🧑‍🚀Hiroo Onoda Didn’t Know 😲

Freedom is not the right to do as you please, it is the liberty to do as you ought.

Jesus Christ came into this world to save sinners. 

Luke 19:10 (KJV) For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Jesus came into this world for a purpose and that was to save the lost. One cannot be found except they understand first they are lost.  A story that seems hard to believe. His name was Hiroo Onoda who didn’t know that World War II was over and for nearly 29 years Hiroo refused to believe the war was over, that the Japanese had surrendered thinking it was all propaganda. In 1959 the Japanese government declared him dead. He was committed to what he was told. He was instructed to hold the Island until the imperial army returned. He followed his orders until his former commanding officer was located and traveled to the island to formally relieve him of his duty on March 9, 1974 29 years after World War II had ended.

This reminds me of many who were raised in a good Christian home. They left home going to college or to serve their country in a branch of our military. Many never intended to part from their upbringing but before long the sounds and sights of this world drew them into a world wind of ruin. They were taught or began to question what they were taught and before long Christians were just hypocrites.  Now they questioned mom and dad, weren’t they just naive, you know they didn’t have a good education they both quit school. What a lie, this old world may have changed in many ways but not in its sins. There has always been the sin of adultery, alcohol, drugs, murder, incest, hatred one toward another, homosexuality, deception and the list goes on and on. No, our parents were not naive nor ignorant to the pulls of this sinful world; they just knew the answer to sin was Jesus Christ. One of these days before too long I’ll leave for my eternally home. It won’t be for what I have done, it will be for what Christ did on Calvary's cross as He paid our sin debt. 

👨‍⚖️🫟 Paid in Full‼️

Just remember who loved you first. With all your sin, no matter what it was. He was more than willing to receive you into His family knowing all about you and what you have done. 

1 John 4:19 (KJV) We love him, because he first loved us.

John 1:12 (KJV) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

It’s a wonderful feeling to know you have been made free. Many years ago I was rounded up with some other young men for a crime that had been committed. A young lady who was an eye witness was standing in front of us. As the police officer pointed to each one of us she would say yes he was involved. When I stood before her she hesitated to answer. The police officer at that moment released me. Boy was I happy. I was there when the crime was committed but I had no part in it nor did she even see me. I guess being there would make me guilty. On that day I was set free. On the day I was saved I was made free and that is a vast difference from being set free. 

John 8:32 (KJV) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

🤩True or False🥸

 The false can never grow into truth by growing in power.  

Was Jesus A Great Man? Was Jesus The Christ? Was Jesus Our Redeeming Savior?

Do we believe the Bible or do we look for another?  

Psalms 119:160 (KJV) Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

35 times the phrase “Thy word” is mentioned in the book of  Psalms chapter 119. While it is only mentioned 36 times in the whole book of Psalms. Read   Psalms chapter 119 and underline the phrase “Thy word” it will encourage you.

Here are a few::

1. How do young men cleanse their  way?  

• taking heed thereto according to thy word.

2. Things not to forget!

• I will not forget thy word. 

3. I need to be strengthened. How do I get it?

• strengthen thou me according unto thy word.

4. My salvation were can I learn?

• even thy salvation, according to thy word.

Some say that Jesus was a Great man, maybe a Prophet that’s it.

What does the Bible say:

1 John 2:22 (KJV) Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

The question “Who is a liar”

The word “liar” is found 8 times in the New Testament and the very first time tells us who the “liar” is by name.

John 8:44 (KJV) Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

We know the father of lies by name “the devil.” In first John chapter 2 verse 22 we are told that anyone who says that Jesus Christ is anything less than the Savior of the world is a liar. Now if we don’t take the Bible as the Word of God then it would be easy to believe a lie. Is the Bible just a good book with many good rules and strategies that will help us live a good clean life? Or is our Bible the Word of God? Where one stands on this is of utmost importance. If one feels like the Bible has many good suggestions then it will be little help or use to them. One must decide if there is a God that made this world or did it just happen? If you think it just happened then what else do you know of that just happened? The correct answer is not one thing! There has to be a maker, a creator and that maker is God as well as creator. 

🎨Lifestyle Paints The Real Picture🖼️

“It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.”

Who are you really? One can look like a cowboy and have never ridden a horse. One can dress and look like a police officer and not be employed by the police department. Today you and I will meet and see people who aren’t who they say they are. Remember the story of the one who was late to work? They decided if they up their speed from. 55 to 75 they could make it to work on time. Then as they looked in their rearview mirror they noticed the state trooper. As the state trooper observed them it appeared that this person was a law abiding person. Was his observation true? No! Many look and appear to be what they aren’t. 

1 John 2:4 (KJV) He that saith, I know him,(Jesus) and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

You have seen them and known them. They say they are Christian but their actions or lifestyle says different.  The truth; that’s what we are talking about. The driver appeared to be law abiding but in reality wasn’t. Paul had the same problem and I bet you know someone who does too. Paul said it like this. 

Romans 3:20 (KJV) Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Romans 7:7 (KJV) What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

Or I had not known the speed limit except the law said it was 55. Go 75 pay the fine of the law. Do the sin, pay the fine of the law?  

Romans 6:23 (KJV) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

What is our lifestyle saying? Truth or lie? Do you or have you ever lied? Did it trouble you?  Did you ask for forgiveness? Luke 11:4 (KJV) And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

As you started out in your Christian walk growing and gaining victories over habits that troubled you, developing godly friendships. Did you or have you seen others who claim to be Christian just like you but their lifestyle is troubling to you? Watch out for that is a trap of the enemy to get you to fall. Follow the truth and the truth, be in the book, your bible. Never follow people, never say to yourself “well it must be alright to do such and such because he or she is doing it. Remember you don’t have to answer for them but you do have to answer for yourself. My brother n law said this to me many years ago and I have never forgotten it. He said without doubt there is something in the garbage can that would be ok to consume; but I’m not going to go look around in the garbage for food.” Just eat from the table, just follow the Bible. Oh but it’s not a bad curse word. When my dad said “son I want you to come straight home from school today!” That is what he meant he didn’t mean come straight home but it’s okay to stop by the little store.  

Ephesians 4:29 (KJV) Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Let no corrupt communication come out of your mouth except a few bad words will be alright. Is what I am saying helping or hurting others? It’s impossible to build up and help others when your words are harsh to those hearing you. 

⏳Time Is Up⌛️

We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid. ~Benjamin Franklin~

There are some things everyone can say they know. The Bible tells us that without doubt we can say that we know and we will be right. There was at one time a lady that lived not far from my home. She was known in our small town as one that could tell you your future. She had a sign in her front yard telling those who passed by that she could do so. She had a son that bought a car on Wednesday and on Thursday he had an accident and was killed. That was awful. I wonder how she advised her son? Did she know? Why didn’t she speak up If she did? Why didn’t her son listen? Could she know what was going to happen on tomorrow which was Thursday? James said no!

James 4:14 (KJV) Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

 

C.T. Studd wrote a poem about only one life to live. Although we can’t tell what will happen tomorrow we know we only have one life to live but what we don’t know is how long our life will be. So don’t waste time because we don’t know when time is up. 

 Only One Life

C.T. Studd

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its days I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

“Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say ’twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.”                                            Proverbs 27:1 (KJV)   Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

☝️The Right Way Explained👆

If everyone is thinking alike, then no one is thinking.

~Benjamin Franklin~

Which gate offered freedom? The right one of course. Entering in at the right gate and realizing that Jesus is the way is just the start or beginning. 

John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

After Jesus says He is the way He goes on to say He is “the truth.” Webster says this about truth  “Conformity to fact or reality; exact accordance with that which is, or has been, or shall be.”  John 17:17 (KJV) Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 

David wrote something very similar..

Psalms 119:160 (KJV) Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

God's Word is true!

Psalms 119:50 (KJV) This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

Psalms 119:89 (KJV) For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

Psalms 119:140 (KJV) Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

God’s Word written for all to read and know is in the Bible we get to hold in our hands. Direct Words from a Holy God telling us the Truth. Truth never changes. The saying “what is right or truthful to me may not be to you.” Is wrong, for truth never changes. What we do can never be undone whether it’s words or actions, once done it’s done and cannot be retracted. 

John 17:17 says “Sanctify them” Webster say this about “Sanctify” “to cleanse, purify or make holy.” Sanctify them how? “through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

if The Lord is a discerner of our thoughts and our intents then we best know what that means. Webster says that the word discerner means “One who sees, discovers or distinguishes; an observer.” Oh my, an observer. Let’s say you are running a bit late for an appointment. You decide that if you up your speed a little bit you will get there on time. The speed limit is 55 so you decide to drive at about 75. As you start to accelerate toward 75 mph you look in the rear view mirror and you see a state patrol vehicle behind you. What now? Continue on with your plan or obey the law?  I’m sure your plans changed. Why because the job of that State Patrolman is to observer.  The more we know about the true the better our relationship will be with our Heavenly Father. Just as the state patrol would not overlook your speeding neither will our Heavenly Father overlook our sin. 

1 John 1:8 (KJV) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:10 (KJV)  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

🆓I’m Free! Really?🧐

The one who wants to lead the orchestra must turn their back on the crowd. 

Max Lucado

 “This is the way, walk ye in it” are we told what the way is? We are! 

John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

“I am the way”  “The” means the only way! There is no other way that works.

In the book Matthew chapter 7 there are two gates or two ways that are mentioned.  

Matthew 7:13 (KJV) Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

We read of the “strait gate” but we read nothing of it here but we immediately read about the Wide Gate.  It’s “broad” wide! We read where it leads “to destruction” and we read that “many” go in. This is sad and reminds me of cattle that are taken from the farm to the slaughter house. They are what we call dumb but we aren’t dumb. Yet many leave the farm on their way to be destroyed and don’t even realize it. The “strait gate” is mentioned first by name only, now we read about the “strait gate”

Matthew 7:14 (KJV) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

One is called strait and the other is called wide. They are both described for us. One leads to  life and one leads to destruction. 

• First though, I want the door to life. 

That’s what we do? We go to college and get a degree; why is that? Because we want a better life. We work hard to have a better life and all the time there is a thief just waiting to rob us. Al maybe the one who will do it’s best to take what you worked so hard for and give it to those you don’t even know. Al will introduce you to a Judge and in some cases to 12 good citizens who will determine your future. Al is very powerful at ruining and running your life, his real name is alcohol.  

• Watch out there are many more than Al.

1. Drugs
2. Sex
3. Gambling
4. Pleasure
5. Greed

All these come with the idea that if you do this it will Satisfy, you’ll finally be Happy. Only to find that they have been lies. We are told 2-times by the wise Solomon that there is a wrong way that seems to be the right way, that is satisfying and happy but it turns out not to be so.

Proverbs 14:12 (KJV)  There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 16:25 (KJV) There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Notice what Solomon is saying “There is a way” Solomon is writing about a  “way” Webster says this about  “way” A passing; hence, a passage; the place of passing; hence, a road of any kind; a highway; a private road; a lane; a street; any place for the passing of men; cattle or other animals; 

Solomon says there is a way that seems right. 

• It looks right, 
• it appears to be right, 
• my mind says it is right, 
• I feel like it’s the right thing to do. 

None of those feelings have anything to do with the right way. It’s not our feelings that determine the right way. Feelings will mislead you and disappoint you more times than not. I was cutting up with my wife not long ago and I said to her “look me in the eyes!” Then I said “I have strong feelings for you.” She said “you better have more than feelings for me!” Feelings will mislead. I’m not looking for a way that seems right or feels right. One night my wife and I were going to our granddaughters home. I turned right when I should have turned to the left. My wife said where are you going? Hating to admit my mistake I felt like there was another road on the left that would take me over to the road I needed to be on. There wasn’t and I had to admit my mistake and go back. It’s not wrong to be going the wrong way. It’s wrong to continue going the wrong way. Remember there is a way that seems right, but it’s not. We can follow the crowd or we can join the few. The crowd seems to be right. How can so many be wrong? Which gate offered freedom?