Little things glorify God
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.
Introduction
Good evening or こんばんわ, I had an early day at my first job today, I got out 3 hours early! This allowed me to study some things in God's word (which I'll share below), and cover some more Japanese. While I was in the park today, a man came up who I had given resources to seek truth before, and warned him of his false ways, and I wanted to tell him why I was marking and avoiding him per Romans 16:17. He's very into spiritual experiences, he paints pictures of Jesus, but admits we don't know what he looked like. I warned him in love, and while he wanted to go on about his false doctrine, I lovingly turned and walked away. Not a lot of so-called Christians are willing to do that, but it's commanded in the word of God to avoid listening to false doctrine, vain jangling, etc.
“But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.” (2 Timothy 2:23, KJV)
“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.” (Titus 3:9, KJV)
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” (Romans 16:17-18, KJV)
“But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.” (1 Timothy 4:7, KJV)
“One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.” (Titus 1:12-14, KJV)
“But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” (2 Timothy 2:16-18, KJV)
I'm sure you can find more, but protecting the truth involves closing the door when it needs to be closed, showing the person contending against the truth that they're speaking foolishly, and need to repent into the truth. I'm not here to be a psychiatrist! But, my studies went well, and I decided to buy some Klondike bars (ice cream sandwiches) for my second job team because there's a lot of shakeup going on. Just a way to help cool down the situation. I appreciate those who work hard there very much!
Little Things
I listened to an audio done by a saint today on the little things being big with God. Let's say I share the Gospel and a resource for someone and they go away, I never see them again. They may give that card to a cousin, who knows a friend seeking truth, and the card is given to him, and the truth springs up! You never know what the little things can produce.
“And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.” (Mark 4:30-32, KJV)
At my second job today, I handed out a little 3oz ranch cup to someone for free without asking permission or having them pay for it. While, this practice is oftentimes not looked down upon, company-wide it's a no go, so I felt convicted about it. After I clocked out, I came back inside, and gave them the money for the ranch cup I gave out, clearing my conscience. While this may seem like a little thing, that little action can spark a question in someone's mind, "why is this a big deal to him?"
Another small thing, language learning. Day-by-day consistency learning vocabulary, grammar, practicing speaking, etc. may seem like somewhat of a chore at times. It's easy to look at what you're doing in the moment and say, "why am I doing this? Will this ever do any good?" But as you continue to foster it, you'll be able to communicate with people of a whole new culture who haven't been exposed to the biblical Gospel. It's the little things that sprout into bigger things for God's glory. Check out that audio, it'll edify you, and what kind of little things are you laboring in for the Lord?
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58, KJV)
Topics of Study
Biblical Dress
Here are some notes I took today.
The Lord had many different commands and call outs to his own people, to make them different from the sinful world around them, They were holy unto God.
Deuteronomy 22:5 - Man should not wear a woman's clothing
God instructed breeches for men.
Exodus 20:26, Exodus 28:42; Exodus 39:27-28; Leviticus 6:10; Leviticus 16:4; Ezekiel 44:18 - Breeches to cover nakedness.
Covering the temple of God with worldliness shows the heart. (Romans 12:1-2, 1 John 2:15)
Eve was not the only one in the garden dressed by God biblically, Adam was too.
This obedience is for all times, and cannot be avoided for specific circumstances (mowing lawn, swimming, etc.)
To not be clothed according to God's definition, is to be naked. How do you know what harlot dress is, or what biblical dress is, without a definite standard?
Only one truth, God's truth, and only one standard, God's standard.
It's sinful not to cover your form as God instructed man. Are you following the flesh and the culture?
Revelation 6:9-11 White robes given the saints.
Times biblical clothing is mentioned in the Bible:
Naked - OT 69 times, NT 18 times
Raiment - OT 35 times, NT 21 times
Robe - OT 25 times, NT 11 times
Apparel - OT 22 times, NT 7 times
Vesture - OT 4 times, NT 5 times
Cloak - OT 1 Times, NT 6 times
Coat - OT 9 times, NT 5 times
Garment - OT 136 times, NT 34 times
~320 times in general God's word talks about the form covering.
~37 times murder is mentioned.
We are not our own, bought with a price. 1 Corinthians 6:19
Graven Images
Exodus 20:4-5
Talking specifically about making images to bow down to or worship.
A phone has images all the time, doesn't mean they're graven images.
Did God tell you to make images of him? No.
Do we know what Jesus looked like? No.
Creating images of Jesus would then be the imaginations of man's mind, and a lie.
God is worshiped in Spirit and truth, not lies.
Japanese Language Update
I'm marching through the Genki book, and I'll be beginning some exercises in the workbook that came with it. What I want to adjust though is writing out the Japanese words; instead I want to type them. So I'll read a question in the workbook, and type the answer on my phone, then check the answer. I think learning to type in Japanese is far more valuable than writing these days. I learned some new vocab words, let's see if I remember one...
おはよう - Good morning! (casual)
While I needed help typing it out, I kind of remembered the word! Little things... over time... I will improve Lord-willing :)
Closing Reflections
The flesh always tries to change things CONSTANTLY. One day I wake up and I'm doing fine, the next day the flesh is trying to pull me every which way. This flesh is an unruly beast, it's basically like controlling a wild animal. By the Spirit of God I can control it and put it in it's place, but without the Spirit, it's what we see in the world today. Remember, though the flesh changes day-by-day, the truth stays the same. Though situations change day-by-day, the Lord still expects obedience. It's up to us saints to stay consistent in good things even when the world is against us, including our own flesh. A narrow path, but the Lord is able.
Rest well, seek the kingdom of God, and hold fast to the truth.