Wednesday, September 29, 2021

SERVICE TEA SIMPLICITY

 

Psalm 19:7

King James Version

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, 

converting the soul: 

the testimony of the Lord is sure, 

making wise the simple.


Ever been to a simple Chinese restaurant?

Ever been served "service tea"?

Served many different ways, in my years of yore:

-- From a thermos.

-- In an ordinary thick glass tumbler.

-- From a white ceramic teapot, alongside thick, tiny tea cups.


Mostly, from an ordinary thick glass tumbler, served hot.

You could ask for it, or it was given you, without your asking for it.

After a meal, it was a nice way to help digest your food.

The simplest tea, in the simplest glass tumbler.

Occasionally, you'd see some black tea stems swimming about.

And you knew you received something nourishing.

And kind.

Now?

I haven't been to such restaurants.

Many are gone.

Have you been to one, lately?

To a simple, straightforward place?

Do they still serve "service tea"?

Without any embellisment?

Today, tea has become big business.

Go to any supermarket, and you'll find tons of variations.

I drank a supposedly black tea type yesterday.

Goodness!

It tasted of cloves.

I felt I had just been to a dentist.

That's why I thought of my favorite service tea.

Plain.

Simple.

Nourishing.

Unembellished.

Possibly forgotten.

Drowned among tons of other elite variations.

What does all this tea talk have to do with GOD, SPIRIT, JESUS, and SCRIPTURE?

This is a born again blog, right?

Yes, dears, you're in the right place.

Allow me a bit of nostalgia.

And comparison.

As with the simple service tea, many churches have embellished the precious WORD of GOD.

There are too many social events, before you even get to the GOSPEL.

And I think to myself, is that all necessary?

Not that I was ever a social butterfly.

I study quietly.

I can hear GOD better that way.

Can the study of the BIBLE be like service tea simplicity?

Wherein God's WORD stands on its own merits?

Wherein God's TREASURES are revealed by the BIBLE itself?

Wherein the beauty, and simplicity of the LORD JESUS, is allowed to shine?

Wherein SPIRIT is allowed to teach, in all His SIMPLICITY?

Scripture has the verses to back up my yearning for such.

I always let SCRIPTURE do the talking for me.

2 Corinthians 11:3

King James Version

3 But I fear, 

lest by any means, 

as the serpent beguiled Eve 

through his subtilty, 

so your minds should be corrupted 

from the simplicity 

that is in Christ.


Psalm 116:6

King James Version

6 The Lord preserveth the simple

I was brought low, 

and he helped me.


Psalm 19:7

King James Version

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, 

converting the soul: 

the testimony of the Lord is sure, 

making wise the simple.


Proverbs 15:16

King James Version

16 Better is little 

with the fear of the Lord 

than great treasure 

and trouble therewith.


Isaiah 53:1-2

King James Version

53 Who hath believed our report? 

and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?

2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, 

and as a root out of a dry ground: 

he hath no form nor comeliness; 

and when we shall see him, 

there is no beauty that we should desire him.


Matthew 6:33

King James Version

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, 

and his righteousness; 

and all these things shall be added 

unto you.


Matthew 11:25

King James Version

25 At that time Jesus answered 

and said, 

I thank thee, 

O Father, 

Lord of heaven and earth, 

because thou hast hid these things 

from the wise and prudent

and hast revealed them unto babes.


1 Corinthians 2:4-5

King James Version

4 And my speech and my preaching 

was not with enticing words 

of man's wisdom, 

but in demonstration of the Spirit 

and of power:

5 That your faith 

should not stand in the wisdom of men, 

but in the power of God.


1 Corinthians 2:12-13

King James Version

12 Now we have received, 

not the spirit of the world, 

but the spirit which is of God; 

that we might know 

the things that are freely given to us 

of God.

13 Which things also we speak, 

not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, 

but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; 

comparing spiritual things with spiritual.


1 Corinthians 2:14-15

King James Version

14 But the natural man receiveth not 

the things of the Spirit of God: 

for they are foolishness unto him: 

neither can he know them, 

because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But he that is spiritual 

judgeth all things, 

yet he himself is judged 

of no man.


1 Corinthians 2:16

King James Version

16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, 

that he may instruct him? 

but we have the mind of Christ.


1 Corinthians 14:33

King James Version

33 For God is not the author of confusion, 

but of peace, 

as in all churches of the saints.


2 Corinthians 1:12

King James Version

12 For our rejoicing is this

the testimony of our conscience, 

that in simplicity and godly sincerity

not with fleshly wisdom, 

but by the grace of God

we have had our conversation in the world, 

and more abundantly to you-ward.


1 Thessalonians 4:11

King James Version

11 And that ye study to be quiet, 

and to do your own business, 

and to work with your own hands, 

as we commanded you;


James 1:21

King James Version

21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness 

and superfluity of naughtiness, 

and receive with meekness 

the engrafted word, 

which is able to save your souls.


1 Peter 3:4

King James Version

4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, 

in that which is not corruptible, 

even the ornament of a meek 

and quiet spirit, 

which is in the sight of God 

of great price.


(Image source: Pxfuel)


In JESUS, we have EVERYTHING

 

Matthew 11:28-29

King James Version

28 Come unto me, 

all ye that labour 

and are heavy laden, 

and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, 

and learn of me; 

for I am meek and lowly in heart: 

and ye shall find rest 

unto your souls.


In JESUS, we have rest.

In JESUS, we have life.

In JESUS, we have love.

In JESUS, we have strength.

In JESUS, we have salvation.

In JESUS, we have GOD.

EVERYTHING was CREATED by HIM, for HIM.

Colossians 1:16

King James Version

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:


In Him, dwells the fullness of the Godhead.

Colossians 2:9

King James Version

9 For in him dwelleth 

all the fulness of the Godhead 

bodily.


For it pleased the FATHER, to do so.

Colossians 1:19

King James Version

19 For it pleased the Father 

that in him 

should all fulness dwell;


In Him, we have completeness.

Colossians 2:10

King James Version

10 And ye are complete in him

which is the head of all principality 

and power:


In Him, we have hope.

Colossians 1:5

King James Version

5 For the hope 

which is laid up for you in heaven

whereof ye heard before 

in the word of the truth of the gospel;


In Him, we have strength.

Colossians 1:11

King James Version

11 Strengthened with all might, 

according to his glorious power

unto all patience and longsuffering 

with joyfulness;


In Him, we have redemption.

Colossians 1:14

King James Version

14 In whom we have redemption 

through his blood, 

even the forgiveness of sins:


In Him, we have reconciliation.

Colossians 1:21

King James Version

21 And you, 

that were sometime alienated 

and enemies in your mind 

by wicked works, 

yet now hath he reconciled


In Him, we have holiness.

Colossians 1:22

King James Version

22 In the body of his flesh 

through death, 

to present you holy 

and unblameable 

and unreproveable 

in his sight:


In Him, we increase our knowledge of GOD.

Colossians 1:10

King James Version

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;


In Him, we have EVERYTHING.

John 14:6

King James Version

6 Jesus saith unto him, 

I am the way, 

the truth, 

and the life: 

no man cometh unto the Father, 

but by me.


In Him, believers have EVERLASTING LIFE.

John 6:40

King James Version

40 And this is the will of him that sent me, 

that every one which seeth the Son, 

and believeth on him, 

may have everlasting life: 

and I will raise him up at the last day.


Because of all these, we can now thank the FATHER, for giving us His SON.

Colossians 1:12-13

King James Version

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, 

which hath made us meet 

to be partakers of the inheritance 

of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us 

from the power of darkness, 

and hath translated us into the kingdom 

of his dear Son:


Related material:

JESUS the HEALER

LIVING WATERS

SPIRIT of GOD

WORD of GOD

GIFTS from GOD

The MESSIAH

ETERNAL LIFE


(Image source: Alexandr Podvalny)


Tuesday, September 28, 2021

LINKS to the LORD

 

Colossians 3:16-17

King James Version

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you 

richly in all wisdom; 

teaching and admonishing one another 

in psalms and hymns 

and spiritual songs, 

singing with grace in your hearts 

to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, 

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 

giving thanks to God 

and the Father by him.


This is the 206th article you're reading from this blog, since SPIRIT and I first started it last 17 June 2021.

To commemorate today, we would like to share articles which will help all become better born-again believers.

If you aren't born again, please read this post.

After which, SPIRIT and I invite you to check these defining articles:

GIVE unto the LORD the GLORY due HIM

FLEE from sin

GUARDING against sin

FORTIFICATION against fornication

FAITHFULNESS to the WORD of GOD

FORGET about DOING things FROM your OWN steam

JESUS must be our FOCUS

SPIRITUAL weapons of warfare

CHRIST in us

PEACE through JESUS

It's all vanity

How to KNOW God's TRUTH

The POWER of SCRIPTURE

The BORN AGAIN heart

TRUSTING GOD's POWER

DELIGHT in the LAW of the LORD

HONORING the LORD JESUS

Blame no one

My DELIGHT in SERVING the LORD

Why BELIEVE in SCRIPTURE?

Cause NO ONE to FALL

WORK that is fool-proof

REASONS to BECOME BORN AGAIN NOW

CONQUERING the flesh

LIVE by the BIBLE

URGENT event to LOOK OUT FOR

Seek NOT the APPROVAL of people

LIVE to PLEASE GOD

WORD of GOD

FAITH

LIVE to PLEASE GOD

Colossians 3:23

King James Version

23 And whatsoever ye do, 

do it heartily, 

as to the Lord, 

and not unto men;


The previous post spoke of seeking GOD, in place of approval from men.

Which is how things ought to be.

JESUS cared only to do the will of the FATHER.

Scripture testifies of it:

Matthew 6:1-8

King James Version

6 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, 

to be seen of them: 

otherwise ye have no reward of your Father 

which is in heaven.

2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, 

do not sound a trumpet before thee, 

as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, 

that they may have glory of men

Verily I say unto you, 

They have their reward.

3 But when thou doest alms, 

let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

4 That thine alms may be in secret: 

and thy Father which seeth in secret himself 

shall reward thee openly.

5 And when thou prayest, 

thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are

for they love to pray standing in the synagogues 

and in the corners of the streets, 

that they may be seen of men

Verily I say unto you, 

They have their reward.

6 But thou, 

when thou prayest, 

enter into thy closet, 

and when thou hast shut thy door, 

pray to thy Father which is in secret

and thy Father which seeth in secret 

shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, 

use not vain repetitions, 

as the heathen do: 

for they think that they shall be heard 

for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: 

for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, 

before ye ask him.


Matthew 10:28

King James Version

28 And fear not them which kill the body, 

but are not able to kill the soul: 

but rather fear him 

which is able to destroy both soul 

and body in hell.


Luke 6:26

King James Version

26 Woe unto you, 

when all men shall speak well of you! 

for so did their fathers to the false prophets.


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.


John 5:30

King James Version

30 I can of mine own self do nothing

as I hear, 

I judge: 

and my judgment is just; 

because I seek not mine own will, 

but the will of the Father 

which hath sent me.


John 5:44

King James Version

44 How can ye believe, 

which receive honour one of another, 

and seek not the honour 

that cometh from God only?


John 8:26-29

King James Version

26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: 

but he that sent me is true; 

and I speak to the world those things 

which I have heard of him.

27 They understood not 

that he spake to them of the Father.

28 Then said Jesus unto them, 

When ye have lifted up the Son of man, 

then shall ye know that I am he, 

and that I do nothing of myself; 

but as my Father hath taught me, 

I speak these things.

29 And he that sent me is with me: 

the Father hath not left me alone; 

for I do always those things 

that please him.


Prophets, and apostles, testify of the same.

That we must please the LORD alone.

And not man.

1 Samuel 15:24

King James Version

24 And Saul said unto Samuel, 

I have sinned

for I have transgressed 

the commandment of the Lord, 

and thy words: 

because I feared the people, 

and obeyed their voice.


Psalm 16:1-2

King James Version

16 Preserve me, 

O God: 

for in thee do I put my trust.

2 O my soul, 

thou hast said unto the Lord, 

Thou art my Lord: 

my goodness extendeth not to thee;


Psalm 18:2

King James Version

2 The Lord is my rock, 

and my fortress, 

and my deliverer; 

my God, 

my strength, 

in whom I will trust; 

my buckler, 

and the horn of my salvation, 

and my high tower.


Psalm 51:15-17

King James Version

15 O Lord, 

open thou my lips; 

and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

16 For thou desirest not sacrifice

else would I give it: 

thou delightest not in burnt offering.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: 

a broken and a contrite heart

O God, thou wilt not despise.


Psalm 146:3-4

King James Version

3 Put not your trust in princes, 

nor in the son of man

in whom there is no help.

4 His breath goeth forth, 

he returneth to his earth; 

in that very day his thoughts perish.


Psalm 147:10-11

King James Version

10 He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: 

he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.

11 The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, 

in those that hope in his mercy.


Psalm 149:4

King James Version

4 For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: 

he will beautify the meek with salvation.


Proverbs 16:7

King James Version

7 When a man's ways please the Lord, 

he maketh even his enemies 

to be at peace with him.


Proverbs 29:25

King James Version

25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: 

but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord 

shall be safe.


Proverbs 29:26

King James Version

26 Many seek the ruler's favour; 

but every man's judgment 

cometh from the Lord.


Isaiah 2:22

King James Version

22 Cease ye from man, 

whose breath is in his nostrils: 

for wherein is he to be accounted of ?


Isaiah 51:7-8

King James Version

7 Hearken unto me, 

ye that know righteousness, 

the people in whose heart is my law; 

fear ye not the reproach of men, 

neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, 

and the worm shall eat them like wool: 

but my righteousness shall be for ever, 

and my salvation from generation to generation.


Isaiah 51:12

King James Version

12 I, 

even I, 

am he that comforteth you: 

who art thou, 

that thou shouldest be afraid of a man 

that shall die, 

and of the son of man 

which shall be made as grass;


Jeremiah 17:5

King James Version

5 Thus saith the Lord; 

Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, 

and maketh flesh his arm, 

and whose heart departeth from the Lord.


Acts 4:19-20

King James Version

19 But Peter and John answered 

and said unto them, 

Whether it be right in the sight of God 

to hearken unto you more than unto God, 

judge ye.

20 For we cannot but speak the things 

which we have seen and heard.


Acts 5:29

King James Version

29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered 

and said, 

We ought to obey God 

rather than men.


Romans 2:29

King James Version

29 But he is a Jew, 

which is one inwardly; 

and circumcision is that of the heart, 

in the spirit, 

and not in the letter; 

whose praise is not of men, 

but of God.


Romans 8:1

King James Version

8 There is therefore now no condemnation 

to them which are in Christ Jesus, 

who walk not after the flesh, 

but after the Spirit.


Romans 8:4

King James Version

4 That the righteousness of the law 

might be fulfilled in us, 

who walk not after the flesh, 

but after the Spirit.


Romans 8:5-8

King James Version

5 For they that are after the flesh 

do mind the things of the flesh; 

but they that are after the Spirit 

the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; 

but to be spiritually minded 

is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind 

is enmity against God

for it is not subject to the law of God, 

neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh 

cannot please God.


Romans 12:1-2

King James Version

12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, 

by the mercies of God, 

that ye present your bodies 

a living sacrifice, 

holy, 

acceptable unto God, 

which is your reasonable service.

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.


Romans 14:17-19

King James Version

17 For the kingdom of God 

is not meat and drink; 

but righteousness, 

and peace, 

and joy in the Holy Ghost.

18 For he that in these things serveth Christ 

is acceptable to God

and approved of men.

19 Let us therefore follow after the things 

which make for peace, 

and things wherewith one may edify another.


1 Corinthians 10:31

King James Version

31 Whether therefore ye eat, 

or drink, 

or whatsoever ye do, 

do all to the glory of God.


2 Corinthians 5:9

King James Version

9 Wherefore we labour, 

that, 

whether present or absent, 

we may be accepted of him.


Galatians 1:6-10

King James Version

6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him 

that called you into the grace of Christ 

unto another gospel:

7 Which is not another; 

but there be some that trouble you, 

and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

8 But though we, 

or an angel from heaven, 

preach any other gospel unto you 

than that which we have preached unto you, 

let him be accursed.

9 As we said before, 

so say I now again, 

if any man preach any other gospel unto you 

than that ye have received, 

let him be accursed.

10 For do I now persuade men, 

or God? 

or do I seek to please men? 

for if I yet pleased men, 

I should not be the servant of Christ.


Galatians 2:20

King James Version

20 I am crucified with Christ: 

nevertheless I live; 

yet not I, 

but Christ liveth in me: 

and the life which I now live in the flesh 

I live by the faith 

of the Son of God, 

who loved me, 

and gave himself for me.


Ephesians 5:1-2

King James Version

5 Be ye therefore followers of God, 

as dear children;

2 And walk in love, 

as Christ also hath loved us

and hath given himself for us 

an offering and a sacrifice to God 

for a sweetsmelling savour.


Ephesians 5:6-12

King James Version

6 Let no man deceive you with vain words

for because of these things cometh the wrath of God 

upon the children of disobedience.

7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

8 For ye were sometimes darkness, 

but now are ye light in the Lord: 

walk as children of light:

9 (For the fruit of the Spirit 

is in all goodness 

and righteousness 

and truth;)

10 Proving what is acceptable 

unto the Lord.

11 And have no fellowship 

with the unfruitful works of darkness, 

but rather reprove them.

12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things 

which are done of them in secret.


Philippians 2:13-16

King James Version

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will 

and to do of his good pleasure.

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.


Colossians 1:10-12

King James Version

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;

11 Strengthened with all might, 

according to his glorious power, 

unto all patience and longsuffering 

with joyfulness;

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, 

which hath made us meet 

to be partakers of the inheritance 

of the saints in light:


Colossians 2:8-10

King James Version

8 Beware lest any man spoil you 

through philosophy 

and vain deceit, 

after the tradition of men, 

after the rudiments of the world, 

and not after Christ.

9 For in him 

dwelleth all the fulness 

of the Godhead 

bodily.

10 And ye are complete in him, 

which is the head of all principality and power:


Colossians 3:20

King James Version

20 Children, 

obey your parents in all things: 

for this is well pleasing 

unto the Lord.


2 Timothy 2:15

King James Version

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, 

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, 

rightly dividing the word of truth.


1 Thessalonians 2:4

King James Version

4 But as we were allowed of God 

to be put in trust 

with the gospel, 

even so we speak; 

not as pleasing men, 

but God, 

which trieth our hearts.


1 Thessalonians 4:1

King James Version

4 Furthermore then we beseech you, 

brethren, 

and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, 

that as ye have received of us 

how ye ought to walk 

and to please God, 

so ye would abound more and more.


Hebrews 11:6

King James Version

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: 

for he that cometh to God must believe that he is,

 and that he is a rewarder of them 

that diligently seek him.


Hebrews 13:15-16

King James Version

15 By him therefore 

let us offer the sacrifice of praise 

to God continually

that is, 

the fruit of our lips 

giving thanks to his name.

16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: 

for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.


Hebrews 13:20-21

King James Version

20 Now the God of peace

that brought again from the dead 

our Lord Jesus, 

that great shepherd of the sheep, 

through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, 

working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, 

through Jesus Christ; 

o whom be glory for ever and ever. 

Amen.


James 4:4

King James Version

4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, 

know ye not that the friendship of the world 

is enmity with God? 

whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world 

is the enemy of God.


1 John 3:22-24

King James Version

22 And whatsoever we ask, 

we receive of him

because we keep his commandments, 

and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

23 And this is his commandment, 

That we should believe on the name 

of his Son Jesus Christ, 

and love one another, 

as he gave us commandment.

24 And he that keepeth his commandments 

dwelleth in him, 

and he in him

And hereby we know that he abideth in us, 

by the Spirit 

which he hath given us.


To sum it up, SPIRIT led me to these concluding verses:

Psalm 118:8-9

King James Version

8 It is better to trust in the Lord 

than to put confidence in man.

9 It is better to trust in the Lord 

than to put confidence in princes.


Related material:

Seek NOT the APPROVAL of people

What GOD Looks For

FAITH

BORN AGAIN articles

BOOK of PSALMS


EYES of the LORD

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