CHRISTIANITY FOR THE LAST DAYS

Friday, September 25, 2009

THINK ABOUT IT - LAWS OF THE MIND

Anyone who has ever tried knows how difficult it is to stop thinking about something or someone after your mind has grown accustomed to thinking about that something or someone.

Is it easy to forget where you live or the color of your car, the food you like most or the name and the words of a friend ? No...

The mind is as assuredly governed by laws as is the universe governed by fixed laws and these laws do not discriminate nor can they be persuaded to stop functioning.

Many of these laws of the mind are mentioned in the Bible and are actually strengthened by the study of the Bible. (Isaiah 26:3)

It is God's desire that Christ would be the chief one whom we cannot stop thinking about. Our thought life is determined by what we habitually allow our minds to dwell upon and/or take in and we should endeavor to have Christ at the center of our thoughts. In this respect it may be just as difficult to start thinking about something or someone if we have no desire to do so.

The love of Christ is the motivation, inspiration and constraining power which leads a person to choose to make Him the chief focus on one's thoughts. (Hebrews 12:1)

Our thoughts essentially make up who we are and become real to others as they are translated into words and actions. Another study of the laws of the mind has been added to the website at www.issues-of-life.com. It is in the top left hand corner of the page under laws of the mind and is the law numbered 6 - "Thoughts". Check it out when you get a chance....

Have a marvelous weekend...

T.K.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

FOUR (4) QUESTIONS ABOUT LOVE - How To Recognize Love - Part X

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. How can we have within us a more than human love for others ?

A more than human love is wakened in the soul, through the knowledge of the wonderful love of Christ “the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:5, Philippians 2:5) - Only through receiving the Holy Spirit is it possible to have more than just human love for other human beings. Human love is changeable - divine love, God's marvelous love never changes...

2. How can love for our fellow man become a natural instinct ?

Looking unto Jesus we obtain brighter and more distinct views of God, and by beholding we become changed. Goodness, love for our fellow men, becomes our natural instinct. By beholding Christ we become changed into His image and reflect His character. (2 Corinthians 3:18, Philippians 2:13, John 6:56, Ephesians 2:10)

3. What are the characteristics of heavenly love ?

When the heavenly principle of eternal love fills the heart, it will flow out to others, not merely because favors are received of them, but because love is the principle of action, and modifies the character, governs the impulses, controls the passions, subdues enmity, and elevates the affections. (1 John 4:20, 1 John 2:10, Galatians 5:22-24)

Heaven‑born love strikes deeper than the surface. (John 17:23, Ephesians 3:18,19/Romans 8:25, 38,39/2 Corinthians 5:14)

4. What is the source of anything good or beautiful that we see in others which makes them attractive to us ?

God is the author of all beauty. Man has nothing in himself. The most exalted talent does not originate from man, but is the endowment of his Creator. We are indebted to God for all the qualities of the mind. All the good qualities that men possess are the gift of God. ...there is no true goodness or greatness apart from God. All that we have, all that we are, all that we can do, is God's; it belongs to him; therefore when we give the best and all there is of us, it is only that which belongs to God. All the value that there is in any human being is from Christ, and all belongs to Him. In the One "altogether lovely" we behold Him, of whom all beauty of earth and heaven is but a dim reflection. There is no real beauty of person or of character out of Christ..Christ is the source of every right impulse Every brilliant conception, every thought of wisdom, every capacity and talent of men, is the gift of Christ.. Whatever great ideas man may have evolved, have come through Christ. Every precious gem of thought, every flash of the intellect, is revealed by the Light of the world. Every ability, every power, is received from God. The human agent can originate nothing. No one has anything beyond that which God gives him. “For who maketh thee to differ from another and what hast thou that thou didst not receive ? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it ? (1 Corinthians 4:7) and (John 3:27) For all that we have and are, we are indebted to God. God is the author of all wisdom, all intelligence, all talent. God is the author of all that is good.

It is some aspect of the character of CHRIST that human beings long for and are attracted to in each other. Anything good or beautiful which we find appealing in another human being whether man or woman or child has its origin in the CREATOR. While human beings may feel the legitimate need for each other, and can even validate each other to some degree, their deepest needs and longings for happiness can only be satisfied by the ONE who created them.

By the grace of God, we will continue to study these things in another post.

T.K.


© 2009 Tyrone Keels

www.issues-of-life.com

You have just been reading from page 9 of a booklet entitled, "How To Recognize Love" Look for more pages from this booklet in future blogs... If you are interested in having the entire book email your request to education@issues-of-life.com. You can see what the cover looks like at www.issues-of-life.com and by clicking on products.

Friday, September 18, 2009

LET ME EAT ANYTHING I WANT AND STILL HAVE GOOD HEALTH TOO - Natural Remedies - Specific Herb Uses - Part VI

Not too long ago, the medical world saw no real connection between what a person ate and his or her health. Today there are an abundance of studies which confirm the relation between what we eat and chronic illness.

This information, though it was generally ignored, has actually been around for thousands of years.

In the Bible, God has said, "Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood" (Leviticus 19:26)

Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh. (Deuteronomy 12:23)

And yet it is the blood which gives flesh food (meat) its pleasurable taste for those who enjoy it. One Christian writer who wrote inspired commentaries, over 100 years ago, about health gave a warning about the dangers of this practice in these words...

"Cancers, tumors, and all inflammatory diseases are largely caused by meat eating." {HL 183.2}

Notice what science says today, in the 21st century, regarding meat eating confirming the truthfulness of the Bible advice and the statement of the Christian author:

High meat and fat diet increases risk of developing skin cancer.(Clinical digest)(Brief article). Nursing Standard 21.45 (July 18, 2007): p17(1). (267 words)

High meat intake linked to cancer.(News). The Journal of Chinese Medicine 87 (June 2008): p64(1). (194 words)

CUT meat intake and reduce kidney cancer risk.(CANCER NEWBRIEFS). Health News 13.7 (July 2007): p7(1). (141 words)

More meat, more cancer risk.(News & Notes)(Brief article). Clinician Reviews 16.9 (Sept 2006): p69(1). (119 words)

Meat and fat intake as risk factors for pancreatic cancer: the Multiethnic Cohort Study.(Author Abstract). Journal of the National Cancer Institute 97.19 (Oct 5, 2005): p1458(8).

21st century science is just now starting to catch up with the words of a loving Creator, written thousands of years ago in a book called the Bible, which gave instructions that would prove to be life-saving to anyone when put into practice.

We have grown accustomed to believing that God "calls people home" when they die of disease. The evidence points to the contrary; our heavenly Father desires that human beings would live as long as possible, doing the most good that is possible to the most people as possible. Although God has ultimate authority over life and death, He is not responsible for death by disease when human beings are making choices which lead to disease.

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. (3 John 2)

Jesus Christ Himself did more healing than teachng when He was upon this earth and has our best interest at heart. To this end He has provided "herbs for the service of man" (Psalms 104:14)

According to the Bible, (Revelation 18:23), in the last days, many people will be deceived and poisoned by a modern form of sorcery called drug medication.

Drugs never cure. They only change the form and the location of the disease. Herbs when used with understanding, provide a safe and powerful alternative to poisonous drug therapy. Here is a continuation of a descriptive list of herbal properties in alphabetical order.

BITTERS - Herbs having a bitter taste and serving as stimulant tonics to the gastrointestinal mucous membranes

Barberry, Boneset, Camomile, Cedron, Chaparral, Feverfew, Gentian, Peach, Wild cherry, Wormwood

BLISTERS - Herbs that cause inflammatory blistering of serum from the skin when applied to the skin.

Black mustard, Blue violet root, Mezereon, White bryony

CALEFACIENTS - Herbs used as stimulants which cause increased capillary circulation and giving an external sense of warmth.

Cayenne

CARDIAC DEPRESSANTS - Herbs that lessen and are sedative to the heart’s action.

Asparagus, Bitter root, Blood root, Bugleweed, Lobelia (large dose), Mountain laurel, Pleurisy root, Poke root, Saw palmetto

CARDIAC STIMULANTS - Herbs used to increase and give greater power to the heart’s action.

Apples, Balsam of Peru, Blackberry, Black cohosh, Blessed thistle, Borage, Buchu, Bugleweed, Cayenne, Cherry, Cloves, Comfrey, Coriander, Flaxseed (tonic), Garden sage, Garlic, Gentian, Golden seal, Hawthorn berry, Horehound, Jamaica Ginger, Knotgrass, Kola, Licorice, Lily-of-the-valley (tonic), Motherwort, Mustard, Myrrh, Peppermint, Prickly ash, Raisins, Scullcap, Smartweed, Sorrel, Valerian, Vervain, Wild cherry, Wild lettuce, Wintergreen, Wood betony

CARMINATIVES - Herbs containing a volatile oil that excites peristalsis and relieves and promotes the expulsion of gas from the gastrointestinal tract.

Azure, Anise seed, Bitter orange, Buchu, Cabbage, Cajuput, Calamus, Caraway, Cadramon, Coriander, Carrot, Cascara sagrada, Cassia, Catnip, Cayenne, Cedron, Celery, Cloves, Cramp bark, Cumin, Dill, Feverfew, Garden sage, Garlic, Golden seal, Hyssop, Jamaica ginger, Lemon thyme, Mountain balm, Myrrh, Parsley, Peppermint, Pimento, Red rose, Rosemary, Safflower, Saffron, Sarsaparill, Spearmint, Sweet basil, Sweet nicely, Sweet flag, Thyme, valerian, Wild carrot, Wild ginger, Wild marjoram, Wild yam, Wood betony, Wormwood, Yarrow

CATHARTICS - herbs that are actives purgatives to the intestinal tract, exciting peristalsis and stimulating glandular secretions, producing semi-fluid bowel movements with some irritation and griping.

Aloe, Balm of Gilead, Balmony, Bitter root, Black alder, Black walnut, Blood root, Blue flag, Buckthorn, Butternut, Cabbage tree, Camomile, Cascara sagrada, Culver’s root, Daffodil, Garlic, Gentian, Hickory, Lobelia, Morning glory, Mulberry, Pok root, Red raspberry, Sarsaparilla, Senna leaves, Stillingia,

To be continued...

Have a marvelous weekend in Christ..

You should not use herbs as a means to treat disease or illness unless and only if you have followed these steps first in dealing with disease symptoms.

1. Ascertain the cause

2. Correct the wrong habits and change the unhealthful conditions and

then...

3. Assist the body to heal itself

The use of herbs should complement obedience to the 8 laws of health. More information about this at www.issues-of-life.com under health issues.

By attempting to put into practice anything that you have read in this article you release Tyrone Keels from any responsibility for the results if you are dissatisfied with the outcome. Read the full disclaimer for health issues at www.issues-of-life.com

Friday, September 11, 2009

THE MONSTER IN THE MIRROR - SELF - Principles of Victory In The Christian Life - Part IV

In order to appreciate victory we must first clearly identify and recognize what it is that we need the victory over and why we need this victory. Notice what the Bible says about the last days.

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves... TIMOTHY 3:1,2 ---> Perilous means dangerous (ADEL) Why are the last days so dangerous ? The Bible tells us why. “...men shall be lovers of their own selves...” The rest of this verse continues with a description of various manifestations of selfishness.

It is selfishness which makes the last days so dangerous and it is selfishness in all of its varied forms that we need the victory over; by the grace of God selfishness must be overcome. (Revelation 21:7)

The Bible teaches that the transgression of God's law of 10 commandments is sin. (1 John 3:4)

All sin is selfishness. Satan's first sin was a manifestation of selfishness. (Read Isaiah 14:12-14 and Ezekiel 28:13-17) He sought to grasp power, to exalt self. A species of insanity led him to seek to supersede God. And the temptation that led Adam to sin was Satan's declaration that it was possible for man to attain to something more than he already enjoyed, possible for him to be as God Himself. The sowing of seeds of selfishness in the human heart was the first result of the entrance of sin into the world. God desires every one to understand the evil of selfishness, and to cooperate with Him in guarding the human family against its terrible, deceptive powers. The design of the gospel is to confront this evil by means of remedial missionary work, and to destroy its destructive power by establishing enterprises of benevolence. (Philippians 2:5-8/ Matthew 16:24/ 2 Corinthians 10:5/ Micah 6:5)

God does not employ compulsory measures; love is the agent which He uses to expel sin from the heart. No truth essential to our salvation is withheld, no miracle of mercy is neglected, no divine agency is left unemployed. Favor is heaped upon favor, gift upon gift. The whole treasury of heaven is open to those He seeks to save. Having collected the riches of the universe, and laid open the resources of infinite power, He gives them all into the hands of Christ, and says, All these are for man. Use these gifts to convince him that there is no love greater than Mine in earth or heaven. His greatest happiness will be found in loving Me. (Psalms 37:4/ John 6:37/ Romans 8:32/ Psalms 43:4/ 1 Peter 1:8)

Notice this point with care... All self‑exaltation and self‑admiration are the result of ignorance of God and of Jesus Christ, whom He has sent. (Proverbs 9:10/ Isaiah 57:15/ Romans 1:28-31/ Philippians 3:7,8)

The antidote for this is found in these words...

"Pride and self-worship cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary."

Selfishness is written on the human heart in plain, unmistakable characters. Selfishness is the root of all evil. Selfishness lies at the foundation of all sin. Thus we conclude that selfishness is the principle which excludes one from heaven. “Human selfishness is the barrier to eternal life.” (Mark 7:21-23/ Jeremiah 17:9/ John 3:5/ Matthew 18:3/5:8/5:3,10/ Mark 10:15/ 1 Corinthians 6:9,10/ Galatians 5:19-21/ Rphesians 5:5)

The principle of selfishness is deadly and will lead to the time of trouble. “Selfishness is a deadly evil.” (Proverbs 18:12/ Ezekiel 31:10,11/ Revelation 18:7/ Daniel 5:22,23,30/8:25) Those in the world, having lost their connection with God, are making desperate, insane efforts to make centers of themselves. This causes distrust of one another, which is followed by crime. The kingdoms of the world will be divided against themselves. Fewer and fewer will become the sympathetic cords which bind man in brotherhood to his fellow man. The natural egotism of the human heart will be worked upon by Satan. He will use the uncontrolled wills and violent passions which were never brought under the control of God's will. For of whom a man is overcome , of the same is he brought in bondage . (2 Peter 2:19) (Romans 6:16/ Isaiah 2:11,17/ Matthew 24:10/ Zechariah 14:13/ Jeremiah 30:7) This will be the result at the close of human probation when the Holy Spirit is finally withdrawn from those who have rejected the work of the love of God in their lives ...(Matthew 12:31,32/ Revelation 22:11)

To be continued...

It is not the will of our heavenly Father that so many would be deceived concerning salvation and eternal life in these last days. While GOD loves everyone and will forgive anyone HE does not change our character against our will or without our cooperation.

A Christ-like character is the only kind of character that could enjoy heaven and a Christ-like character is the only kind of character that could be trusted in heaven.

We are given a life-time, (be it long or short) to cooperate with God in developing a Christ-like character for eternal life in heaven. It begins with the new birth experience.

Ask Jesus Christ to come into your life today and to begin the work of changing you for heaven. Confess your sins and acknowledge your need of Him. He loves you and wants the privilege of enjoying friendship with you forever.

Let's pray...

Heavenly Father, I am a sinner and have lived a selfish life and broken your commandments. I believe that you love me and have proved it by allowing your Son Jesus Christ to be crucified on the cross for my sins.

I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins because He loves me.

I believe that Jesus Christ was resurrected and will give me power over sin because He loves me.

I believe that Jesus Christ will come again and deliver me from the presence of sin because He loves me.

Please cause me to be born again right now and bless me with new motives, new desires and new purposes. Help me to grow more and more like my new Lord and Savior from day to day.

In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Welcome to the family of God !

Have a great weekend and may the Lord keep and bless you.

T.K.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

SCARED TO DEATH - The Difference Between Love and Fear - How To Recognize Love - Part IX

The Difference Between Love and Fear

Fear - a strong feeling caused by knowing that danger, pain, or evil is near.

This is the most commonly understood and recognized kind of fear that is generally known among human beings.

What is another source of fear ?
There is fear in guilt. (Isaiah 33:14/John 19:7,8/1 Timothy 5:20/1 Samuel 12:20/Esther 7:6/Psalms 119:120)

What is the cause of guilt ?

Selfishness is...the cause of human guilt. (Genesis 42:21/Leviticus 5:3,4/Romans 3:19/James 2:10) There are many different manifestations of selfishness but all result in guilt. The guilt and/or the selfishness are not actually perceived by the human mind when it is not under the control of the Spirit of God.

SELFISHNESS ----------> GUILT ------------> FEAR

Fear is one of the fruits that may grow on the tree of selfishness. So our heavenly Father seeks to cut away at the roots of the tree of selfishness thereby eliminating fear.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear. 1 JOHN 4:18

GOD is love. There is no fear in love and there is no fear in GOD. Those who love HIM do not fear His presence. It is the presence of GOD alone that can permanently do away with fear.

ONLY THE SENSE OF GOD’S PRESENCE CAN BANISH THE FEAR. (No matter what the source of that fear may be)

Through JESUS CHRIST, the SON of GOD and representative of GOD, anyone who desires may experience the presence of GOD.

The one who is actually conscious of the presence of CHRIST is able to live without fear as he or she lives life experiencing what heaven is like. “..in thy presence [is] fulness of joy..” (PSALM 16:11) "The definition of heaven is the presence of Christ" and "heaven is all health." Why does perfect love cast out fear ? “...perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment.” (1 John 4:18)

The word (noun) torment means great pain or suffering and the pain or suffering may be physical or mental or both. Fear weakens and can ultimately destroy the health of the body and the mind if it is not overcome so perfect love casts it out.

He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)

How is one made perfect in love ? "...practice makes perfect." To be made perfect in love one must be in the habit or practice of loving; of doing good and nothing but good. If the mind is free and happy from a consciousness of right doing and a sense of satisfaction in causing happiness to others, it creates a cheerfulness that will react upon the whole system, causing a freer circulation of the blood and a toning up of the entire body. A good circulation purifies the blood, and secures health. Giving or receiving love will significantly improve one’s health.

If we cry out to the LORD in prayer, pleading for HIS presence asking HIM to help us choose (yes, make a choice) to love, this can be our testimony, “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalms 34:4)

By the grace of God, we will continue to study these things in another post.

T.K.


© 2009 Tyrone Keels

www.issues-of-life.com

You have just been reading from page 8 of a booklet entitled, "How To Recognize Love" Look for more pages from this booklet in future blogs... If you are interested in having the entire book email your request to education@issues-of-life.com. You can see what the cover looks like at www.issues-of-life.com and by clicking on products.