“Defiling The Body”

Jarrod Jacobs 

            In the Bible, we read about how one may defile his body. Let us look at some things that defile us. We may be surprised at the ways that one may become defiled.

            First, my thoughts can defile me (Matt. 15:18-20)! If I think on sinful, evil things, they will defile me! This is because if I begin thinking about some sin, it is usually not long before I do that very thing! Evil, filthy thoughts can lead to me being lost in a devil’s Hell!

            Next, if we say things we shouldn’t, we can defile our bodies. James said, “the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell” (Jas. 3:6). The small tongue can defile a man if he does not have control of it! “Filthy communication” must be put away from us (Col. 3:8). Lying has no place in our lives, either (Eph. 4:25; Col. 3:9; Rev. 21:8). Let us never forget that we what we say can condemn us to Hell just like our actions!

            Last, our actions can defile us! God has spoken plainly and given clear warning that defiling the body results in an eternity in Hell. Let us do all we can to keep ourselves pure in God’s sight (I Tim. 5:22; I Cor. 6:19).

“Loving God”

Jarrod Jacobs 

            When asked what God’s greatest commandment was, Jesus said, “The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment” (Mk. 12:29-30). In essence, Christ was saying that we need to love God with our entire being. It is not enough to love God “sometimes” or “most of the time.” Our love to God needs to be shown to its fullest extent at all times.

            Why should this be? The command of Mark 12:29-30 is my response to God’s love. God loved us to the infinite degree by sending Jesus Christ into the world (Jn. 3:16). God loved us and showed it before we ever showed our love for Him (I Jn. 4:8-10).

            Thus, the question is not, “Does God love us?” The question is, “Do we love God?” Are we showing it? How do we show our love to the God of Heaven? We show it by keeping God’s commands (Jn. 14:15, 23, 15:14; I Jn. 5:3). Do you love God? Are you keeping His commandments? Start today! Love God with all your being and do what He says, and reap the benefits!

“Proverbs To Ponder”

Jarrod Jacobs 

            Regardless of our age, we are never too old to learn, nor too old to be reminded of things we once knew. The proverbs below are not based upon man’s wisdom, but were penned by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit for our learning and admonition (II Pet. 1:20-21).

   1. “If sinners entice thee, consent thou not” (Prov. 1:10). The worst thing we can do is follow those who are wicked. Let us be interested in what God wants, and follow Him!

   2. “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil” (Prov. 3:7). Arrogance and pride will bring us down quickly (Prov. 14:12). Let us fear God and keep His commandments (Ecc. 12:13).

   3. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23). If we will guard, or watch our heart, we will be able to control our actions and speech as well. Our speech and actions (good or bad) begin in the heart (Matt. 15:17-19; Phil. 4:8).

   4. “Cease, ... to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge” (Prov. 19:27). Let us stop listening to the foolish advice of others, and listen to God. His word is the truth (Jn. 17:17)!

   5. “Let not thine heart envy sinners” (Prov. 23:17). Being envious of sinners can do nothing but bring us down. Their end is destruction, and we want no part of that (Ps. 73:18).

   6. “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Prov. 27:1). All we are assured of is now. Do not squander the time you have upon this earth (II Cor. 6:2; Heb. 3:7-8)!

“I Cast My Vote”

Jarrod Jacobs 

            In this country, we are familiar with voting for certain candidates, amendments, and the like. In the Bible, we see where Paul also cast a “vote”. Acts 26:10 records that Paul spoke to Agrippa about his life before becoming a Christian and said it was his “voice” (KJV) or his “vote” (ASV, ESV, RSV, etc.) that helped condemn Christians to death. There is a connection in the words “voice” and “vote”, for certainly one is “speaking” and rendering a choice through one’s votes.

            Friend, which way are you “voting”? I do not speak of political parties, but am asking what you favor. Is your life showing that you favor the Lord or Satan? You see, these are our two choices! We are either for the Lord or against Him (Matt. 12:30). We must choose. In our speech, actions, and even our thoughts, we are making a choice, and thus “voting” daily. Who will we follow?

            In the long ago, God told His people, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deut. 30:19). He wanted His people to make a choice. In like manner, we have to choose today whom we will serve (Josh. 24:15). What decision will it be? Paul voted at one time and it was the wrong choice. Later, he changed his “vote”. What will you do? Make your choice today while you can (II Cor. 6:2).

Some Thoughts About Diotrephes

Jarrod Jacobs 

            Diotrephes is mentioned in only two verses in the entire Bible. Yet, what is said about him echoes to this present day. His life and actions stand as a warning to us in the 21^st century. The apostle John said, “I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church” (III Jn. 9-10).

            After reading about Diotrephes and his actions, let us consider his life and make some applications to ourselves. 1) Diotrephes loved to have “preeminence” among folks. Yet, did we notice that there are only two verses in the entire Bible that even mention him? 2) In those two verses that mention him, he is referred to as a very wicked man. Think about it! 3) Jesus told His followers (and us today), “Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matt. 23:12). We are warned about the dangers of pride in passages such as Proverbs 16:18, James 4:6, and many others. Let us examine our lives and see if pride is keeping us from doing what is right. Friend, is pride ruining you, or are you too proud to admit it?