A time and a season
Disclaimer: To understand the Lord's spiritual truth, you must be born from above by his Holy Spirit. Be sure you've submitted yourself to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and receive this gift from the Lord, lest you add knowledge with no power and are held eternally accountable.
Update: Again, I don't plan this stuff, this is the Spirit of God at work. Some saints came out with an audio that's related to the topic of this post. Check it out here(it's called "Checking and Self Correcting 10.16.25"). God is above all!
Hello and こんにちは, hope you're all having a blessed day in the Lord. If you haven't committed your life to the Savior of the world Jesus Christ yet, know that he calls you to repent, believe on him as the promised Christ, and submit your whole self to him as Lord, being born again by his Holy Spirit when he sees you've submitted, to be conformed to the image of his Son, the Word made flesh, unto eternal life. Check out the Gospel link at the top of the post for a more detailed outline of the biblical Gospel.
Today, I wanted to talk about a few different topics, one, as the title gave away, is the season I'm in as a young saint right now, and where the Lord has me currently in my walk. I want to clear this up as, I made some adjustments to my former post "Setting a course, and sticking to it." removing the work I was going to be doing on a Gospel card for the time being, and the potential to stand out at events in the springtime. I decided to make these changes after listening to another biblical teaching from some elder saints about Saul's conversion to Paul, taking years of walking in the truth before becoming the preacher, Apostle, and teacher that he was, and I tested my own walk to see what could be adjusted. Because I'm brand new in the faith, having received the Spirit of God a month ago, I don't believe I'm qualified to go out and have my own Gospel card, attached to my own website. This doesn't mean I can't share truth when doors are opened to share truth, but this does mean I'm in a season of pure discipleship, learning how to walk under the Lord's direction, reading, studying, sharing, learning, growing, solidifying the foundation in Christ. My testimony, while an incredible story of God's mercy, is still close behind me in the rear view mirror. I did many terrible things, and until a consistent walk over the next few years is built up, I have very little standing among the brethren. What makes things more difficult is the fact I have no Barnabus, an eye-witness to explain how I'm growing where I am, and pressing in to the kingdom of God. Which is why I want to be open and honest on Lies2Light, to show at least a glimpse of my progress in the Lord. As for my ministry efforts, I'll preach the word when doors open with meekness and fear, I'll be continuing my Japanese language training, growing in the things of God, and Lord-willing, sharing these steps I take along this narrow path with you. There will come a time to move into more and more opportunities, just not now.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7, KJV)
"due time"
kairos
kahee-ros'
Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, that is, set or proper time: - X always, opportunity, (convenient, due) season, (due, short, while) time, a while. Compare G5550.
Various Bible Topics
Some things that were on my mind today!
Negative triggers
While I was working, I was listening to a Japanese language audio, and the speaker said a word that reminded me of a woman from my past. For a few brief minutes, it felt as though a wave of memories came on me, thinking back to that time with her. While there's nothing wrong with memories, this one was from my lost life, and not good. I put it down and got back to focusing on the language, and my work, but it still tried to sneak its way back in throughout the work day. But, by continuing in good works, it faded away.
I want to share a teaching a saint did that will really bless you called "Looking back for learning, not lamenting." There's no problem looking back to learn from situations, experiences, encounters, etc. but if you're looking back with a longing eye, you're in serious sin. Look at the Lord's warning...
“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62, KJV)
We're called to look forward unto the hope set before us, and the high calling the Lord has called his saints to! Be sure, if something triggers a thought from your lost life, you put it down, thank the Lord for removing you from that life, and continue to focus on bearing good fruit.
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (2 Corinthians 10:5, KJV)
The Lord wants you to bear a lot of fruit!
Think about it, if you're born of God, and have the Spirit of Christ, you're connected to the living Vine of Christ. This Vine is the vine of the Creator of all things, with power far above comprehension. When God himself makes a statement like this...
“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (John 15:8, KJV)
...and this...
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” (John 15:16, KJV)
...the Lord then expects that we bring forth much fruit. Will he give us the strength we need, of course! Why? It's his will that we bear much fruit!
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:13-14, KJV)
“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” (1 John 5:14-15, KJV)
So, get out there and bring forth much fruit saints! Here's a link to a recent post I did about setting a course to get you moving forward.
Japanese Language Update
Well, I'm starting on more complicated Kanji, and just beginning Japanese grammar, so all I can say is: now it's getting tough! Over the past couple days I learned for the first time about だ(da) and です(desu) which are copulas (connecting words) in Japanese grammar.
だ "to be"
Typically used when talking about your personal feelings, experiences, or when communicating with someone close to you. You use だ to be generally more direct, assertive, less polite, for a more casual way of conversing. Of course, all of this is situational and contextual.
です "to be"
Used to address those outside of your personal sphere. Generally more polite, and is more formal than だ. Of course, it's all contextual and situational.
Japanese is a language with both a formal, and informal way of speaking, similar to English. The way you use words is highly contextual, which is also why I think AI will never be able to replace real people as personal translators. But, I could be wrong, we shall see if the Lord wills!
Closing Reflections
Whew, it's almost 11pm here as I'm finishing writing this post. I worked two jobs today, studied Japanese, and made an edifying post. Tomorrow, I've got a lot of van work to do, perhaps I'll share some pictures. I'll be changing the oil on both my van and generator, checking the breaks, cleaning, and taking out the stuff I've stored for winter. I heard it's going to be a snowy one here in Missouri. We shall see! I've survived one winter here already.
If you didn't know, I've been living in a converted mini-van for 2 years now.
Rest well tonight, and seek the kingdom of God!