><