SALUTATIONS of PAUL

1 Corinthians 16:20

King James Version

20 All the brethren greet you. 

Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

How a person greets you, says much about them.

What more the born again, a servant of CHRIST.

A "chosen vessel" of GOD, like apostle Paul.

Whose word, is only GOD's WORD.

Nothing could be more beautiful, than greeting each other.

Through GOD, the FATHER.

Through JESUS CHRIST, the SON.

And acknowledging each other's person.

Here's how Paul would start each epistle:

Romans 1:1-7

King James Version

1 Paul, 

a servant of Jesus Christ, 

called to be an apostle, 

separated unto the gospel of God,

2 (Which he had promised afore 

by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, 

which was made of the seed of David 

according to the flesh;

4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, 

according to the spirit of holiness, 

by the resurrection from the dead:

5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, 

for obedience to the faith among all nations, 

for his name:

6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

7 To all that be in Rome, 

beloved of God, 

called to be saints: 

Grace to you and peace from God our Father, 

and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:1-3

King James Version

1 Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ 

through the will of God, 

and Sosthenes our brother,

2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, 

to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, 

called to be saints, 

with all that in every place 

call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, 

both their's and our's:

3 Grace be unto you, 

and peace, from God our Father, 

and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:1-2

King James Version

1 Paul, 

an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, 

and Timothy our brother, 

unto the church of God which is at Corinth, 

with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, 

and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1:1-3

King James Version

1 Paul, 

an apostle, 

(not of men, neither by man, 

but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, 

who raised him from the dead;)

2 And all the brethren which are with me, 

unto the churches of Galatia:

3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, 

and from our Lord Jesus Christ,

Ephesians 1:1-2

King James Version

1 Paul, 

an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, 

to the saints which are at Ephesus, 

and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace be to you, 

and peace, from God our Father, 

and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:1-3

King James Version

1 Paul and Timotheus, 

the servants of Jesus Christ, 

to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, 

with the bishops and deacons:

2 Grace be unto you, 

and peace, 

from God our Father, 

and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 I thank my God 

upon every remembrance of you,

Colossians 1:1-3

King James Version

1 Paul,

 an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, 

and Timotheus our brother,

2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ 

which are at Colosse: 

Grace be unto you, 

and peace, 

from God our Father 

and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 We give thanks to God 

and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

praying always for you,

1 Thessalonians 1:1-3

King James Version

1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, 

unto the church of the Thessalonians 

which is in God the Father 

and in the Lord Jesus Christ: 

Grace be unto you, 

and peace, 

from God our Father, 

and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 We give thanks to God always for you all, 

making mention of you in our prayers;

3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, 

and labour of love, 

and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ,

 in the sight of God and our Father;

2 Thessalonians 1:1-3

King James Version

1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus,

unto the church of the Thessalonians 

in God our Father 

and the Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Grace unto you,

 and peace, 

from God our Father 

and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, 

as it is meet, 

because that your faith groweth exceedingly, 

and the charity of every one of you 

all toward each other aboundeth;

1 Timothy 1:1-3

King James Version

1 Paul, 

an apostle of Jesus Christ 

by the commandment of God our Saviour, 

and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;

2 Unto Timothy, 

my own son in the faith: 

Grace, mercy, and peace, 

from God our Father 

and Jesus Christ our Lord.

3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, 

when I went into Macedonia, 

that thou mightest charge some 

that they teach no other doctrine,

2 Timothy 1:1-3

King James Version

1 Paul, 

an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, 

according to the promise of life 

which is in Christ Jesus,

2 To Timothy, 

my dearly beloved son: 

Grace, mercy, and peace, 

from God the Father 

and Christ Jesus our Lord.

3 I thank God, 

whom I serve from my forefathers 

with pure conscience, 

that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee 

in my prayers night and day;

Titus 1:1-5

King James Version

1 Paul, 

a servant of God, 

and an apostle of Jesus Christ, 

according to the faith of God's elect, 

and the acknowledging of the truth 

which is after godliness;

2 In hope of eternal life, 

which God, that cannot lie, 

promised before the world began;

3 But hath in due times 

manifested his word through preaching, 

which is committed unto me 

according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

4 To Titus, 

mine own son after the common faith: 

Grace, mercy, and peace, 

from God the Father 

and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, 

that thou shouldest set in order 

the things that are wanting, 

and ordain elders in every city,

 as I had appointed thee:

Philemon 1-4

King James Version

1 Paul, 

a prisoner of Jesus Christ, 

and Timothy our brother, 

unto Philemon our dearly beloved, 

and fellowlabourer,

2 And to our beloved Apphia, 

and Archippus our fellowsoldier, 

and to the church in thy house:

3 Grace to you, and peace, 

from God our Father 

and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I thank my God, 

making mention of thee always 

in my prayers,

How about you?

How do you greet others?

How do you wish to be greeted?

I'd love to learn the ways of Paul.

Giving all glory to GOD.

And honor to JESUS CHRIST.

While acknowledging the work of others.

Paul's way is beyond manners.

It's pure LOVE, and GRACE.

Related material:

The CHOSEN vessel

Image: Free Bible Images

The SEARCH is OVER

 

John 4:10

King James Version

10 Jesus answered and said unto her, 

If thou knewest the gift of God, 

and who it is that saith to thee, 

Give me to drink; 

thou wouldest have asked of him, 

and he would have given thee living water.

I was once a very thirsty person.

Always thirsting for knowledge.

Always searching for truth.

That thirst was finally quenched, when GOD made me born again.

It started out strangely that day.

Where it seemed to be a fruitless day, everything finally came to fruition.

The HOLY SPIRIT of GOD led me to two Bible prophecy videos which started the ball rolling.

The knowledge that this is a very disturbed world.

A world waiting for correction.

That we are all steeped in sin.

That, only by GOD's GRACE, are we still standing here.

That JESUS is our only HOPE.

That He is our only TRUTH.

That LIFE springs from Him.

That He is the ONLY WAY back to GOD.

Many things the HOLY SPIRIT taught me.

Every moment of the day, for nearly 33 months, straight.

It's all on my blogs, and books.

The BIBLE has so many treasures.

Apostle John said something significant:

John 21:25

King James Version

25 And there are also many other things 

which Jesus did, 

the which, 

if they should be written every one, 

I suppose that even the world itself 

could not contain the books that should be written. 

Amen.

Now that GOD led me to the Bible, I am happy, peaceful, grateful, content, blessed.

For the Bible holds GOD's TRUTH.

The search is over.

I've found truth, through Scripture.

The Holy Spirit teaches me each day.

He makes Scripture easy to understand.

Especially if you have a childlike heart.

A very eager, teachable, open heart.

With no sense of pride, or ego.

With no sense of entitlement.

Just meekness, at how little we understand GOD's WAYS.

But through the Bible, we can begin to.

Living by the Bible has become my main focus now.

It tells me everything I need to be, think, say, and do.

To be acceptable in the eyes of GOD.

There is no desire to be accepted by the world.

There is only a desire that all listen to the WORD of GOD.

Before it becomes too late.

GOD did not forget me.

He knew I searched for Him.

All my life.

He knew, I wouldn't stop, till I did.

And He was just there, watching my goings-on.

Knowing how very thirsty I was.

Knowing only through Him, could I find nourishment.

I thirst no more.

John 4:14

King James Version

14 But whosoever drinketh of the water 

that I shall give him shall never thirst; 

but the water that I shall give him 

shall be in him a well of water 

springing up into everlasting life.

Isaiah 12:2-3

King James Version

2 Behold, 

God is my salvation; 

I will trust, 

and not be afraid: 

for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; 

he also is become my salvation.

3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water 

out of the wells of salvation.

John 10:10

King James Version

10 The thief cometh not, 

but for to steal, 

and to kill, 

and to destroy: 

I am come that they might have life, 

and that they might have it more abundantly.

Related material:

FOUNTAIN of LIVING WATERS

WATER of LIFE

LIVING WATERS

Image source: Unsplash

TIME to REVIEW our LIFE

 

1 Corinthians 11:31

King James Version

31 For if we would judge ourselves, 

we should not be judged.

Are you of CHRIST?

Or, of the world?

Here's how you can find out.

Through Scripture.

Listen to what JESUS said:

Matthew 6:24

King James Version

24 No man can serve two masters: 

for either he will hate the one, 

and love the other; 

or else he will hold to the one, 

and despise the other. 

Ye cannot serve God 

and mammon.

Luke 16:15

King James Version

15 And he said unto them, 

Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; 

but God knoweth your hearts:

for that which is highly esteemed among men 

is abomination in the sight of God.

Listen to what apostle Paul said:

Romans 12:2

King James Version

2 And be not conformed to this world: 

but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, 

that ye may prove what is that good, 

and acceptable, 

and perfect, 

will of God.

Colossians 3:1-2

King James Version

3 If ye then be risen with Christ, 

seek those things which are above, 

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, 

not on things on the earth.

What path have you chosen?

Make time to re-view your life now.

It will be the most important decision, for the LORD JESUS said:

Mark 1:15

King James Version

15 And saying, 

The time is fulfilled, 

and the kingdom of God is at hand: 

repent ye, 

and believe the gospel.

What is the GOSPEL?

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

King James Version

3 For I delivered unto you first of all 

that which I also received, 

how that Christ died for our sins 

according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, 

and that he rose again the third day 

according to the scriptures:

Ever heard about the Rapture?

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

King James Version

16 For the Lord himself 

shall descend from heaven 

with a shout, 

with the voice of the archangel, 

and with the trump of God: 

and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain 

shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, 

to meet the Lord in the air: 

and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Would you like to have eternal life with the LORD?

Then, it's really time to take a hard look at how we've lived our lives.

And have the HOLY SPIRIT show us, how we've erred.

That we may please GOD.

Only a proud man will think himself perfect.

According to the Bible, all have sinned.

Romans 3:23

King James Version

23 For all have sinned, 

and come short of the glory of God;

Only by GOD's GRACE are we not consumed.

Lamentations 3:22-23

King James Version

22 It is of the Lord's mercies 

that we are not consumed, 

because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning: 

great is thy faithfulness.

Every morning is an opportunity to seek God.

May we all make it on time.

That's why it's important to WAKE up now.

And review the life we've lived, so far.

(Image source: Abhiram Prakash)

The JOY of the LORD

 

Hosea 6:6

King James Version

6 For I desired mercy, 

and not sacrifice; 

and the knowledge of God 

more than burnt offerings.

Does anyone care to know, what pleases God?

I thought about that this morning.

I had been deep in my grief for 52 days now, after my baby sis passed away.

Searching Scripture for comfort, I came upon this verse, with the curious, catchy phrase a few days ago:

Nehemiah 8:10

King James Version

10 Then he said unto them, 

Go your way, 

eat the fat, 

and drink the sweet, 

and send portions unto them 

for whom nothing is prepared: 

for this day is holy unto our Lord: 

neither be ye sorry; 

for the joy of the Lord 

is your strength.

And I thought to myself, what was the "joy of the Lord"?

For if I found it, then I'd be able to derive strength from it.

It will surely help, as I mourn.

Looking deeper into it, I found these articles Spirit and I have written the past years, which answered my own question:

What GOD Looks For

Something God Likes

Why Did God Create Man?

What Does Jesus Want Us to Do?

How Does JESUS Wish to be LOVED?

What does the LORD require of us?

HOW to KNOW the WILL of GOD

JESUS as the FOUNDATION of Our Life, Home, and Work

The BORN AGAIN heart

WALKING in the SPIRIT

The ONE, TRUE GOD

REPENTANCE

In contrast, it's also good to know what displeases God, so we may know where we need to be corrected by SPIRIT, and be perfect in the eyes of GOD.

What are ABOMINATIONS to GOD?

Things To Get Rid of In Your House Right Now

AWARENESS of sin

When you think of GOD, you think less of self.

And that's where healing will begin.

I thank JESUS, and the HOLY SPIRIT, for this wonderful gift.

What it Means to WORK for Jesus

30 He must increase, 

but I must decrease.

John 3:30 

King James Version

When I first became a born-again Christian last year, and I learned* of that verse above, I knew that was my "flagship" verse -- the one carrying the "Commander" of my "fleet".

The fleet was my soul.

It was going to be rough seas.

Of course, JESUS was my Commander.

Somehow -- maybe because I searched for it so long -- the moment I knew Jesus was my COMMANDER, my soul instinctively knew what to do.

I shrugged off the talons that previously tried to latch upon my heart, that which made sure I wouldn't find Jesus, or even seek the Lord.

I threw away all the esoteric books of my previous research; I started reading Genesis, the Four Gospels, and Revelation instead.

I made sure Jesus was the only Commander I followed.

I studied the 10 Commandments.

And, of course, I was painfully wrong on so many counts.

Only JESUS could forgive me on all those grievous errors.

Only by the GRACE of God could I be reconciled with God.

In my work, every article written had to be backed by SCRIPTURE, and not like how I did it before, through my own "steam" and energy.

Now, it was ALL Spirit.

27 And I will put my spirit within you, 

and cause you to walk in my statutes, 

and ye shall keep my judgments, 

and do them.

Ezekiel 36:27 

King James Version 

The Holy SPIRIT was a gift from God, tasked to teach us all things. 

In the beginning, GOD gave us everything.

Then, our hard-heartedness caused JESUS to be sent to save us from our sins.

And when Jesus went back to the Father, it's now the Holy SPIRIT which sets everything straight about the TRIUNE God, and everything about Scripture.

It really is the ERA of the Holy SPIRIT now, at this very crucial stage of our lives, where nothing seems to make sense in this world -- where all our souls are at stake.

More than ever, we need the SPIRIT of TRUTH, which is the Holy Spirit of God.

That's what it means to work for JESUS.

You listen to the Holy SPIRIT of God, you become obedient to the LAWS of God, you follow JESUS, and only by GRACE are we saved.

It was never through good works.

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; 

and that not of yourselves: 

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, 

lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9 

King James Version

Working for Jesus means you are obedient to the FATHER, as in the first part of the prayer Jesus taught us: 

2 And he said unto them, 

When ye pray, 

say, 

Our Father which art in heaven, 

Hallowed be thy name. 

Thy kingdom come. 

Thy will be done, 

as in heaven, 

so in earth.

Luke 11:2 

King James Version

All my articles from September 2019, to the present, are all about JESUS now.

You may not be able to imagine the joy and excitement in my heart, at discovering more about the LORD each day, and writing about it.

I couldn't wait to share it all with you.

Some days I write three articles, one after the other.

That's how powerful the Holy SPIRIT is, and I had not seen anything yet.

Well, we did work on 22 books on spiritual warfare in 36 days.

And two more books on Jesus followed.

That was something!

And yet, I never got tired, bored, or confused.

The articles and books just kept coming.

That's how it is to work for Jesus.

Whatever work you may do, I hope you call upon Jesus to help you.

Let the SPIRIT of God shine upon your soul, so you can get things right.

Consider the work you do, sacred.

When you think that, you will call upon God to help you do the best work of your life, if that is really your intention.

The world will be blessed by your work, only if you allow God to work in your heart, to heal you of your ills, to correct whatever errors you may have, and to answer all the questions hovering regarding your heart, mind, body, and spirit.

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; 

but of power, 

and of love, 

and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7 

King James Version

When you walk with God, when you follow Jesus, you walk with the Holy SPIRIT.

You will always know what to do.


(Verses by biblegateway.com)

Updated 21 January 2022

Why Did God Create Man?

10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: 

for the Spirit searcheth all things, 

yea, the deep things of God.

1 Corinthians 2:10 

King James Version

Ever wondered why God created man?

Or why He created you?

Well, the thought occurred in me this morning:

"Why did God create man?"

Knowing God, He planted that thought in my mind.

Perhaps, He felt I was ready for the "deep things of God".

And knowing myself, I immediately went a-searchin'.

And in the searchin', was the findin', and the GREAT joy and jubilation at finding a GOLD mine of TRUTH about GOD!

Aha!

This is the objective of this blog, after all.

To search for God's TRUTH alone.

Thanks to the Holy SPIRIT of God, I found these verses, and the purpose to our existence.

Wow!

Deep indeed!

So, here goes...

God created us for these reasons:

1. For His Glory.

Isaiah 43:7 (KJV)

7 Even every one that is called by my name: 

for I have created him for my glory, 

I have formed him; 

yea, I have made him.

2. To Praise Him.

Isaiah 43:21 (KJV)

21 This people have I formed for myself; 

they shall shew forth my praise.

3. To Walk in Good Works, Guided By Jesus.

Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)

10 For we are his workmanship, 

created in Christ Jesus unto good works, 

which God hath before ordained 

that we should walk in them.

4. Created By Him, For Him.

Colossians 1:16 (KJV)

16 For by him were all things created, 

that are in heaven, 

and that are in earth, 

visible and invisible, 

whether they be thrones, 

or dominions, 

or principalities, 

or powers: 

all things were created by him, 

and for him:

5. To Pray to Him.

Jeremiah 29:11-12 (KJV)

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, 

saith the Lord, 

thoughts of peace,

and not of evil, 

to give you an expected end.

12 Then shall ye call upon me, 

and ye shall go and pray unto me, 

and I will hearken unto you.

6. To be His People.

Leviticus 26:12 (KJV)

12 And I will walk among you, 

and will be your God, 

and ye shall be my people.

7. That He May Be All in All.

1 Corinthians 15:27-28 (KJV)

27 For he hath put all things under his feet. 

But when he saith all things are put under him, 

it is manifest that he is excepted, 

which did put all things under him.

28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, 

then shall the Son also himself be subject 

unto him that put all things under him, 

that God may be all in all.

8. To Be Sheep of His Pasture.

Psalm 100:3 (KJV)

3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: 

it is he that hath made us, 

and not we ourselves; 

we are his people, 

and the sheep of his pasture.

9. To Seek Him.

Acts 17:27 (KJV)

27 That they should seek the Lord, 

if haply they might feel after him, 

and find him, 

though he be not far from every one of us: 

10. To Love Him.

Matthew 22:37-38 (KJV)

37 Jesus said unto him, 

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, 

and with all thy soul, 

and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment. 

Updated 19 February 2022

My Work as Writer and Warrior For God

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, 

the sons of God, 

without rebuke, 

in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, 

among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

16 Holding forth the word of life; 

that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, 

that I have not run in vain, 

neither laboured in vain.

Philippians 2:14-16 

King James Version

I love my work -- writing for God.

But I didn't know I was a warrior for God, too.

Joseph, my Bible teacher, pointed that out to me.

And it made me cry.

When something is so powerful -- from the Holy Spirit -- you recognize it.

And if your heart is true, you'd know, and you'd surely cry, too.

The things of the SPIRIT are powerful.

Your feelings, when moved by the Holy Spirit of God, signify your authenticity as a servant of the LORD.

I serve God.

I follow Jesus.

I am being instructed by the Holy Spirit of God each day.

The Holy Spirit teaches me everything about Jesus.

Jesus teaches me everything about God.

God gave us the Holy Spirit, to teach us about Jesus.

Can you see how it all works?

It's always full circle with the TRIUNE God.

God, the FATHER; 

God, the SON; 

God, the HOLY SPIRIT.

In school, they didn't elaborate about the Triune God.

Understandable, for it can be complex.

It's only when I became a born-again Christian, studying the verses the Holy Spirit of God would lead me to, that I began to piece the puzzle, and establish the BEAUTIFUL connection among all of them.

Then, my work blossomed.

I began to know who I really am, what I really was, what I needed to do, who I needed to serve, who to believe, who to trust, and what to work on.

God knows I like to self-study, so He worked with what He had given me.

He created me in the first place.

He knew what I was all about.

He knew how my life would be.

He knew how I'd turn out.

But He allowed me my choices.

Often, it was those wrong choices, that built strength, character, and perseverance -- testing the mettle of your spirit -- only if you'd allow it to.

Strangely, wrongful choices teach one the most.

He knew I was His own, but I had to go through so much challenges, so many errors, so many revelatory dreams, so much preparation, for my work to be established.

Forged by fire, my heart of steel melts in God's hands.

He knew my difficult life, was going to serve the work I was purposed to do for Him.

I chose Him, above everything else the world had to offer.

And I stood by it, for the longest time.

The riches of the world are temporary, and don't fill my heart.

If anything, they endanger my soul.

So, the decision was pretty easy.

I write about the GLORY of God.

I write about the GIFTS of the Holy Spirit.

I write about the MAGNIFICENCE of Jesus.

I write about Bible PROPHECY.

I write about SPIRITUAL warfare.

I write about SCRIPTURE.

I write about REPENTANCE.

I write about the NEW Jerusalem.

I write about COMPASSION.

And all these I share with whoever cares to listen, with whoever's heart stirs for the LORD.

God lives in you.

How can He not?

He breathed life in you.

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, 

and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; 

and man became a living soul."

Genesis 2:7 

King James Version

And now, that life is being snuffed out of us, by the enemies of Christ, in more ways than you can imagine, we followers of Jesus must pay more attention to the workings of the Holy SPIRIT, and hold fast to JESUS.

As always, the enemy's objective is mockery of God.

They cannot stand the PERFECTION of the LORD.

Thus, I quadruple my work.

And I put on my spiritual armor.

Yes, perhaps, I am a warrior for God, after all.


(Verses from biblegateway.com)

Updated 21 January 2022